Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ashton Woods Homes In Asturia Come In Every Size and Price

February 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Many families looking to move to Asturia choose Ashton Woods as their builder because it offers homes in every size and price range. Plus, it has a large selection of quick move-in homes that are ready to close within 90 days.

“At Asturia, we have something for everyone,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder. “Because we offer four distinct homes series at Asturia, we offer price points and home sizes for every budget and lifestyle.”

For many first-time homebuyers, as well as those looking to downsize, the Grove and Evergreen series offer an ideal new home solution. Their unique floor plans place the garage in the rear of the home, which opens up the front to large covered porches.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny. “We’re also seeing a big demand for alley-load homes because their smaller size makes them low maintenance and more affordable.”

Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia to offer alley-load homes. It has three quick move-in homes ready now, and another seven will be available in the spring. Homes are one or two stories and range from 2,003 to 2,502 square feet. Prices in the Grove and Evergreen series begin in the $240,000s.

Ashton Woods also has traditional one- and two-story homes built on larger home sites in its Heritage and Classic homes series. Prices begin in the $280,000s, and living areas are between 1,802 and 3,129 square feet.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

Known for its commitment to personalized design, every home Ashton Woods builds comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes.

“Other builders may talk about having a focus on design,” said Reny. “But we often hear from people who walk into one of our award-winning model homes that they don’t just see the difference, they literally feel it.”

Ashton Woods is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

“With Ashton Woods, you’re partnering with more than just a homebuilder—you’re partnering with a team of expert designers and builders whose main goal is to help you create your perfect home,” said Reny. “Not only do we blaze new trails in design, we offer buyers highly personalized service every step of the way.”

From the sale of its first home in 1989, to being recognized today as the nation’s largest private homebuilder, Ashton Woods is well-positioned for the future. Headquartered in Atlanta, in addition to Tampa Bay, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Sarasota.

Asturia is centrally located on State Road 54 in Pasco County, with close proximity to the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and Interstate 75. When completed, the community will have 550 homes in the heart of one of Tampa’s fastest-growing suburban corridors.

Set among parks, playgrounds, trails and shade trees, Asturia is a master- planned community where neighbors greet each other from their front porches, lounge together at its resort-style pool and work out at the community’s state-of-the-art amenity center. Asturia is a place where families thrive, kids make friends easily and neighborhood schools that are among the best in Tampa Bay.

Published on January 24, 2018.

ICI Homes Opens New Model In Asturia

February 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here’s a great way to win a $500 gift card and tour a brand new model home.

Come out to Asturia this weekend for the grand opening of its latest model — the four-bedroom, three-bath Serena built by ICI Homes, the community’s newest builder.

The grand opening celebration of the Serena model is Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Jan. 27 and Jan 28), at 15134 Aviles Parkway. Asturia is located in Odessa on State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

“We are excited to be building in Asturia. Its location in the heart of Pasco is ideal for both first-time homebuyers and those moving up to a larger home,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of ICI Home’s West Florida Division.

ICI offers two series in Asturia — seven distinct plans on 55-foot lots that begin at $288,900 and start at 1,789 square feet, and six larger homes on 65-foot lots that begin at $377,900 and start at 2,402 square feet. Both home series are being built in Asturia’s heavily wooded second phase that recently opened.

“These home sites are some of the most beautiful conservation and water lots in all of Pasco County,” said Ferguson. “We are very pleased to offer these gorgeous home sites to families looking for both smaller homes and those moving up to larger, more expensive models.”

The new Serena model home is one of ICI’s best-selling plans. This one-story home features a large gathering room with views out to a covered lanai. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for spending quality time with family and for entertaining guests. The large owner’s suite has a master bath that leads into a large, double-entry walk-in closet. Two bedrooms at the front of the home share a bath, plus a separate guest bedroom and bath all provide living spaces away from the main living areas.

In addition to this furnished model, ICI Homes is building three showcase homes that will be move-in ready within the next few months. A Serena will be completed in the next few weeks, a two-story Santa Maria in late February and a one-story, 2,500-square-foot Costa Mesa in late March.

ICI Home also builds home in Bexley, another master-planned community located close-by in Land O’ Lakes.

“We’ve been in Bexley since its inception, and our homes there are larger with a minimum 3,000 square feet,” said Ferguson.

“Because we do not offer smaller homes in Bexley, we are pleased to now be able to refer families who want the quality of an ICI home in a smaller floor plan to Asturia.”

ICI Homes does have one move-in home that will soon be ready in Bexley, the Pamela. At 3,089 square feet, the four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car garage home is one of ICI Homes’ newest floor plans. It features a 12-foot-high foyer that offers the unique option of walking into a flex space/study, the kitchen and gathering area, or straight into the private owners suite. A gourmet kitchen is just steps away from the large gathering and dining rooms, both of which open to a large covered lanai.

ICI Homes sets itself apart from other builders with its unusual ability to make custom changes without sacrificing affordability.

“We believe in a hands-on approach with all of our new homebuyers, offering custom changes by experienced design professionals that help make decisions for the homebuyer easier and affordable,” said Ferguson.

ICI is one of Florida’s most premier builders and for many years has been ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder Magazine.

Always on the cutting edge of Florida new-home design and technology, ICI Homes takes pride in offering a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans to match its buyers’ lifestyles and price range. From spacious, affordable homes to one-of-a-kind mansions, each home reflects the benchmark quality and affordable customization for which the company is known.

Established in 1980 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, ICI Homes is the recipient of countless prestigious awards for design and innovation, and has long enjoyed local, regional and national acclaim.

New Division Manager

Ron Ferguson is the new West Florida division manager for ICI Homes. He oversees the company’s communities in the Tampa region, including Asturia and Bexley in Pasco County.
Ferguson joins ICI Homes after 12 years with David Weekley Homes, where he served as project manager in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area for the past five years. He has more than 18 years experience in construction management and has earned high customer satisfaction results throughout his career.

Ferguson supports several charitable community organizations, including Paint Your Heart Out Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Illinois State University.
Published on January 24, 2018.

Asturia is a Neighborhood — Not Another Sprawling Community

February 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Caring father helping son put on bicycle helmet – Outdoors

Asturia’s uniquely small size makes it stand out among other new home developments along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor in Odessa and Land O’ Lakes.

While nearby planned communities have between 3,000 to over 5,000 homes in their master plan, and are looking at several years of construction, Asturia is building just 550 homes and will complete construction in just a few years.

“Asturia feels more like a neighborhood than a sprawling community because our nature trails, pocket parks, first-class amenities and community events encourage you to get to know your neighbors,” said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer.

“And, because Asturia offers a variety of lifestyles, it is perfect for families with school-aged children looking for larger homes, and young families buying their first home.”

Lane continues that Asturia also attracts empty-nesters wanting to downsize to a new home with all the latest upgrades. “These folks chose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” he said.

Hines, which is based in Jacksonville, professionally manages the design and development of Asturia’s master plan, including overseeing residential neighborhoods, community amenities, parks and primary infrastructure. It also is responsible for community branding, marketing and the sale of multifamily and commercial parcels.

It’s this commitment to the integration of natural resources, high-quality design standards and thoughtful master planning that has earned Asturia several prestigious regional design and planning awards.

It’s been just two years since Asturia began selling homes, and already the development has moved into its second phase.

Phase Two opened in December and is selling 157 large home sites, most with conservation and water views, and all providing privacy and peaceful, quiet surroundings. A boardwalk connects the two neighborhoods within Phase Two, and will intersect with Asturia’s multi-use pathway that meanders for miles through residential areas, parks, playgrounds and the Amenity Center.

Three Premier Builders

Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes, some of the best builders in the country, are Asturia’s exclusive builders.

ICI Homes is the community’s newest builder and is celebrating the grand opening of its Serena Model this weekend, Jan. 27 and Jan. 28. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and can enter a $500 gift card raffle.

Ashton Woods and David Weekley Homes, Asturia’s builders since the community opened, both boast of successful sales during Phase One.

“We’ve successfully sold out of the Garden Series homes, and only one Cottage Home remains available in Phase One,” said Jennifer Cole, senior marketing director of David Weekley Homes.

And Kristin Wilson, sales and marketing manager for Ashton Wood, reports, “We’ve sold over 100 homes in Asturia and are very pleased with the keen interest in this community.”

“Our buyers are fortunate that they can choose from such premier builders like ICI Homes, David Weekley Homes and Ashton Woods to build the home of their dreams in Asturia,” said Gardner.

Award Winning Amenity Center

Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse earned the prestigious Silver Aurora Award for the Best Recreational Facility at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference.

This contemporary-design Amenity Center includes a fully equipped, modern clubhouse; covered outdoor dining areas; a luxurious, beach-entry, resort-style swimming pool; and an expansive event lawn for spontaneous outdoor games, such as Gaga Ball, volleyball and soccer.

For kids, there is a Kompan dome, swings, slide and spinners in the playground area that are designed to promote imaginative play and build strong bodies.

Asturia has wide, meadow-like spaces, lovely ponds, thick stands of cypress and hardwood trees, and large tracts of scenic wetlands. It is an exceptionally kid-friendly and family oriented community surrounded by miles of multi-use trails that are interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks.

Make Asturia your new home by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published on January 24, 2018.

Two Unique Pulte Communities Designed For Families

February 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pulte Homes offers two distinct communities for families wanting a new home in the areas most desirable north of Tampa.

Birchwood Preserve in Lutz and Starkey Ranch in Odessa offer multiple floor plans designed for the way families live today, with Pulte’s unique Life Tested® home designs. Plus, both communities provide lifestyle amenities from everything to swimming pools with cabana seating to family play areas for fun in the outdoors.

Because Pulte recognizes that today’s homebuyers are looking for different community features, Birchwood Preserve and Starkey Ranch offer families very distinctive benefits. Here is an introduction to both.

Birchwood Preserve

Birchwood Preserve is a smaller community of just 196 home sites, has a beautifully landscaped gated entrance and no CDD. Owners help support shared amenities and common areas with an affordable HOA.

Close to 40 new homes have been sold since Birchwood Preserve’s grand opening last May. Sales continue to be brisk, with many buyers coming from surrounding neighborhoods, WestChase and Citrus Park. Home prices begin at $321,990.

Birchwood Preserve offers 10 unique single-family models, which range from 1,904 to 4,600 square feet and offer three to six bedrooms, two to six bathrooms and two- or three-car garages. Because families with children make up over 80 percent of buyers, larger two-story homes are selling especially well.

Birchwood Preserve’s fabulous amenity center is the heart of the community. It boasts a luxurious swimming pool with cabanas and hammocks, a multipurpose clubhouse with kitchen, and children’s exploration climbing dome playground, swing set and other discovery play equipment.

Families choose Birchwood Preserve because of its A-rated schools. It is the only new, single-family-home community in Lutz whose children are zoned to all three schools at the highly desirable public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road — Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and McKitrick Elementary.

Another plus is the community’s convenient location, located a half mile from Dale Mabry Highway and less than two miles from the Veterans Expressway. It offers easy access to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Tampa International Airport, the Westshore Business District, International Plaza and Gulf Coast beaches.

For more information, go to Pulte.com/birchwoodpreserve, or call (888) 500-2107.

Starkey Ranch

It’s hard to imagine a community that’s greener than Starkey Ranch. Located in rural Odessa along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor, about half of the community’s 2,400 acres is devoted to lakes, ponds, wetlands and parks.

To the north and east, its only neighbor is the 18,000-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. At dawn and dusk, the community feels like a bird sanctuary, with wood storks, herons, egrets and cranes. Reclaimed water is used for irrigation in parks, common areas and individual yards.

Pulte Homes offers 20 energy-efficient home designs in this beautiful, exclusive community. Its newest Starkey Ranch neighborhood, Monroe Commons, is an enclave of 95 home sites located adjacent to Huckleberry Pond and the Starkey Ranch District Park.

Monroe Commons is introducing six new home designs, offering two to five bedrooms and 1,950 to 2,470 square feet. Residents love splashing in the community’s pools, exploring the playgrounds, hiking wilderness trails and playing baseball or soccer at its multi-sports fields.

Priced from the high $200s, each new smart home comes with ultra-fast fiber-to-the-home connectivity and the Diamond-rated Environments for Living energy efficiency package. Pulte is looking forward to the upcoming grand opening of the community’s newest models, the Clearwater and the Sienna, which will take place this spring.

In 2016, Starkey Ranch received national recognition as the Master Planned Community of the Year by the National Home Builders Association.

For more information, go to Pulte.com/starkeyranch, or call (877) 752-0173

Life Tested® Designs

Every Pulte home includes Life Tested® Designs that come from Pulte homeowners.

The Pulte Planning Center® is a multifunctional area with counters and cabinets to help a family get organized in one convenient place off their kitchen or gathering room.

The Everyday Entry® drop zone has built-in shelving, hooks and storage to accommodate backpacks, shoes, purses and jackets.

Published on January 24, 2018.

Dancing for sugar cubes

January 31, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It may sound like the stuff of dreams, but there’s a place in Florida where horses with sunlit manes dance for sugar cubes, and tourists seeking a break from glitzier and expensive attractions are welcome to watch.

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan stallions have settled back into their winter home, a 25-acre ranch in rural Manatee County, following nearly six months of performances at fairs and special events throughout the Northeast.

Gabriella ‘Gabby’ Herrmann, who learned to train Lipizzan horses from her father and grandfather, silently commands her stallion, Argentos, to perform the courbette, a traditional Lipizzan show movement in which the horse jumps with his hind feet while holding his forelegs tucked in. (Susan Green)

Now, as they have for more than 50 years, the stallions will rehearse three days a week for upcoming shows, until it’s time to go back on the road in the spring.

A spacious arena at the ranch in Myakka City is flanked by rows of bleachers to mimic the venues the horses typically encounter on tour.

Ranch owner and horse trainer Gabriella “Gabby” Herrmann hopes that Florida visitors will fill those bleachers and help keep the equine entertainers accustomed to performing in front of an audience.

“The audience is a very important part of the training here,” she said. Not only do the stallions perform better when they hear an audience applaud, but they also break bad habits that they pick up on the road.

During formal shows, Herrmann explained, the trainers don’t correct mistakes. In the tradition of showmanship, the performance continues, even when a horse fails to perform the proper maneuver, and some of the horses learn to take advantage of that.

During the rehearsals in Myakka City, however, the show stops and trainers repeat their commands until each horse performs properly, even though there’s an audience watching.

With the exception of costuming, the Florida Lipizzan rehearsals include the same performance elements of the touring show, said Herrmann, who serves as emcee. Individually and in groups, the stallions demonstrate the dance-like movements that have made them famous, accompanied by a mix of popular tunes and traditional drill team music.

The show is choreographed anew with fresh music each year, Herrmann said. But, it always includes a review of the Lipizzans’ noble origins in Austria; how they were brought to the United States after a daring rescue during World War II; some information about the care and training they receive; and, an explanation of their “airs above the ground” and other maneuvers.

The Lipizzan Legacy
Lipizzan horses were bred for war during the 16th century, and many of the kicks and rearing movements that audiences today perceive as ballet-like were originally designed to frighten the enemy or even deal a fatal blow.

“The stallions themselves were the weapons,” Herrmann said.

After gunpowder was invented, the battle role of the Lipizzans diminished, but the royal Hapsburg family of Austria continued to favor the breed for its grace, beauty and athletic ability.

Riders, from left to right, Gabriella ‘Gabby’ Herrmann, Brandy Crispin, Kendal Morris and Rebecca McCullough perform equestrian drill maneuvers astride some of the beautiful stallions at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Ranch.

Later, the performing Lipizzans so captured the imagination of Gen. George Patton that he helped rescue the animals from danger in the final days of World War II, a drama re-enacted in the 1963 Walt Disney film, “Miracle of the White Stallions.”

Herrmann’s father and grandfather, both now deceased, were part of that effort and were among others who brought the horses to America and began featuring them in shows.

Herrmann said after the rehearsal that her family bought land in Myakka City in 1962 for the Lipizzan breeding and training program because of the area’s reputation as the winter home of circus performers.

“The weather is really ideal for us,” she said. “That’s why we settled here.”

Gabby Herrmann grew up riding the horses and learning showmanship from her father. She took the helm of the operation when her father, Col. Ottomar Herrmann Jr., died in 2004. The stables now hold 29 horses, including mares and foals.

“These horses, they’re like our children,” Herrmann said, adding that each of the horses has its individual personality. “We’re allowed to take our time with our horses because this is not a competition or show barn.”

During the rehearsal, Herrmann explained to the audience that training at the ranch depends on a three-pronged reward system for the animals – carrots, apples or sugar cubes for a job well done, along with praise from the trainer and applause from spectators.

As the winter season progresses, there may be hundreds of people in the stands, Herrmann said.

About 30 people – some from as far away as Wisconsin, Ohio and Missouri – found their way to the ranch for the opening day of winter rehearsals on Dec. 14.

Cathy Widen, who splits her time between Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Orlando, was there with her friend, Linda Schmit, also of Waukesha.

Widen said she recently saw an exhibition of Lipizzan horses in Vienna, Austria, and she was eager to see an American version.

Jagger, a 22-month-old Lipizzan colt born at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Ranch, is introduced to the audience at opening rehearsals for the stallions’ 2018 show tours. Lipizzans become white as they mature, and Jagger is beginning to show signs of whitening on his face.

“They’re just so majestic,” she said. “And, it’s amazing how well-trained they are.”

Elizabeth Dodge, 15, who lives in southern Missouri, was visiting her grandmother, Susan Ludwig, a Manatee County resident. She said she saw the show a few years ago and described it as “horse ballet.”

“I just love horses,” the teen said. “I think it’s neat that they’ve been able to keep this line pure.”

Herrmann’s daughter, Rebecca McCullough, has joined her mother in the family business and is a featured performer in the show. Herrmann’s granddaughter, Sydney McCullough, 8, is taking her turn in the show ring this season, putting a rescue pony, Willie, through his paces.

Herrmann said she is gratified that, after so many years of opening the rehearsals to the public, people who visited the ranch as children often return with their own children or grandchildren in tow, wanting to share a special experience with the next generation.

In addition to the show, she noted, visitors are welcome to stroll through the barn, see the stallions in their stalls and enjoy the beauty of the ranch, where wild turkeys and deer sometimes make an appearance.

“What brings people out? They know the history behind these horses,” Herrmann said. “And, in these times that we live in, it’s a place where you can still bring a family and wander around and take your mind off of what’s going on in the world. To me, it’s just serenity out here.”

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions
What: Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions off-season rehearsals
Where: Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Ranch, 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City
When: Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., through April
Cost: $5 donation requested for admission, optional costs for concession stand and photos with the stallions
Info: (914) 322-1501, or HLipizzans.com

By Susan Green

Published January 31, 2018

Kumquat Festival offers a slice of Old Florida charm

January 31, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Kumquat Festival, which pays homage to a tiny orange fruit with a tangy flavor, carried on in its usual fashion — despite this year’s challenges to the kumquat crop.

MacKenzie Brewer, Miss Pasco County Fair Outstanding Teen, left, and Courtney Graham, Miss Pasco County, pose with local jam and jelly businesswoman Cristi Williams, of Jovita Treats, and her assistant, Faith DiMaria, 9. (Richard K. Riley)

Citrus greening, insects and Florida’s recent hard freezes dealt a blow to the kumquat crop — knocking out sales of fresh kumquats this year.

But, there were kumquats to sample, and plenty of kumquats served up in jams, jellies, pies, salads, sangria and all sorts of other concoctions.

The atmosphere was festive, there were lots of vendors — and there were quilts and cars and entertainers to enjoy.

John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, put it like this in a news release: “tens of thousands of people came from all over the Tampa Bay region – residents, winter visitors and tourists joined in the fun. Over 400 vendors and sponsors sold and promoted their wares and services. Our entertainment stage at the Historic Courthouse featured free live performances from wonderful local talent all day. Many of the shops and restaurants in Dade City and the surrounding area enjoyed their busiest day of the year.”

Moors also noted that the festival, which offers free admission, free parking and free shuttles, could not happen if it weren’t for the generous support of sponsors.

Published January 31, 2018

Cheryl Howard, of Spring Hill, and Marilyn Prill, of Brooksville, enjoy their first visit to the festival and share their first slice of kumquat pie.

Judy Croucher, of East Pasco Quilters, shows Hugh Embry Library Manager Angel Liranzo one of the quilts on display during the Kumquat Festival.

The ‘legend of voices’ visits Grand Horizons

January 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A show with Eric Kearns was presented in the community center on Jan. 20. The residents and visitors (161 total) who attended were treated to a wonderful show.

The show was a tribute to stars, and while Eric sang their big hits, he also performed it in their voice with special antics and facial expressions. He did a marvelous job.

From left: Ed Goldstein, Eric Kearns and Gary Wilcox. (Courtesy of Pauline Wright)

He started off the show by singing “Chantilly Lace,” which was a big hit for the “Big Bopper.” He not only sounded like him, but he had all his moves He did a fantastic job.

For each song, or I should say most of them, he had a story of the particular star that he presented.

He followed with “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” by Paul Anka.

He did a marvelous job on “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles, which was done in a deep voice that sounded like Ray Charles. There was also some audience participation as Eric walked among the audience.

If you closed your eyes, you could just imagine the original performers.

He did a fine job on a Johnny Mathis song called “Chances Are,” and he did a perfect job on a Chubby Checker song called “The Twist.” He also danced the twist with someone from the audience; I am telling you that he was terrific.

He did a wonderful rendition of “Release Me” by Engelbert Humperdinck and also “Twistin’ the Night Away” by Sam Cooke.

After going through the audience and presenting a rose to a woman, he performed some country tunes such as “Gentle on my Mind” by Glen Campbell, “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and more.

These audience members had a ringside seat to the Eric Kearns show. (Courtesy of Ed Goldstein)

He then performed a masterful job of “Woman, Woman” by Gary Puckett & the Union Gap.

Of course, no show would be complete without Elvis, and he did several songs like “Suspicious Minds” and more, with all the facial expressions and his eyes closed on parts of the songs. He also treated us to a very cute story about Elvis that touched all of us.

He performed the song “ Bye, Bye Miss American Pie” by Don McLean and did a great job of it.

At one point in the show, he did the song entitled “Me & Mrs. Jones,” where he walked out to the audience and sang it to a “Mrs. Jones.” That was a cute moment.

“Copacabana” originally performed by Barry Manilow was done, and it was lovely.

He also sang a medley of four Neil Diamond songs. When he performed “Sweet Caroline,” the audience sang the appropriate parts in different places.

He also performed Rod Stewart songs, along with Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias, and “The Gambler,” which is a Kenny Rogers song. He did it so well with the gravelly voice and all.

Also, he performed a medley from the Rat Pack. When he did the “Candy Man,” which was a Sammy Davis Jr. hit, the facial expressions were superb.

Eric Kearns sings Happy Birthday to Barb Livingston. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

There was a cute part in the show when he brought Barb Livingston up front, as it was her birthday in a few days. Everyone joined in on the “Happy Birthday” song.

He then proceeded with another medley of The Beatles and also Tom Jones.

There were several other songs, such as Al Jolson and Hank Williams, along with “Shaving Cream” by Benny Bell that he performed, but when he did Jimmy Durante, it was terrific.

He did a fabulous job at “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. His eyes were closed during parts, and his voice was so low that it sounded just like Louis Armstrong.

The show was closed out with Eric singing “God Bless the U.S.A.,” which is a Lee Greenwood song. This song he did in his own voice.

Everyone went home knowing they saw a great show.

Our thanks go out to Gary Wilcox and Ed Goldstein who planned the event. Records were broken at Grand Horizons.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

The show must go on, at Sweetwater

January 24, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Residents have been experiencing lots of changes since Sun RV Communities took over from Carefree last season. Roads have been paved, trees trimmed, and fences have been taken down at all three parks. Settlers’ Rest, Sweetwater and Southern Charm have basically become one park now. We also have a new park manager, Kim Turner, from Orange City – she has worked for Sun for 17 years.

Marble cake and vanilla ice-cream was offered at the Volunteer Appreciation Dance (Courtesy of Judy Pearce)

Our king and queen, from last season, also ran into some misfortune when their motorbike crashed – they are still home in Vermont, continuing to heal. Since the king was also the president of the Running Water Club, the vice president stepped up. The queen’s position as club secretary was also filled temporarily, by a volunteer. The park voted, at a morning coffee/doughnut meeting, and it was decided to discontinue the ritual of choosing a king and queen to represent the park every winter season. All positions are filled now, and no election was required. Instead of the usual Coronation Dance, a Volunteer Appreciation Dance was held and enjoyed by many.

Past President Walter shows his appreciation to Doris Steele and Judy Dishon.

This free dance was to recognize all the many hours volunteers put in, to make our park a place of fun and friendship. Even our Sunday Fellowship service has needed new leadership to step up this year, due to illness back home. Recently, we have said goodbye to Doris Steele and Judy Dishon, both avid volunteers for many years in Sweetwater. Judy has moved to Glen Haven full-time, and Doris will be staying home now, in Sanford, Michigan. At a recent block party, both Doris and Judy enjoyed the fellowship of their neighbors. Doris also had an opportunity to say goodbye to folks at the potluck and ice cream socials held Sunday night.

Doris Steele and Judy Dishon enjoy their last block party.

Doris and Judy did many skits in the Talent Shows put on for several years. They met through volunteering and became great friends, as many people here do! Even though Doris now knows (through Ancestry) that she doesn’t have Irish roots, she headed up the St. Patrick’s Day parade event for many years. When it was announced at coffee that new leadership was needed this season, two of Doris’ group skit members, Vi and Sandra, stepped forward immediately.

When Cheryl and Walt Kidd moved to Sweetwater in 2009, Cheryl dreamed of directing talent shows here. She wanted to give people an opportunity to enjoy putting on a production together, and to make people laugh, and forget about their pain, sorrow and loneliness. She told me this was her main goal, above everything else, and she feels that was achieved, even though a Talent Show hasn’t happened here since 2013.

Cheryl (Gracie) and ‘her man’ Walt (Houdini) Kidd enjoying the Sock Hop. (Courtesy of Dale Sanders)

When Cheryl was in grade school, she played parts in plays and musicals, in school and church. As a young mother of two children, she enjoyed their participation in plays as well. Once they grew and moved on, Cheryl was encouraged to audition for a play advertised in the local newspaper. She remembers going to the audition, but was unsure and decided to leave. The director stopped her and interviewed her ‘on-the-spot.’ She was offered one of the lead parts in “Love Rides the Rails.” She was very nervous at her debut, but she was hooked when the audience laughed at her first line. She remembers that feeling well!

Cheryl started a theatre group in Clare, Michigan and gave the Benzie County Players their name. She filled many roles in plays for years, and the group is still going today. She moved to Traverse City and was involved in three plays with the Old Town Playhouse. Her favorite one is “Steele Magnolias,”, where her part was the hairdresser, Truvy. She enjoyed the role because she needed to portray many different emotions, not comedy alone, and she liked that.

Cheryl was thrilled with her 70th birthday skydiving, as her Sweetwater friends enjoyed it, too!

In January 2005, Walt and Cheryl decided to winter in Frog Creek RV Park in Palmetto. She offered skits for their existing yearly talent show, and eventually introduced “Houdini and Gracie.” Walt enjoyed magic tricks, and Cheryl’s quick wit complemented him well, as his sidekick/assistant. She tried to redirect the audience to him, but she stole the show with her comedic acts. One year, Gracie entered ‘big with child,’ and she said: “It was “Houdini who done it!” I’ve never forgotten that line. Needless to say, the audience never tired of her antics.

My husband and I moved to Sweetwater, with Cheryl and Walt in 2009, and I clearly remember the day when Cheryl asked a lady in the clubhouse if there was a Talent Show here. She was excited to move in and begin, and she approached the existing president and vice president of the club right away. She was given the go-ahead and directed her first show in 2011. One of the favorite acts was the all-male “Synchronized Swimmers.” No fee was charged, and the hall was filled, with people watching through windows outside. Cheryl was thrilled!

The theme for 2012 was “Hee-Haw,” and the last show in 2013 was “Unknown Island.” I now understand what Cheryl was portraying in that last show, because I went to New Zealand last December, and I witnessed the Maori greeting – eyeballs bulging, tongue hanging out, and threatening sounds and poses made. In 2014 and 2015, the group of volunteers worked hard on a takeoff of “Gunsmoke,” but widespread park illness stopped the production. In 2016, other personal health factors came into effect, and Cheryl sadly decided to stop directing full talent shows here.

First Sweetwater male/female pool tournament winners – Cindy and Don. (Courtesy of Don Sanders)

Instead, in 2017, she decided to offer skits at the Sunday evening ice cream socials. She asked three couples to demonstrate: “How Well Do You Know Your Husband,” and it went over very well. She is planning a couple more skits and is in the process of choosing her willing victims. I’m sure we will enjoy her humor and wit over and over again!

Cheryl and Walt also take every opportunity they have to have fun and entertain those around them. On her 70th birthday, many people gathered at the airport to watch her skydive for the first time – she loved it! On Jan. 6, Cheryl won Best Female in a costume contest at a Sock Hop – she was so in-role that I hardly knew her! Walt said: “That’s my girl” with pride, just as she said: “That’s my man” at an evening show we all attended recently in the clubhouse. When the female impersonator asked Walt to get up and dance with her, he was just as game as Cheryl was when Buddy Holly got her up. In fact, she wouldn’t let him go on to anyone else.

Finally, a new activity seems to be generating interest in Sweetwater, especially since Lou drove to Kissimmee and purchased new billiard balls for the pool room. The Jam Committee was happy to make that donation! Looks like a fun night was had by all. Congratulations to Cindy and Don, winners of our first male/female tournament. Even though the pool tables have been there for many years, I doubt they were enjoyed by so many people like that before!

By Judy Pearce, Sweetwater RV Resort

Event raises awareness about human trafficking

January 24, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The third annual Light Up the Night Awareness event was more than just the glimmer of candles.

It radiated hope, for many.

The beautiful, clear cool weather attracted a large gathering to help support victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and drug abuse.

The event began at 4:30 p.m. with the 5K run and 1-mile walk/run at the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, with 314 participants.

Ceremonies then moved to the upper deck of the parking garage at The Shops at Wiregrass, where inspirational speakers, musicians, vendors, activities and entertainment for all ages.

Awards were presented to a number of organizations, including Bridging Freedom, Healing Root Ministry, Justice Restoration Center, Loving You Where You Are At, and Redefining Refuge.

Ceremonies concluded with a candlelight vigil.

By Randy Underhill

Published January 24, 2018

Three-year-old Olivia Luna, of New Port Richey, is held by her mother Veronica, as the little girl pets a therapy horse owned by Julie Shematz, from Beauty from Ashes Ministries. Olivia’s dad, Alan, watches as his daughter pets the horse. (Randy Underhill)

Jennifer McGill, a Nashville recording artist, performs ‘Unbreakable’ for the large crowd on a cool pleasant evening for the Light Up the Night awareness event on Jan. 20.

Edie Rhea, a survivor of abuse, addresses a crowd at Pasco-Hernando State College before the 5K and 1-mile walk/run. She was abused for a number of years, but survived and now heads Healing Root Ministry at First Baptist of Lutz.

Overflow performs as the opening act of Light Up the Night on Jan. 20.

Both artists and visitors flock to Wesley Chapel for arts fest

January 24, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

At the Kid’s Art Garden section, Kaitlyn Pratt of Tampa, watches her 1 ½-year-old son, Reid, as he paints a picture using watercolor paints. (Christine Holtzman)

Sunshine and mild temperatures combined to offer perfect weather for the 13th annual Suncoast Arts Fest, at The Shops at Wiregrass on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21.

Paseo Drive was closed to vehicle traffic, so approximately 125 vendors could line the street, showcasing their wares — including photographic prints, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, garden decorations, clothing and more.

The free Kid’s Art Garden area allowed children of all ages to express their creativity through face painting, watercolors, sidewalk chalk and other interactive activities.

The bluegrass folk band Gypsy Wind plays a jazzy number during its set on the afternoon of Jan. 20.

The Emerging Artist exhibit displayed some of the best work created by Pasco County students. The event included free entertainment throughout the weekend, making this a fun, family friendly gathering.

Proceeds from the annual arts festival benefit arts education in Pasco County public, private and charter schools.

By Christine Holtzman

Published January 24, 2018