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People & parties

Club is a beacon for new neighbors

By JENNIFER STEWART
Published January 16, 2005

BAYONET POINT - One question that was drawn for the neighborhood group's game "Who Wants to Be a Beacon Woods Millionaire?" involved Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton.

"Maybe this is a bad question for Beacon Woods," Lois Beaudrie quickly added after reading the card.

But those who attended the Beacon Woods Newcomers Club dessert party in the neighborhood's clubhouse Jan. 7 just laughed. The 25-member club, a think tank of sorts for social activities in the neighborhood, formed in November.

"So it's very embryonic. We're just starting out," said Diane Ryan, who co-founded the group with her husband, club president Bob Ryan.

The group offers "a way to tap into resources and interests that aren't already being addressed in Beacon Woods," Diane said. The club will create new groups and activities based on requests from its members.

The greatest interest thus far has been for a gourmet cooking club and trips to the theater.

"We want neighbors to meet neighbors and do things together," Bob said. "No meetings. I won't get impeached for that one, I guarantee you."

At the recent party, admission was a dessert that could feed at least six people. A banana split pie and a variety of chocolate delicacies were among the sweets partygoers ate while listening to the blues and jazz fusion-style tunes of club member Doug Gantzer on the piano.

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., the Ryans spent time in Ireland before moving to Beacon Woods about six months ago. "It's unique as a planned community, and its rustic nature," Bob said of the neighborhood. "And it's not just (ages) 55 plus - all walks of life."

Diane's background is in advertising and public relations, and Bob worked as a regional group manager for a life insurance company.

"What do we do?" Diane said the couple wondered after moving here. "Do we wait for someone to knock on our door?"

They don't wonder as much today.

Membership in the Newcomers Club is open to all adults who live in Beacon Woods, even those who have lived there for decades.

"To us they're newcomers, and we want them to join us," Diane said.

The club's next event is a wine tasting and tour of Empire Winery, 11807 Little Road in Hudson, at 2 p.m. Feb. 12. For more information on the group, call (727) 869-7574.

NEW PORT RICHEY - West Pasco Art Guild member Joan Spinnanger believes enthusiasm, commitment and informality are among the characteristics that differentiate her group from others.

"We are very relaxed and easygoing," she said. We do a lot of socializing with the paintings."

Spinnanger and Sylvia Solomon served as chairwomen of a Jan. 7 reception for the art guild's annual members fine art show.

The event featured about 30 works on display, lots of wine, and lemon bars, roll-up sandwiches and other treats, most of which were made by members.

The West Pasco Art Guild has about 100 members and is tucked away in a neighborhood near Main Street. Many of its artists' works, such as paintings and jewelry, now appear in Demetri's Restaurant and several local libraries.

"We're trying to make people know where we are," said guild president Sally Hanlon.

The guild, which offers a number of classes, does not receive public funding, member Lori Miller said. "We work very hard."

Sherry Kalman, art curator at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, judged the works in the current show. The winners were announced at the reception.

Among the artists who received awards were: Kathy Detrano, first place for the watercolor Annabelle, Head Study; Bobbie Slifer, second place for the oil painting On Chesapeake Bay; and Beverly Heller, third place for the watercolor Oriental Ribbon.

Club member and art instructor Jo Baughman thinks it's not important to most artists that they win. It's just important that they get feedback.

"We're only as good as our last painting," Baughman said.

Among those at the reception:

Gene and Donna Lyle, New Port Richey; Ann Clark, Port Richey; Edith Courter, Bayonet Point; Sandy Neely, Bayonet Point; and Bill Heller, Hudson.

The member show continues through Feb. 3. The West Pasco Art Guild is at 6206 Jefferson St. in New Port Richey.

Jennifer Stewart writes about social events and personalities in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 727 869-6231. Her e-mail address is jstewart@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:33:22]