LWers set a course for their own tour of lights
By Dave LaCascia
LW Contributor
One of the fun things the COVID pandemic eliminated from Leisure World activities this year is the annual bus ride around the community to see the Christmas lights. It was always anticipated, and GRF Fleet Manager Grant Winford, with his drivers, made it a fun tour that was enjoyed by all.
In lieu of that, this year, on Dec. 21 (the night of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter), four intrepid travelers (the same four who braved the open waters of Naples last September) compiled more than 25 reported outstanding light displays into an itinerary, then jumped into a golf cart for a 70-minute tour. The locations were logged with the help of some memories of past bus rides, plus the list in the LW Weekly.
The night was clear and the weather warm. Driver Joe Didonato, pilot Sandra de Dubovay, navigator Dave LaCascia and tour architect Liz Meripol visited some beautifully decorated porches, roofs, patios and gardens throughout the community. Along with the recorded homes, many more were sighted and enjoyed. Friendly walkers, car drivers and homeowners waved and were very cordial to the golf cart and its passengers.
Clear visual favorites were 1671 Interlachen Road, 285-E; 1441 Homewood Road, 96-A; 13550 Del Monte Drive; and 1710 Tam O’Shanter Road, 12-D. There were many other displays in line for the next best, including a set of consecutively decorated homes that were interlinked for a terrific visual effect.
The group is already considering plans for next year’s tour.
Sandy Tessier and Mike Skinner's display at 1710 Tam O'Shanter Road, 12-D, was a highlight.
Patty Marsters
