The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tex-Mex meal served up for connoisseurs

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Residents are returning to Grand Horizons on an almost daily basis.

You can certainly tell, as restaurants are starting to fill up, health fairs are popping up in several locations, and more and more activities are going on in the park.

Thirty-eight residents of Grand Horizons attended a luncheon at Coyote Rojo III in Dade City. (Courtesy of Sandy Lindke)

Besides the usual weekly activities such as the coffee/doughnut hour, card games, sewing and more, there was a lunch connoisseur get-together on Oct. 13 at Coyote Rojo III. Chris and Jerry Buckley were the hosts for the afternoon.

I spoke with Chris, and she told me that the food was excellent, and the help was terrific. She went on to say that 38 people attended, and it seemed that everyone had a good time.

Before the meal started, Galen Parker said grace.

The restaurant was nice enough, as they supplied a separate room with a long table.

Even with the amount of people attending, all were served at the same time, and the food was hot and tasty. Coyote Royo served a large variety of delicious foods, for which we say, a big “‘Muchas Gracias.”

The restaurant is located in Dade City, so I am sure several people went shopping afterward.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published November 1, 2017

Buying or Selling A Home?

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Call Advantage Real Estate Services For Over 36 Years of Local Expertise

Advantage Real Estate Services is a full service real estate company representing both buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando Counties.

Headed up by Broker Holly Ruhlig, whose family has been involved in the local real estate scene since 1981, agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local market trends, area home values and know critical information about area schools, roads and growth that impact decisions behind buying or selling a home.

“We have a diversified team of agents who live in our market, some having as much as 20 to 25-plus years of local real estate experience,” said Holly. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.

“We use our knowledge to help clients negotiate the best price, get the best terms and help facilitate a smooth transaction. Whether clients are looking to sell their home, buy an existing home or purchase new construction, we are able to put our knowledge to work for them,”

The National Association of REALTORS has identified the top reasons why it is beneficial to work with a REALTOR. Agents at Advantage Real Estate Services are all licensed REALTORS, meaning in addition to their extensive local knowledge and years of real estate experience, they also abide by the strictest industry standards.

  1. Expert Guides: Whether you are buying or selling a home, it requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures and other technical documents. A REALTOR is a knowledgeable expert who helps you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
  2. Objective Information and Opinions: REALTORS can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools and more, and have objective information about each property. REALTORs can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, your REALTOR can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about, but which might suit your needs better than you’d thought.
  3. Marketing and Expanded Search Powers: When selling your home, in addition to advertising your home, many prospects for a home sale come from a REALTOR’s contacts with previous clients, friends and family. Your REALTOR will prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property — you never have to worry about allowing strangers into your home. When buying a home, sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites, and also help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online, but are no longer on the market.
  4. Negotiation Knowledge: There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
  5. Up-To-Date Experience: Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, and those sales typically have many years in between. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career and are experts at what they do.
  6. Your Rock During Emotional Moments: A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, buying a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
  7. Ethical Treatment. Every REALTOR must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR’s client, you will receive honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

Published on October 25, 2017

Local Maid Brigade Is Franchise of the Year

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© Jessica Leigh Photography

Maid Brigade has bestowed one of its highest honors on Carrie and Rick Knight of Wesley Chapel —naming them its 2017 Franchise of the Year for all of North America.

The Knights, who have owned its Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay franchise since 2007, were recognized for their commitment to customers, employees and business, which has seen sales double over the past five years.

“We are so honored to be recognized as franchise of the year,” said Carrie. “This is a tribute to our entire team of 26 employees, as well as our hundreds of loyal customers.”

Maid Brigade honored the Knights in July at its annual convention in Atlanta. They were selected from among 90 franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

“Carrie and Rick are driven and enthusiastic business owners who are superb supporters of their community,” said a Maid Brigade spokesperson. “In addition, they are keenly involved in our franchise system, making significant contributions that make them outstanding Maid Brigade citizens.”

About Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay

This family-owned business provides residential and commercial cleaning services to over 300 regular customers throughout Tampa Bay, with many clients coming from Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa and Lutz.

As a professional cleaning company, it is licensed, bonded and insured. Its maids bring cleaning supplies, including a state-of-the-art, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, and follow a thorough check-list of what tasks need to be performed for every job.

“We have a great reputation for quality cleaning and customer service, and proudly back our cleanings with our 100% satisfaction guarantee,” said Carrie.  “It’s our mission to provide the best customer service, highest-quality cleanings and healthiest environment for you and your family.”

Background checks are done on all employees, and maids wear company identification that shows proof of their last background check. Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay also sends new clients photos and resumes of the two employees coming to a client’s home prior to their first cleaning.

“Our customers love that we send them an e-mail with photos of their maids — they say that it gives them peace of mind to know who’s coming on the day of their service. Customers truly appreciate the extra step we’ve taken to make them feel secure,” said Carrie.

To schedule a no obligation quote, call (813) 961-5900. Testimonials and more information are available at www.maidbrigade.com/fl/tampa/ and on Facebook at Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay.

The Knights live in the Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel, and have two children. Hailey is a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High, and Luke is a seventh grader at John Long Middle.

The Laker/Lutz News wins ‘Best of Show’

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The Laker/Lutz News received Best of Show distinction at the 2017 Awards for Excellence competition sponsored by Community Papers of Florida trade association. This top award was presented to Publisher Diane Kortus at the group’s annual meeting held Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at Hutchinson Island.

The Best of Show was awarded for a full-page ad, “Fun on 41 – Discover the Wonders,” that uses a hand-drawn map illustrating shopping destinations and restaurants along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

The map’s illustrator is Laura Bloomer, a Land O’ Lakes resident and owner of The Blooming House. The Laker/Lutz News Graphic Designer Stefanie Burlingame and Account Manager Cheryl Michel were recognized for their work on this campaign.

Judges described the entry this way: “Creative and engaging. Fresh approach to display an advertising community.” Another judge added: “A wonderfully illustrated and colorful map referencing area businesses promoting result-oriented offers is sure to catch the reader’s eye.”

In addition to the Best of Show award, The Laker/Lutz News received six additional advertising design awards, and five editorial awards for stories and photographs.

“To have our work chosen as Best of Show is quite an honor, especially when considering there were over 400 entries in this statewide newspaper competition,” said Publisher Diane Kortus.

The newspaper received these awards in advertising categories:

  • First place: Theme Promotion: Fun on 41 Map and Business Legend, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Real Estate: Tapestry Lake Park Apartments, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Spot Color: Pete the Painter directory ad, Matt Mistretta and Rachel Thompson
  • Second place: Full Color Ad: Oasis Pregnancy Center, Stefanie Burlingame and Diane Kortus
  • Third place: Self Promotion: Outside Sales Rep Recruitment, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • Third place: Best Special Section Cover Design: Congratulations Class of 2017, Matt Mistretta

The newspaper received these awards in editorial categories:

  • First place: Personal Column, “My Father Loved This Newspaper,” Diane Kortus
  • First place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Rattlesnake Fest hits half-century mark,” Richard Riley
  • Second place: Best Original Photograph: “Zoe Deimling just can’t stop looking,” Fred Bellet
  • Second place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Cueing up for a good time,” Fred Bellet
  • Third place: Best Original Writing: “‘Dear World’ gives storytellers a voice,” Kathy Steele

Community Papers of Florida represents 86 publishers of free-circulation community papers that reach 3.5 million homes weekly. Members range from independently-owned publications such as The Laker/Lutz News to free paper/shopping guide divisions of major communications companies.

Published October 25, 2017

Volunteers keep Grand Horizons active

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The season is starting once again and volunteers at Grand Horizons help keep everyone active, with fun things to do.

As summer has ended and fall is here again, attendance at Grand Horizons increases every month.

Nancy Huey put on a pot luck on Oct. 1.

The pot lucks have been happening for several months and residents certainly look forward to them.

About 60 people attended the pot luck, Nancy said, and she noted the community has many good cooks.

Each couple brought a dish to share and from what Nancy said, “There was so much good food that it was impossible to try everything.”

This is a new activity and people really like the fact that everyone joins together at the community center for good food, laughter and lots of fun.

The ladies held Lunch Bunch on Oct. 3 at “The Great Catch Restaurant.”

Again, I wasn’t here for this lunch but I have been to restaurant before and know they have a varied menu, including lobster rolls, mahi mahi (dolphin), salads and more tempting dishes.

At this get-together, there were 16 women who had a lovely lunch at this restaurant. Mim Gardner organized the event.

They all had a real good time talking and eating. More people would have been there, if the weather had cooperated. It kept raining, off and on.

Another activity is dominoes, which is held each Monday night.

This is a real fun game and it keeps all players on their toes.

When I am in Florida, this is one game that I do not want to miss.

We also have other games that are fun and, with the volunteers, these games are covered nicely.

Other games include pinochle, bingo, euchre, mah jongg and rummikub.

We also have pool exercises, arts and crafts, sewing and so on.

These all sound interesting and someday I may join. We also have some shows and other entertainment that give us activities to look forward to.

As I sit here recalling all of the good times that we have at Grand Horizons, I am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

Mount Dora: A charming way to spend a day

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Arriving in Mount Dora is like walking onto a movie set: sparkling Lake Dora provides the backdrop. Panning out from the lake, front-porched homes, American flags flying, line shady streets, an easy walk from main street shops, parks and even a candy cane-colored lighthouse.

The Mount Dora Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Dora draws visitors with its candy cane colors. It is 35 feet tall and was dedicated in 1988 over the Port of Mount Dora. (Karen Haymon Long)

In the daytime, visitors – like movie extras – fan out to the lake on scenic boat tours, hikes on lakeside boardwalks, then strolls to downtown shops and cafes. They can even take seaplane rides over the lake or rent their own pontoon boat to watch for gators, turtles, otters, herons, egrets and other wildlife.

In the evening, they’re back at the lake to witness salmon-colored sunsets over the water and maybe later to stroll to historic Lakeside Inn for a nightcap.

Mount Dora, a town of 12,534 residents in Lake County, 40 minutes northwest of Orlando, looks like small-town USA, with its moss-draped oaks, flowering magnolias, hilly terrain and higher-than-normal – for Florida anyway – elevation of 184 feet above sea level.

“It’s an extra friendly town. Everyone is really welcoming,” says Henry Ollendick, who co-owns one of downtown’s most charming shops, Papilio, which is Latin for butterfly.

Renninger’s Antique Center in Mount Dora offers all kinds of interesting treasures. You never know what you might find at the center and at one of its antique extravaganzas. The next one is Nov. 17 to Nov. 19. (Karen Haymon Long)

When he and his partner, Joel Maas, opened their shop in 2013, other shop owners welcomed them and asked if they needed anything, which made them feel at home, Ollendick says.

That friendliness, as well as “the hills, the big oaks, the Spanish moss hanging from the trees – so different from the rest of Florida,” convinced them to leave Key West and move to Mount Dora. Now, they walk to work.
“You get to know your neighbors that way,” Ollendick says. “It’s very homey.”

The two were also drawn by the town’s many festivals, which earned it the nickname “Festival City.” Its 33rd annual Craft Fair, coming up on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, features the work of 400 crafters and artists. Its antique extravaganzas at Renninger’s Antique Center, — the next one is Nov. 17 to Nov. 19 — draws treasure hunters from around the world.

Years ago, the antique center and sister flea market next door helped make Mount Dora a darling of travel guide book authors. The flea market is open weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the antique center Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendor Stan Lawson, who owns Triple LLL Treasures in the antique center, says he meets people from all over the U.S., and from around the world in his shop. Not long ago, he sold his Native American jewelry to visitors from Iceland, and he often sells to Germans and Brits, he says.

His shop sells jewelry made by Native Americans in the Southwest who he’s known for years. In another area in the center, Steve and Barbara Gretchko sell hard-to-find barrister’s bookcases, wood filing cabinets and other early 20th century office furniture.

Dozens of other booths sell everything from antique glassware and furniture to books, toys, linens, sports

Mount Dora’s downtown shops and restaurants remind visitors of what they would think of as ‘downtown USA.’ (Karen Haymon Long)

memorabilia and paintings. Outside, vendors sell old birdbaths, yard statuary, vintage signs, plants and more, while the flea market next door sells plants and produce, garage-sale-type items, T-shirts and other new clothes.

Downtown shops vary from home decor to paintings and other art, clothing and even dog bakery items. At Papilio, Joel Maas sells his artwork made with real butterflies, as well as stationery, jewelry, garden and home decor, plants and other items.

Like their visitors, downtown restaurants span the globe, with cuisine representing Cuba, Peru, Great Britain, Mexico, India, Italy, China and the Caribbean, along with the usual pizza and pub grub. Florida celebrity chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken owns a restaurant in a house built in 1921, called, appropriately enough, 1921 by Norman Van Aken.

We chose Magical Meat Boutique for lunch, partly because of its kooky name and partly because it got raves on the online travel site Trip Advisor. Housed in a British pub-style space, it specializes in British fare – think bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. It also attracts British tourists. On our visit, two parties at nearby tables had British accents and talked nostalgically about how happy they were to find a little home so far away from their homeland.

Next time, we thought we’d try The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge, a fancier place with a book-lined dining room and delicious sounding rack of lamb, duck, quail, Idaho trout, and jumbo lump crab cakes with peach and chive chutney on its menu.

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge in Mount Dora looks as friendly inside as out. Its menu offers lamb, duck, quail, crab cakes and other fare. (Karen Haymon Long)

Visitors need at least two days — or three, four or five — to take a boat ride, go out fishing, hike along the lake or just drive around and look at some of the neighborhoods and some of the old Victorian houses, such as the Donnelly House, built in 1893 and now owned by the Masonic Lodge, and open to the public for special occasions.

The old railroad depot, built in 1915, now houses the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce offices and visitor center at the corner of Third Avenue and Alexander Street. The picturesque Lakeside Inn, opened in 1883, is an elegant place to stay and dine, get married or take a boat ride off its shores.

Some 36 years ago, Mount Dora was the setting for the movie “Honky Tonk Freeway,” starring Jessica Tandy, Beau Bridges, Teri Garr and Beverly D’Angelo. Townspeople were extras. The plot: The town – named Ticlaw – already has a wildlife safari park and a waterskiing elephant named Bubbles, so when residents hear a freeway is about to be built, they hope an off-ramp will lead to more riches. But, when the new freeway bypasses them without an off-ramp, they paint their downtown buildings pink to get people to come.

Today, Mount Dora doesn’t have to paint itself pink. It has charm enough to attract visitors – even without a waterskiing elephant.

Tips for the Trip
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Mount Dora from Pasco County is to go north on Interstate 75. That way, MapQuest says it’s an hour and a half, and 80 miles, from Wesley Chapel. Another route is Interstate 4 toward Orlando, then north to Mount Dora. For details, see MapQuest or another directions site.

Where to eat: We liked Magical Meat Boutique, at 112 W. Third Ave., where we had bangers and mash, a stilton, pear and walnut salad, and two Scottish beers for $37. For menu, visit MagicalMeatBoutique.com.

Where to stay: We’ve stayed at Lakeside Inn before and enjoyed its quiet elegance. The town also has a variety of bed and breakfast inns, and other hotels. See the chamber of commerce’s MountDora.com for options.

Festivals: This city of festivals has all sorts of offerings, including Renninger’s Antique Extravaganzas Nov. 17 through Nov. 19; Jan. 19 through Jan. 21 and Feb. 16 through Feb.18 at its antique center, 20651 U.S. 441. For details, visit Renningers.net.

Other events include:

  • 33rd Annual Craft Fair, with 400 vendors, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 510 N. Baker St.
  • Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., begins on Lake Dora at the lighthouse across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue, downtown.
  • Christmas Tour of Homes, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20; for details, visit WCFAMountDora.com.
  • 43rd annual Arts Festival, Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown, with park and ride options; for more, visit MountDoraArtsFestival.org.

For a more extensive list of festivals and events, go to MountDora.com, and click on annual events.

For a more extensive list of festivals and events, go to MountDora.com, and click on annual events.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charting a Course for Excellence

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Dr. David Scamard of Excellence In Eye Care has practiced locally for over 15 years.

Just when you thought you’d seen everything, things begin to change. Menus seem to be printed smaller. Someone has clearly messed with the font size on your smartphone. And, the print on your prescriptions has become a blur.

“Unfortunately, the world isn’t changing as much as your eyes probably are,” says Dr. David Scamard, O.D., of Excellence In Eye Care, at Cypress Creek Town Center. “Like the rest of our bodies, the eye’s efficiency as an organ will change over time.”

While that’s not really a newsflash to anyone over the age of 45, or to those that already wear glasses, Dr. Scamard feels that it’s important to recognize that other factors could be contributing to your changing vision.

“Regular eye exams are important because when left undiagnosed, or not addressed promptly, things like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment can lead to much more serious eye problems,” he says.

Dr. Scamard, a Tampa native, has been practicing for more than 15 years and has rightfully earned quite the local following. Last February, he opened his new full-scope optometric eye care practice in the optics center inside the Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center.

With a lab, designer frames and prescription lenses literally steps away from his clinic, the value-added services create a combination that’s tough to match. What’s more, because all of his equipment like the auto refractor, the visual field analyzer and the digital phoropter are state-of-the-art, digital, most exams can be conducted in less than 15 minutes. If you need to budget your time, an appointments is encouraged, but even walk-ins are usually seen with little or no wait time as well.

Beyond all of that, Dr. Scamard is also leading the way in the emerging field of Sports Vision Training with his recent acquisition of a Sanet Vision Integrator. The SVI as it’s called, is a key component in Sports Vision Training, which sharpens athletes’ reaction times, while at the same time improving their balance. At all levels, the training can be a valuable tool for players (and coaches) in virtually all sports. Excellence In Eye Care is one of only a handful of clinics in the state to offer SVI services to the public.

Excellence In Eye Care also specializes in contact lenses and pediatric eye care. To schedule your eye exam or to find out more about Sport Vision Training, give Dr. Scamard a call, or check out Excellence In Eye Care’s website.

(813 279-7038 • ExcellenceInEyeCare.net

2225 Grand Cypress Dr. • Lutz, FL 33559 (inside Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center)

Alternative Positioning Statement

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Teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa include (seated from left): Willow, Roxanne, and Richard and (standing) Amy, Laura, Joy, Deb and Linda.

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Nowadays it seems the word “yoga” almost instantly conjures one of two images. The first is that of someone contorting themselves to resemble a pretzel. The other is the seemingly ubiquitous trend in women’s pants.

Sun Yoga Tampa in Lutz understands that yoga really isn’t about the outfits. Neither is it a contest of who can twist themselves into the most difficult pose. While yoga is exercise, it’s not competitive or comparative in the way many other workouts can tend to be.

“Yoga, when practiced correctly, exercises not only the body, but the mind and the soul as well. In fact, it’s a union of the three,” says Willow Marcotte, the studio’s owner, and one of eight certified instructors on staff.

People find yoga for many reasons. Some use it as a workout to unwind from daily stress, others to stretch and strengthen muscles, while others still use it as a means of meditation. No matter if you’re a beginner or an old pro, the teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa will meet you where you are on your journey and offer solid guidance as you progress.

To that end, their studio is more familial than formal, and offers a variety of styles to meet the needs of all who enter their doors. They truly strive to maintain the concept of being a place where people from all walks can come together to practice as a community.

In Sanskrit, the word “yoga” basically means union, and Sun Yoga Tampa represents a mindful approach to a healthier lifestyle where body, mind and spirit can all function as one.

Regardless of age, flexibility or physical condition, yoga has benefits for everyone. To find out more about which classes best suit your needs and when they are offered, give them a call or check out their website.

Daily Classes: Monday – Saturday

Once A Month: Sunday

 

19026 Geraci Rd. • Lutz, FL 33548

813-955-1262 • SunYogaTampa.com

“YOUR YOGA COMMUNITY”

New London’s landmarks and glory

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Marty and I left early in the morning on Aug. 25 from our home in East Hartford, Connecticut, for a leisurely drive to New London, Connecticut, where we took a mini-cruise.

The cruise was absolutely delightful and was narrated the entire two hours that we were on board.

New London Harbor Light is the oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

The trip included several islands that were explained to us thoroughly, and three forts.

One fort was Fort Wright, which was built in the early 20th century; and, another was Fort Griswold, which is a tall granite monument honoring those killed defending the fort during a battle.

The third fort was Fort Trumbull that was built in 1777, and was attacked and captured by British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold.

We got to view the General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, where the first nuclear-powered submarine was built and where subs continue to be built today.

Also on this tour, we got to view the New London’s historic waterfront, which was once the third busiest whaling port in the world. It is now home to the United States Coast Guard Academy and home port for the Coast Guard’s tall ships.

We also got to see, up close and from the water, nine different lighthouses. Some of them we had seen previously from taking a land tour but somehow, from water, it seemed more picturesque.

The very first one we saw was the New London Harbor Light, which is the oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. It is privately owned to this day.

We also saw the Avery Point Lighthouse, which was the last lighthouse in the state built as an official navigational aid and wasn’t lighted until over a year after its 1943 completion, due to concerns about a possible Nazi attack during World War II.

We then saw the New London Ledge Lighthouse, which is uniquely shaped for a lighthouse and also it is reportedly haunted by the ghost of an early keeper.

We then viewed several others, including the North Dumpling Light. During Prohibition, the keeper of the Light was accused of signaling to liquor smugglers.

One of the many boats seen on the way back to shore. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

On to the Race Horse Light that was built on a ledge, where fast current and conflicting seas are the norm. The foundations alone took seven years to build. This lighthouse is also said to be haunted.

When we were in this area, the seas were rougher than usual, and winds were quite fierce.

The next lighthouse that we viewed was the Little Gull Light. It was destroyed by the hurricane of 1815, and this lighthouse is said to have a colorful past. The tower that stands today dates from 1868.

We then took a long look at the Long Beach Bar (Bug) Light. This charming 1870 Victorian structure was set ablaze by arsonists in 1963 and restored by the East End Seaport Museum in 1990. They say it looks like a bug walking on water.

We then had the opportunity to view the Orient Point Lighthouse, also known as the Coffee Pot Lighthouse. The cast-iron clad and brick-lined lighthouse was marked for demolition by the Coast Guard in 1970, but was saved by public outcry.

The final lighthouse we saw and heard about was the Plum Island Lighthouse. It is also known as Plum Gut Light. This 1869 historic granite lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 in favor of an automated light that now sits a short distance away.

This marked the end of the tour, but while going back to port to leave, we saw many sailboats, schooners, floating restaurants and wildlife in the water.

Once we got back to shore, we went home.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Aurora awards

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Bexley may be less than a year old, but its already an award-winning community.

The Southeast Building Conference (SBC) recently named Bexley by Newland Communities the top Master Planned Community in the Southeast, awarding the community its highest honor, a Grand Aurora award. The Bexley Club, the community’s hub, also earned a Grand Aurora award for Best Recreational Facility.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Southeast Building Conference,” said Pam Parisi, vice president, marketing for Newland Communities. “Bexley is the result of years of planning and research, and it’s rewarding to see so many families choosing to make their home here. In just a short time, Bexley is already a vibrant community for people at all stages of life who crave an active lifestyle and greater connections with the outdoors and with each other.”

The Aurora awards encompass all facets of the residential, commercial and remodeling industries; and are presented annually to outstanding residential and commercial builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, interior merchandisers and other housing-related professionals. Award winners were selected from entries representing industry professionals in 12 Southeastern states and the Eastern Caribbean.

 

Published September 27, 2017