LIFESTYLE
Resort
Letter From the Lifestyle Team
SERENA HORTON YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER
Fall is on the Way!
The spirit of September brings fresh opportunities for connection, community, and fall fun! This month, we’re excited to offer several engaging events designed to bring neighbors together in meaningful ways.
On September 5, we’re hosting a special Young Members Pizza Night for those ages 21 to 35 who live in our Esplanade at Artisan Lakes community. This casual evening is the perfect chance to meet other young Members and enjoy some delicious pizza.
Then, on September 6 & 20, don’t miss Ann Mae’s Pop-Up Shop at the Resort Amenity Cafe. She’ll be serving up a delightful assortment of baked goods, pastries, and seasonal treats—freshly made and perfect for a cozy indulgence.
Looking ahead to October 26, we’re thrilled to announce our Halloween Golf Cart Parade! Start planning your decorations now and join the fun as we cruise through the community in spooky, silly, or creative Halloween style with your neighbors.
I love seeing our community come alive with enthusiasm and participation, and I look forward to all the memorable moments September will bring!
Samantha Spotts
YOUR LIFESTYLE CONCIERGE
Where were you born?
St Petersburg, Florida! Born and raised!
What are your hobbies?
My main hobby is crafting, mainly sewing and card/paper crafting! Beginner at best, but I still have fun. I also enjoy going to the gym, talking and connecting with others, thrifting, and exploring! I love being out of the house, whether it’s an event, going to the grocery store, the beach, or the park, I will always have fun!
What are you most thankful for?
I’m incredibly grateful for my family—but especially for my boyfriend, Josh. From day one, he’s gone above and beyond: driving 30 miles daily just to see me when I couldn’t drive, teaching me how to use the gym, how to drive, and even cleaning my old car so it didn’t reek. He rescued me on the highway, surprised me with flowers, joined me on every quirky adventure, and even saved our anniversary trip when plans fell through. Through every loss and low moment, Josh has been my constant support, and I truly couldn’t be happier.
Where is the most exciting place you’ve traveled to, and what made it so memorable?
I went on a cross-country road trip from Tallahassee, Florida, to Phoenix, Arizona, with my boyfriend to help move his brother and sister-in-law into their new apartment. I had never traveled much before; I’d only left Florida twice as a young child. On this trip, I flew on a plane for the first time: from St. Pete to Tallahassee, and then from Phoenix back to St. Pete. We traveled through seven states and spent a week in Arizona. It was the farthest I’ve ever been from home. I saw mountains for the first time, went hiking, tried new foods and had so much fun.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
After high school, I committed to working on myself. I started going to the gym, changed my eating habits, and focused on healing my relationship with food. I lost over 80 pounds. Gaining the ability to walk upstairs without gasping for air and watching my confidence return was life-changing. My outlook shifted, my motivation came back, and everything followed: a new job, a driver’s license, and the freedom that came with driving. I began dressing up, trying new things, and feeling energized every day. The hardest part was starting but once I did, the progress felt incredible.
What is your favorite thing about Esplanade?
My favorite thing about Esplanade is the community, including the staff. Esplanade is beautiful, with all the homes, plus the Resort Amenity Center and The Venue II. But Esplanade wouldn’t be truly beautiful without the community. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, and I wouldn’t be able to succeed here otherwise. All of the Esplanade staff have been so lovely and nurturing. I am so grateful for my team. Regardless of the day you are having, I’ll be up front to greet you with a smile. I appreciate you all!
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 941479-6575 to schedule your appointment today!
Think Pink
HOSTED BY
Ann Mae
SHOP
Saturday, September 6 & 20 9 - 11 a.m.
Rev your engines and join your fellow car and motor vehicle enthusiasts for a fun and meaningful day at Esplanade! Bring out your “Toys and Stories” and share your passion with others in the community. From classic cruisers to modern marvels, this informal gathering is a great way to connect with fellow car lovers and enjoy a stunning lineup of vehicles. This is a free, unsponsored event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness — no prizes, no awards, just a shared love of horsepower and great conversation. Questions or ideas? Contact John Wright at johnbcruzn@aol.com.
Sunday, October 26 6:30 p.m.
Furry Friends
Meet Millie
LOVED BY LYNNE & LOUIS RAFFIO
What breed/type is your pet?
Labrador/ Retriever/Pit Mix (Rescue)
How old is she and when is her birthday?
Mille is 5 months old. She was born on January 10, 2025.
Sibling names or is your pet an only child?
Mille has an older brother, Max. He’s 8 years old and also a rescue.
When you travel do they travel with you?
Millie LOVES car rides! So, if it’s a car ride she’s so excited to go! We haven’t traveled by plane since we rescued her. But she would NOT be game for an airplane, well she probably would be, but the other passengers would not appreciate her.
What is his favorite treat? Ice cubes.
What are a few amazing qualities about your sweet pup?
She wakes up at about 6:18 every morning, regardless of her bedtime. She loves playing fetch (since she was 7 weeks old)! She is super friendly and loves all people, dogs, and lizards.
Tell us a fun story involving your pet.
Spring break surprise! Our 18-year-old daughter Ava was a Freshman at University of Alabama, ROLL TIDE! As a service project at school, she volunteered at an animal shelter where her big heart for little fuzzy creatures got the better of her. There was one little pup
there that Ava could not leave behind, so she planned a spring-break break-out. The Freshman Road trip to the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale included a pitstop in Palmetto. Ava rolled in with a pup under one arm and a cooler in the other, and little Millie found a new home at the Cloyd’s.
WANT TO FEATURE YOUR PET?
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.
Watch a Bat Ballet
Did you know bats make great neighbors? Bats are the only flying mammal in the world—and they’re fantastic neighbors! These nighttime flyers can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in an hour and often swoop through backyards, over ponds, or near streetlights at dusk. With more than 40 bat species in the U.S., you might spot a few outside your doorstep. Want to help local wildlife like these pollinators thrive? Try adding a bat house to your yard! For wildlife and bat watching tips, visit thegreenhour.org/activity/watch-a-bat-ballet. The photo is a native species of bat called the lesser long-nosed bat. Photo credit: Sandra Rothenberg.
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.
DINING
AMERICAN HONEY CREAMERY
Enjoy 15% discount on the purchase of one item. Mention Esplanade at Artisan Lakes Member at checkout. 4919 96th Street E, Palmetto 941-981-3830 americanhoneycreamery@gmail.com
WAYPOINT BAR & GRILL
Receive one free order of chips and salsa per visit! Let your server know that you’re an Esplanade at Artisan Lakes Member. Enjoy Mexican and seafood dishes with fresh ingredients. 11000 US-41, Palmetto, FL 34221 941-212-6600 waypoint27north@gmail.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
DRYER VENT CLEANING
FIREHOUSE DRYER
$85 Per Home 941-676-3443 contact@firehousedryer.com firehousedryer.com
ANIMAL CARE
BAYSIDE PET RESORT, SARASOTA, OSPREY & LAKEWOOD RANCH 10% off Select Services baysidepetresort.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
RAINKING WATER FILTRATION PLUS SOFTENING SYSTEM
Enjoy fresh, clean, filtered, soft water in your home. Receive $500 off with purchase of whole house system. Receive a FREE in home water test. 941-525-2786 | rwollet@aol.com rainkingsystems.com
HOME SWEET HOME PAINTING
10% off Home Painting Services using discount code, “SweetHome10” 941-465-8187 sweethomereno5@gmail.com
TRU HOME PROS
10% of any home organization product for Esplanade Members javier@truclosetpros.com truhomepros.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
GOLF
TROON ACCESS
Esplanade Members can enjoy a 25% discount on a Troon Access Membership by entering code ESPLANADE25 at checkout! With savings and access to over 150 worldclass courses, Troon Access is perfect for every Esplanade golf enthusiast, of any level! Save every time you play. troon.com/access
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
PURE BARRE PARRISH
With code “PBParrish10” Members can receive 10% off classes or packages. Inquire about private sessions as well. 941-538-7778
Parrish@Purebarre.com
ARSENAULT AESTHETICS
Members of Esplanade are now eligible for 10% discount at all Arsenault Aesthetics locations. The 10% off can also be combined with existing offers and promotions. Melissa Beachy: 616-886-7052 arsenaultaesthetics.com
Recent Events
Under the Italian Sun SIGNATURE EVENT
Our Signature Event brought Italy to Esplanade with live pasta making, a stunning Cake & Cannoli Bar, and dancing to a live DJ. A night of great Italian cuisine, fun, and memories!
Cooking & Cocktails Series: SMOKE AND BARRELS
Our second event of 2025 featured smoked brisket, classic BBQ sides, and a simple homemade sauce, all complemented by flavorful bourbon tastings.
Recent Events
Ugly Shirt ROUND ROBIN
Participants brought their wildest shirts for this Complimentary Pickleball Round Robin! Players rotated partners, competed, and had a blast with a playful twist on fashion and pickleball.
Toss & Cheers FOR FATHER’S DAY
Neighbors celebrated with rounds of Cornhole, ice-cold High Noons in favorite flavors, and classic Publix subs. It was a laid-back afternoon of games, good food, and great company!
Living Succulent & MOSS WREATH WORKSHOP
Attendees created stunning living wreaths using succulents and moss, bringing home a beautiful and lasting piece of living art.
Live Music GERRY HATRIX BAND
Members gathered on the Lanai for a wonderful night of music with the one and only Gerry Hatrix Band, singing and dancing to rock anthems from the past six decades!
Upcoming Events
All activities/events subject to change. For details and to register, visit esplanadeartisanlakeslifestyle.com/events.
TASTY THURSDAY FOOD TRUCK NIGHTS
Thursdays, September 4 & October 2 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
Why cook when you can indulge in delicious meals from the best local food trucks? Every first Thursday, join your neighbors for an evening of great food, fun, and zero kitchen cleanup. Pick up your favorite dish to take home or enjoy it with friends on the extended lanai. It’s the perfect way to savor tasty eats and good company, so mark your calendar and come hungry! Find food truck details on the Esplanade event calendar online.
CAM CHAT
Every Tuesday
The Venue II | By Appointment Only
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!
A SLICE OF TRIVIA
Tuesdays, September 16 & October 21 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Main Room
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!
BINGO NIGHT
Thursday, September 18 | 6 - 7:30 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! Bring your game face and get ready for a night of fun you won’t want to miss. See you there!
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
Fridays, September 19 & October 17 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
Skip the kitchen and start your weekend with delicious meals from the best local food trucks! Whether you’re picking up dinner to-go for the family or relaxing with friends on our extended lanai, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself. No cooking, no cleanup, just great food and even better company. Come hungry and ready for a flavorful Friday night! Find food truck details on the Esplanade event calendar online.
BLOOD DRIVE HOSTED BY ONEBLOOD
Thursday, September 25 | 1 - 7 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Parking Lot
Donate blood and receive a $20 e-gift card, wellness checkup, and a special takeaway. Visit the Esplanade event calendar online for details on how to schedule your appointment.
LIVE MUSIC: FEATURING GERRY HATRIX BAND
Sunday, October 4 | 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center
Join us at the Resort Amenity Center for a night of unforgettable music with the one and only Gerry Hatrix Rock Band! Get ready to sing along and dance to your favorite rock anthems from the past six decades. Bring your favorite beverage and your dancing shoes, it’s a night you won’t want to miss!
SPOOKTACULAR BASH
Friday, October 31 | 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center Main Room
Get ready for a frightfully fun night at the Spooktacular Halloween Bash! Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy a spooky evening of laughter, music, and festive fun with your neighbors.
Louie & Lynne Raffio
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 Lifestyle Manager.
Why did you choose Esplanade at Artisan Lakes? Is your residency full-time or part-time?
We stumbled onto Artisan Lakes! We were looking in Lakewood Ranch when a resale appeared, and we fell in love. We now live here full-time.
Q: How long have you lived at Esplanade at Artisan Lakes? Four years.
Q: What Lifestyle programs are you most interested in? Also, tell us your hobbies: We enjoy playing pickleball and using the gym.
Q: Tell us about your family and current or past professions: Louie is a retired firefighter, carpenter, home inspector and former runway model for Kennedy Airport. Lynne worked in international car sales and financing.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received or given? Best given advice: Purchase a house in EAL! Best advice received: Besides don’t eat yellow snow, be true to yourself.
Q: Where is the most exciting place you’ve traveled to and what made it so memorable?
Lynne loved Morocco. Louie loved Rio de Janiero.
Monthly Member Meetings
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Sep. 4 at 9:30 a.m. & Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. Resort Amenity Center
Join your Lifestyle Manager for some coffee, as we discuss the most current Lifestyle news updates in a relaxed atmosphere.
Q: Tell us something that might surprise people: Louie: I’m soft and caring. Lynne: Played the violin.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
We both love it here. Great neighbors. Best move we both ever made!
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Thursdays, September 11 & October 9
9:30 a.m. | Resort Amenity Center
Join your Community Association Manager (CAM) for the most current updates about your community.
ESPLANADE 101
Thursdays, September 11 & October 9
11 a.m. | Resort Amenity Center
Join us for the 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
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
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
CARS IN THE MORNING
1st Friday | 9 a.m.
Resort Amenity Center
John Wright: johnbcruzn@aol.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 II
Dee Hamm: deehamm78@gmail.com
MAHJONG
Mondays | 12 - 3 p.m. | The Venue II
Joann Von Werne: popsrvw@aol.com
MARTIAL ARTS CLUB
Tuesdays | 1 - 2 p.m. | Movement Studio
Lee Monday: leemondayphd@gmail.com
PINOCHLE CARD CLUB
Wednesdays | 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Ken Finc: kenfinc@gmail.com
SAMBA CARD CLUB
Tuesdays | 12 - 4:30 p.m.
The Venue II
Susan Howe: susanahowe@gmail.com
SOCIAL BOCCE
Thursdays | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Bonnie Sikes: kbsikes51@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
Sue Brett: Suebrett0424@gmail.com
MEN’S DINNER GROUP
3rd Monday | 5 - 8 p.m. | Offsite
Scott Durann: sdurann@gmail.com
OENOPHILE CLUB
1st Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.
Kathy Regan: kmcregan@gmail.com
SPIN CLUB
Various Days
Dave Sutton: cycleguy605@gmail.com
TABLE TENNIS CLUB
Tuesdays & Wednesdays I 2:30 - 4 p.m.
The Venue II
Lee Monday: leemondayphd@gmail.com
TABLE TOP GAMES CLUB
Wednesdays I 7 - 9 p.m.
The Venue II
Rob Taylor: EAAL.tabletopgames@gmail.com
TENNIS CLUB
Mixed Intermediate Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6 - 8 p.m. Tennis Courts 1 & 2
Jeff Hootman: jahooter@gmail.com
NEIGHBORS BREAKING BREAD
Various Days
Diane Green: juniemoon083@gmail.com
SHANGHAI RUMMY
2nd & 4th Wednesday | 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Pam Pennetta: pampennetta@gmail.com
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR SINGLES
1st Monday | 7 p.m.
Helene Castellon: helenecastellon@gmail.com
Saturday, October 11
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Resort Amenity Center
100% of the tournament fee collected per Member will benefit an organization supporting Breast Cancer Awareness efforts.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, register with your doubles partner and take part in competitive play on the courts with Members of your Esplanade community, as you enjoy live entertainment by our DJ, and light refreshments!
This 4-hour tournament will consist of a 1-hour, timed round-robin event for Men’s and Women’s doubles, and mixed doubles play. After the tournament, the top three doubles teams from each event, as well as the overall high-scoring Esplanade community, will be recognized at a special awards ceremony.
Both men and women are encouraged to come dressed in their best pink pickleball attire, as we participate in a shared effort to raise money and end breast cancer. Spectators are also encouraged to wear pink and cheer on their home teams!
Registration: Tickets are $50 per Member. Players and spectators must register by October 7. Registration must be completed in person at the Resort Amenity Center during office hours. We hope to see you there!
Fitness & Wellness Events
Around Town
ARTWALK WEEKEND
Friday, September 5 | 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 6 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Village of the Arts, Bradenton | Free Admission
Village of the Arts (VOTA) is a unique live/work/play neighborhood filled with galleries, shops, and local dining. Stroll, explore, and enjoy one of Manatee County’s most vibrant destinations. During the ArtWalk, free parking can be found at the garage located at 12th Street W. and 8th Avenue. For more information about Village of the Arts, please visit www.villageofthearts.com
NORTH RIVER COMMUNITY MARKET
Sunday, September 14 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Palmetto Marriot, “The Yard” | Free Admission
A brand-new community tradition is beginning in Palmetto! The North River Community Market will be held the first Sunday of every month year-round. This lively market will feature local artisans, handmade goods, fresh produce, art, home decor, and delicious eats from food vendors and trucks. For more information, visit: northrivermarket.com
FITNESS CENTER EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION
Thursdays, September 4 & October 2 | 4:10 - 5:10 p.m.
Fitness Center
Join Trainer Andrew for an informative Fitness Orientation session designed to help you get the most out of our Fitness Center. These sessions will guide you through the proper and safe use of our equipment, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable during your workouts. Whether you’re new to the gym or just need a refresher, this is a great opportunity to learn proper techniques and ask questions.
SOUND BATH MEDITATION
Sundays, September 28 & October 19 | 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!
