The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Helping people prepare for the unexpected

By

Jerry McCarthy, owner of the State Farm Insurance office at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, worked for 13 years in the Florida educational system before he became an insurance agent.

Jerry McCarthy
Jerry McCarthy

Jerry graduated from college with a degree in English in 1972. A single telephone interview landed him a job in the Florida school system teaching language arts. Jerry continued his education receiving a master’s degree in counseling, and additional coursework to achieve certification in administration and supervision.

He worked three years as a guidance counselor and then opened the Pine View Middle School in 1978 and assumed the role of school principal for five years. “It was a brand new school,” says Jerry, “and a terrific learning experience.”

He finished his educational career as a high school principal. “The transition from teaching to sales isn’t that big of a leap,” says Jerry. “I always wanted to get into sales. The truth is that all great sales people are teachers.”

Jerry was born and raised in Chicago, the oldest of seven children. His mom is 92 and still lives there. His family visits up north are just long enough to remind him why he never wants to leave Florida.

This is Jerry’s 29th year with State Farm. He opened his own office in 1985 in the Land O’Lakes/Lutz area. “I started from scratch,” says Jerry. “That means I had no clients, no mailing list, just a strong desire to help people prepare for the unexpected.”

He moved to his current location on N. Dale Mabry Highway in 1990. Jerry has only one office. A lot of insurance sales people are independent agents who represent multiple insurance companies, but Jerry works only for State Farm. “It is our goal to be the first and best choice for your insurance needs,” says Jerry. “State Farm is a good wholesome company that provides excellent customer service.”

“State Farm is a great company for both employees and customers,” says Jerry. “They know the employees are an integral part of the problem resolution process. The claims people are very compassionate. They understand they’re helping customers at a time when they’re going through the worst situations.” Insurance is all about preparing for and protecting people from the unexpected. “No one expects to have an accident or a loss,” says Jerry. “The purpose of insurance is to help people recover from a problem. It feels good to know my customers are adequately covered.”

“These days change is the only constant,” says Jerry. “People need to be prepared for sudden and unexpected problems. Everyone needs homeowners insurance because things happen in a house. Years ago lightning was a huge source of loss in the home.”

Jerry is now insuring multiple generations. First he insured the parents and now the children are coming to him also. “State Farm is a great partner to have on your side when you have a problem,” says Jerry. “We strive to provide the very best coverage to our customers.”

Jerry is pleased with both of his career choices. He’s still involved in the school system, though now as a spectator watching his grandchildren participate in school events. And he’s still teaching, helping people prepare for their future in a constantly changing world.

His State Farm Insurance office is located at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. He can be reached at (813) 949-3669, or at .

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

‘Li’l Abner’ brings comic strip laughs to local stage

By

Musical theater lovers are invited to take a trip back in comic strip time as a group of young performers bring the antics of Dogpatch, Ark. to life on the Pasco Middle School stage.

Arts in Motion’s production of the musical comedy “Li’l Abner” begins its run Nov. 8, featuring a cast of student performers from all over central and eastern Pasco County.

‘Li’l Abner’ director Capria Pichette, left, reads through some lines with actors in the play set to premiere Nov. 8 at Pasco Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Arts in Motion)
‘Li’l Abner’ director Capria Pichette, left, reads through some lines with actors in the play set to premiere Nov. 8 at Pasco Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Arts in Motion)

Inspired by Al Capp’s famous comic strip that was syndicated throughout the United States from 1934 to 1977, the musical comedy is focused on the lives of Li’l Abner Yokum, Daisy Mae Scragg Yokum, and other residents of the fictional mountain town of Dogpatch.

Two Pasco teens are sharing the responsibility of portraying Daisy Mae in the Arts in Motion production. Kailey Holyoke, 16, a junior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, and Melanie Kender, 17, a junior at Pasco High School, will take turns on the stage during the show’s two-week run.

Sharing a leading role can be tricky, the girls said. But, split time in the spotlight does have its perks.

“We help each other learn lines and get to work on teamwork skills,” Holyoke said.

“When you share a lead role, you get different perspectives,” Kender added.

Theater is a passion for both girls. Holyoke, who has been performing with Arts In Motion off and on since she was in elementary school, hopes to pursue the arts as a career.

Kender began working with the nonprofit youth community theater group in 2009, and has been involved in every production ever since. She hopes to become a linguist down the road, but says theater will remain a part of her life.

As for “Li’l Abner,” both girls say the show is a “must-see.”

“It’s fabulous,” Holyoke said. “It’s a really fun show. It’s catchy and it has really great dance numbers.”

Director Capria Pichette agrees, and points out those who attend the show not only get to enjoy live theater, but they gain an additional benefit as well.

“It’s a great way to support your local community as well as support children and the arts,” she said.

Arts in Motion provides students in kindergarten through 12th grade an opportunity to learn about the performing arts. Its mission is to make sure youngsters have access to the educational opportunities theater can provide, said the group’s president, Patti Corjay.

The nonprofit got its start back in 1995 as public schools began to cut arts funding. Since it’s geared toward theater education, Arts in Motion makes sure every child who auditions for a production receives a role, Corjay said.

Donations, sponsors, ticket sales and a small fee charged for participation funds the group. Children whose families cannot afford the fees are provided with scholarships.

The next production for Arts in Motion is “High School Musical,” with auditions for the spring show set to begin in January, Corjay said.

For more information on how to join Arts in Motion, and how adults can support the mission, visit the group’s website at ArtsInMotionPasco.com. The group stages two productions each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall.

If you go
Arts in Motion will present ‘Li’l Abner’ at Pasco Middle School, 37350 Florida Ave., Dade City.
Shows are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, Nov. 9, Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 10 and Nov. 17.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $7 for students.
For tickets and more information, visit ArtsInMotionPasco.com.

By Sherri Lonon

Returning to Grand Horizons in November with a bang

By

The month of October rolled on at Grand Horizons with new activities and old. This community certainly can keep people busy as much they want to be.

We have our old reliable fun things to do like card playing, mahjong, shuffleboard, exercises, bingo, dominoes and so much more. That’s in addition to new and exciting things like the movies that Rich Wagner is showing in his home and other things to come.

A train rolls through on the Essex Steam Railroad. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)
A train rolls through on the Essex Steam Railroad. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

From what I understand, “Fun with Art” with Luella Wheeling, and other activities that were put on hold during the summer, will start shortly.

In the meantime, Grand Horizons had its monthly connoisseur luncheon on Oct. 11. This month the connoisseur lunch was at Golden Corral.

“We had 50 people and we filled the Tuttle Room,” said Sandy Lindke, who hosted this event along with her husband, Al Lindke. “It took us a good hour to get our fill of food and friendship.”

Denise Stewart and Pidge Elliott found smiley face stickers on their chairs, indicating that they had won the thank you prizes of $10 gift cards for Walmart. After the luncheon, about 20 people gathered together in the Lindke carport to spend the rest of the afternoon with drinks and laughter.

There also was something that we never had before, and it was taco night on Oct. 16 in the community center. It was hosted by Andy and Margaret Castonguay. Helping out in the kitchen to do the cooking and serving were Annmarie and Chick Shackewyc. There was additional help, as almost everyone helped out in several different ways.

I spoke to Andy and he told me that they served 91 people and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. They had taco bowls with toppings made from scratch.

These bowls were made in a deep fryer and for toppings they had lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions, salsa, cheese, black olives, and sour cream. The toppings on the meat created a nice meal.

After the main meal, they had cake and coffee or iced tea. Later in the evening they had poker, plus hand and foot. So it was a day to be remembered.

Marty and I will join our friends at Grand Horizon shortly, but in the meantime, on Oct. 13, we took a day trip which was a 1.5-hour cruise from Haddam, Conn. We took this ride on the River Quest and experienced the lower Connecticut River.

It was a lovely crisp day, and we passed by the Goodspeed Opera House that was built in 1870 and has terrific plays and musicals like “Annie” and “The Sound of Music,” and so much more. We saw a swinging bridge that is 100 years old and is the fifth oldest swing bridge. We also saw on this trip the Gillette Castle and several yacht clubs.

On the river we saw many canoes and speedboats with people fishing, and we saw some beautiful homes and some schools, plus some inns that were converted into apartment buildings.

At one point on our cruise we observed, from the water, the Essex Steam Railroad. This was a beauty of a train with many cars.

We also saw the Chester Ferry that took passengers across the river, and we actually got to see another tour boat called the Betty Thatcher. We just waved and hooted to one another as we passed. We observed many birds such as the tree swallows and several nests being built by the birds. Some were completed, and we actually saw a bald eagle in one.

One thing in particular that was something to see was a helicopter taking off. It was some site, and the airport had several more planes and gliders.

We enjoyed the ride and that it was fully narrated. All in all, it was a relaxing day.

By Helene Rubenstein

Local shop owner has a passion for party decorating

By

Cheryl Friesen, owner of the LOL Party Shop, believes that parties are one of the best ways to show someone how much you appreciate them. “That’s what we’re all about at the LOL Party Shop,” says Cheryl. “Parties are a great way for people and families to establish important memories.”

LOL Party
Cheryl Friesen, owner of the LOL Party Shop.

Prior to opening the party shop, she worked for 20 years as a professional banker. “I just couldn’t see myself doing that for another 20 years,” says Cheryl. “I wanted to do something fun, something I could really invest myself into.”

She started putting the pieces into place a year earlier by joining a buying network. The buying group helps independent business owners pool their resources and their purchasing power. This enables Cheryl to keep her prices low and compete effectively with places like Party City, the largest party supply chain in the U.S.

The buying network also helped her to set up the store by providing advice about organizing the store and stocking an optimal selection of party items. “I’m still an independent business, and I choose all of my own merchandise,” says Cheryl. “The buying group just took a lot of the pressure off setting everything up.”

LOL Party Shop has a little bit of everything in stock. The buying network gives Cheryl immediate access to 47 suppliers, enabling Cheryl to handle just about any theme a customer has in mind. “I’m planning to bring in a lot of pirate theme items for the Gasparilla Pirate Extravaganza in January,” Cheryl says.

There are many places where party supplies can be purchased, but Cheryl gives her customers a great deal more. “How many sales people are truly interested in helping you to plan your party?” says Cheryl. “I’ll probably be just as excited about putting together their party as they are.”

Cheryl has taken courses to become a certified event decorator and is preparing to take the certification exams. She is planning to get more involved in decorating as the business grows. Right now she can help you plan and organize your special event in full.

This was a passionate decision for Cheryl. She’s been planning and decorating family parties for years. Lately she’s been doing it for local groups such as homeowner associations and business networking groups. “I’ve always enjoyed creating an atmosphere of enjoyment,” says Cheryl. “Even when I was a banker, I was always looking for opportunities to express an enjoyable side of life.”

Cheryl wants the LOL Party Shop to be a very community-oriented business. We want to be able to support our community and other local independent business owners. She wants to build relationships with other party-oriented business owners so she can further assist her customers in planning a complete event.

“I want to be able to help people create an event their friends and family will love and remember for years to come,” says Cheryl. “I get really excited about this. It’s hard to believe it’s my job.”

Cheryl’s husband, Bruce, is a sociology professor and is currently helping out with the business part-time. They’re looking forward to helping people set the stage for a really amazing party. They’re also looking for input from their customers about the types of themes they’re looking for.

LOL Party Shop is open for business right now. Their grand opening is November 10th. They are located at 24720 State Road 54, Lutz. Call them at (813) 388-2932, or visit them at LOLPartyShop.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Connerton boasts over 60 sales as ‘Home Town’ continues to grow

By

The past few months have been very exciting at Connerton! Since the Grand Re-opening in June, there have been over 60 sales, and new visitors stop by weekly to cash in on the enthusiasm. And speaking of “cashing in,” Connerton is currently offering the opportunity to win a $1,000 cash card just for visiting the builder’s models and Club Connerton. The Grand Tour of New Homes is taking place right now!

connerton10292013Four distinctive builders are currently presenting floor plans from approximately 1481 sq. ft. to 4895 sq. ft. Ryland Homes offers 7 models with varying elevations and many options, priced from the high $100s. One and two-story floor plans with 3 and 4 bedrooms offer charming features like front porches, bungalow columns and opulent master suites. Visit the Frost II, a popular floor plan with first-floor master bedroom and 3 bedrooms on the second level. Ryland’s efficiently designed homes help save on monthly utility bills and help preserve the Earth’s resources.

M/I Homes is now building 7 new homes priced from the mid $200s, with floor plans from 2163 to 3976 sq. ft. These homes are designed especially for Connerton with features such as 3-car tandem garages, split floor plans, and flex spaces with game or theatre rooms for today’s busy families. The Roxbury model is well designed with complete living on the first floor and a spacious bonus room plus bath on the second floor. M/I’s Confidence Builder Program makes the process of buying a home as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Taylor Morrison is building in the gated Gardenia Glen neighborhood of Connerton. This neighborhood offers maintenance-free living with single family homes. Floor plans from 1768 to 4367 sq. ft. are available with prices ranging from the low $200s to the low $300s. Two model homes are currently available for viewing: the Kentwood, a 2-story home with first-floor master suite and the Pinehurst III, a 1-story with great room, 3 bedrooms, plus den and 2 full baths.

Homes by WestBay presents the Key Largo II model in the idyllic neighbor- hood of Jasmine Abbey. This award-winning floor plan provides comfort and practicality for those who like to entertain, host family gatherings, work from home and more! Coming soon in the prestigious Rose Pointe neighborhood is a dramatic Mediterranean design, the Terracena II. This 5 bedroom, 4. 5 bat home is 4895 sq. ft. and boasts 20 ft. ceilings in the grand room, a gourmet kitchen, bonus room , the- atre and 3-car garage.

There are many choices for the discriminating buyer in Connerton, with floor plans ranging from 2306-4895 sq. ft., priced from the low $300s to the low $700s.

Connerton is a “New Town” planned community spread across 4,800 acres in Land O’ Lakes. Hundreds of species of indigenous birds and wildlife on the 3,000 acres of nature preserves call it home. Residents can walk, jog, hike, bike and bird-watch along the beautiful community trails and through the Conner Preserve. Several parks are also a part of the Connerton lifestyle with beautiful playgrounds that families can walk to and enjoy. A brand new dog park has been added where everyone in the family can make new friends.

Many of the premium homesites cap- ture the natural beauty of Connerton with conservation, water and wooded views. The many open green spaces create a feeling of living in a park-like setting. Club Connerton, the 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, super pool with unique aquatic playground and children’s wading pool. A café, meeting rooms for resident and community use, plus tennis and basketball courts are all available as part of the Connerton lifestyle.

Visit Connerton, enjoy the beauty of its location, tour the models, and as a bonus, you might be the winner of $1,000 cash card just for stopping by!

Connerton is located on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, six miles north of State Road 54. Call them at (813) 996-5800, or visit them at Connerton.com.

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Highly qualified stylists and still reasonably priced

By

Michael Schipano and Fred Davis are co-owners of HairStyle Salon in Land O’ Lakes. Michael has the styling experience while Fred brings an experienced business perspective. Together they have created a flourishing salon experience for their clientele.

Back row (l to r), Drew Riggs, Michelle Teaford, Peg Shaffer, Teresa Spencer, Ashley Bish, Steve Cox; front row (l to r), Michael Schipano and Fred Davis
Back row (l to r), Drew Riggs, Michelle Teaford, Peg Shaffer, Teresa Spencer, Ashley Bish, Steve Cox; front row (l to r), Michael Schipano and Fred Davis

“We’re an independently owned salon, not a chain,” says Michael. “We wanted to create an open and inviting atmosphere for guests along with an engaging and friendly atmosphere for our stylists to work.”

Michael worked as a stylist for more than 20 years in the New Tampa area before starting HairStyle Salon two years ago. “I wanted to pay it forward to a new generation of stylists,” says Michael.

Michael personally trained under Sam Villa and Michael Cole, two big names in the industry. He provides mentoring and constant training to all of his stylists. “We have extremely high-qualified stylists, yet we’re still reasonably priced,” says Michael. “Pricing is based on the demand for the stylist, not years of experience. Most of our stylists have more than 20 years experience.”

Michael has a strong focus on furthering the education and expertise of his stylists. They have designers come in to teach classes on-site and also attend events where they can learn from well-known designers. All of the staff attend these events, both on-site and off.

They are currently participating in a Redken color rebel contest where each stylist attempts to predict the

newest trends. These contest and events help to keep everyone aware of the latest techniques and focused on providing the very best service to their clientele.

HairStyle Salon is an exclusively Redken salon. They have a color bar in the front of the salon where guests can work with their stylist to create the perfect hair color. A Redken top-shelf list of premium colors is also available to guests.

They also carry Pureology as their boutique line of sulfate free, color fade resistant, 100 percent vegan products for at home care.

Michael and Fred are very active in the community. “We try to give back and support other local businesses in every way we can,” says Fred. “It takes a real commitment to run an independent business today. We have to help each other.”

This independent attention to detail is evident in their website also. Guests can schedule an appointment online anytime day or night. They can request a specific stylist and that styl- ist will confirm their appointment via email or telephone. “It’s a very easy system to use,” says Fred. Guests can also call during normal business hours to schedule an appointment.

“We do everything we can to provide an over-the-top experience for our guests and a great working environment for our staff,” says Michael. “It has to be about the experience,” adds Fred.

Active military, teachers and uniformed service personnel (police, fire, emergency medical, etc.) always receive a 20 percent discount off every service.

The HairStyle Salon is located at 23014 State Road 54, in Lutz, in the Willow Bend Town Centre. They can be reached at (813) 948-1270, or at www.HairStyle-salon.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

This artist styles hair, too

By

Joan Cotter has been styling hair for 35 years. After learning her trade in Ireland, she moved to Long Island, New York and opened her first salon in 1987. Thirteen years later, she moved to Florida and opened her second salon, The Jagged Edge, in Lutz.

Joan Cotter of Hair Today
Joan Cotter of Hair Today

In March of 2012 she opened Hair Today in the Connerton Plaza in Land O’ Lakes. “We’re very convenient to residents in the new town of Connerton,” says Joan. Hair Today is located in the Publix shopping center at the corner of U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.

Joan has four full-time stylists employed at Hair Today. Gail Strickland, formerly of Super Cuts in Land O’ Lakes, and Meagan Whehle, formerly of J. Joseph Salon in Land O’ Lakes, are her newest employees. Meagan is especially experienced with Keratin treatments and coloring.

“We have a great staff here,” says Joan. “Everyone gets along with each other very well and shows a real willingness to help each other out when customers have questions or ask for opinions. This is a very friendly and welcoming environment for customers and the staff.”

Her team is experienced with caucasian and ethnic hair care. In addition to hair care, they offer microdermabrasion and mini-facials, roller sets, updos, relaxers and perms. Her primary products are Eufora, GK, Mizani and Paul Mitchell. She recently added a manicure and pedicure station.

The atmosphere of the salon is relaxed and personable. She started painting as a hobby a little over two years ago. “It’s very relaxing,” says Joan. “I paint mostly 19th century ladies and landscapes. I’ve always felt a closeness with things of that era, so it was only natural for me to focus my painting there.”

You can find a number of her paintings displayed on the walls at Hair Today. Viewing her paintings while getting your hair styled enhances the experience and adds a personal touch not found in a typical salon.

Women’s cuts start at $25. Children’s cuts are $12. Men’s cuts start at $15, and she offers beard and mustache trimming for an additional $5. Consultations are free. Stop on in if you have questions or want to explore a change in style. Walk-ins are always welcome.

It’s located at 7818 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Wesley Chapel welcomes local art galleria

By

Donna Bruno, owner of Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering, started working with polymer clay only two short years ago. Her hands were filled with pain and almost useless, when she gave it the first try. To do something that caused more pain made little sense at the time. Not relying on her own understanding, she started down a path that would eventually lead to her hands becoming fully healed and so much more.

Donna Bruno (r), owner of Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering, poses with her son, Levi.
Donna Bruno (r), owner of Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering, poses with her son, Levi.

Donna started out making jewelry, selling the pieces at local bazaars and fairs. She enjoyed speaking to others about her experiences working with clay and sharing the story of her healing. “I wasn’t sure where all of this was leading me until God showed me a vision of what was to come,” says Donna. “I see now that the vision is my inspiration; my calling is clear.”

The official grand opening of Set apART Galleria, Gifts and Gathering came to fruition on Sept.14. The name of the store describes the three-fold mission.

Through the “Galleria,” local artists, musicians and authors have an avenue to show and sell their consigned works of art. “The set-up is uniquely different, a cross between an art gallery and a bou- tique,” says Donna. “We’re currently displaying art, music and books created by a number of very talented local artists.” Numerous mediums, styles and vibrant colors grace the walls, shelves and even ceiling of this 1500sf space.

The concept of “Gifts” goes well beyond a place to shop. “We are all uniquely and wonderfully made; our uniqueness is our gift. Artists feel the need to share their gift and the stories that go with it to the world,” says Donna.”

“Gathering” expresses a focus on community by providing a place where people can come together to share, learn and enjoy the company of others. Donna says, “The vision is to bring people together in their uniqueness, not to divide due to difference.” The rear of the shop is a cozy place for this growing group of artists to offer a number of events, classes and an opportunity for fellowship.

Polymer clay classes are available for children and adults at $10 per person. A beading group teaches classes to create unique jewelry using tiny glass beads. You can find the latest classes, events and information by calling the shop at (813) 501-4994 or visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SetApARTGalleriaGiftsGatheringLLC.

“Everyone has a unique, creative talent,” says Donna. “My goal is to help people to find and express their creative talents with passion.”

“I’ve always loved working with my hands, making something out of nothing,” says Donna. “I’ve put all my heart, soul and finances into this adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact.”

Further down the line, Donna aspires to start a halfway house for women try- ing to get back on their feet. “I desire to teach them how to work with their hands, finding who they were created to be,” Donna says. The Galleria is only the beginning.

Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering is located at 30056 State Road 54, in Freedom Plaza in Wesley Chapel. The beautiful works of art being created by some of your artistic neighbors offer a unique shopping experience. Stop in for a real treat.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Jam-packed fun on the schedule at Grand Horizons

By

As time marches on and we get closer and closer to returning to Grand Horizons, we do get reports on how things are in our development.

From the newsletter that comes from Grand Horizons, and also some friends, we have heard of the activities that are starting to pick up and some that never stopped.

Activities that have been going on continually and getting larger as you read this, are dominoes, which is loads of fun; mah-jongg, which certainly makes you think; exercises in the pool, which is a good way to maintain your health and get some exercise; and some card games like poker, pay me, and others which are loads of fun.

Bingo is a big hit for our residents and has continued throughout the summer months.

Mansfield Dam in Connecticut was one of the stops on the Rubenstein’s latest ‘mystery tour.’ (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)
Mansfield Dam in Connecticut was one of the stops on the Rubenstein’s latest ‘mystery tour.’ (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

There is so much more that have continued but now that our northern friends are returning, there will be so much more. I’m looking forward to a nice game of pinochle and learning new things in the world of art.

In the meantime, while we are getting ready to join our friends in Florida, we are trying to make the most of it by going on some overnight or day trips. On Sept. 28, we went for a mystery trip. Marty knows that I enjoy not knowing where we are going and thereby tries to surprise me at least once during the summer or fall. The fact that I honestly do not know kind of intrigues me to guess, and I never guess correctly. As time progresses, maybe I will.

Anyway, on this particular day, we woke up relatively early to fit in what Marty had planned. We started off by going to a huge church fair that they have every year, and we had fun just browsing and looking at all the baked goods. They sure looked good enough to eat, but we didn’t purchase any of them. We just tasted them in our dreams.

We then drove on to North Windham, Conn., where we saw alpacas. Some were full-grown, while others were just a week old. I did feel one of them, and now I see why alpaca goods that are sold in gift shops are so very expensive, as it felt as smooth as silk.

After spending some time here, we continued our trip to Brooklyn, Conn., where we went on the Creamery Brook Bison Tour. They had special wagon tours to take us through where the buffalo roam. It was a 40-minute ride through the entire working farm.

Once they got to a clearing and stopped the wagon, the bison, cows and their calves came over to the wagon to get a snack of grain or hay. There were approximately 90 bison on this farm, and you can literally find them all over.

The Creamery Brook Farm began as a dairy farm and later became a bison farm. It was because of their fascination with the “majestic buffalo” that the buffalo herd grew.

After spending a lovely few hours here, we continued on to view the Mansfield Dam. We had stopped here many years ago, and they have built a lovely parking area where you can view the dam at your leisure.

We then continued through several more towns until we stopped at Coventry and had a nice dinner. All in all it was a nice day and we got to enjoy the sunshine.

When we arrived home from our mystery tour, an email came through with the upcoming events that they will have at Grand Horizons. Just to name a few, and what the people in Grand Horizons can expect in the future, are things like Taco Night that will be hosted by Andy and Margaret Castonguay, pancake breakfasts will once again start up and so will Egg n’ bag. Both of these functions are an absolute delight. Card making, which is always very enjoyable, will also start up, plus so many other activities.

There will be a Halloween potluck on Oct. 31 hosted by Robbie Lockard, and we will have music by Gary Wilcox. There will be a fashion show by Bon Worth hosted by Cathy Cribbs.

A community wide yard sale will be on Nov. 16, and there will be lunch, plus baked goods and a book sale in the community center.

Also planned is a Thanksgiving dinner/ potluck on Nov. 26. A talent show is planned for some time in the fall season plus more as the year progresses.

We have all this to look forward to!

 

By Helene Rubenstein

Swiftmud lowers taxes, cuts budget

By

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, the water usage governing agency commonly known as Swiftmud, has reduced its ad valorem taxes for the upcoming fiscal year.

Swiftmud’s governing board adopted a millage rate of 0.3818 mills, down 2.8 percent from the previous year.

One mill represents $1 of tax on every $1,000 of taxable property value. For example, a home appraised at $150,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption would be levied a Swiftmud tax of $38.18 for the coming year.

The savings represent a $2.9 million overall reduction in how much Swiftmud will collect from property owners this year compared to last year. This year’s budget totals $170.8 million. That budget includes $95.8 million for capital and infrastructure as well as other projects.

Those investments, after being leveraged with various financial partners, will rise to $138 million. It will be funded using money available from previous years as well as projects that have already been completed under budget or outright cancelled.

Swiftmud’s district encompasses roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties in the state, according to the agency’s website. It serves a population of 4.7 million people.

The state allows Swiftmud to levy up to 1 mill, but the agency actually only collects about a third of that with the current budget.