Chris and Sherry Clements relocated from Ohio to Parkland just two years ago, but have made an indelible mark for their three children, our community and South Florida. Chris, CFO for the Miami Dolphins says, “Our family has enjoyed the opportunity to give back and have been involved and participated in several community events such as the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) and the AARP Pack a Million Meals Campaign.” The Vice Chair for the DCC, he continues, “I’m encouraged by the thousands of participants that want to give back and tackle cancer. The DCC will likely surpass $16 million in giving in just 6 short years. We are truly blessed to be a part of this South Florida community.”
Sherry also saw a gap that she sought to fill. “Quickly, I noticed this area was extremely transient and had a need for moms to make connections with each other.” Having just concluded the first year of the new group, MomsNext, Sherry says, “Amazing friendships were developed along with much needed mom support. It’s a non-denominational mothers group that is Christ centered but not a Bible study. It is open to anyone looking for a place to belong in an area that is so transitional.” Held at Parkridge Baptist Church, meetings are monthly with speakers, community activities and breakfast.
Their three children are sons Riley, 13 and Blaine, 5 and a daughter Ella, 11.Riley is in the 7th grade at Westminster Academy, Ella is in the 5th grade at Riverglades elementary, and Blaine attends preschool at Mary Help of Christians. Riley has played on the Westminster Academy middle school football and baseball teams as well as basketball in the Parkland rec league. His favorite subjects at school are Bible and graphic design. Ella enjoys gymnastics and tennis lessons. She’s had an opportunity to play the violin in music class and will be in the school orchestra next year. Sherry says, “Blaine’s preschool is a happy, fun place and he enjoys his entire day of play based learning.”
As for her and her husband, she tells us, “We enjoy going on family bike rides around Parkland. Chris and I both rode in the Dolphin Cycle Challenge this February.” The duo is also very involved in their church, Parkridge Baptist. Sherry continues, “I’ve also gotten involved in the PTA at Westminster where all three children will be going next year.”
Sherry relates her and Chris’ family values when she says, “Our goal as parents is to raise our children to be well rounded, responsible, loving adults who care about others and put other people’s needs before their own. We want them to be active citizens in their community and we try to emulate this in the way we live.”
Since relocating from chilly Ohio, this close-knit family especially enjoys going to the beach and swimming in the pool at home anytime of the year. “Our first Christmas Ella opened a gift in the pool just because she could! We love being outdoors, going to the park, fishing in Cypress Head Lake, and biking.” Sherry continues, “For date night, we enjoy going to Delray. We also have fun attending all the Dolphin home games together.”
Now that they are officially Floridians, the Clements family is especially thrilled to have found the perfect place to call home. Sherry says, “We fell in love with Parkland the first time we visited. We love the park like feel, open spaces, multiple parks and walking/biking paths. We felt the most “at home” here when we were house hunting. We love the family friendly vibe.”