LIFESTYLE
Beatlemania,
Furry Friend: Piper
COMMUNITY
NWF: For the Love of Birds MEMBER
Ashley Cooper Resort Manager
Ashley.Cooper@TeamEsplanade.com
Catherine Gangloff Community Association Manager Catherine.Gangloff@TeamEsplanade.com
Resort Amenity Center 10730 Inglenook Terrace, Palmetto 941-479-6575 The Venue II 5524 Orsello Street, Palmetto
Sales Gallery Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wed & Sun, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Jodie McDowell, Community Sales Manager, 813-330-2373 JMcDowell@TaylorMorrison.com
Lori Russell, Community Sales Manager, 919-208-8693 LRussell@TaylorMorrison.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Letter From the Lifestyle Team
ASHLEY COOPER YOUR RESORT MANAGER
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Your Lifestyle team is thrilled to step into 2025 with you and can’t wait to create amazing new memories together. Let’s make this year one to remember!
Did you know our community is bursting with fun and connection?
With 26 Member-led clubs, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re hitting the pickleball courts, pursuing fitness goals, or diving into creative hobbies, Esplanade at Artisan Lakes is the perfect place to find your passion. If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own club, let’s make it happen! Swing by the Resort Amenity Center front desk to grab an application.
Got a party to plan? Let us help!
Whether it’s a milestone celebration or a casual gathering, we’re here to help. Stop by the front desk for a Private Event Form or email the Resort Manager with your desired date, and we’ll book your party.
Here’s to new adventures, lasting friendships, and a fantastic year ahead. We’re so excited to see you at upcoming events and around the community!
Where were you born?
Serena Horton
YOUR RESORT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
I was born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. During my junior year of high school, my parents and I moved to Florida. Shortly after, my grandparents joined us here.
What are your hobbies?
I have a wide range of hobbies that keep me busy and inspired. I enjoy photography, music, organizing, cleaning, cooking, and reading. I like to maintain a clean and organized environment—it’s a bit of a “military-esque” approach to life that I thrive on. One of my favorite pastimes is taking long drives while listening to music, which often leads me to the beach. I love taking a moment to watch the waves and clear my mind.
Tell us something that might surprise people.
I have a strong love for fashion, especially solid and neutral tones like black, white, beige, and green clothing. I’m drawn to simple yet elegant statement pieces, and I’m all about being color-coordinated. Fun fact: I used to have a mannequin in my room that I’d dress with my outfit for the next day. It was my own personal style preview!
Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to?
Rhode Island, specifically Narragansett, holds a special place in my heart. From ages 6 to 16, my family had a beach house there, and it’s where so many of my favorite memories were made. Summers were spent with good friends, relaxing on the beach, getting a tan, and enjoying nightly family game nights. As they say, “You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul.”
What is your favorite part about Florida?
I love Florida’s tropical feel—seeing palm trees everywhere and being so close to a variety of beaches is amazing. I’ve embraced the
“beach babe” lifestyle, but I’ll admit, I do miss Connecticut’s seasons, especially the beauty of fall when the leaves change colors.
What is your favorite thing about Esplanade?
What I love most about Esplanade is the endless opportunities for events, classes, and unique experiences. I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day, which is something not everyone can say. Esplanade’s philosophy of caring for the mind, body, and spirit resonates deeply with me, and it’s rewarding to see how it impacts our Members’ lives. The Members here have been incredibly supportive and have made my journey at Esplanade so fulfilling. I’ve built amazing connections with them, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Our staff feels like a big family, we have so much fun together and really bring out each other’s skills and strengths.
Fitness & Wellness Events
ZUMBA PARTY
Mondays, January 6 & February 3 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, January 18 & February 15 | 9 - 10 a.m.
Movement Studio
Get ready to dance your heart out at our exhilarating Zumba Party with instructor Jana—completely complimentary! Join us for a highenergy workout that feels more like a party than exercise. Groove to infectious beats, enjoy a fun atmosphere, and meet fellow fitness enthusiasts. No experience necessary—just bring your energy and a smile! Let’s move, groove, and have a blast together!
SOUND BATH MEDITATION
Sundays, January 26 & February 23 | 5 - 6 p.m.
Movement Studio
Escape the hustle and bustle with our calming South Bath Meditation. Join us for a serene session where you can unwind, relax, and reconnect with your inner peace. Let soothing sounds and gentle guidance lead you into a state of tranquility. This is your time to breathe deeply and embrace stillness—perfect for rejuvenating your mind and spirit. Come and find your calm!
Tribute Show
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
6:30 p.m. | $15 Per Member Resort Amenity Center
The Beatles were a phenomenon that changed rock and roll forever. The Britins recreate the era that influenced so many top groups and artists today. Join The Britins as they play Beatle hits. Follow along on a Magical Mystery Tour of sights and sounds through that remarkable era of the 1960s, recreated with authentic Beatles gear and costumes.
WHEELS & WONDERS
Car Show
Saturday, February 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Resort Amenity Center
Rev your engines and join us for an unforgettable day exploring a dazzling lineup of vehicles. Enjoy great music, mingle with fellow car lovers, and marvel at the craftsmanship and stories behind these stunning rides. Don’t miss this high-octane celebration of all things on wheels! See page 15 for more information or contact John Wright at johnbcruz@aol. com or 248-330-0703.
Saturday, February 1
11 a.m. | Resort Amenity Center
Let the little ones get creative and spread the love with a fun Valentine’sthemed craft activity! Stay tuned for more details on this heartwarming event full of creativity and festive fun.
HAVE FURRY FAMILY MEMBER THAT YOU WANT TO FEATURE?
Contact your Lifestyle Manager, to be featured in the next edition of the Lifestyle Magazine. Answer a few questions about your furry, feathery, or scaly friend and share a couple pictures. Don’t have a furry family of your own, but know a community Member who does? Nominate them to be the next Featured Furry Friend. Contact the Member to suggest the feature or your Resort Manager at Ashley. Cooper@TeamEsplanade.com to nominate anonymously.
Furry Friends Meet Piper
LOVED BY MARC BAUER
What breed is your pet, how old, and when is her birthday?
Piper is a 12-year-old Labrador born on November 8.
How long has your pet been a part of your family?
Since she was eight weeks old, so basically her whole life!
Sibling names or is your pet an only child?
Piper is an only child. Her mom was Lilly who lived to 13 and passed three and half years ago.
When you travel does she travel with you?
If I drive, Piper travels. We have been to Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Florida for vacations over the years.
What is her favorite treat?
Dingo sticks!
What are a few amazing qualities about your sweet pup?
She is incredibly loyal! Piper loves cuddling on my arm rest when I watch TV. Never once has she ever shown aggression towards any human or animal. Piper enjoys having friends, including dogs, cats and horses.
Tell us a fun story involving your pet.
A couple summers ago in Dallas it was over 100 degrees and Piper found a mud puddle. She dove in and 100% got covered in mud. When she finished, she looked at me like, “What’s wrong?!”
For the Love of Birds
Look for Birds in Winter
Winter is a great time to look for birds! You will see birds that live where you live year-round and other species that move in temporarily (migrate) from other places. Bird Watching is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. And, birds are everywhere! Plus, you can help promote greater conservation by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count February 14–17, 2025. Learn more at thegreenhour.org/ activity/for-the-love-of-birds
Exclusive Concierge Offerings
Let us handle the details while you enjoy the moments. To browse the full list of available Esplanade Concierge offerings, visit EsplanadePerks.com and use registration code esplanade2023 to access the Esplanade Member portal. Through the Esplanade Concierge program we are proud to offer you exclusive discounts and rates on everything from local restaurants and attractions, to movie tickets, car rentals, hotels and more! With thousands of local and national offers across 10,000 cities and easy mobile access, you’ll always find a reason to celebrate your savings.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME SWEET HOME PAINTING
10% off Home Painting Services using discount code, “SweetHome10” 941-465-8187 sweethomereno5@gmail.com
ZINGA’S Blinds, Shutters, Shades, Outdoor Screen Shades and Awnings 20% off minimum purchase of $2,500. Kathy Foddrill: 941-254-6514 kathyfoddrill@zingashome.com
OPIE’S QUALITY HOME SERVICES
10% off all Home Improvement Services. Instagram @OpiesQHS opiesqhc@gmail.com
KNOT YET KNOWN INC.
10% off all Services Instagram @KnotYetKnown knotyetknown@gmail.com
KINETIC KRAFTSMEN
10% off Outdoor Kitchens Services and Custom Carpentry Pieces trent@kinetickraftsmen.com
ANIMAL CARE
BAYSIDE PET RESORT, SARASOTA, OSPREY & LAKEWOOD RANCH
10% off Select Services baysidepetresort.com
BOATING
CARE FREE BOAT CLUB
Esplanade at Artisan Lakes Members get $500 Off Initiation Fee 4801 37th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 866-539-2628
Phill.Ross@Carefreeboats.com
THE TROON CARD
Esplanade Members receive 25% off standard Troon Card prices. The Troon Card is the ultimate way for golfers to experience the World of Troon at the best rates. For a complete list of benefits, courses and rates, and to purchase your Troon Card today, visit troon.com/product/ troon-card-esplanade
FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS
IN HOME SENIOR FITNESS
Stay fit and healthy without leaving your home! Our trainers have backgrounds in physical and occupational therapy with decades of experience with anyone from healthy and fit to wheelchair bound. Mention Esplanade for 10% off. 813-802-8049 727-434-3085 inhomeseniorfitness.com
YOGA BARRE LAKEWOOD RANCH
With code “AZARIO10” Members can receive 10% off classes or packages. Inquire about private sessions as well. lwryogabarre.com
DRYER VENT CLEANING
FIREHOUSE DRYER
$85 Per Home 941-676-3443 contact@firehousedryer.com firehousedryer.com
Christina Whitehead
The Members of our community are truly what make this a wonderful place to live. In each edition, we will spotlight a Member, couple or family to showcase the amazing people that call our community home. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate another Member, please contact your Resort Manager.
Why did you choose Esplanade at Artisan Lakes?
AQmajor cities, all while giving us the feeling of being on vacation yearround. We have lived here for two years!
What Lifestyle programs are you most interested in?
I discovered pickleball shortly after moving here, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I absolutely love participating in the events organized by the Pro team and playing in the pickleball leagues. It’s become a highlight in my days! I’ve also enjoyed attending several of the fitness classes offered at the gym and have attended many of the Signature Events hosted here!
Tell us about your family and current or past professions. I moved here with my mom, and for now I get to balance the best of both worlds—home sweet home and my senior year at the University of Tampa!
What is the best advice you have ever received or given?
It might sound cheesy, but the best advice I’ve ever gotten came from my mom: “Always follow your heart and do what makes you happy. You get one life, live it how you want!”
Where is the most exciting place you’ve traveled to and what made it so memorable?
The most exciting place I have traveled to would have to be the cruises my family used to take to the Caribbean. I look back and realize it was never necessarily the places that made it so memorable, as it was the core memories made with my family at such a young age!
We discovered Esplanade purely by chance, and we couldn’t be more grateful! After relocating from New Jersey, we knew we wanted a central location that offered easy access to both the beaches and
Massage
Indulge in a well-deserved escape and treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa massage with our talented massage therapist, Victoria Thomas. With her expert touch and personalized approach, Victoria will help you melt away stress and tension, leaving you feeling revitalized and refreshed. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or relief from muscle aches, this is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your well-being and indulge in a moment of tranquility. Visit the Concierge Desk or call the Resort Amenity Center at 941-479-6575 to schedule your appointment today!
Tell us something that might surprise people. Something that would surprise people about me is that I have played basketball my whole life.
Culinary-Inspired Adventures Await!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JANUARY 10, 2025!
Destinations by Esplanade and Patrick Scully, National Manager of Food, Beverage & Culinary Experience, proudly invite you to spark your sense of culinary adventure with the introduction of two new food and beverage inspired travel experiences in 2025!
“One of my greatest joys while traveling is discovering new cultures through their cuisine. As your personal culinary guide on each journey, let’s indulge in the flavors and uncover the stories that make every destination unique!”
TASTE OF ITALY WITH SORRENTO 10 DAYS | 9 NIGHTS
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy over 10 days and 9 nights. Explore the iconic sights of Venice, Florence, and Rome, then journey to the historic ruins of Pompeii and the stunning coastal gems of Sorrento and the Isle of Capri.
To learn more about both trips, log in to the exclusive Esplanade Member portal on DestinationsByEsplanade.com and use password “esplanade2023.”
SECRETS OF THE DOURO: PORTO TO PORTO LUXURY RIVER CRUISE 8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS
Embark on an 8-day, 7-night luxury river cruise through Portugal’s enchanting Douro Valley. Discover terraced vineyards, historic landmarks, and charming towns, with an extended stay in the vibrant capital, Lisbon.
Recent Events
Kids Pumpkin PAINTING
We had an amazing time with 20 little artists who transformed their pumpkins into creative masterpieces! After all the fun, everyone enjoyed delicious snacks, making it a perfect day of art and laughter.
Spooktacular HALLOWEEN BASH
Seventy Members gathered for good music, dancing, and some of the most creative costumes ever! Congratulations to our costume winners: Bloody Bride (Creepiest and Best Overall), the Minions (Funniest), and the Tinas from Booking.com (Coolest)!
Fall in Love WITH WELLNESS
A great event with over 30 vendors offering shopping, information booths, and so much more! It was a great day!
Annual Witches BROOMCYCLE
Around 20 amazing “witches” joined us on their “broomcycles” for an unforgettable ride, raising $1,075 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Thank you to everyone who participated or donated— your support helps light the way toward a cure!
Recent Events
Pickled Pink PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Our Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament brought the Esplanade community together for a fun-filled day, raising an incredible $3,280 for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. With 40 amazing players, a lively atmosphere, sweet treats, and generous sponsors, it was a day of fitness, community, and heartfelt support for a meaningful cause.
SIP Wine Club
Created to empower wine lovers of all levels to discover, purchase and enjoy wine, SIP Wine Club gives Members access to a diverse selection of wine with opportunities to enjoy wine tastings, unique private label selections and Member only discounts. With expert guidance and unmatched convenience, everyone from those just starting to explore the world of wine to a seasoned sommelier can easily find their go-to wines or discover new flavor profiles. Using the QR code, hear from Patrick Scully, National Manager of Food, Beverage and Culinary Experience as he outlines the details of the SIP Wine Club!
Upcoming Events
All activities/events subject to change. For details and to register, visit esplanadeartisanlakeslifestyle.com/events.
TASTY THURSDAY FOOD TRUCK NIGHTS
Thursdays, January 2 & February 6 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
Take a break from the kitchen and kick off the weekend early! Join your neighbors every first Thursday for Tasty Thursday Food Truck Nights. Grab a mouthwatering meal from our featured food truck, perfect for bringing home or enjoying on the extended lanai with friends. It’s the best way to treat yourself and unwind—food truck details posted on our event calendar on the Esplanade website!
LIVE MUSIC - GERRY HATRIX BAND
Saturday, January 4 | 6 -8 p.m.
Resort Amenity Lanai
Join us for a relaxing evening of live music on the lanai! Bring your favorite beverages and enjoy the soothing tunes under the stars. Details about the featured band will be shared via email. Don’t miss this wonderful night of music and community!
AMBER MAKING WAVES RESIN CLASS
Sunday, January 5 | 2 - 4 p.m.
Resort Main Room | $85 Per Member
Join us for a creative and fun session with host Amber from Making Waves! Learn how to craft stunning ocean-like waves using resin on a beautiful 12” white lazy Susan. Personalize your masterpiece by bringing your own shells to add a unique touch! After this hands-on activity you’ll leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind tray. Let’s make some waves together! This class is limited to 20 Members.
SALAD BAR POTLUCK
Wednesday, January 15 | 6 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center
Lettuce eat light! Join us for a Salad Bar Potluck that will be packed with fresh greens, vegetables and proteins. Everything you need to make a full dinner. The added benefit is having great conversations with your neighbors! Each Member brings one item to add to the salad bar. Event is limited to 60 Members. Members are encouraged to bring your own beverages and serving utensils for your dish. Visit the Concierge Desk to register. Registration required by January 10.
BLOOD DRIVE HOSTED BY ONEBLOOD
Thursday, January 16 | 1 - 7 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
More information to schedule an appointment is on the website!
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
Fridays, January 17 & February 21 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
Participating food trucks can be found on the Esplanade website interactive calendar.
A SLICE OF TRIVIA
Tuesdays, January 21 & February 18 | 6:30 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Main Room | $5 Per Member
Grab your family and neighbors for a night of trivia and pizza! Great Big Trivia host Jeremy will be asking questions that strike the right balance between fun and challenging. This activity is $5 per Member. Your ticket includes a night of trivia, prizes for the winning team and two slices of pizza!
Upcoming Events
All activities/events subject to change. For details and to register, visit esplanadeartisanlakeslifestyle.com/events.
BEATLEMANIA TRIBUTE SHOW
Wednesday, January 29 | 6:30 p.m. Resort Amenity Center | $15 Per Member
On February 9, 1964, America was introduced to a phenomenon that would ultimately change rock and roll forever. That group was called The Beatles. The Britins recreate the era that influenced so many top groups and artists today. Enjoy as they play hits from the Fab Four, from Love Me Do to Let It Be. Follow along on a Magical Mystery Tour of sights and sounds through that remarkable era of the 1960s, recreated with authentic Beatles gear and costumes. The event is limited to 120 Members. No refunds will be available.
CAM CHAT
Every Tuesday
By Appointment Only - Call Resort Amenity Center
Join Catherine Gangloff, your Community Association Manager (CAM), for a one-on-one short meeting to answer your questions! Meetings are available in person, on the phone or video chat!
Monthly Member Meetings
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Thu, Jan 2 at 9:30 a.m. | Feb 6 at 6 p.m. Resort Amenity Center
Join us for some coffee and conversation, as we discuss the latest and greatest Lifestyle news in a relaxed and social atmosphere.
BINGO NIGHT
Thursday, January 23 & Tuesday, February 11 | 6 - 8 p.m. Resort Amenity Center Main Room
Calling all Members 18 years and older! Join us for an exciting Bingo Night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a chance to win! Grab your lucky charms, bring your game face, and get ready for a night of fun you won’t want to miss. See you there!
KIDS VALENTINE ACTIVITY
Saturday, February 1 | 11 a.m. Resort Amenity Center
Let the little ones get creative and spread the love with a fun Valentine’s-themed craft activity! Stay tuned for more details on this heartwarming event full of creativity and festive fun.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Thursdays, January 9 & February 13
9:30 a.m. | Resort Amenity Center
Join your Community Association Manager (CAM) for the most current updates about your community.
ESPLANADE 101
Thursdays, January 9 & February 13
11 a.m. | Resort Amenity Center
Join us for new homeowner orientation with the Lifestyle Manager and CAM as we introduce you to everything Esplanade.
Interest Groups & Social Clubs
To learn more about available clubs in the community, contact your Lifestyle Manager. To inquire about joining a club, contact the club chair listed below.
Weekly Member Clubs
BOCCE CLUB
Wednesdays | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kim Palmer: kimpalmer8733@gmail.com
BOOT CAMP
Mondays | 9 - 10 a.m. | Movement Studio
Erin Gagnon: eringagnon40@gmail.com
Kelly Manous: pkcgmano@yahoo.com
HAPPY HOUR BOCCE
Wednesdays | 3 - 5 p.m.
John Uhouse: johnu52@yahoo.com
LADIES BRIDGE
Wednesdays | 12:45 - 4 p.m. | Card Room
Dorene Mallard: dmallard1750@gmail.com
MAHJONG
Mondays | 12 - 3 p.m. | The Venue
Joann Von Werne: popsrvw@aol.com
Monthly Member Clubs
BOOK CLUB
4th Monday | 6 p.m. | Location Varies
Visit Esplanade website event calendar for details. Sue Barber: barber.sue@gmail.com
BRIDGE DISCUSSION GROUP
Wednesdays Except 2nd & 4th | 1 - 3 p.m.
Dorene Mallard: dmallard1750@gmail.com
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
2nd & 4th Thursday | Card Room
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Dorene Mallard: dmallard1750@gmail.com
EUCHRE CARD CLUB
3rd Thursday | 5 p.m. | The Venue
Dee Hamm: deehamm78@gmail.com
FUN WITH FRIENDS
Various Days
Bob & Colete: coletteabt@ymail.com
LINE DANCING CLUB
Wednesdays 1 - 2 p.m. | Fridays 12:152:15 p.m. | Saturdays 11 a.m.
Movement Studio
Toby Kelley: tkelley@tampabay.rr.com
MARTIAL ARTS CLUB
Tuesdays | 1 - 2 p.m. | Movement Studio
Lee Monday: leemondayphd@gmail.com
PINOCHLE CLUB
Wednesdays | 3 - 4:30 p.m. | The Venue
Ken Finc: kenfinc@gmail.com
SAMBA CARD CLUB
Tuesdays | 12 - 4:30 p.m. | The Venue
Susan Howe: susanahowe@gmail.com
SOCIAL BOCCE
Thursdays | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Bonnie Sikes: kbsikes51@gmail.com
SPIN CLUB
Various Days
Dave Sutton: cycleguy605@gmail.com
TENNIS CLUB
Mixed Intermediate Tuesday & Thursdays | 6 - 8 p.m. Tennis Courts 1 & 2
Jeff Hootman: jahooter@gmail.com
GOLF CART CLUB
Various Days
Cindy Byno: cbyno@icloud.com
GOLF CLUB
Various Days
Dan Santor: dsantork@aol.com
LADIES LUNCHEON
2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | Offsite
Dottie Achmoody: dottiea77@gmail.com
MEN’S DINNER GROUP
3rd Monday | 5 - 8 p.m. | Offsite
Scott Durann: sdurann@gmail.com
NEIGHBORS BREAKING BREAD
Various Days
Diane Green: juniemoon083@gmail.com
OENOPHILE CLUB
1st Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.
Kathy Regan: kmcregan@gmail.com
SHANGHAI RUMMY
2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Pam Pennetta: pampennetta@gmail.com
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR SINGLES
1st Monday | 7 p.m.
Helene Castellon: helenecastellon@gmail.com
WHEELS IN THE MORNING
1st Friday | 9 a.m.
John Wright: johnbcruzn@aol.com
Wheels in the Morning Club
Written by Roger Simpson, Member of Wheels in the Morning Club
Growing up in New York, I always had an interest in powered vehicles. When I was 10, I built a go kart from old lawnmower parts and when I was 13, I put a gas engine on my 20-inch stingray bicycle to drive around. Like Dave Shaffer who was featured in the last edition of Esplanade Lifestyle magazine, my first car was also a Mustang. However, that car was not as reliable as his and was traded in for a newer car as I commuted back and forth to college.
Fast forward to 1989 when I got a chance to buy a 1969 Porsche 911 that needed to have the engine and manual transmission rebuilt along with some body work. Back then I worked in an advanced engineering department for an automotive parts company and had access to tools and skilled tradesman that helped me rebuild the engine and transmission. For the next 26 years, I enjoyed driving the car during the summer months, driving to and from work and around town.
In 2015 after I retired, I started what I hoped would be a five-year full bare metal restoration project of the car. I found that the hidden rust was more extensive, and the restoration took 3,000 - 4,000 hours to complete over eight years. After replacing over 60 rusted panels, including the floor pan and front suspension pan, the car was ready for painting and then reassembly. Every nut, bolt and part has been either replaced or renewed along with all new leather interior parts, which I fabricated.
In September 2024, we entered the car in the Watkins Glen Vintage Festival Concours d’Elegance and took home the Judges Choice
award. It was nice to get recognized for all the hard work. Thankfully my wife MaryAnn was very understanding and patient during the many years it took to bring the car back to its former glory. I am now working on getting the car shipped down to Florida where I can enjoy it year-round.
WHEELS & WONDERS CAR SHOW
Saturday, February 8 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Resort Amenity Center
Esplanade Lifestyle & Wheels in the Morning Club is planning a car show! We would like to invite Members that have a sports car, classic car, antique car, or motorcycle to join us. We are planning a fun afternoon with lawn games and entertainment. We would like to have a minimum of 25 vehicles. There are many nice vehicles in our development. To participate, please contact John Wright for more information at johnbcruzn@aol.com or 248-330-0703.
Around Town
SHARKTOBERFEST
Saturday, January 18 | 7 - 10 p.m.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | $55
Raise a glass with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium during Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival in the Aquarium after hours, featuring local and regional breweries. Enjoy samples of their staple selections alongside unique, seasonal brews. Each guest will receive a commemorative tasting glass for sampling. Sharktoberfest guests will enjoy Mote Aquarium with live entertainment, food stations, merchandise vendors and special experiences provided by Mote’s Education department. For more information, visit www.visitsarasota. com/events-festivals/sharktoberfest-1
27TH ANNUAL THUNDER BY THE BAY MUSIC & MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL
February 14 - 16 | 5 p.m.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
The Thunder by the Bay Music and Motorcycle Festival is an actionpacked weekend benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children! The festival will feature headline performances from Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, and Creed Fisher. Enjoy non-stop live music, local vendors, thrilling daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike shows, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, and much more! On-site camping is available for those who want to stay close to the festivities. For more information visit thunderbythebay.org
EsplanadeArtisanLakesLifestyle.com