In the Spotlight - March 2011

Mary Beth's Bridal & Formal Wear (The Bridal House)

The Bride and Groom is John & Ashton Wester (Ashton is the daughter of Bennett & Mary Beth O'Steen)

Mary Beth's Bridal & Formal Wear opened in September of 2007. It was the combined dream of both Mary Beth O'Steen and her daughter, Ashton. Mary Beth retired from the Citrus County School System and after Ashton's graduation from Crystal River High School the two went to work. They contacted Laura Lou Fitzpatrick and found out that the Heritage House was available to rent. From that point on everything fell into place. They rented the house in July and started all of the necessary changes needed to turn it into a bridal and formal wear house! The mother and daughter team along with family and friends worked countless hours to have the shop ready to open as soon as possible. After a trip to Atlanta's Market and contacting all of the right sources, the shop was open and ready for business. What started out as a "dream" turned into a "dream come true". The shop flourished in it's first year. So much in fact that they expanded into another shop directly across the street from the Heritage House. Their growth has brought on board several new faces as well. The Bridal House now features a "One-Stop Shop" for all your bridal and formal wear needs. Joining the team are "All Occasion Invitations" and "Starbright Teeth Whitening" both owned by Vonda Lee, from Dunnellon. She can create your custom wedding invitation, save-the-date, Thank you's, graduation announcements and much, much more. She also offers 15-minute cosmetic teeth whitening to take you from 2-7 shades whiter using ultra-violet lighting. In addition, "Simply Elegant Affairs" by Dianne Williams, of Homosassa can coordinate any special event for you. She offers a variety of rentals including linens, chair coverings, vases, arbors and more. Dianne has experience working with most venues in the area and is available to coordinate out of town events as well. The Bridal House recently had the pleasure of planning Ashton's Wedding. She was married in June 2010, to her husband John Wester. For Mary Beth and the bridal team, planning her own daughters wedding and fine tuning each little detail, was an awesome experience. We pride ourselves on making every effort to make each persons event as special and perfect as possible. When you love what you do...it shows!! Please stop by The Bridal House and let us help make your special day unforgettable. For more information, call (352) 563-0722.

In the Spotlight - February

HILDA FIALKO "Where eclectic funk meets simple elegance" in eyewear; Hilda McFall Fialko, owner/optician has been an optician for twenty-six years and has always made it a goal of hers wherever she worked to bring the latest in fashion eyewear and lens technology to Citrus County. EmPower Eyewear, a new automated pair of eyeglasses, will be released in April andMezMerEyes has been chosen to be the exclusive distributor in this area. Please check the website for more information on this exciting new product; pixeloptics.com - MezMerEyes carries too many designers to mention them all, but a few are Dior, Versace, Valentino, Fysh, John Varvatos, and Roberto Cavalli. They also carry Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, RayBan, Nine West sunglasses, also shirts and hats from Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim. Dr. Bruce Fosen, an independent Optometric Physician, originally from Joliet, IL, retired from the Army Reserve and has over thirty years experience. Eye exams are available four days a week including Saturdays; they also can take your own doctors prescription and make that pair of glasses that you have always dreamed of. Hilda was born in Dade City, FL and grew up spending her summers swimming in the Withlacoochee River. As a child her family often came to Citrus County to fish, camp, and swim. Little did she know as an adult after living in Idaho, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina that she would eventually live here and become a part of this community. She dreamed of having an "Optical Boutique" and that dream was realized in the summer of 1995 when she purchased "Optical Express" in the Crystal River Mall, where she practiced over five years. In October, Hilda moved her office to The Shoppes of Heritage Village to continue her dream. Hilda is married to local pediatrician, Ira Fialko, and they have five sons and two granddaughters. MezMerEyes is complete family eye care; exams, contacts, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and accessories. They also accept EyeMed insurance. Hilda appreciates all of the loyal customers' who have followed her throughout the years and invites them to visit her at The Shoppes of Heritage Village. Hilda, Tracy Cybil Linhart (Licensed Optician for over seventeen years), Meriah Perry (Enrolled at Hillsborough Community College in the Opticianry Program), and Ms. Dell Holden will be happy to assist you in your selection of the perfect eyewear for you. Contact Information: MezMerEyes 631 N. Citrus Ave. Ste. C Crystal River, FL 34428 352-795-2020 optex@embarqmail.com

My Heritage from the Heart - December 2010 Orange Slice Fruit Cake

Gene Dickinson's Orange Slice Fruitcake Recipe When deciding what recipe to share at this Christmas season, I wanted something unique that has a  story with it for "My Heritage...from the heart"! This is what I came up with. I recalled that back in the 80's, my sister-in-law, Nancy Blake Fitzpatrick, made a fruitcake with a different twist for the holidays. Not to get off track,but Nancy was married to the late Richard "Spike" Fitzpatrick, a well-known attorney-at-law in Inverness for many years. He was the second oldest of five boys in the Fitzpatrick family, of which my husband Pat was the youngest. Ok, now that I have the who's who explained, this particular fruitcake always stuck out in my mind during the holidays because one of its main ingredients, candied orange slices, was one of my favorites. Well...that is part of the reason, but I think it goes even deeper than that. It represented a time in my life that I now call "the good 'ole days", which brings sweet memories of loved ones who are no longer with us! Reminiscing about that time in my life, I decided to e-mail Nancy to see if I could get this wonderful fruitcake recipe again, and she was happy to share. She did say that she hated to take credit for it, because it came from a well-known man from Inverness by the name of Gene Dickinson. Gene owned a laundry on the eastside of Citrus County for many years. Nancy had "name dropped" a couple mutual friends who may have had more information about Mr. Dickinson, one of whom was Claire (Dollbaby) Jenkins. It was very convenient to get in touch with her, since we are friends on Facebook. I decided to drop her a line, to see what she knew of him. She remembered him well and this is what she shared: "Gene had a laundry and dry cleaners on Hwy. 41 South, about where the Church of God is now, next to SunTrust Bank. He had a pickup and delivery service. I would just leave my sheets and dry cleaning at the back door, when we lived at the Country Club, he would pick them up and he would hang them in the family room when he brought them back, we never locked the doors back then. I do remember that the sheets were always folded so nicely and not a wrinkle in them. Randall's white dress shirts were the same way. The milk man did the same. Just walked into the kitchen and put the milk in the refrigerator and walked out. Oh, for the good old days. Hope this helps." My intent was to just give a little bit of info about the man behind the recipe, but I wanted to know more about him and his family, so I went to Miss Dot, our mother-in-law, to see what she knew of him. Now, Miss Dot is a book of history and knowledge of the good 'ole days. When I mentioned his name, there were many family names to follow. I was walking my parents' dog (well really mine, but another story) at the time and needed a pen and paper to get all the names correct. I told her I would call her back when I was able to sit down and write in detail, and here is what she said: "Gene Dickinson was the son-in-law of Judge May. He was also the nephew of Frankie Dickinson, who lived with him in later years. He had two sons, Russell and Billy. The mother of their boys was Lolita, daughter of Judge May." Miss Dot also recalled that Gene's youngest son, Russell, was the same age as her oldest boys, Mike and Spike, and that the three of them were the very first altar boys at the Catholic church in Inverness. Russell was also in Miss Dot's Cub Scouts' group. The boys grew up and both succeeded with their lives. She recalls Billy retired from the Air Force and Russell worked for the State Employment Service in some way. Miss Dot has been neighbors with Gene's family, and Gene himself, throughout her years of living in Inverness, both in town and out in Lochshire Park. For many years she worked the (voting) poles with his Aunt Frankie by her side. Miss Dot's guess is that Gene probably got the recipe for the "Orange Slice Fruit Cake" from his Aunt Frankie. Miss Dot, too, had the recipe for this unique fruitcake. She said Gene and Frankie have passed away, but will always be a part of "the good 'ole days" in her memory bank.   I hope you enjoyed this piece of history, and now on to this Orange Slice Fruitcake Recipe. I would love to hear more history of this story, if you would like to share on my blog. I would also love to hear if you tried to make it and how it turned out! Merry Christmas, from my heart to yours, Laura Lou   Click here to open and print the Orange Slice Fruitcake Recipe   ENJOY!

Heritage Village Happenings - December 2010

When it Snows … it Snowballs at Heritage Village for the month of December… Most of us are open 7 days a week, adding Sundays, Noon till 4 p.m. until Christmas, for your shopping pleasure.  We also decided to take on not one but two Christmas Parades, in Crystal River and Inverness.  Our theme for December activities is “Don’t Let the Grinch Steal your Christmas” taken from the original Dr. Suess story, with details added from the Movie starring Jim Carrey . 

Village Men (Hometown Athletics & SuGaBuG Kids) built our floats, with our wonderful Artistic “friend” of the Village, Pat Rickard (Patric) making magic happen with a stroke of her brush, to bring this storybook theme come ALIVE!  Thanks to ALL those who made the Details happen, the list goes on and on!

Market Day with Art & Treasures is always 2^nd Saturday of each month. I want to remind our local farmers who grow their own produce that you are welcome to set up with us FREE!  Plants, produce and pantry is what we are looking for at this event, complimented by Artistic Talent and Treasures of all nature.

Let it Snow JUBILATION is this Saturday, December 18^th, 10 a.m. till 5 p.m….  Heritage-ville will be the place to be for the family! Sled down Mt. Crumpit, LIVE Camel Rides, Spider Mountain, Walking in a Snowflake (Human Hamster Balls), and Pictures with Santa … ofcourse!  FOOD, FUN and GREAT MEMORIES at Heritage Village for the Holidays! 

Check out our website  www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com and  newsletter (e-mail us at heritagevillage08@yahoo.com to get on our e-mailing list) This will keep you informed of the details of “What’s Happening at Heritage Village”  and receive our Special Savings & Coupons .   Call 352-564-1400 for more information about the Village and events.

My Heritage from the Heart - December 2010

Aunt B's Piano Recitals from the Past...

Being in the Heritage House so much these days, I have many flash backs of my childhood years. Piano lessons in Aunt B's studio was a BIG part of mine (and many children's weekly route) that grew up in Crystal River. I have seen or spoke to a few of my friends (her pupils) in recent times. I wanted to share a few pictures with you of some of Aunt B's pupils that our paths have crossed recently. The Allen & Hagerty girls were at Coach Dabney Day in November, at Heritage Village. Margie and Christi were my neighbors in Tropic Terrace growing up, and Christi is my neighbor again today! I had one picture of Dana Hagerty Nycz with another childhood friend George Buzby, at recent event for Coach Dabney. I found Cathy Sparkman Fladung on Facebook, she had come to mind when I heard of Mr. Bob Kennedy passing away in recent times. Which, by the way, was a WONDERFUL man! My heart goes out to the family. Anyway, Cathy was another pupil! Please forgiving me for not knowing all proper names and spellings, today and in future ... haha

I do hope you enjoy the pictures and forward the newsletter to those that would enjoy as well. If you have any pictures of piano recitals with My Aunt B... please share ... I would love to post!

Have a Merry Christmas and thank you for your support and encouragement with Heritage Village.

Sincerely,

Laura Lou Tolle Fitzpatrick 

Heritage Village Happenings - November 2010

Heritage Village Happenings…

In 1982, 26 years ago, my brother and his wife (Huey and Kathy Tolle) took on their first challenge at renovating a Historic Home. This late 1800 treasure was our ancestor’s home place. My grandmother (Edna Eubanks Barco) was born in the front bedroom of this house.  Also the first automobile, in Crystal River, was owned by our great grandfather that lived there. The House was best known to be where local children came for Piano lessons from Mrs. Ada B Edwards (our Aunt B).  In our eyes, this home place was an important piece of history to preserve.  After renovations took place, a Country Gift Shop was born in the Heritage House in 1983. This was the beginnings of “The Shoppes of Heritage Village”.  Twenty-seven years later, our family is at it again with a Home Décor and gift Shoppe in the Heritage House.  If you would like to read more about the different businesses in the Heritage House go to www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com and click on “My Heritage…from the Heart” November story.

NOVEMBER CALENDAR … Nov 6^th,  Stone Crab Jam on Bayside of Citrus Avenue.  Parking is FREE.  Cameron Decker, playing his Sax from 2 till 4 at Heritage House. Nov 11^th Dr. Richard Castellano will be giving a FREE Image Lift Seminar at Café on the Avenue at 1:00, Nov 12^th, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Shoppes open till 7 p.m., A Brighton Open House at Cotton Club 10 till 7; Nov 13^th, Market Day with Art & Coach Dabney Day team up with the Lions Club at the Train Depot for a Health Fair; Nov 20^th,  Trash N Treasure (HUGE yard sale) and SuGaBuG Kids 1^st Birthday (I hear LIVE ELEPHANT RIDES are in store). For Details about all of this and more go to www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com or call 352-564-1400.

My Heritage from the Heart - November 2010

Over the years, the changes of Heritage Village, has been like the changing of the fall leaves. Many different, colorful, creative, businesses, has been a part of this charming Village for over 25 years, with Toni Chatman and I being one of them. Our business was in the building that was originally known as the "Livery Stable" and was located where the Café on the Avenue and MezMerEYES sit today. This Country Gift Shop was called "Simple Country Pleasures." I am sharing this because I swore I would never get into the retail business again. Well guess what, I lied, many many years later, here I am giving it a try again with family and friends in the Heritage House. Being in this position again can only take me back to the beginnings of how this all began. I thought it might be of interest to you who has been here in the past, so I am going to start with the Heritage House for this November 2010 Newsletter. Hope you enjoy!

In 1982, 26 years ago, my brother and his wife (Huey and Kathy Tolle) took on their first challenge at

renovating a Historic Home in the heart of Historic Downtown Crystal River. This late 1800 treasure had very special meaning to our family. It was our ancestor's home place...a piece of our history that we did not want to lose or forget. It was at this location that my grandmother (Edna Eubanks Barco) was born in the front bedroom. It was also at this home that the first automobile, in Crystal River, was owned by our great grandfather that lived there. This family home was best known of my generation as being where the local children came for piano and voice lessons from Mrs. Ada B. Edwards (our Aunt B). For these reasons and many more...this home place was an important piece history that we wanted to preserve, but also use in a unique way to help keep their memory and the historic downtown alive.

After renovations took place, a charming Country Gift Shop was born and ready for Business in the Heritage House in 1983. To Kathy and Huey's surprise, their new beginnings did not stop at just the

creation of the Heritage House, but they also found out they were expecting their third child, a daughter Jessica Jean Tolle. Being a full time mom of 3 made her realize that running a business at this time was going to have to take a back seat to motherhood. This is when Patty Williams approached them about putting in a Quilt shop in this Historic Treasure. Patty ran the quilt shop for many years and during her stay, another wonderful business decided to join her in July of 1986, by putting in "Cobble Stone Alley Antiques" in the original home of the Crystal River Library next door. Dot and her late husband, Rob Koehler, ran their wonderful Antique shop for a few years in this small cottage until Patty moved on to new opportunities with quilting, leaving the Heritage House to become the home of Dot and Robby's Antique shoppe, Cobblestone Alley Antiques. Dot was in the Village until 2002, leaving after her husband passed away. She did return, after a few years, working for Diana and Betsy at the Cotton Club and La Te Da. She now works part time for "All About Nature" in the Blue Cottage on Citrus Avenue. Dot was and still is the Grandmother figure of Heritage Village in my eyes ... she has always been so passionate about us and still is!

After Dot closed, the Heritage House has had a number of tenants. I will be honest, I may of forgotten some of the businesses & names but do recollect most... Downstairs they were: The Stork Shop (a Maturity & Children's Shop); another Antique shop called Heritage House Antiques; followed by Mary

Beth's Bridal & Formal Wear; the most recently being "All About Nature". The latter two still are still located in Heritage Village area. Upstairs has housed a few specialty shoppes as well through time, such as Antiques, Vintage Clothing and Antiques, Designer Glass Studio by Rose Mary, The Village office twice, Poe House Books for many years, The Paper Room and Classic Arts & Frame Shoppe in recent times.  

 

Today we have come full circle and are proud to announce "The Heritage House" Home Décor & Gifts is now family owned with a team of Creative Co-op friends involved. This specialty shop is a unique combination of creativity and style. I like to refer to it as "Shabby Sheek" because we have a mix of rustic displays & antiques complimented by each of our Creative Co-op's favorite companies, all of us with a different flare of style! Be sure to visit us for events, we will be offering specials and samplings! We are excited to start this new venture with family and friends and see what all the fuss is about! Visit us in the Heritage House of Heritage Village at 657 North Citrus Avenue. 352-564-1400.

Heritage Village Happenings…

In 1982, 26 years ago, my brother and his wife (Huey and Kathy Tolle) took on their first challenge at renovating a Historic Home in the heart of Historic Downtown Crystal River. This late 1800 treasure had very special meaning to our family.  It was our ancestor’s home place…a piece of our history that we did not want to lose or forget. It was at this location that my grandmother (Edna Eubanks Barco) was born in the front bedroom.  It was also at this home that the first automobile, in Crystal River, was owned by our great grandfather that lived there. This family home was best known of my generation as being where the local children came for Piano and Voice lessons from Mrs. Ada B Edwards (our Aunt B).  This homeThat was the beginnings of what is now The Shoppes of Heritage Village. Over 18 Specialty Shops on Heritage Side of Citrus Avenue.

NOVEMBER CALENDAR … Nov 6^th,  Stone Crab Jam on Bayside of Citrus Avenue.  Parking is FREE at Heritage Village.  Cameron Decker, playing his Sax from 2 till 4 on the porch of Heritage House. Nov 11^th Dr. Richard Castellano will be giving a FREE Image Lift Seminar at Café on the Avenue at 1:00, Nov 12^th, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Shoppes open till 7 p.m., A Brighton Open House at Cotton Club 10 till 7; Nov 13^th, Market Day with Art & Coach Dabney Day team up with the Lions Club at the Train Depot for a Health Fair; Nov 20^th,  Trash N Treasure (HUGE yard sale) and SuGaBuG Kids 1^st Birthday (I hear LIVE ELEPHANT RIDES are in store). For Details about all of this and more go to www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com or call 352-564-1400.