The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

’Tis plenty of holiday cheer to go around

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Whether you’re looking for something fun for the family to do, you want to share the magic of the holidays with someone special, or you’d like to entertain out-of-town company, there are plenty of choices across The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

We’ve compiled some of your options and share them here.

Land O’ Lakes and Lutz

22nd Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
When: Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 11, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 16, Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment inside the historic school, which will be dressed up for the holidays, and have trains and refreshments. Children also can enjoy breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets for that event are $4 each.
Info: Contact Stephanie Ensor at (813) 244-2256 or .

This Christmas, This Peace
When: Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
Cost: Tickets for reserved seating are $10, $15 and $20
Details: The church will offer live performances with a choir, orchestra and nativity scene.
Info: Call Idlewild Baptist Church at (813) 264- 8707, or visit Idlewild.org.

Beyond the Noise
When: Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: The church’s choir and drama team will put on a cantata, conveying Christmas through the eyes of a young girl.
Info: Call Keystone Community Church at (813) 948-4522, or visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org.

Traditions on the Green Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Live performances from local school bands and choirs, a tree lighting ceremony and refreshments served.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

A Journey Through Bethlehem (for kindergarten through fifth grade)
When: Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Children asked to bring a canned good item for admission
Details: Harvester United takes kindergarten through fifth-graders on a tour that’s 2,000 years back in time, to experience the food and drinks, marketplaces, shepherds and the birth of baby Jesus.
Info: Call Harvester United at (813) 948-2311.

Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt
When: Dec. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Tickets are $10 for those age 13 and older; $8 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and younger.
Details: Enjoy a pancake breakfast while in your pajamas, indulge in arts and crafts as well as golf activities, and take snapshots with holiday characters.
Info: To purchase tickets, call (813) 331-5579.

The Mercy Manger
When: Dec. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Riegler Road in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The Myrtle Lake Baptist Church invites the public to listen to their adult choir’s performance, “The Mercy Manger,” to help usher in the holiday.
Info: Call Myrtle Lake Baptist Church at (813) 949-5516.

Lutz, Odessa, San Antonio, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor

Tampa Bay Tour De Clay
When: Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Studio stops include (each studio will have a kiln opening on Dec. 8):

  • Schiemann Pottery, 4635 Eighth Ave., St. Petersburg (MatthewSchiemmanPottery.com); 9 a.m. kiln opening
  • Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor (PotteryBoys.com); 11:30 a.m. kiln opening
  • Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road, Odessa (HiddenLakePottery.com); 1:30 p.m. kiln opening
  • Wellman & Welsh Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road, Lutz (WellmanAndWelsch.com); 3 p.m. kiln opening.
  • San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., San Antonio (SanAntonioPottery.net); 5 p.m. kiln opening (studio will stay open until 8 p.m.)

Cost: Free
Details: Studios offer demonstrations, an opportunity to purchase pottery, chance drawings, refreshments and more.
Info: Call (813) 961-7106, or visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Wesley Chapel

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31, on the hour, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: The event features a giant Christmas tree with holiday lights synchronized to music, along with special guest performances.
Info: Call (813) 994-4010.

Avalon Aglow
When: Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, in Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Take pictures with Santa under a large Christmas tree, enjoy a bounce house, and fireworks. Vendors will offer food and hot chocolate.
Info: Call Avalon Park West at (813) 783-1515.

Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Dade City

34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 2 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Front lawn of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The event will have the decorating and lighting of more than 50 trees, bounce houses, games, a visit from Santa, fireworks, and food trucks with refreshments.
Info: Call Florida Hospital Zephyrhills at (813) 788-0411.

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
Cost: Free
Details: Enlarged Christmas cards will be lit and performances will be given by the Piney Grove Baptist Church choir, and Dennis Devine and Friends. There will be a chance drawing for gift baskets, with tickets selling for $1 each.
Info: Call Donna Swart at (352) 588-3631.

Zephyrhills Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 8 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: In addition to the parade, there will be refreshments, craft vendors, snapshots with Santa and a drawing for a child to win a free bicycle.
Info: Call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414.

Magical Night Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Dade City on Seventh Street in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Decorated floats, dancers, marching bands and Santa Claus will make their way down the parade route.
Info: Call the Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769.

Country Christmas and Vintage Market
When: Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for students or those who bring a toy donation; free for those younger than age 5
Details: There will be free photos with Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; opportunities to purchase presents from vendors; food trucks; a petting zoo; and, live entertainment.
Info: Call Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. 

33rd Annual Country Christmas Stroll
When: Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City, Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Local restaurants and shops will be open, and there will be vendors selling items. There also will be musical performances, cookie samples and a visit from Santa.
Info: Call the Dade City Merchant’s Association at (352) 424-0601.

Dade City Symphony: ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly’
When: Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St., in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: The Dade City Symphony Orchestra and vocalist Jennifer Regal Ferguson will perform.
Info: Call the Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCitySymphony.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Church Avenue in Dade City (the avenue will be closed starting at 6 p.m.)
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Details: Stroll along Church Avenue to see decorated homes and Christmas cards, with nightly entertainment by area church groups and musicians. Guests can park at First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church or First Presbyterian Church, all on Church Avenue.
Info: Visit ChurchStreetChristmas.org.

Published November 28, 2018

Using facial recognition tool to help reunite lost pets

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For many pet owners, their pets aren’t just furry companions — they’re full-fledged members of the family.

So, when a dog or cat goes astray, the experience can be overwhelming.

Now, however, a new tool may improve the odds of reuniting owners with their lost pets.

Rachel Stever, of Pasco County Animal Services, holds a furry new friend. With a program like Finding Rover, Stever hopes this kitty, along with other strays, will be reunited with their owners. (Brian Fernandes)

John Polimeno launched the app, Finding Rover, in 2013, to help locate lost dogs and cats through facial recognition.

And, Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS), just like Citrus and Manatee County, has begun using the program.

“It’s a wonderful partnership we have with them,” said Rachel Stever, education and outreach coordinator at Animal Services. “It’s absolutely revolutionary.”

Animal Services, which serves all of Pasco County, operates out of an office located in Land O’ Lakes.

Animal Services coordinates with independent animal shelters in the county, and these organizations can now be more beneficial to one another with Finding Rover.

Pet owners can register their dog or cat on Finding Rover online, via Facebook or directly from the app.

To register, owners upload a mugshot of their pet onto the program, where the picture is carefully scanned. The scan picks up on certain facial features unique to the animal, such as a birth mark, scars or eye color.

Additional information can then be added to the app’s profile detailing the specifics, especially if the animal has a microchip implant number, which Stever said is most helpful.

Every stray that is brought into Animal Services is scanned for a microchip. A microchip can pull up a profile on the pet’s name, address and veterinarian, which can help to track the owner.

Unfortunately, not all dogs and cats brought into shelters have a microchip, so this is where Finding Rover can step in.

Once Animal Services takes in a stray, they post their own profile of the animal, including a picture.

When an owner alerts the app that their pet is missing, the mugshot on profile begins to do a search with profiles at Animal Services and any other shelters who partner with Finding Rover.

If an exact match is found, the app will give the location of the shelter.

If the app is not certain, a GPS will show the shelters within proximity that have potential look-alikes.

“The great thing with Finding Rover is it automatically updates their side of the system,” Stever explained. “They’re getting the same pictures, the same updates that we do all day.”

What’s more, those who find a lost pet can quickly download the app, take a snapshot of the animal and potentially trace the owner as well.

This is reassuring for Stever and her colleagues as they’ve seen an increase in strays in 2018.

Stever stated that an estimated 6,400 animals have come to the shelter this past year, an uptick by almost 1,100 from last year.

Under Animal Services’ policy, animals with a microchip can be put up for adoption if not claimed within 72 hours of admittance, while those without a microchip are put up after 48 hours.

Finding Rover also assists in an adoption process, as potential owners can scroll through pictures of dogs and cats at nearby shelters.

Although Stever said the goal is to find a good home for these animals, nothing beats reconnecting pets with their true owners.

“I’ve seen people that are reunited after a couple of days, and it’s just as emotional as when they’ve been separated for months,” Stever said.

The app also is a testament that no matter how similar two animals may look, they each have qualities which make them unique and special.

Published November 28, 2018

Making a case for higher learning

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Dr. Jeffrey Senese, the president of Saint Leo University, talked about the role and importance of higher education in today’s society during a breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The leader of one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities tackled what he called public misperceptions regarding the words “liberal arts.”

Saint Leo University President Dr. Jeffrey Senese speaks about the importance of a college education during a Nov. 6 breakfast meeting at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus. (Brian Fernandes)

“They’re ‘bad’ words today,” Senese said, noting that the word “liberal” has a political connotation and the word “arts” has the stigma of unemployment attached to it.

Senese contends that those notions aren’t true.

“Math and sciences are liberal arts,” Senese said, and so is the study of “universal principles.”

Indeed, the state requires that a large portion of an academic degree be focused on the liberal arts, “so when people leave the university, they have this broad skillset in addition to their major,” Senese said.

The image of higher education also has declined, the Saint Leo president acknowledged, noting that 61 percent of the population doesn’t like the direction in which it is heading.

Reasons contributing to that include the media’s portrayal of institutions and the  hyperpolitical partisan environment in which we live, he said.

The private college president also addressed the concern about rising tuition.

Some costs result from meeting campus regulations, and also from the expense of hiring personnel who can meet students’ expectations and needs, he said.

Academia itself is also at fault for its image because learning institutions do a poor job of communicating and justifying the benefits of a higher education, Senese said.

Professors allowing their political views to influence their teaching and employers’ dissatisfaction by the inability of recent graduates to perform well in the workplace also contribute to negative views, he said.

To help change that, Senese implored business owners and employers in the audience to play an active role on advisory boards to ensure that students graduate with the necessary skills.

“If you’re not getting what you need, speak up and help us,” Senese said.

He also addressed the perception that online courses are not up-to-par with the traditional classroom setting.

Online courses, he explained are provided as a matter of convenience for students, especially older ones, who are bound by their job and family life.

“A lot of online students would love to take in-class [courses] if they could,” the college president said.

Despite criticisms of higher education, Senese noted that an academic degree has definite benefits.

The unemployment rate is much lower for those with a bachelor’s degree, he said.

Liberal arts graduates also tend to have a 30 percent to 100 percent chance of being in a leadership role, and they are  22 percent to 66 percent more likely to contribute back to their society in a charitable way, he said.

And, on a personal level, those with degrees tend to have longer marriages and better family lives, he added.

Senese was named the university’s 10th president in July. He had been serving as acting president since April, after William J. Lennox Jr., stepped down from the role.

Senese’s remarks came during the chamber’s monthly business breakfast meeting on Nov. 6, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

Senese is a Pennsylvania State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He also has a master’s degree in criminology at Indiana State University and has a Ph.D. in criminal justice/research methods/statistics from Michigan State University.

Published November 28, 2018

Thanksgiving: Savoring turkey and nostalgia

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It’s that time of year again.

Turkeys stock home freezers.

Plans are made to gather with friends and family — whether they live a few miles away, or across the country.

There’s the anticipation of a veritable feast of Thanksgiving football games, and the not-so-subtle signs that Christmas is just around the corner.

And, as this day set aside for gratitude approaches, millions of Americans may choose to observe decades’ old traditions, while others try something new and spontaneous.

For some, it will just be a regular Thursday.

We talked with residents in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area to see if they have special plans for Thanksgiving, and what the holiday means to them personally.

Carol Duren, a homemaker in Lutz, has a unique perspective on Thanksgiving. She thinks every day is a reason to celebrate. (Brian Fernandes)

For Carol Duren, a homemaker from Lutz, the spirit of Thanksgiving is not something attached to a specific day on a calendar.

“Every day is thankfulness to God,” Duren said.

As a native Californian, Duren recalls a time when it was easier for families to spend  Thanksgiving together.

It’s harder to achieve that unity today because loved ones are scattered and people work odd work hours, she said.

However, she said she’s looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with her children, who live out of state.

She also plans to dine on traditional favorites, including cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes.

Maryhelen Zopfi, also of Lutz, said Thanksgiving in her home is different from the Thanksgivings of her childhood.

Maryhelen and Simon Zopfi, married for 49 years, always look forward to spending Thanksgiving with their granddaughter.

“When I was growing up, everybody came and had dinners together,” Zopfi said. “Now, everybody seems to go out to restaurants to have dinners.”

She and her husband, Simon, have been married for 49 years. Sometimes, they host Thanksgiving dinner, while other times they travel out of town.

In Zopfi’s mind, Thanksgiving is similar to Veterans Day — because it’s intended to be a day set aside for gratitude.

She and her husband have shared the same holiday table for decades, but their choice of food is different.

“He likes the turkey and I’m vegan, so I’ll go for the vegetables,” Zopfi said.

Celebrating old traditions, making new ones
Land O’ Lakes resident Frances Laverghetta has a personal claim on the holiday.

“I was born on Thanksgiving, so it’s meaningful to me,” the Tampa native said.

She plans to spend the holiday with her son and his family, in Spring Hill. And, she said there’s zero chance that she’ll decline a chance to enjoy a nice slice of pumpkin pie.

Land O’ Lakes resident Anna Sykora, who originally hails from Ohio, has fond memories of old traditions — such as the sweet potato sauce, a special family dish that she still enjoys today.

Larry Peteet, a veteran, said his family lives in other states. He said he’ll take pleasure in spending this Thanksgiving with his British Labrador, Sandy Girl.

But she embraces creating new traditions, too.

Celebrating the holiday is more than just a ritual, Sykora emphasized. It aims to honor what really matters in life.

“I’m grateful for what I have – my family,” said Sykora, and, she added, she’s also thankful to be in good health.

Land O’ Lakes resident Larry Peteet, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, takes a certain patriotic pride in celebrating Thanksgiving.

Now an independent software consultant, Peteet said his outlook about Thanksgiving differs markedly from when he was young. Back then, he said, it was all about being out of school for the holiday.

“It was never about giving thanks,” Peteet said.

His attitude has shifted because he now appreciates the value of gratitude.

His enthusiasm for traditional Thanksgiving foods has not wavered a bit, however.

“Turkey and ham [are] phenomenal,” raved Peteet. “I love the creamed green bean casserole. Sweet potatoes are awesome with marshmallows.”

Living alone at Thanksgiving can be tough, Peteet added, noting his family lives in Alabama and South Carolina.

Still, he plans to make the best of the holiday by spending it with his British Labrador, Sandy Girl.

John Mathe, who is diabetic, sees Thanksgiving as an opportunity to treat himself to some of his favorite dishes.

Seventy-one-year-old John Mathe, of Dade City, is looking forward to the holiday festivities.

With grown children living in both Florida and Pennsylvania, it’s difficult to gather everyone together for the joyous occasion, he said.

“You always long for those old traditions – lots of people, long tables, lay down on the couch and you go to sleep,” he reminisced.

He also noted, with a chuckle, that he looks forward to having foods he knows he shouldn’t — because he’s diabetic.

Mathe said the holiday should prompt consideration of those who are less fortunate.

“They need to be thought about,” Mathe said, and they need to know that people care about them.

Kristine Johnson, a Dade City resident, said her family celebrates when they can get the family together — usually a day or two before Thanksgiving because her daughter works in retail.

Though not celebrating on the specific holiday, the family does have a tradition: They enjoy wildlife and go camping, she said.

Also, in her opinion, when it comes to turkey stuffing, there’s only one way to serve it properly: With the dressing in the bird, not on the side.

Zephyrhills resident Betty Harris has lived in Florida for 45 years, by way of Tennessee.

She adopted her daughter 25 years ago, and said Thanksgiving reminds her of the precious nature of life.

Her Thanksgiving menu features many of the foods she enjoyed while growing up, including sweet potato casserole, green beans and mashed potatoes.

Carolyn Clark, a Zephyrhills bus driver, said it’s a priority for her to spend Thanksgiving with her family — back where she grew up in Texas.

When it comes to the menu, she said she won’t settle for anything less than ham, turkey and dressing.

Published November 21, 2018

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show features hundreds of vendors

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If you’re looking for some unique and interesting holiday gifts, you’ll have plenty of choices at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show presented by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club on the weekend of Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

Jim Murray, of Geneva, stirs this giant kettle as the intense heat rapidly pops kernels into kettle corn, during the arts and craft show last year. He wears protective gear to avoid injury from hot oil and sugar, if it splashes out. (File)

The event will be at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

The show, which raises money for scholarships and other community causes, will feature booths that are both outdoors and inside the school’s gymnasium.

Admission is free, but a $5 parking fee will be collected by Keystone Prep students.

Artist Terry Smith, who has been selling at the event nearly since the show’s inception,  has seen tremendous change through the years.

“In 1981, I entered the Lutz Art Show,” Smith explained. “It was at the Old (Lutz) School House (on U.S. 41) and I was actually inside,” he said.

He sold 16 of the 24 paintings he had on display.

Lucy Fraser, owner of Castle Green Art Glass, was among last year’s vendors. She uses mostly bead and wire to construct these intricate sculptures.

The artist — who enjoys painting landscapes and wildlife, said he always seeks out a corner booth so he can be spotted easily by patrons.

Initially, his works were in watercolor, but he’s expanded to include acrylics and oils.

This year’s arts and crafts show will feature a wide array of vendors, including those offering paintings, photographs, handcrafted jewelry, and artworks fashioned from wood and metal, as well.

Chuck Poppelreiter and his wife will be there with their quilted-wall hangings, wreaths and ornaments.

“We’ve been doing it so many years, we know the routine – what to do, what not to do,” said Poppelreiter, noting he’s been selling at the show for about 20 years.

Over the years, he has witnessed new generations attend, as children become parents and parents become grandparents.

Emily Behnke, of Tampa, checks out a jewelry display while her 2 ½-month-old niece, Madelyn Fannin, chooses to snooze during last year’s event.

“The old shoppers know us by name,” he said.

While there are many familiar faces, customer preferences have changed over time, he noted. Two decades ago, patrons were searching for “country items,” but that’s not true anymore, he said. And, as customer tastes change, vendors must respond.

There will be a food court available for guests to dine, and at 1 p.m., Santa will drop by for a visit on both days.

Vendors also have the opportunity to win cash prizes and ribbons in a juried show.

Parking fees will benefit Keystone Prep, while proceeds from the event will go towards the Woman’s Club in furthering their community causes.

The show will be on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Patrons are asked to only bring service dogs if necessary, with the proper documentation.

For more information, call Lois Cohen at (813) 528-1179, or email .

39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; parking $5
Details: Shoppers have the chance to choose handcrafted items and unique holiday gifts from about 350 vendors. Santa will be dropping by for a visit, and there will be a food court, too.
Info: Call Lois Cohen at (813) 528-1179, or email

Published November 21, 2018

Dade City remembers Chief Raymond Velboom

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It was standing-room only at the Army National Guard building in Dade City, as police officers in dress uniform and members of the community turned out to honor the life of the community’s Police Chief Raymond E. Velboom, who passed away on Oct. 27.

Velboom’s death, at age 67,  followed a lengthy battle with throat cancer.

The celebration of Velboom’s life began with the solemn presentation of the colors by members of the Pasco County Sheriff’s color guard.

Friends, family and former fellow comrades came out to honor the life of Chief Raymond Velboom on Nov. 15 at the Army National Guard building in Dade City. (Courtesy of Richard Riley)

The audience stood as the color guard marched to the front stage, placing an American flag on one side of the podium, and a flag for the State of Florida on the other side.

The celebration took on a different tone, when “I’ll Fly Away” — one of Velboom’s favorite songs — was played in his honor.

The uplifting, jazzy rendition by the Blind Boys of Alabama, had members in the audience clapping and waving white handkerchiefs in the air.

Those attending the service had a chance to learn more about Velboom’s life.

He was born in Clearwater on Jan. 15, 1951, to Ralph and Ethel Velboom.

His dream of becoming a police office began in his childhood, and after graduating from Clearwater High School in 1969, he enrolled at Florida State University and earned a degree in criminal justice.

He worked as a probation and parole office, before joining the Orlando Police Department.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Department color guard displays the U.S. and Floridian flags at Chief Raymond Velboom’s memorial service on Nov. 15.

He became a special agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 1980, and in this position, he worked as part of the governor’s protective detail and also as an intelligence supervisor.

He married Julie Scott in 1995, a longtime friend he initially met in Orlando.

“Everybody that he met, he treated with respect, expected it back and got it,” his wife said, while fighting back tears.

She talked about her husband trying to lighten the mood by having her turn on Howard Stern’s radio show, while the couple was on the way to Moffitt Cancer Center.

While she wasn’t a big fan of the show, she said her husband found Stern funny and thought he was a great interviewer. So, she turned it on for his sake.

The couple had lived in South Tampa until around a decade ago.

Velboom had retired from FDLE in 2007, but just a year later — in March 2008 — he accepted the role as chief of the Dade City Police Department.

A memorial service was held Nov. 15 at the Army National Guard for former police chief of Dade City Raymond E. Velboom. Velboom’s style of policing was known as the ‘Ray way,’ as he was able to bond with the community in a friendly and cordial manner. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department Facebook page)

“The main thing I wanted to talk to you about today was how much Ray loved his community,” said Julie.

Sometimes he would call her and say he was on his way home, and then he would spend the next hour driving around.

Sometimes he would stop to talk to people, at random, including the homeless. He also was known for playing cards with everyday folks.

To explain her husband’s commitment and work ethic, she quoted the lyrics from “It’s My Job,” by Jimmy Buffett, one of the chief’s favorite singers.

“It’s my job to be different from the rest, to be better than the best,” those lyrics say.

Father Dewey Brown of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City described Velboom’s dedication to work as “the Ray way.”

When he talked to Velboom, Brown said, the chief emphasized his concern about the need to bridge the gap between the community and the police.

Velboom, Brown said, was a “peace officer” and “he lived out that love for every other person he came in contact with.”

As the cancer progressed, Velboom was forced to have his voice box removed in the spring, but even though he couldn’t talk, he remained optimistic.

He would assure family and friends that he was OK, by giving a thumbs-up or a fist in the air.

His wife affirmed: “While he may have lost his ability to speak, he never lost his big heart.”

And, as she stepped off the stage, the audience applauded, and raised their thumbs in the air.

Published November 21, 2018

Great American Teach-in exposes students to careers

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An animal service worker and an attorney were among nearly two dozen guests who dropped into Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 14 to talk about their careers as part in the Great American Teach-In.

The goal is to give students an idea of the broad array of career choices they have, and to allow people from the community a chance to share their knowledge about what students need to know to thrive in their line of work.

Clementine Conde, left, an attorney, and Sarah Sukhram, an associate at Pasco County Animal Services, took part in the Great American Teach-in at Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 14. (Brian Fernandes)

Schools across Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties took part in the Great American Teach-In on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Speakers talked about what they do for a living, what inspired them to pursue that line of work, and what skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

The event gives students a chance to hear directly from professionals. It also can introduce them to career choices they may not know about, and can be a source of inspiration to pursue additional education.

Teach-In speakers at Wesley Chapel High ranged from nurses and marketing administrators to radio personalities and aviation technicians.

When one student mentioned she’d heard that law is a boring major, criminal defense attorney Clementine Conde responded: “It depends on the type of law that you do. Once you get out there and practice, it’s a lot more interesting.”

Conde told students that studying law can be daunting, but the reward outweighs the work.

Since receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, then a law degree from Western New England University, she has been practicing legal work for 26 years.

During her class visit, she broke down the difference between the federal and state court system, and she emphasized how a police record can hinder someone’s effort to land a particular job, or get into the school of one’s choice.

She said it’s important that students know their Miranda rights, to avoid self-incrimination.

“A lot of them [students] don’t know they have the right to remain silent if an officer is asking them questions,” said Conde. “It’s important for them to know.”

As she left the class, she offered a piece of advice that she gives her own 16-year-old son. She told them to set a long-term goal, a vision which is obtainable.

Kymone Hinds, another guest speaker, said he hopes to help others to “see past the limits that others have put on them and the limits they’ve placed on themselves.”

Hinds shared his experiences as an author, podcaster, and the owner of a business called Ideas to Life.

His business revolves around coaching and consulting inspiring entrepreneurs, while collaborating with other companies for projects and events.

A native of Tennessee, Hinds is a recent Wesley Chapel transplant and has been using his podcast for the past two years to promote his business.

Like Conde, Hinds, who has a daughter at Wesley Chapel High, wanted students to take away the message that it is important to have some agenda set in place, even if things don’t pan out the way they were intended.

“I wanted them to understand that it’s important to have a vision for your life,” he explained. “A vision is something that carries us beyond our present circumstance. When we face obstacles, our vision is what keeps us motivated,” he said.

Sarah Sukhram, an animal service worker, told students that no matter what skills they possess, they may find themselves in a field they never imagined.

With an education in corporate risk analysis, Sukhram had no idea that she would one day find herself dealing with the issue of stray animals. But since January, she has worked for the Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes as a volunteer and foster care coordinator.

Although she has always had a love for animals, she never thought her skills in corporate risk analysis would be transferrable into caring for animals.

She encouraged students who were at least 16 to consider becoming volunteers.

She also asked how many of the students own pets, followed by a question regarding how many of the pets wear tags or have been micro-chipped. More hands went up for the first question than for the second.

Many pets, she said, end up in shelters because of a lack of identification.

Besides working directly with animals, other opportunities exist at Animal Services, including social media work, graphic design and customer service, she said.

Sukhram said that students shouldn’t have to feel boxed in to higher education, but instead should focus on what they are passionate about doing.

“I think that education is always important, but I do think there are a lot of opportunities out there for those that may not want to go the college route, and that’s OK,” she said.

Published November 21, 2018

Dade City author debuts suspense novel

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Birth, death, fear, hatred and love are the complexities of life, which all happen to be packed in Penny L. Freeman’s debut novel, “Heartache to Happiness.”

The Dade City native has been working on her book for three years, and it has now seen publication through RoseDog Books.

In her office at Saint Leo University, Penny L. Freeman proudly displays her first published novel, ‘Heartache to Happiness.’ (Brian Fernandes)

The story revolves around Kelsi, a young, pregnant woman whose world is turned upside down when her parents are brutally murdered and she becomes a prime suspect, sending her on the run.

The plot continues to escalate after Kelsi gives birth and her newborn is then kidnapped by her parents’ murderer.

Freeman said the story came to her spontaneously, with one idea leading to the next.

She hopes readers will take away the message that, like the story’s main character, they too can overcome life’s  obstacles.

As a member of a fifth-generation Dade City family, Freeman said her humble beginnings were a far cry from that of her story’s main character.

Her father was a professional roofer and she had a stay-at-home mother.

“We had a great childhood – didn’t have much money, but we really enjoyed ourselves,” said Freeman, describing her growing-up years with her parents and her sister. “It was wonderful.”

Even during her early years, she knew she had a knack for literature, and she enjoyed writing poems and short stories.

As an author, she enjoys a wide range of genres, and traces of them can be found in “Heartache to Happiness.”

“I put a little bit of everything in it,” said Freeman. “It has murder, it has mystery and some romance,” she said, but it is not graphic in nature.

Freeman received her associate degree from what was previously known as Pasco-Hernando Community College, before starting a family.

It wasn’t until she was in her 30s, and was raising two children, that she decided to return to school.

She now has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration from Saint Leo University, where she’s been employed since 1999.

She has represented the university as a member of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce for four years, which she characterized as “a really great experience.”

She currently serves as the university’s senior academic coordinator for English, fine arts, philosophy, theology and religion.

If she didn’t love her current position, she would probably be teaching in a classroom, instead of working in an office, she said.

She still writes short stories, and said that her stories always come from her imagination — instead of from real life.

One technique she enjoys using is to write out of sequence — creating the beginning of the story, then the ending, and then filling in the gaps.

With a fresh new novel out, she’s ready to begin work on her second one.

Published November 21, 2018

The Civil War visits Dade City

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To all history buffs and those curious about learning more on the Civil War, the Pioneer Florida Museum will be recapturing this American era from Nov.16 through Nov. 18.

Entitled the “Living History and Civil War Reenactments,” the event begins with a school field trip on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Accompanied by a tour guide, students will be able to roam through the museum visiting stations displaying artifacts such as cannons, musical instruments and rifles. They’ll also get a chance to learn about medical hospitals and camps for union soldiers and for confederate soldiers.

Members of the 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia gather in their part of the Union encampment. They are Peter Kalloch, of Hudson; Tom Stanton, of Pinellas Park; Pete Kannenberg, of Seminole; Rick Smith, of Summerfield; and, Bob Gilliland, of Osprey. (File)

Vendors will open on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m., and will offer food, vintage clothing, antiques and other items.

A battlefield reenactment will be followed by a ladies tea party, which begins at 10 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend, but are required to dress in 19th century attire.

Attendees are also asked to wear special attire for The Period Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m.

The following day, like the previous one, will feature concession stands, live performances, battle reenactments and inside tours of the museum.

For the field trip on Nov. 16, there will be a $4 fee for students and chaperones who preregister, and a $5 fee if paying on the day of the event.

Admission on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 is $10 for adults; $5 for students; and, free for those age 5 and younger. The museum will accept cash payment only.

There is free parking, but guests are asked not to bring outside food or beverages. They also are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Pets are not allowed with the exception of service dogs.

For additional information or to preregister for the field trip, contact the Pioneer Florida Museum at (352) 567-0262 or PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Living History and Civil War Reenactments
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
When: School field trip on Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Reenactments on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $4 for students and chaperones who preregister; $10 for adults; $5 for students; free admission for those age 5 and younger
Details: The Pioneer Florida Museum will host a guided tour of Civil War artifacts, and will have reenactment battle scenes.
Info: Call the Pioneer Florida Museum at (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org for preregistration.

Published November 14, 2018

 

Artistic couple opens home gallery in Wesley Chapel

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Upon entering the front door, various colors seem to emanate from all directions.

The living room and dining room walls are covered with diverse paintings.

The tables are decked with sculptures of different shapes and proportions.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks have opened their Wesley Chapel home to the public as an art gallery. (Brian Fernandes)

More artworks can be found in the bedrooms, too.

This is the Wesley Chapel home of Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks, who moved to the area a year ago from Washington D.C., to live closer to their family.

Their residence doubles as their art gallery.

The artists have dedicated their lives to teaching and exposing the world to their craft.

Each grew up around art.

Gwendolyn’s father, a painter, was a curator at Howard University for 33 years before retiring.

She grew up painting and also developed a love for music through the piano.

Although a passionate artist and musician, she felt a stronger calling to creating art.

“I realized that art as well as music are disciplines that require a lot of time and energy,” she said, reflecting on the competing desires. “I couldn’t do both, so I chose art.”

She pursued her education, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Education/Counseling from Trinity College.

She spent her career as an art teacher in Washington D.C., and in Gambia, Africa.

In this painting, Bernard Brooks pays homage to legendary blues musician, B.B. King.

Bernard recalled that his uncle was an artist who was quite “comfortable” in his line of work.

His uncle was an art instructor and helped establish the art department at Carver Vocational High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Bernard noticed and admired his uncle’s contentment, which, in turn, influenced Bernard to pursue a life in the arts.

Bernard received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Howard University, where he remained as the chief medical illustrator for more than 26 years.

It was during this time that he would design the interior of local dentist offices throughout the Washington D.C., area.

His artwork — known for its cotton fabric, metallic mediums and watercolors — began to gain notoriety.

“I was attracting people early on that had influence,” Bernard said, of his art’s growing popularity. “I always had a captive audience.”

His pieces would go on to be featured on national television shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “The Parkers.”

Gwendolyn Brooks was inspired to create this piece after taking a trip to Cuba.

After becoming established, Bernard continued to be an advocate for up-and-coming young artists in the nation’s capital.

He often opened his home, giving many a place to stay and hiring some, as interns.

The couple said their art has been inspired by international influences, noting they’ve lived in the Caribbean islands and visited numerous countries.

Recently, a trip to Cuba inspired each of them to create pieces reflecting life on the island.

Hoping to gain a local following
Both feel compelled to create, but their approaches differ.

“I consider myself an intuitive artist,” Gwendolyn said, noting she never plans her work, but instead lets her feelings guide the work.

Bernard, on the other hand, said he needs to set an agenda for himself before putting paint to canvas.

The concept of their work is also what distinguishes their paintings.

Bernard tends to focus on artistry that conveys political or social issues in the world.

This portrait by Bernard Brooks is both a painting and collage of real images paying homage to U.S. Troops.

He doesn’t concern himself with what message viewers takes away, as long as they get a message.

Gwendolyn, on the other hand, avoids controversial issues — focusing instead on positive aspects of humanity.

“I like to brighten the person’s life – take them away from what’s happening in the world,” Gwendolyn said.

In addition to painting, she enjoys creating dolls and handmade quilts.

Stitching quilts by hand can be a tedious process, but it makes her work feel more personal, she said.

The couple has had art shows around the world, and they continue to do so. In some cases, their works go on display even when they can’t be present.

At home, they have two separate rooms they use as galleries for their respective works.

In addition to creating art, they also appreciate work created by other artists.

Their house is a showcase of ethnic diversity, with paintings and sculptures from French, Haitian, Japanese and Jamaican artists among others.

For every piece, the couple can name the creator, and tell the story behind it.

Some works hold a more significant meaning to Gwendolyn because they were painted by her father. He passed on much of his work to her, and those pieces tend to focus on African-American culture and identity.

When they were in Washington D.C., the Brooks had home shows with a cook-out in the back for visitors.

They’re hoping to gain a similar following here, and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Tampa Bay art scene.

Their home gallery in Wesley Chapel is open to the public, with pieces available for purchase.

To find out more, call Bernard or Gwendolyn at (813) 618-0916.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks Home Art Show
Where: 5242 Riva Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 10, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks will open their home gallery to the public with paintings for sale.
Info: To RSVP, call the Brooks at (813) 618-0916 or email .

Published November 7, 2018