PascoNaturally

PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE:

 

Life is sweet, but oh so short…enjoy it to the fullest!
Pam

 

In Loving Menory

John Forier, owner and resident of Paradise Lakes Resort in Pasco County, Florida died suddenly on November 21, 2011. He and his girlfriend, Pamela Tucker Tanner, were driving from Florida to Colorado when tragedy struck on highway 385 in northwest Texas. The single car accident took his life instantly and later claimed Pam’s life as well. The two will be terribly missed and forever in our hearts.
John Forier, my father, bought Paradise Lakes Resort in the summer of 2007. He had a vision for the property and was hard at work to make that vision a reality. My father’s vision was among his greatest gifts in life. He had the perfect blend of being a dreamer and also a doer. In his own words, “He didn’t do 'doing nothing', well”.
My father grew up of average means and worked relentlessly to build a better life for his young family, after serving in the U.S. Navy. His hard work monopolized most of his time and it wasn’t until later in life when he started to make time for life’s pleasures. He loved to sail, ski, go to the beach and play volleyball. He also loved his new grandson, just 3 months old.
John Forier leaves behind two daughters, myself- Joyce Forier and Julie Permutt. Together we will be taking the reins of Paradise Lakes Resort. It is in this time of tragedy that we ask everyone to come together as a community to preserve the peace and wonderful lifestyle so many enjoy, and the area in which so many of you reside. In times such as these it takes a village to band together for the greater good of the community as a whole and all of the property owners.
Going forward, we would like to announce the promotion of Stephanie Gibson to acting General Manager of Paradise Lakes Resort. Gibson has been with the company for 10 years, and her commitment to the resort is greatly appreciated. We know Stephanie has the best interest of the resort at heart and will keep things running smoothly.
While my sister and I surely have the business acumen to continue ownership and operation of the resort, it is not our life’s dream. We fully intend to maintain operations and bring some fresh ideas to the resort, but ultimately are looking to sell the resort to someone with dreams of taking the resort to the next level, as my father had envisioned. For serious purchase inquiries only, please contact Stephanie at sgibson@paradiselakes.com
Eternally loved, Joyce Forier

John Edward Forier
August 12, 1950 ~ November 21, 2011

John Edward Forier, owner of Paradise Lakes Resort, Lutz, Florida, died early Monday, November 21, 2011. He was 61.
John was born on August 12, 1950 in Queens, NY to John and Grace Forier. In addition to his parents he is survived by his two daughters, Julie Permutt and Joyce Forier; his grandson, Joshua Permutt; and his sister, Margie Giunta.
John graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1968 and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
John purchased Paradise Lakes Resort in July, 2007. He was quoted as saying “I’m buying Paradise Lakes for fun!” John made many improvements including a second dedicated water volleyball pool, remodeling the nightclub, Club Reveal, and streamlining operations.
Although his death was sudden and tragic, John lived his life to the fullest. He found a way to accomplish anything he set his mind to. Friends in this country and around the world will cherish fond memories of time spent with him.
There was a memorial service for John on Thursday, December 1 at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home in White Plains, NY . Funeral services were held Friday morning, December 2, 2011 at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY, where John was buried with a military service.
There is an online memorial website for John. You can share photos and videos, receive details on memorial services and events and much more. John’s memories will be online and available for friends and family.
Online Memorial www.ballarddurand.com/obituaries/John-Forier/#/TributeWall

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you’ve given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home”.
~Authur Unknown

Pam Tucker Tanner
July 28, 1960 - December 4, 2011

Pam Tanner, our editor and managing partner, died Sunday, December 4, 2011, two weeks after the horrific car crash that also took the life of Paradise Lakes owner, John Forier.
Pam was such a bright influence on the content of Pasco Naturally. Her wonderful breezy, “lets sit down and chat, friend to friend” style of writing was enjoyed by everybody that read our community paper. Pam worked hard to keep the paper interesting and to positively promote the role of the nudist and naturist population in Pasco County. She loved finding little bits of humorous and esoteric information that applied to nudists and passing them on in our “Tid-Bits”, as well reporting the goings-on at the nudist resorts around the Tampa Bay area. She strove to keep our paper family friendly and to maintain a good relationship with the diverse nudist/naturist community.
In addition to writing and editing the paper, Pam, an RN, worked at Tampa General Hospital as a delivery nurse. She was a graduate of Clayton State University, but as she states in her Facebook page, she was a Georgia Bulldog at heart. She was a member of PandaBare.org and AANR.
Pam is survived by two daughters, Hayley and Taylor and a son, Evan. In lieu of flowers, the children are asking for help to bring Pam back home. Make checks payable to: “Pam Tucker Tanner Memorial Fund”. Wells Fargo Account Number 7556433758. The check may be deposited at any Wells Fargo Bank or sent to the family.

Hello Beautiful Celebrates First Year

Hello Beautiful Boutique owner, Chris Stoutenborough, is celebrating her first year anniversary. It doesn’t seem possible a year has gone by. She said, “It has been a very interesting year and I have had a lot of fun. I would like to thank all the wonderful customers who made it such a pleasurable success to own the store.”
In addition to the customers, Chris is thankful to have such great, enthusiastic employees: Wilma, Linda, Renee, Tammy, and Carolyn; they make it extremely easy to be their boss. She feels confident that her staff will always be ready and eager to assist the customer as needed.
Part of the success of Hello Beautiful is Chris’s strategy. She believes in carrying limited quantities and renewing the inventory with different items as often as possible. She appreciates her customers coming back regularly so she can continually update the stock and based on the customer’s responses, they appreciate all the new items.
Chris said some people have asked about the store logo… A Sinfully Wonderful Boutique? "Being sexy is a state of mind, and we assist ladies to feel that way with the help of their attire. It isn’t always about an article of clothing; it’s about the whole look. This is how we bring out the sexiness in our clientele. We can make anyone look and feel sexy, from head to toe, with wigs to jewelry to dresses to shoes, that’s Sinfully Wonderful."
Chris, with a background in accounting and real estate property management spent more than 5 years previous to opening Hello Beautiful working in a boutique specialty clothing shoppe. She offers her customers a fresh perspective and unique point of view that is greatly appreciated.
When asked what her favorite item is, she smiles and replies, "They are like children, you love them all! But I have my eye on the last marabou feather shawl, in white...I might just have to take it home with me. It is exquisite!"
When asked about maybe Hello Beautiful, the franchise, Chris said, "This year I was also able to open my second location in Paradise Lakes at the end of May. Paradise Lakes was an unexpected yet very delightful opportunity that came up this summer. It has been so much fun working outside with the Paradise clientele. As we are listening to the music and to everyone having a great time, it doesn’t feel like work at all. I am thankful to John Forier for asking me if I would like the chance to be poolside at Paradise. We will miss him, and I have just learned that Pam too has passed on and I wish to express my condolences to both of their families.."
So if you are looking for something unique for that someone special this holiday season, be sure to stop in, say hi to Chris, Wilma, Linda, Renee, Tammy, and Carolyn and tell them Pasco Naturally sent you!
Hello Beautiful is open extended hours this month. The store, located on 5132 Land O Lakes Boulevard (SR41), just south of the Land O Lakes Post Office will be open Christmas Eve from 10 am to 3 pm (for you last minute shoppers) and again on New Years Eve from 10 am until 5 pm. The Poolside at Paradise location will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 3 pm. For New Year's Eve week, the Poolside at Paradise location will be open Thursday and Friday from noon until 4 pm, on New Years's Eve from 11am until 3 pm and New Year's Day, noon until 3 pm.

By Arlene Reed
Photos by Denis Reed
Special to Pasco Naturally

My good friend died in the aftermath of a very tragic car accident that killed the driver of the vehicle. Though I know his family is saddened by the loss of their loved one, I am so hoping that with the promise of Christmas my friend's family will be given the strength they need to accept this loss in their lives.
With both of us as busy as we were we kept saying “someday we’re just going to sit down and share a nice lunch together.” We never got that chance. This has taught me a very valuable lesson … never put off doing things with friends because you don’t have time–find the time!
For me Christmas has brought sadness followed by joy. My father-in-law died quite unexpectedly following a Christmas party he attended earlier in the evening. He had gone home to work on a project for one of his customers. Even though he retired from a nine to five business operation he owned, he never really gave up working. Once again, though saddened by his death we were preparing for the birth of our third grandchild. As one departs this world another is born. I also lost my mother during the Christmas holidays. My parents and siblings moved 700 miles away from where I grew up. We were never able to spend Christmas with them because that was the busiest time for my husband and me in our business. We did share holiday cheer over the phone with all of them. The last time I spoke to my mother was Christmas Eve. Her health had deteriorated and we were all expecting the worst. She vowed that she would make it through Christmas and she did. We ended up having to drive the distance in cold snowy weather to put Mom in her final resting place. We drove back home New Year’s Eve. That was one of the saddest New Year celebrations I have ever experienced. I am so grateful I have a wonderful husband who has been through all of life’s ups and downs with me.
At Lake Como it is a different story for us. Though we do not have our immediate families here with us, we consider our friends and residents our extended family. We are so happy to live in such a caring, giving environment. We are really looking forward to all the activities that have been planned for this holiday season. All of our nudist friends were invited to join us for our annual Christmas golf cart parade and they are also invited to join us for our Butt Hutt Christmas party December 18. Bring a dish to share and a gift if you want to be a part of our “Evil” Santa gift exchange. The Co-op provides the turkey and beer and everyone else brings a dish to share for their annual Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange. The year ends with a bang. DJ Bill will be in Club Como and DJ Gary will be in the Butt Hutt providing the music when the old year ends and the new one begins. Please check our website www.lakecomonaturally.com to check out what is happening at Lake Como.
From the bottom of my heart … Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May all of you experience good health, happiness and fortune in 2012.

The Greatest Gift

Christmas time is a time of joy and wonder but, it inevitably brings on sadness in some people. Some people—a number of people may have fallen on hard times, lost a loved one, or have had something else happen in their life that makes the holidays an especially vulnerable time for them. One way to get through these holiday blues is by gifting or giving to others. I’m not talking about the kind of giving that requires money to be spent. I’m talking about the greatest gifts. The greatest gifts are those that touch the lives of others and sometimes the lives of many and do not typically cost a dime. The act of giving to others has a way of making a person feel better just by doing something good for someone else. Making the decision this year to give one of the greatest gifts will certainly get you through those holiday blues.
“The Greatest Gift” was a short story written in 1943 by Philip Van Doren Stern. You may not recognize the name of the short story, but I bet you are familiar with the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The short story was utilized as the basis for this holiday favorite. Ironically, the story begins during the holiday season with the main character, George, who is extremely unsatisfied with his life—sad beyond belief. George is distraught and full of despair and finds himself standing on a bridge in frigid temperatures with the intent to commit suicide. Where’s an angel when you need one? Well, Clarence was right there. And, so the story goes that George’s wish of never being born came true (if only for a little while) and he learned how different everyone’s life would have been if he had not been born. George learned that day that he had already been given the greatest gift of all—the gift of life.
The gift of life can be thought of many ways. One way is to think of it as a gift of being able to enjoy each and every day with those that you love. It’s being able to be there for them to laugh and cry with them through the good times and the bad. It’s realizing that each circumstance is a window opening to let the fresh, new breeze blow in. Your entire life is a gift. Each new day is a gift. Imagine standing in a very long line at the Post Office to ship out your packages for the holidays. Are you one of the people who get angry, complain and make a scene? I hope that you’re not that person. After all, it’s all a matter of putting things into perspective. What if instead of waiting in a very long line to ship out packages you were in a long line of people who were waiting for a much needed organ? And, if you were aware that you had no control over when or if you would get the “gift of life” or whether you would live or die would that make a difference? It’s downright scary to me.
The greatest gift in my eyes is definitely the gift of life. My family has experienced it in so many ways. Okay…I’m like most people and forget about that from time to time, but I do try to remember to be thankful in every circumstance. The life I have is a gift of love—the love of two people. The life my father has is a gift of love— the love of two people and he also received his gift of life in the form of a heart transplant from a total stranger. Someone decided to make their last gift to the world one that would give life. The gift of life comes with the birth of a newborn baby. The gift of life is the experiences we have each and every day and the love of the life we share with those around us. And, the gift of life is choosing to become and organ and tissue donor. Some people—many people may someday share in the greatest gift you could ever give…The Gift of Life. This season make the decision to give the greatest gift and register to become an organ and tissue donor. (To find out more go to… https://www.donatelifeflorida.org/ ).

If you are looking for entertainment at affordable prices—look no further! Sandy Nitch 813-610-9599 www.jazzliveafter5.comEver thought about having a house party and wanted to hire a live band? It is more affordable than you would think. Call me for a quote: Sandy Nitch 813-610-9599 | 10am-7pm EST Live Jazz, Blues & Pop www.jazzliveafter5.com ♫ www.rarecommodity.org

Why December 25, 0000?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem on December 25, 0000. Although no one circled that date on a calendar in 0000, not even Mary (after all, she was giving birth to a child that was conceived out of wedlock), that is still the date that is traditionally accepted. What historians believe about its accuracy is that it is probably correct to within four to eleven years as King Herod reigned from 74 B. C. to 4 B. C. Is the idea that Christians have the wrong date blasphemy? No, the Christian calendar was based on speculation of the date of Christ’s birth not on any empirical knowledge of his birth. The fact that it is probably correct to within a dozen years may be a miracle in itself because the current Gregorian calendar that is what we now use was created in 1582, almost 1600 years after Christ lived. To have been that close with the rudimentary knowledge of history that existed then, took a bit of research—or luck.
So what was the star in the east that led the wise men to the stable in Bethlehem? According to the article “Star of Bethlehem” in Science News Letter from 9 December 1961, the star that the magi saw may have been “a comet, a supernova, a brilliant meteor, [or] an unusual configuration of planets.” The appearance of a conjunction of planets is a possibility that Johannes Kepler proffered in the 17th century. That has been dismissed because the conjunction would have appeared too close to the sun causing it to be dimmer than it otherwise would have been if it had been farther up into the night sky. A meteor lasts for only a few seconds; therefore, it would have been unable to “come to rest” over the manger. A supernova would have been very spectacular and would have the brilliance required of the star in the east, but the event would have been recorded by other ancient cultures; therefore, its possibility is eliminated. That leaves one possibility with any celestial influence—the comet.
Halley’s Comet makes a grand appearance every 75 ½ years or so. According to astrophysicists, Halley’s Comet would have appeared in 11 B. C. during the later years of the rule of King Herod. Since it takes a month or more for a comet to travel across the night sky, and the closer it gets to the sun, the brighter it becomes, it is possible that the wise men followed its path as it grew from a large blur overhead to a brilliant spectacle above the horizon. And if Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the menagerie had been lodged below the comet at the correct angle, it would have made quite a spectacular sight.
So we may fix the year of Christ’s birth at around 11 B. C., but what about that mysterious date of December 25? Where does that come from? Why isn’t the messiah who is alleged to have saved the world assigned the date of January 1 because he is number one? Maybe he should have been given December 31 and January 1 as he is the alpha and omega (notwithstanding the twelve days that a carol gives him).
Christmas is actually an extension of a pagan tradition that stretches back into pre-history. Nearly all societies that existed in the ancient world that were north of the Equator recognized the “return of the sun.” By that, it is meant that for six months the daytime hours had been shortening and shortening. On or around December 21, the days get longer—by only a minute or two, but the time between sunrise and sunset lengthens. Therefore, the lengthening of daylight is noticeable around December 25. The celebration of the return of the sun was recognized by the Romans as Saturnalia. The Druids had a festival. The Scandinavians called it Yule. As well, according to the article “Where our Christmas came From” in the December, 1930 Journal of Nursing, “The Mithraic Dies Natalis Invicti Solis—The Birthday of the Conquered Sun—came then.” Therefore, these pagan traditions were up for grabs by a hegemonic European religion.
If Pope Gregory XIII couldn’t get the year right for the birth of Christ, why would anyone think that he could get the day right? By the 16th century, Christians had already appropriated the Return of the Sun festivals for the birth of Christ. It only makes sense that the return of the “sun” could also mean the return of the “son.” However, through the translation of many languages, that pun probably does not hold water. But if one is to assume the rising of a life-sustaining, celestial body for one’s own holiday tradition, it may as well be one that is positive and affirming. Besides, expropriating holidays is not new. In America, Decoration Day was originally established to remember Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. In 1967 it was officially renamed Memorial Day and was designated as the day to remember soldiers who had fallen in all U. S. wars. Since then it is taking on a new tradition as an extended weekend in which one should buy furniture.
So the two major Christian holidays are days of rebirth. Christmas is when the sun is reborn and Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is when the plants go into green and crops are planted. The symbolism is more important than the facts. No one knows when Christ was born, but we do know that he brought a message of forgiveness and love that the world before him had not known. Some traditions worship that message; some see the message merely as a wise philosophy, while others disparage it. Many of us fall short of recognizing its value, but having it handed to us once or twice a year is probably in our best interest anyway. We hope you have a merry Christmas spending it in the manner that best suits you.

We hope that you enjoy the writings of Larry Bush, our very own “USF Cartoon Historian” and feature contributor to Pasco Naturally. Larry and his wife, Alice, are member-residents of Paradise Lakes and fellow naturists.

Robinson Crusoe
by Daniel Defoe

For this one column I have decided to go in a different direction. Instead of searching the library shelves for the newest writers and catchy titles; I have chosen to visit the past and reread a book that was part of my school years. It is truly a classic and has stood the test of time.
Back in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was not uncommon for a young lad to have the burning desire to spread his wings and to seek his fortune in distant lands, away from the familiar bonds of family and friends. The lure of the sea captured the hearts and minds of many of these young men as they stood on a rickety dock , next to an equally rickety sailing vessel with their massive superstructure that was covered in acres of sails which caught the winds of travel.
Such was the lure that totally took over the life of one such young man, Robinson Crusoe. Against his father’s best wishes and his mother’s tears and anguish he climbed aboard for the first time to learn the ways of a sailor and of the sea. The sea, however, was not kind to the young sailor on his first deployment. Twenty foot waves and gale force winds swept across the wooden decking knocking everything from its moorings. Seasoned sailors laughed and joked about their young comrade’s inability to retain the breakfast he had just consumed and even young Crusoe had wished he had followed his parent’s wishes to remain at home.
But at last, the seas calmed and the winds abated and the clear skies renewed Crusoe’s desire to travel the world. Weeks at sea turned into months at sea then into years. As each degree on the compass came and departed, so did distant lands that most people had never laid eyes on. Pirate ships, with their jolly roger banner hoisted to the wind, were also part of the landscape, so the deck cannons were very important and often used for the protection of the ship and its crew.
Forced to abandon ship due to extremely poor weather off the coast of a distant island, Crusoe winds up the only survivor on the rocky coastline, an island where, unknown to him at this time, he will spend many years. Survival is the primary objective at the time and he faces death from all sides. Wild animals roam the island, not to mention the native savages, who have never laid eyes on a white man, but Crusoe is well prepared for survival and has learned much from his many adventures on the high seas.
If you take the time to read this work, be you young or young at heart, it will rekindle the spirit of travel and adventure that most of us had in years gone by. It is a fast moving story of survival, but even more than that; Crusoe gave birth to a new life for himself on that island and managed to survive quite comfortably for many years.

We know you enjoy the writings of Jim Kennedy in his regularly featured book review column. We are also proud to announce that Jim is now the "Community Liaison" for Pasco Naturally as we continue to involve our nudist communities in Pasco County in an effort to show that nudists DO indeed make a difference! We thank you Jim...for ALL you do!

ACHIEVING OPTIMUM HEALTH

“Optimum health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of wellness in mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and social areas. Some would also include financial health.”

Optimum health is essential at all levels, from the individual to the society we live in to the environment around us. We have to start thinking of wealth not just in terms of possession of money and properties but also the possession of mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being.
Mental Health:
The truth is the mind is the forerunner of all states. With a proper mind-set, a poor man can still be happy. Conversely, if the mind-set is not right, no matter how much material possessions you may have, you may still be a very unhappy person. Thus, Gandhi said, “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for even a single person’s greed.”
So a healthy mind is one that possesses a mind-set that can lead to happiness and contentment with self and the world around us. It provides clarity of thoughts, good insight and the ability to see things through an unbiased mind.
To be able to see things through an unbiased mind is no small feat. It is extremely difficult to note or observe the unfolding of events and phenomena without judging. We habitually associate emotions or feelings to events, and allow such emotions to direct our actions. Our likes for certain things and dislikes for others are closely associated with our emotions.
Emotional Health:
It is our emotions that lead us to act impulsively at times. Thus a high level of self-awareness in this area is extremely useful. In fact, it is essential to our wellbeing. After all, things and relationships that may take us years to build can be destroyed in a moment of anger.
There are positive and negative emotions. Positive emotions such as love, compassion and joy should be cultivated, while negative emotions such as fear, anger and hate need to be eradicated.
When asked about this, a wise sage of India once illustrated with a story:
An old man said to his grandson, “Boy, I have two tigers caged within me. One is love and compassion. The other is fear and anger.” The young boy asked, “Which one will win, grandfather?” The old man replied, “The one I feed.”
At times, it may seem that we have no control over our emotions. This is not true. The truth is how well we manage our emotions depends on how aware we are of our emotions,particularly on the arising of our emotions. The earlier we are able to note the arising of our emotions, we better we can manage them.
More and more researches are showing that our well-being is closely linked to our emotional and mental health. Our body’s immune system is generally enhanced by positive mental outlook and emotion. Conversely, it is depressed by negative mental and emotional states. Thus, stress, worry, anger and fear are some states that may lead to physical illnesses such as hypertension, cardiac diseases, peptic ulcers, depression and a host of other ailments.
Physical Health:
To maintain an optimum physical well-being, therefore, requires us to focus not only on our body but also our mind and emotions.
On a physical level, our body can be kept healthy through adequate sleep and rest, proper nutrition, regular exercises and a healthy environment that is free from pollution.
Spiritual Health:
Throughout the ages, wise men have consistently informed and taught us that we are essentially spiritual beings.
Although medical science has not been able to reveal to us our spiritual nature, there are many indirect evidence that we would be foolish to ignore. Stories from people who had gone through a near death experience (NDE), or dying people with heightened nearing death awareness, or simply a cure from an ‘incurable’ disease all suggest that there is more to life than just the physical state.
Major religions of the world all based their teachings on the belief that we are essentially spiritual beings. According to these teachings, our physical existence is secondary.
While it may be true that we should focus our life more on our spiritual nature than our physical nature, it would be difficult for the majority of people to do so, at least not immediately. Things cannot change overnight. Mind-set,however, can, and that is perhaps the best place to start.
Financial Health:
On a more mundane level, most people are still stuck on how to survive from day to day, where to get the next cheque to pay for the house installment, so on and so forth.
Practically, therefore, we need to look into ways to achieve a financial state that would theoretically free us from the constrain of ‘forced’ work. This is where the concept of financial freedom is so attractive. According to this concept, one should strive for a state where we have one or more than one source of income that can be generated passively, that is, even when we don’t work. This is what Robert Kiyosaki termed as ‘passive income’. According to him, passive income can only be achieved by becoming an investor or a business owner, not a sole proprietor or an employee. To become an investor or a business owner, you must spend the time and money to acquire financial intelligence. Unlike IQ or EQ, you can acquire financial intelligence through self education. To get a financial health check-up, consult an accountant, a banker or a financial planner you can trust.
Healthy Relationship:
“No man is an island, entire by itself.” As a medical doctor, I am in a unique position to confront and comfort dying patients. One of the most important thing that I have observed is that dying people do not ask about their money or possessions. Instead, they focus their remaining energy and strength on trying to heal wounded relationships. It is as though there is an inherent need to get a proper closure to a relationship.
Thus, forming and cultivating a healthy relationship is important for our well-being. Unfortunately, this is something we often ignored until it is too late. If there is any forgiving to be done, or the need to be forgiven, leaving things to the last minutes may end up with an unfulfilled desire for a closure.
Knowing this now, shouldn’t we spend more time and effort in improving our relationship with our loved ones, especially with our parents, spouse, children and siblings?
By Dr Tim Ong

Please welcome Pasco Naturally's newest columnist, Dave Taylor! Each month Dave will bring you information that you will find interesting, timely and insightful, whether it is something he has written or something he had read. We hope you enjoy it.

A Guessing Game?

Well it is December again and because Congress can not agree on anything, tax planning has become or still remains a guessing game. At this time of the year many taxpayers are making decisions on whether to pay certain expenses in December 2011 or in January 2012. Since Congress has not acted, it might make sense to pay certain expenses this year since if paid next year, they may not be deductible. These items include the following.
The ability to elect to deduct state and local sales and use tax in lieu of income taxes will expire at the end of 2011. Since Florida does not have an income tax, if this is not extended, it will cost most Floridians tax dollars in future years.
In spite of all the discussion regarding encouraging higher education, the deduction for tuition expenses will expire at the end of 2011.
The tax deduction of up to $250 ($500 on a joint return) for out of pocket expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers expire at the end of 2011.
The alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption is scheduled to decrease next year. If the increased exemption is not extended beyond 2011, many Americans will see their annual tax bills rise due to the AMT. When Congress initially enacted the AMT it was done to “guarantee” that wealthy taxpayers, who were able to take advantage of legal deductions, paid at least a minimum amount of tax. If the AMT exemption reverts back to the old level, based upon projections we have made for clients, many people will see their 2012 tax bills go up even though their income and deductions stay the same as in 2011.
Current law allows taxpayers over the age of 70 ½ to take tax free distributions of up to $100,000 annually from their individual retirement plans for charitable purposes. Obviously, many of us can not afford to do this, but it is a potentially big tax advantage to people that can afford it and have charitable inclinations.
On the business side, if Congress does not act, the ability to deduct 100% “Bonus” depreciation for qualified property will go away.
In addition, the election to expense up to $500,000 of business assets in the year acquired will be reduced to $25,000.
Effective January 1, 2011, employees were given a tax break by reducing the rate of Social Security tax withheld from their wages from 6.2% to 4.2%. This break will expire after December 31, 2011. Congress had talked about extending the tax break and perhaps expanding the break by giving the 2% reduction to the employer as well, but as of now, nothing has been done.
Since 2012 is an election year, I believe Congress will take action to avoid a tax increase. Unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine as to when they will take action. It could take place before December 31, 2011 or Congress might wait until next spring or summer, so they can take credit for the tax reductions right before the elections. Only time will tell.
If any reader has any tax questions they would like to see addressed in a future issue or if a reader is looking for a meeting speaker to talk about taxes, please contact the editor who will forward the information to me.
Have a Happy Holiday Season!!!!!!

Pasco Naturally is proud to bring you Ed Quigley, longtime friend and supporter to our nudist community, as your tax tip advisor! Ed wants to see us all make the best of our tax dollar liabilities so that we might be able to redirect those dollars back to ourselves during the current economic “crunch.” Do you have a question you would like to see Ed address for you in our next issue? Please let Ed know by contacting him through us at editor@pasconaturally.com

A Tough Year, A Merry Christmas, and a Few Thoughts...

It’s been a couple of weeks now, as of this writing, since the horrible accident that took the of life of John Forier and Pam Tanner, our editor . As one of John’s friends put it at the memorial service, when he first heard the news he thought it was a vicious rumor. It was not, and it again shows, as we have seen way too many times this year, how very fragile this gift we call life can be.
I cannot say I was a close friend of John’s, but when I would see him at the club, he would always have time to say hello, and he always appreciated a good joke. The responsibility of running Paradise Lakes, and with all the “advice” that was showered upon him about how it should be ran, it’s a wonder he still had his sense of humor most of the time. It’s never been an easy job, because so many members from so many different backgrounds want the club to succeed, and John had to make decisions based on members input, but also as a businessman.
Pam was one whom I was proud to count among my best friends. She has had her share of struggles as many of us have, but I knew how much she cared about this paper, and the lifestyle that it promoted. And if you ask any of her maternity patients at Tampa General Hospital, they’ll tell you what a caring person she was. Too young, too soon…
And now for a little cheer, we surely need some. I’ve come up with a new form of Christmas wish list, where we don’t necessarily wish for a gift, but for certain people in the public spotlight to simply be set adrift in a boat, never to bother us again. This is only a partial list, and I’m sure you may want to add a few of your. The oceans could be mighty crowded after we’re done.
The entire Kardashian family. I’m sorry, I’ve had enough of their whining and manipulation of the media. And I’m a nudist so I don’t care about their clothing line.
Herman Cain, who as of this writing has finally set himself adrift in the sea of “fifteen minutes of fame”. Yes, I know that many of our political leaders were sexist and philanderers, but we don’t need to knowingly put another one in power.
The entire U.S. Congress, both sides of the aisle! (“We’re gonna need a bigger boat”). Either set them adrift or make them all PERSONALLY pay off the national debt. It’s okay if we lose them; we can hire some more people, it’s called an election.
All the people in the mortgage industry who knowingly made bad mortgage loans and then misrepresented those loans to investors. Since we can’t seem to figure out how to put them jail, just set them adrift. (Maybe in the same boat with Congress! I’m sure some of them are very close personal friends.)
I’m sure you’ll have a few to add to the list. I’ll be happy to hear your input. Just email me care of the editor or stop in Key West Bar at Paradise some evening. Please have a safe and happy Holiday season, don’t drive drunk or tired. Oh, and stay nude and keep smiling.

Mike Adams, a long time contributor and now Associate Editor to Pasco Naturally, continues to reflect on the absurdities of life with his unique blend of humor and laser sharp insight.

...and Around Florida!

New Year’s Eve Celebrations range from home parties with B.Y.O.B and finger foods to expensive admission to upscale parties with complimentary party favors and cheap champagne. Most nudists make their NYE plans weeks if not months in advance. With so many options, at times it’s difficult which party to choose from. In the past few years I’ve tried it all, the nudist resort, the house party and even the nightclub.
This year why not ring in 2012 at one of the world’s most recognized clothing optional destinations, Haulover Beach in Miami, Florida for the B.E.A.C.H.E.S Nude Year Festival hosted by South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association. This 3 day 2 night event beginning Saturday December 31 through Monday January 2 will include music, entertainment, food & drink and camping with very little to no clothing at all.
South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association, Inc. is an organization advocating for a fair share of public beaches and other suitable public commons for nude recreation in Florida, including the designation of clothing optional areas. Free Beach means a naturist or clothing-optional beach, which allows the option of skinny-dipping and nude sunbathing, commonly known as a nude beach.
Haulover Beach is a mile and half long stretch in Miami, Florida that has a half mile dedicated as clothing optional in 1991. Out of 1260 miles of coastline, this mere ½ mile is the only recognized legal nude beach in Florida. Another nudist favorite (including myself) is Playalinda Beach which located about 200 miles North of Haulover accessible from Titusville, FL on the Canaveral National Seashore. Although nudity is not enforced by law officers nor park rangers, Playalinda is not recognized by Broward County as a nude beach. The efforts of Richard and Shirley Mason of South Florida Free Beaches were able to have the sign indicating public nudity prohibited removed from the main gate and entrance to Playalinda Beach with the approval of Park officials.
Nude Year Celebration of daytime events will be on Haulover’s clothing optional beach. Overnight camping will be about 300 yards North on Sunny Isles Beach by the Ocean’s Palm Hotel. The opportunity to spend time on this world renowned beach during the year’s most exhilarating festivities should prove to be a memorable experience.
Festival ticket pricing will vary depending on length of stay. All proceeds from the festival benefit the fund-raising efforts of B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation and South Florida Free Beaches who tirelessly work to not only improve Haulover Beach but fight to keep this little piece of paradise open for the future enjoyment of nudists from all over the world. This years proceeds will benefit Save Our Beaches and Haulover Improvement funds. A priority has bee established to purchase Mobichairs for use by visitors with disabilities.
The events planned for this three day celebration includes a DJ, a fire drum circle, performance artists and wellness workshops, naturist discussion groups and a screening of the film Act Naturally. Drink and food vouchers will be issued with paid admission. Weather in Southern Florida during the month of December is the driest month of the year and temperatures average high of 75 degrees to a low of 65 degrees.
Please visit www.BeachesFoundation.org for festival pricing as well as informative news articles, pictures and video regarding the efforts and accomplishments of South Florida Free Beaches. You may also contact Shirley Mason at 1-866-29-BEACH to book your spot at this exciting event or speak to her about the organization and challenges faced by working to keep this little stretch of beach designated as clothing optional. If you have already made plans for NYE, please consider donating to this organization by contacting Shirley or visiting their website. You can also sign up to receive the SFFB Newsletter by email.
Everyone have a safe and prosperous New Year and enjoy being nude as much as possible!

Just Becky, our newest contributor, brings a fresh perspective on what is going on around Florida for the young nudist. Please contact “Just Becky” with questions or comments at NudeNotaryFlorida@yahoo.com Welcome Becky!