Lush green fairways, soft whitesand traps and beautifully crisp land-scaping await as Buckhorn SpringsGolf and Country Club recently re-opened after a summer-long groundsrenovation project. Beginning late lastspring, the renovations included replac-ing the greens with ChampionBermuda grass, an ultra-fine variety ofgrass that presents better consistencyand gives better putting speeds, level-ing all of the tees, changing out theroughs and outer greens withCelebration Bermuda grass, re-doingthe practice area and fixing the oncourse bathrooms, coolers and sig-nage. The fourth hole, which accordingto General Manager Randy O'Linger isthe club's signature hole, was also ren-ovated. Bright white sands now line thebunkers and the goosegrass and otherweeds have been carefully removed toallow the new turf to grow in.
Opening on Labor Day in 1968,
Buckhornhas beenthefavorite of many loyal members, includ-ing the club's owner, William H. Harper,who was a member of the club backwhen it first opened and was later theclub president. With more than 300members strong, the club does notlack for devotees. To prove that point,their dedication to the club was madeevident when several were seen weed-ing goosegrass on the fairways duringa particularly warm September morn-ing. Using large metal weeding tools,the group painstakingly scoured theturf for the troublesome weed andpulled them up, some by hand, intolarge grassy piles. "They wanted to dosomething for the club," explainedHarper. "They volunteered for it. Theylove this place also."
If you are interested in becoming amember of Buckhorn Springs Golf andCountry Club or you would like to findout more information, please visithttp://buckhornsprings.com or call 689-7766.
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Photo By Tamas MondovicsFlorida School of Judo member Anthony Albano, 38, demonstrates a
throwing technique last month during a morning practice session at theCampo YMCA in Valrico. Albano has been learning Judo since he was
seven years old and gives credit to Florida School of Judo founder,Professor Ed Maley. Turn to page 31 to learn more about the school.
ValricoSeptember 2012 Volume 9, Issue 9
657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country ClubReopens After Summer Renovations
By Alicia Squillante
SEE OUR
AD ON PAGE
24
Plaza Bella will host the FifthAnnual "Plaza Bella Goes Pink" onSaturday, October 20. Back by populardemand are the "Diva Strut" whichruns from Plaza Bella to theBloomingdale Library and back andthe 5k Challenge run which goes fromPlaza Bella to Nature's Way and back.Both the walk and the run are led bycancer survivors and both begin at 9a.m.
The cost to participate in thisevent is $40 for individuals or $35 perperson for a team of five or more. Youcan pre-register at The GreenBoutique or at 8 a.m. on the day of theevent. The first 300 registered walkerswill receive a T-shirt and goodie bag.
For those who wish to honor fami-ly and friends who have been afflictedwith breast cancer, you can donate $5for a pink ribbon which will line theplaza entrance and part ofBloomingdale Ave. There will be aspecial area to honor cancer survivorswho will also receive a special gift. Aspecial memorial for AntionetteCuellar, who was the survivor speakerfor the past two years, is beingplanned. Cuellar lost her battle withcancer earlier this year.
The Fifth Annual "Plaza BellaGoes Pink" is 100 percent underwrit-ten by The Green Boutique. Thisensures that all funds raised go toeither the American Cancer Society orThe Vera Bradley Foundation forBreast Cancer Research. Walkers canchoose which of the two organizations
will receive their donatedmoney.
Roz Creager, owner ofThe Green Boutique, said,
"I am likeeveryotherwomanwho hasthe fearthat shewill hearthe words,'you have
breast cancer.' No woman should haveto undergo losing a part of her body orfearing for her life because of breastcancer."
Last year's event had 300 partici-pants and raised $22,000. Creagersaid, "It is so wonderful to see somany people come out and give theirsupport for this cause. I am sotouched by the personal stories that Ihear as a result of holding this event."
Plaza Bella and The GreenBoutique are located at 1078Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For moreinformation on this event, please call685-9494.
Help Raise Funds To Find A Cure AtFifth Annual "Plaza Bella Goes Pink"
By Kathy L Collins
Join hundreds of other area residents at the 5thAnnual "Plaza Bella Goes Pink" on Saturday,
October 20. .
Owner and long time club memberWilliam H. Harper stands in front of the
newly refurbished clubhouse.
Several club members picking‘goosegrass’ on the fairways.The weed is very difficult tocontrol and the dedicated
members wanted to lend ahand.
Page11
INSIDE
Cards for the troops.......................................pg 3
River Hills Golf Tournament..........................pg 4
Local Grape Vineyard...................................pg 11
Eye on Business..........Section 2............pgs 25-26
Sports Connection.......Section 2............pgs 30-31
Chalklines....................Section 2.................pg 34
Arts & Entertainment.....Section 2......pgs 38-39
Enter to win prizes from Shop Local tab onwww.ospreyobserver.com.
OCT 17-21, County Fairgrounds
