Lutz Magazine - May 2024 Edition

THE ART OF VLASTA SMOLA

Lutz Magazine

Keith Matter Publisher

JULY 19 – AUGUST 3

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Based on the series by STEPHEN HILLENBURG Book by KYLE JARROW

Musical Production

Conceived by TINA LANDAU

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A., Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley

Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton

Additional Music by Tom Kitt

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ART RECEPTION May 10

CARROLLWOOD MARKET May 11

CARROLLWOOD WINDS May 19

DISCOVER MORE

8TH ANNUAL FREEDOM RUN IS BACK IN PASCO

MAY 4TH, 2024 AT WESLEY CHAPEL DISTRICT PARK

The Freedom Run keeps growing as a community event

The 8th Annual Freedom Run, The Race Against Poverty, will be held on May 4th, 2024 at the Wesley Chapel District Park. The purpose of the 5k/10k run is to build awareness for people living in extreme poverty. All net proceeds of the run are used for building houses for families in need. So far the Freedom Run has built homes in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the Philippines and El Salvador.

“We’re very excited to be hosting this race for the third time right here in Wesley Chapel,” shared Eric Lehmann, Freedom Run Race Director. “Pasco County has been great to work with, and we really appreciate their endorsement at the Wesley Chapel District Park. This 5k and 10k event helps a great cause as families that are living in abject poverty are able to be lifted up and be given a home."

2017 was the first year of the Freedom Run. The first few runs were held in Hillsborough County. Over the past 7 years, hundreds of runners and sponsors have participated in this event. This year, fourteen corporate sponsors and community partners have stepped up to the starting line to back the event. We are especially grateful to our title sponsor, Coastal Properties Group International and Christies International Real Estate. (margotsells.com)

“As architects, we seek to improve the lives and wellbeing of our community. Supporting organizations that raise awareness and funds to build homes and structures for those in abject poverty is in alignment with our mission to Create : Transform : Inspire.” expressed Justin Kimmich, race runner and owner of Kimmich Smith Architecture, sponsor of this year's race.

The fee to run is $35 for the 5k and $45 for the 10k. All runners will receive a finisher medal and athletic performance shirt. There are also first place trophies for each age group (two year increments for kids and five year increments for adults). The race is professionally timed for the 5k and 10k runs, but walkers are also encouraged to participate in the 5k event.

The 8th Annual Freedom Run 5k/10k will be held on May 4th, 2024 at the Wesley Chapel District Park at 7321 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. Check-in is at 6:30 am with the events beginning at 7:30 am. Runners may sign up at http://www. thefreedomrun.org

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB

For more information on this volunteer organization or membership opportunities, visit: lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org OR its Facebook page.

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES

WOMAN’S CLUB members prepared and enjoyed a lovely kickoff luncheon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’. The clubwoman began their work early in order to meet their lofty goal to support this very important cause. Many club members, family members and friends have experienced or lost loved ones through this difficult disease and they wish to do their part in working toward a cure.

For more information on this volunteer organization, please visit: lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org OR its Facebook page.

Members

organization provides goods and services

area’s

and food insecure population.

has for decades raised funds by propagating, potting and selling beautiful plants to raise funds dedicated to CSS, her favorite charity, and at age 94 shows no signs of slowing down her efforts.

Over the years, the beloved Plant Lady has generously donated thousands of dollars to this organization. Well-done, Ms. Pittman!

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB is hosting a FUN BINGO FUNDRAISER and sponsored by Beef O’Brady’s to benefit the club’s numerous donations to and projects with local supported schools and libraries.

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 from 5 to 8 pm

WHERE: BEEF O’BRADY’S, 18421 US-41N, LUTZ (in Sunset Plaza) Phone: 813-909-2300

DONATION: 10 Bingo cards for $10. Extra cards available. Pay by cash or by credit card.

Come early if you wish to order dinner or snacks. The FUN begins at 5 pm with opportunity prize baskets, a 50/50 drawing and Door Prizes.

The public is more than welcome to join the Green Shirt Ladies for an evening of laughs, games and prizes while supporting a great effort to benefit the community. Bring along a friend or neighbor, or 3!

hand-crafted adorable bunny Easter favors for those receiving Meals on Wheels. Club member Darryln Caudill delivered 200 bunnies to Executive Director Steve King for distribution to the clients of MOW, who are mostly elderly, disabled and shut-ins, for their holiday enjoyment. The Woman’s Club tries hard to support those in need and who may be somewhat forgotten in our community.

Longtime member, Elaine Pittman, a/k/a The Plant Lady once again has donated $500 to Christian Social Services in Land O’Lakes, which

to the

unhoused

Ms. Pittman

Ellen Brayton, Debbie Williams & Nancy Taylor

Club members Shirley Willhite, Nancy Taylor & Dee Knerr

Artistic expression, belting it out, busting a move, and getting into character are all encouraged!

Through art, music, dance, and drama, campers ages 4 to 10 will explore a different theme each week – all in a fun, creative, and safe environment.

In our youth intensive program for ages 11 to 13, campers will use a theme as inspiration for developing their very own staged production! Teens ages 14-16 will expand beyond the stage and begin to explore lighting and sound design to create their own shows.

The paint is mixed, and the stage is set. So, cue the music and prepare to dance through a summer loaded with creativity, friends, and memories!

THE CENTER FOR BONE & JOINT DISEASE

Joining The Center January 1, 2024

OFFICE LOCATIONS: 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 109 Lutz, Fl. 33558 727-605-3808 • fax 813-328-4335 7544 Jacque Rd Hudson, Fl. 34667 727-697-2200 • fax 727-863-8774 10221 Yale Avenue Brooksville, Fl. 34613 352-596-0900 • fax 352-596-0440 *Most major insurance plans accepted. Freedom and Optimum patients welcome! - WWW.CENTERFORBONEANDJOINT.COM The Results You Want, The Care You Deserve.

Craig Bennett, MD (General ortho/Spine)

Jared Salinsky, DO (General ortho/Sports)

George Kardashian, MD (Hand/Elbow)

Juan Raposo, MD (Totals/Revisions)

Kirill Ilalov, MD (Spine)

Dragomir Mijic, DO (Shoulder)

Dolfi Herscovici, DO (Foot/Ankle)

Alexander Pappas, DPM (Podiatrist)

Huy Nguyen, MD (Physiatry/General)

Christopher Reyher, MD (Physiatry/General)

Kenton Panas, MD (Sports, shoulder, hip, knee)

Korey Yngstrom, DO (Hip/Trauma)

Patrick Dermarkarian, MD (Spine Surgeon)

VlastaSmola InBeauty’sThrall

VlastaSmolahasmadeartthefabricofherlife.Aftermovingtothe UnitedStatestoreceiveherMAinCommunicationArts,shehada briefcorporatecareerinmarketingandgraphicdesign.Hertrue passionwasrootedinthefinearts,however,andbeforelongshe foundherpaintingaspirationsreignited.

Throughherartworksheseekstocreateexamplesofmodern mythology,exploringthedualitiesoftheconsciousandunconscious states.Butalways,thereisbeauty.Itspower,itsmystery,itscomplete denialofcommonsensecaptivatesSmola,andshe,inturnmust captureitonhercanvas.

Thoughshestudiedfiguredrawing,characterillustration,andfashion illustrationattheArtInstituteofChicago,Vlasta’sremarkable paintingskillsarealmostentirelyself-taught.Shedevelopedher techniquesthroughtrialanderror,andthoughSmolaworksmainlyin acrylic,theskillsshetaughtherselfareonesgenerallyemployedby oilpainters.Meticulouslybuildinghercolorsinloosewashesusing hair-thinbrushes,shespendshoursuponhoursweavingvisual narrativesintheminutestdetail.Wesetouttolearnmoreaboutthis talented,compellingartist.

Whatdoesmagicalrealismmeantoyou,andwhatisitabout thatstyleofpaintingthatresonateswithyou?

Despiteincludingcertainmagicelements,magicalrealismis generallydifferentfromfantasybecauseitusesasubstantialamount ofrealisticdetailandemploysmagicalordreamlikeelementsto makeapointaboutreality.Iemploymagicalrealismtotransform realityeversosubtly,inawaythatblursthelinebetweenrealityand imagination.Manyofmypaintingsoftenexploreadream-conscious state–designedtoincreaseadepthofperceptionanddevelopa poeticworldview.

Youhavetraveledextensively…Dotheseexperiencesinfluence yourwork,andifso,inwhatways?

IgrewupinSovietcontrolledUkraine,soIhadlittlefirst-hand experiencewithfreeexpressionandthewiderartworld.Myinitial journeyacrossEuropeaftergraduatingfromuniversityinUkraine gavemethechancetodirectlyexperiencetheworldmasterpieces thatshapedmoderncultureandcivilization.Inparticular,thebeauty ofSpanishnatureanditsimmeasurableculturalheritagehavehadan

undeniableimpactonmychoicesforyearstocome.Duringmytime inSpain,IdecidedtolearnSpanishasmythirdforeignlanguage-whichbroughtmeto“ComoAguaParaChocolate"(LikeWaterFor Chocolate)byLauraEsquivel.Thisinturnledmetodiscoveringand joiningtheworldofmagicalrealism–fromLatin-America’sGabriel GarcíaMárquezandIsabelAllendetoJapan'sHarukiMurakami...to myartwork.

Howdoesitfeeltofinishapainting?Areyouimmediatelyready todiveintothenextone,ordoyouneedalittletimetoreflect andregroupafterwards?

Thetruthis,normally,Idon'tfeelthatIhavefinishedmypainting. There'salwayssomethingthatcanbedevelopedorimproved,Ijust knowthatImuststop,eventually.Thenextpaintingstartslong beforeIputtheblankcanvasontheeasel.Ialwayshaveconcepts developing–intentionallyorinthebackofmymind–forafew paintingsatthesametime.Somanyideas–solittletime!

Arethereautobiographicalelementsinyourpaintings,andifso, areyouwillingtosharehowyourevealyourselfinthem?

Yes,everypaintingisaself-portraitonewayoranother.It'saboutmy aspirations,sentiments,hopes,desires–somesecret.IguessIeven choosemymodelssomewhatlikemyphysicaltype.IpaintwhatI knowandwhatIlove–dance,swim,fashion–andwithabitof magic,thefamiliarelementshelpmecreatenewallegoriesand stories.

Birdsarearecurringthemeinmanyofyourpaintings.Dothey holdparticularsignificanceforyou,andifso,whatdothey symbolize?

Throughouthistory,birdshavebeenviewedasanimalsofspecial valueandhavebeenendowedwithmeaningsoftendrawnfrom legendsandstoriesthathaveenduredovermanygenerations.They havebeenusedinfolkloreandpoetrytoallegoricallyportrayhuman flawsandvirtues.Birdslendthemselveseasilytotheideaofmagical realism,theyareconsideredomensbothforgoodandill,andare sometimesthoughttobethemessengersofthegods.Tomethey symbolizeunbridledfreedom,harmony,nobility,bravery,hope, wisdom,andevenmystery.Whohasn’tdreamedofflying?

Whichartist(s)mostinspireyou,andwhatisitspecificallyabout theirworkthatyouadmire?

IwouldsayPre-Raphaelites–particularlyJohnEverettMillais.Their loveofnature,theirmasterfulrenderingofprofoundhuman emotions,andtheirsharp-focustechniqueofshowingeverytiny

detailinspireme.OneofthetechniquesthatIoftenusewas developedbyMillais–paintinginthinglazesofpigmentoverawet whitegroundinthehopethatthecolorswouldretainjewel-like transparencyandclarity.Additionally–throughtheworksofthePreRaphaeliteBrotherhoodandtheirreferences–onecanlearnalot aboutliteratureandhistory.

Arethereanysubjectsorstylesofpaintingthatyouhavenotyet exploredandwouldliketo?

Mostofmypaintingsaredoneinacryliconcanvas,Ihavealso workedextensivelywithwatercolors.ThemediumthatIhaveshied awayfromuntilrecentlyisoils,mostlyduetothelongtimetheytake todry.Water,waves,andtheunderwaterworldfascinateanddaunt measapainter.Itismygoaltolearnto"gowiththeflow"andget moreconfidentpaintingtheshape-shiftingfluidityofwater.

Born in Ukraine, Vlasta Smola has made fabric of her life. After moving to the States to receive her MA in Communication Arts, she had a brief corporate career keting and graphic design. Longing to rekindle passion for art, she returned to her painting tions.

Beyondcreatingabeautifulimage,whatdrivesthenarrativesof yourpaintings?Doallofyourpaintingscontainabackstory?

TheideasformypaintingscomefromtheexperiencesthatIhave lived,fromthebooksthatIhaveread,evenfromthedreamsthatI havehad.Sometimes,theykindofbreakfreefrommeanddevelopby themselvesasIstartpainting.So,yes,mypaintingsallcontainastory.

This reunion brought a new direction for her work: To create inspired imaginative art. A frequent subject of Vlasta's narrative are birds and their or mythological interaction with the human universe. She strives to depict the dualistic nature of reality conscious / subconscious states of mind. She examples of modern mythology, and her paintings often explore a dream-conscious state designed increase a depth of perception and develop a world view.

Beauty is the main reason and purpose for art. Beauty is power. Beauty is mystery. It denies mon sense. Vlasta spares no obstacle to both lenge and express the power and mystery of

EDUCATION

The University of

of

VlastaSmola’sartworkisrepresentedlocallyby SoftWaterGallery 51522nd StreetSouth,UnitF StPetersburg,FL33712

515 22nd Street S., Unit F St Petersburg, FL 33712

14 May/June 2024

The Art Institute

Chicago, Chicago, IL, Drawing, Character Illustration, Fashion Illustration

Iowa, Iowa City, IA, MA in Commu nication Arts with Honors. Chernovtsy National versity, Ukraine, BA in English with Honors

Vlasta Smola's original art may be viewed Soft Water Gallery

VLASTA SMOLA

Aluna's Zodiac

By Aluna Michaels

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Happy birthday Taurus! Your year starts with lots of prosperity blessings! You can make money doing things you love, and if you’re in a relationship, your partner will flourish too. Also meditate on body image and be grateful for the amazing tasks your body accomplishes each day. Big shifts happen in your career all year long. As Pluto retrogrades, keep the big picture in mind and don’t worry about temporary delays in your ascent to greater success!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Jupiter is in your sign for a whole year, bringing you financial abundance, love, and great times! It’s a new twelve year cycle. Medi-tate on gratitude for what you have now, and also set higher goals. Your optimism helps you see what’s possible. Relationships can heal. If single, you can fall in love with a very positive-minded person who resonates with your value system. Pay attention to dreams or little ideas that pop into your head during the day; your intui-tion is powerful!

Cancer (June 21 –July 22) – Deep forgiveness is possible, even for things you always thought would never heal. It’s always a balance to keep healthy boundaries as you release past wounds. But Jupiter and Pluto are showing you a path to inner freedom. You can also have financial breakthroughs, especially about debt. Meditation brings insights that can resolve eating, health or stress issues. As always think kind thoughts about your body!

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Pluto moves retrograde, illuminating how to heal toxic relationships patterns. Confide in trusted friends who can give you gentle, yet clear feedback to help you clean “your side of the

street”. At the same time, you’ll have courage to keep your partner accountable for poor behavior. A surprising re-naissance of love can follow these mature confrontations. Also, plan fun time with friends, as Jupiter enters a new sign and wants you to enjoy yourself and play!

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – It’s an amazing work month! You can have an in-credible job offer or a long-awaited promotion. You can also have a pay raise or bo-nus! These good events restore faith in the Universe and help you end the critical inner voice that’s been piecing on you lately! If you’re having health issues related to stress, meditate on what’s working well in your body. From that space of gratitude, send compassion and love to troubled areas. You’ll have intuitive solutions. You’ll also have patience to set loving disciplines with food that reap rewards fast, and don’t make you feel punished or deprived.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Like Virgo pals, you’re having a spiritual healing. Maybe for the first tim in twelve years. You can feel that the Universe is on your side and that you can surrender to the kindness that surrounds you. You can also be developing a strong, intimate relationship with someone new who matches your val-ues and life goals — or deeply shifting a current partnership to it can reach it’s tru-est potential. In general, you’re healing your ability to receive love. Your heart is ready to trust again, and to thrive!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – Jupiter’s change of sign brings much healing about betrayal and relationship disappointments. You can also resolve issues around debt and money. It’s the start of a twelve year cycle, so be optimistic and allow your heart to open again! In order to feel safe,

dive deep in meditation. Allow your sorrow to rise to the surface without judgement. Cultivate self-compassion. You’ll feel a shift. You can balance strong, healthy boundaries with hope and joy!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – You can make strides in negative self-talk! Observe your humor, since your “inner mean girl” often masquerades as a jokester. Meditate and appreciate your vulnerabilities. Have compassion for the goof-ups you’ve made. You can be starting a relationship with a fantastic person, and you de-serve this healthy bonding opportunity! If partnered, amazing healing potential puts you on a more fulfilling path together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – You can have many breakthroughs with work and money! Meditate on deserving good things in your life! You deserve health, wealth, peace of mind and self-compassion! The kinder you are to yourself in your mind, the more you’ll notice things flowing easily for you. Pay attention to your dreams. There will be images and messages that inspire you! Also, plan a massage or some type of healing treatment.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – You have strong people skills, and of course you’re an amazing intellectual, but allow yourself to fall in love! You can be emo-tionally guarded to protect your vulnerabilities, but this is a once in a twelve year opportunity to open your heart on a deep, yet fun and playful level! You can be in a new couple, or start a renaissance with a longtime partner, but either way, let it happen!

Also meditate on being loving and gentle with yourself. It might seem goofy, but it’s a “nutrient” your inner self is craving.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – This month holds deep healing for any childhood issues. Meditate to see blessings from your upbringing and your lineage. You don’t have to excuse inexcusable behavior, but you can still cultivate gratitude for your past, since it has all made you who you are today. On the lighter side, it’s a nice time to have a party in your home, or redecorate in a fun way. You can also have a wonderful job opportunity, raise or bonus!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) — Reconnect with friends who support your spiritual goals and who are also lighthearted and positive! Meditate on affirmations about your strengths, especially when it comes to prosperity and abundance. the Financial flow really opens up these next few months! If single, you can start a new relationship that is loving, fun and fulfilling! Current partnerships can also have a sense of renewal and connection.

also holds a Mas-

in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com

Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She

ters

NEWCOMERS OF NW HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Would you like to meet new people in the area and get involved with some wonderful local activities?  Then our Newcomer’s club is for you.  The goal of our club is to provide opportunities for meeting new friends!

Activities of Newcomers of NW Hillsborough

Game Day

This Activity is one of the newer additions to Newcomers activities. It is held on the first and third Monday of each month from 12-3 at Eagles Golf Club.  Members have a fun afternoon enjoying various games like Canasta, Mexican Train, and Rummikub.  Consider joining to play these interesting and fun games.  Even if you haven’t played in awhile, we can bring you up to speed in no time!

They meet once a month.

Annual Party

The event will be held in April at Westchase Golf Club.  Theme of the Annual Party is “A Night At The Movies”.  There will be a red-carpet entrance, Oscars, live band and DJ.  Prizes for the best and funniest costume of favorite movie character. Italian Buffet will be served.

Book Club

Book Club meets on the fourth Friday of the month in the morning at a local library. Discussions are interesting, lively and vibrant.  Next book selection is “Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow Gabrielle Zevin.

Bridge

Bridge players meet on the first Thursday of the month at Carrollwood Country Club. Recent winners were: 1st place: CJ Hartland, 2nd place: Bette Lou Stephens, and 3rd place: Sheila Rementer.

Bunco

Members meet once a month on Wednesday mornings at various member’s homes.

Casual Luncheon

Members enjoyed Maggiano’s restaurant in Tampa.  The lunch group meets once a month.

Chick Flicks

The group has lunch at a local Restaurant

and then sees a movie afterwards.

Cycling

Members cycled Starkey Wilderness Park.   Bikers meet once a month on Tuesday mornings.

Cyclists ready to Go!  BJ Newberger, Philip Carter, Fern Sprung (Cycling Group Leader), Kay Vila

Gad-Abouts

Group took a trip to Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg followed by lunch at Three Birds Tavern.

Health and Well Being

The group focus is on healthy lifestyles in all areas:  physical, mental, spiritual and emotional.

They meet on the third Wednesday of the month.

Hiking

Hikers meet on First Thursday of Month.  Hikes are approximately 6 miles long in area forests, moving at a moderately brisk pace on rugged, dirt trails.

Ladies Night Out

Ladies enjoy a night out at a local restaurant.  They meet on the last Wednesday of the month.

Mahjong

Members meet every Tuesday at various local libraries and Westchase Golf Club to play this challenging game and enjoy friends.

Nature Walk

Group walks 2-3 miles at various locations and socialize after the walk. Members meet on Monday morning once a month.

Wine Time

They meet on the first Friday of the month at a member’s home and it is open to couples and singles. They feature wines that may be new to the group.  Everyone brings an appetizer to share.  The latest Theme was “Wines of Southern Italy”

Interested in joining Newcomers of NW

Hillsborough?

We would like to invite anyone wanting to meet new friends, get to know the area better and enjoy our many activities to become a new member. Contact Lori Rubin – Phone or text : 813-758-7238 or email :  membership2.newcomers@yahoo.com.

Pictured above, Pam Robbins, Marilyn Smith, Mary Lineberger and Ruth Zung.

Expert ER Care

When does the human spirit show up? When minutes matter? In moments of bravery? In an expert’s hands? Maybe there’s no way to measure the human spirit, but we see it every day in our AdventHealth Emergency Rooms. If you or your loved one are injured or experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, go to your closest ER in Pasco County. We’re here 24/7 to help you feel whole.