JoEllen Stranger-Thorsen, Lake County, FL

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson

April 11 through May 4, 2008

The Bay Street Players at the Historical State Theatre Eustis, Florida present The Miracle Worker by William Gibson. Designed & Directed by David W. Clevinger, the production has received rave reviews. I highly recommend this fantastic production.

Tickets are available by calling the box office 352-357-7777 or you can order them on-line at www.baystreetplayers.org

On the shores of Lake Dora sits the majestic and historic Lakeside Inn

In the early 1880's Mount Dora was known as Royellou. The town consisted of no more than a post office. The postmaster Ross Tremain named the lakeside outpost after his three children; Roy, Ella and Louis.

The sixteen families who lived along the shore of Lake Dora decided the town needed a hotel. It was about this time Royellou was renamed Mount Dora. "Mount" for the uncommon attribute (for Florida) of being 184 feet above sea level.

Town Father John Alexander entered into a partnership with Annie MacDonald Stone Donnelly, wife of John P. Donnelly, and Colonel John A. MacDonald to open the Alexander House in 1883. The Alexander Inn still stands as Lakeside Inn's most historic building.

In 1893 the Alexander Inn was sold to Miss Emma Boone who changed the name to Lake House. At this time guests arrived by rail to the inn's backdoor. In 1903 Lake House was renamed The Lakeside Inn by Emma Boone and her new husband George D. Thayer.

The Lakeside Inn enjoyed its heyday in the 1920's despite prohibition. It is rumored the inn served as a speak-easy. (Possible evidence to the rumor is the secret passage in the lobby.)

In 1924 Charles Edgerton purchased the inn and remained the owner for 55 years. He added three buildings to the inn; The Sunset, The Gables and The Terrace. In 1930, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the new buildings during his post-retirement vacation at the inn.

The Lakeside Inn has entertained the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In 1979 the inn closed for the winter season for the filming of Honky Tonk Freeway, a John Shlesinger film. The inn was painted pink and an Indian elephant was shipped in and taught to water ski on Lake Dora for the film.

The inn boasts 86 guestrooms divided among the four historic buildings. Visitors can count on a peaceful stay with views of beautiful Lake Dora while the inn offers all conveniences of a modern premier resort.

Looking to visit Mount Dora, Florida? Find out more information or make reservations: http://lakeside-inn.com

The Time Has Come...

Dust off the clubs, find your glove and get ready!

Faith Lutheran School Parent Teacher League 5th Annual Golf Tournament is April 19, 2008

This event is held at

The Country Club of Mount Dora

Mount Dora, Florida

The Parent Teacher League of Faith Lutheran School, Eustis, Florida is working hard to make this year's event a tremendous success for the participants, sponsors and school. The funds raised by this year's tournament will be used for much needed playground equipment.

The tournament is a four man scramble with shotgun start. The cost per player is $60 which includes greens fees, cart, awards luncheon and beverage service. There are awards for the top three teams, closest to the pin, longest drive and a special $20,000 hole-in-one prize.

Shotgun Start is 8:30 AM

For more information call the school office at 352-589-5683, registration forms are available at the school website: http://fastdir.com/faitheustis (click on March 14 newsletter)

Sponsorships are still available

Oops, I had to edit to change the tee time to 8:30! You can sleep 30 minutes later. I hear the weather is going to be gorgeous!

Living in Lake County, aptly named with 1400 lakes, my children have learned lesson #1 rather easily.

Lesson #1 -- If there is water, an alligator is nearby.

Unique Car Game... Drive along Lakeshore Drive and challenge your children to find and count the gators in the lake! This is very exciting, especially for the four year old who is now able to count to 20. This also reinforces lesson #1. Depending on the day and time we can see no gators or more than ten.

Lesson #2-- Even if you can't see them, they are there.

Yesterday while I was out and about, camera in hand as usual, I decided to take a walk along the shores of Lake Eustis, a beautiful 7,000 acre lake that provides a picturesque background to historic downtown Eustis. Of course I was hoping to spot a creature or two along the way as they seem to just love posing for a picture or two.

I happened upon this little guy.

Maybe he was looking for these guys...

Should I mention we were having a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid-70's?

I was a little disappointed because I didn't see as many birds as I normally do, as they love to show off for the camera. I was also a little surprised I didn't see the occasional gator sunning along the shores. It was mid-day though and they tend to be out in the early morning or evenings.

I enjoyed my walk along the shore, it was a nice break in my day and very refreshing. I decided to pack it in and get back to the office.

I walked along the pier and headed back towards my car. That is when I stumbled on...

Isn't he handsome?

Come and enjoy the Wild Life!

P.S. Don't forget Lesson #1 and Lesson #2

Whether you enjoy boats or bikes, horses or birds, antiques or art, Lake County has it for you.

I have called Lake County home since 1999. This is the Lake County I know...

I was a crime scene investigator with the Orange County Sheriff's Office when I met and married my husband, a deputy with the agency. At the time I lived in downtown Orlando area and I enjoyed the faster pace and many conveniences of the city. (You know, lattes and Chinese food delivery.) He had called Lake County home for over twenty years after growing up in Zellwood and doing a stint in the Navy. When we married I moved to his Lake County home.

I live in Eustis, located in the heart of central Florida along the eastern shore of Lake Eustis. With a population of 17,000 and growing Eustis has a small town friendliness with a historical downtown, a variety of dining experiences and an excellent hospital. Lake Eustis is a 7,000 acre lake and is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Lake County has 1400 lakes and the best of these make up the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Harris Chain flows into the Oklawaha River, feeding the St. Johns River and eventually traveling all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Eustis and Lake Dora are connected by the Dora Canal, reportedly the most beautiful 1/2 mile of water in the world. I personally recommend kayaking this scenic canal. Don't forget your camera, you can get the most amazing pictures of the wildlife.

I was attracted to Mount Dora long before I lived here. I used to travel the 45 minutes from Orlando twice a year to attend the Mount Dora Arts Festival held the first weekend in February and the Mount Dora Crafts Festival held the fourth weekend in October. In addition to these fine festivals there are several other events held in Mount Dora; Taste of Mount Dora (May), Art Car weekend (August), plant festival (November), antiques festivals, music festivals, concerts in the park, outdoor movies, etc.

I am proud to call Lake County home. I have found several locations for good lattes, no Chinese food delivery (that's okay, my husband doesn't like Chinese food.) This is a great place to live, work and raise my children. I enjoy visiting the big city and catching the energy, but I always enjoy coming home where I kick up my feet, relax and still have that frilly cup of coffee!