LOCAL

Good News: This 88-year-old likes to dance so much that she got her own music festival

Staff Writer
Florida Times-Union
Provided by Jeff Holland Libby Howell (center) had a terrific time at the music festival put on for her by Elmcroft of Timberlin Parc at Aw Shucks Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Libby Howell had her very own music festival with a lineup of 18 musicians. And the 88-year-old outdanced everyone there. Howell, who lives at Elmcroft of Timberlin Parc, a Southside assisted-living facility, loves music and loves to dance.

Howell is the one who entices residents to hit the dance floor whenever musicians perform at Elmcroft, said her daughter, Ann Abercrombie. The festival was part of the facility's 2nd Win Dream Program, which fulfills dreams for Elmcroft's seniors. Her dream was called "Party Girl," and to kick it off, she was toasted with Coke and chocolate-covered cherries, her favorite. The event featured a private dinner for her family provided by Aw Shucks Restaurant on Old St. Augustine Road.

Then trumpet player Rob McKinnon summoned guests to get in the toe-tapping mood. A cake decorated with her picture and musical notes was presented, and the musicians each dedicated a song to her.

"She absolutely loved it," Abercrombie said. "She's a party girl and was thrilled to have such a wonderful party in her honor. She danced with every man there. She would have stayed until she passed out, I'm sure."

A photo frame signed by guests and musicians now hangs in her apartment, said Rachel Waxer, Elmcroft's healthy lifestyles director, who spent 15 to 20 hours planning the event. Publix provided flowers and there were shakers for everyone in the audience. Waxer said she was grateful to Jodi Mayle and Bill Rowland, managers of Aw Shucks; Dave and Linda Shilby for allowing them to host at their open mic night; Tina Schmidt from LifeCare Solutions, who contributed financially; and the musicians and volunteers.

Here's more good news:

¦ The recent Bag Lady Luncheon at the Sawgrass Beach Club couldn't be more aptly named. The third annual event, sponsored by the Friends for the Arts, raised more than $20,000 for the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Most of the money came from a silent auction of more than 150 handbags that were donated by supporters and retailers. More than 175 guests attended the event, which was chaired by Becky Jewett.

¦ Some Jacksonville youngsters may be smiling more broadly, thanks to the Jacksonville Dental Society. The society partnered with the Sulzbacher Center to provide low-income children, ages 3 to 18, with free dental services. Fifty-three dentists and hygienists from the Jacksonville Dental Society, Sulzbacher Center, Northeast District Dental Society, Florida State College at Jacksonville Hygiene School, the University of North Florida Pre Dental Club and UNF nutrition students donated their services.

They examined 58 patients and treated 52, providing 447 services at an estimated value of $36,427 at the Sulzbacher's dental clinic at 611 E. Adams St., a news release said.

¦ Quang Ly, a graduate student working on his dual juris doctor/master of public policy degree at Jacksonville University, has received the President's Volunteer Service Award. The West Palm Beach resident performed more than 500 service hours in two years, earned gold medal service status and received two certificates of achievement and a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, a news release said.

¦ Mel Joseph Vasquez built a brick barbecue grill at St. John's Catholic Church on Mayport Road in Atlantic Beach as his Eagle Scout project. Since he had never built one before, he constructed a facsimile in his backyard. Formerly, the church rented a grill for its functions. The 18-year-old Atlantic Beach resident is a member of Troop 887 that meets at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. He is a junior at Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School of the Medical Arts and the son of Manny and Marilyn Vasquez. It took about a month to complete the cinder block and brick grill, Manny Vasquez said.

¦ LaVilla School of the Arts vocal teacher Shawn Pendry has been nominated for a "LifeChanger of the Year" award by National Life Group. The program recognizes K-12 education professionals and school district employees for making significant differences in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence and leadership, a news release said. Pendry's passion for teaching has instilled a love and enthusiasm for music in students over the years. The winner will be announced in April and will receive a $10,000 award.

Have good news? Send items to goodnews@jacksonville.com. You can fax them to (904) 359-4478 or mail them to The Florida Times-Union, P.O. Box 1949, Jacksonville, FL 32231. sandy.strickland@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4128.