Christine Holtzman

Annual fall festival offers something for everyone

October 16, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

An estimated 3,000 people gathered on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 St. Joe Road in Dade City, for the fourth annual St. Joe Fall Festival. The fun family event, on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured numerous bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, an obstacle course, live music, face painting and a pumpkin patch. Dozens of local vendors were lined up, selling various handmade wares, such as jewelry, wood-carved furniture, baked goods, homemade olive oils and locally grown produce. The festival also featured a beer garden for adults, as well as many diverse food options. Attendees had their choice to nibble on ethnic foods, such as Cajun, Polish and Ukrainian food, as well as American classics like barbecue ribs, pizza and desserts. Tickets could be purchased for $1, for a chance to win one of the two 50/50 drawings, or one of the nearly 70 gift baskets donated by local businesses and parishioners for the event. All proceeds go toward the upkeep of the church.

Three-year-old Aubree Brewer, of Wesley Chapel, lays a cup of feed down next to a goat, who apparently couldn’t care less. The Brewer family seemed to be having a good time at the fourth annual St. Joe Fall Festival in Dade City. (Christine Holtzman)

Pamela Draper, of Wesley Chapel, uses her cellphone to take a video of her 2-year-old son, Casey, as he rides on a pony. Draper’s other son, 5-year-old Nicholas, was on another pony. Their dad, Mark, watched from the sidelines.

‘Copycats’ inspire little imaginations

October 16, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The Land O’Lakes Branch Library launched a new monthly program that aims to encourage kids to use their imaginations to create their own art, based on book illustrations. The Copycat Illustrators program is the brainchild of Karen Allen, the library’s youth services librarian, and is geared toward kindergarteners through fifth-graders. The group will meet each month on early school release days, at 3 p.m. A new book will be selected each month, inspiring kids to interpret the drawings in their own way, by using the crafting materials on hand. Registration is not required. To find out more, call (813) 929-1214.

Before reading aloud, Karen Allen, the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library’s youth services librarian, holds up a book by illustrator Lois Ehlert, which served as the theme for this month’s program. Seven-year-old Ian Sonia, of Wesley Chapel, is seen on the left. (Christine Holtzman)

Kristina Nast, of Land O’ Lakes, giggles with her 4-year-old son, Nolan, as they work together on a craft project. The duo was creating their version of the cover of illustrator Lois Ehlert’s Halloween book, ‘Boo to You.’

Eleven-year-old Nicholas Miller, of Land O’ Lakes, watches over his 5-year-old brother Jonah’s shoulder, as he applies finishing touches to his masterpiece. Their mother, Sally, said that Nicholas is a great older brother, and that he is always there for Jonah.

Cruise-in for a trip back in time

October 9, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Strolling through this Dairy Queen parking lot is like journeying back to a bygone era.

Here, you can take a trip down Nostalgia Lane to a time when AM radio ruled the airwaves, and fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror were all the rage.

Many car owners raised the hoods of their automobiles, to show off what’s underneath. Here, two classic American Muscle Cars are on display, showing off their large V-8 engines. From left, 1960s AMC AMX and a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle 350. (Christine Holtzman)

That’s because dozens of cars, most of them American classics, are on display every Thursday evening at the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Cruise-In, 23671 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Proud owners happily show of their rides.

They exchange stories with fellow gearheads and enthusiasts, alike.

Many of their tales center on the painstaking work it takes to restore these beauties, as well as the rigorous maintenance schedules needed to keep them in tip-top shape.

This show is just of one of several hosted in the Tampa area by Paul Figoni of Let’s Roll Promotions.

Vintage cars are lined up in the Dairy Queen parking lot for the weekly Cruise-In event that is held every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

He began his car show at the Dairy Queen in Citrus Park about 14 years ago.

When it started, it was geared toward American classic and muscle cars, but over the years it has evolved to include a wider array of styles — which, as a result, has captured the hearts of a diverse population of car enthusiasts.

As the sun was beginning to set on the last Thursday in September, the sounds of “Crossroads,” a Land O’ Lakes oldies band filled the air.

They provided the perfect soundtrack to this voyage back in time.

John Addison of Lutz, tinkers under the hood of his 1976 Chevy Corvette. Addison said that a wire had come loose.

Car enthusiasts visiting the show could drool over dozens of classic vehicles, including a 1960s Plymouth Sport Satellite, a couple of 1950s-era Ford Thunderbirds, an iconic 1954 Cadillac, a 1930s Ford Model A hotrod, a 1970s era Toyota Celica, a late 1960s model Chevrolet Chevelle, a 1968 Triumph TR250, a few vintage Corvettes, and a rare Studebaker Avanti.

And, it’s simple to participate. You just cruise in.

There are no fees to include your ride at the show. But those registering do get a chance to win the 50/50 drawing and door prizes.

Want to know more? Check out Let’s Roll Car Shows Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letsrollcarshows.

Published October 09, 2019

Daniel Kester of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Dennis Whelan of Lutz, shoot the breeze in front of Kester’s 1954 Cadillac Series 62 car. Kester bought the classic car in 1996 for $900, and has been restoring it ever since. Whelan was at the show with his 1968 Triumph TR250.

A close-up look of the steering wheel of a 1963 Studebaker Avanti. The luxury coupe was produced from 1962 to 1963.

Massive remodeling will give library new look

October 9, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Empty shelves are all that remain inside the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, as the facility prepares for a highly anticipated remodel. The facility is getting a major renovation, which will include changes to both the interior and exterior, as well as new technology, meeting rooms, lighting, furnishings, and outdoor spaces. While the project is being done, library services will be offered through outreach programs at schools, senior centers, and daycares throughout the area.

New River Branch Library employees Esther Hart, left, and Judy Curran, remove a section of books and place them into a bin. Later, with the help of the Pasco County Library’s Systemwide Service team, the books will be packed into crates and stored while the library undergoes a major renovation. (Christine Holtzman)

Cruise-in offers glimpse of the past

October 9, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Ten-year-old Trinidee Shaw of Wesley Chapel, left, points out something of interest under the hood of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, while her little brother 5-year-old Robert May, Jr. and her mother Valincia May, look on. The shiny red vintage car is owned by Ron Davis, of New Port Richey, and features a unique airbrushed portrait of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. (Christine Holtzman)

Belting out the blues at New River Branch Library

October 2, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Blues musician Gene ‘Sarasota Slim’ Hardage and his band put on a show at the New River Branch Library, in Wesley Chapel, on Sept. 22. The free concert was the first offered from the Pasco County Libraries Passport Concert Series. The six-concert series, will take place on Sundays through Nov. 3, at various Pasco County libraries. Besides the blues, the concerts will feature pop, Latin, bluegrass, classical, disco, and jazz. Next up, Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City will host Latin music on Oct. 6, and the Land O’Lakes Branch Library will host bluegrass on Oct. 13. The Sarasota Slim band is part of the Suncoast Blues Society’s outreach program, that brings concerts to libraries and schools. The Passport Concert Series is made possible with funding from the Friends of the Library organization and the Otis G. Pike Charitable Trust.

Gene ‘Sarasota Slim’ Hardage and his band jam at the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel. This blues show was the first concert held for the Pasco County Libraries Passport Concert Series. From left: Mark McCormick on keyboards, Gene Hardage on guitar, Lucky Breech on drums, and Bill Kennedy on bass guitar.
(Christine Holtzman)

Mark McCormick tickles the ivories, while Gene ‘Sarasota Slim’ Hardage takes the mike during one of their bluesy numbers performed at the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel.

Roz Fenton, left, enjoys the Sarasota Slim concert, while her husband, P.W., takes a photograph of the band. Roz Fenton is the president of the county-wide organization Friends of the Library.

Blues musician Gene ‘Sarasota Slim’ Hardage plays guitar while performing a Gregg Allman tune. Drummer Lucky Breech is seen on right.

Introducing beginners to the martial arts

October 2, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

For 31 years, head sensei Marty Betts has shared his passion of the martial arts by teaching karate at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. Betts is a sixth degree black belt and champion sport-fighter. He began teaching classes at the Rec Complex in 1988, after retiring from sport-fighting. Betts, and head sensei Christi Weis, teach a beginner’s class for children ages 6 to 12, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and a class for ages 13 and older at 8 p.m. For cost and other information, call (813) 929-1220.

During a recent evening karate class at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 9-year-old Isabella Pineda of Trinity, center (with glasses), practices her front kicks, along with the rest of the students of Marty Betts Karate. (Christine Holtzman)

Ten-year-old Heavenly Chavez of Land O’ Lakes, positions herself in a fighting stance, ready to do a jab and reverse punch. Chavez, along with her older brother Christian, have been attending class at the recreation complex for around three months.

Sensei Christi Weis, left, holds the bag while student Thomas Pineda of Trinity, practices his front kicks. Weis, who tests for her third degree black belt next month, heads this class for Marty Betts Karate.

Savor a slice of ‘Old Florida’ beauty

October 2, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Residents who live on the eastern side of Pasco County don’t have to travel far to get an idea of what “Old Florida” was like.

They can find evidence of that loveliness all around the locale’s corners and bends.

Perhaps that’s why those with deep ties to this part of the county fight so fiercely to protect their piece of paradise, and why the area attracts newcomers who want to put their stakes down to partake in the beauty, too.

With its lush landscapes, rolling hills, fertile farmland, historic places and outdoor spaces — the area offers much to enjoy and admire.

The incredible view of the setting sun over Lake Pasadena, as seen from the Dade City home of Derek Thomas. Thomas lives on Fort King Road, near the top of Leheup Hill, which is one of the area’s highest elevations at 240 feet above sea level. This ‘mountain’ is part of a series of rolling hills in the area. (Christine Holtzman)

Nature’s beauty can be found at the Withlacoochee River Park, in Dade City. The Withlacoochee River cuts through the 406 acres of forested land, brimming with an abundance of wildlife. Park amenities include fishing piers, boardwalks, canoe/kayak access, picnic and camping areas, shelters/pavilions, trails, playgrounds, and an observation tower.

Tucked away in an area across State Road 52 from Saint Leo University, (next to the golf course), there are two historic grottos.
The Gethsemane Grotto, was built by local men from San Antonio in 1933, to depict Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The construction contains natural stones, such as Florida coral, limestone and flint.

The Lady of Lourdes Grotto was built in 1916, and is the final resting place of the Saint Leo Abbey’s first Abbot, Charles Mohr, OSB.

The historic Capt. H.B. Jeffries House, 38537 5th Avenue in Zephyrhills, was built in 1911, for city founder and Civil War veteran Capt. Harold B. Jeffries. Today, the building is used by the non-profit Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc., a group dedicated to the preservation, revitalization and the economic vitality of the downtown business district.

Many farms dot the East Pasco landscape, an area that is rich in agriculture. These silos on a farm at the corner of St. Joe Road and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, peak above the lush pasture.

Library offers a space to craft projects out of wood

September 25, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The Foundry Makerspace’s woodshop, located inside the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, frequently hosts open hours when a volunteer is available, and there’s not a formal class taking place. At these open hours, individuals can work on any project that they choose. The shop is open to anyone age 9 and older. Younger users must be supervised by a parent. Users are welcome to bring in their own ideas or choose plans from the dozens of magazines on hand. Participants can use wood that’s been donated, or can bring in their own. There’s no charge to use the workshop. Anyone using the shop must sign a waiver. To find out more, call (813) 929-1214.

Foundry Makerspace volunteer James Nauman, left, helps to clamp down the wooden vase of 18-year-old Joshua Bloom, of Land O’ Lakes, prior to using the band saw. (Christine Holtzman)

Foundry Makerspace volunteer John Pritchard drills into a block of wood, to make pen blanks, for an upcoming class. The woodshop frequently has classes to make items, such as bird feeders, toys, and jewelry boxes.

Eighteen-year-old Joshua Bloom, of Land O’ Lakes, uses a large belt sander to smooth the surfaces of the unique vase he made by gluing 16 broken skateboards together. Bloom is making this masterpiece for his girlfriend, Lydia.

A chair for support and good health

September 25, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., is hosting no-cost weekly basic level chair yoga classes, geared toward helping people of all ages improve their balance, flexibility and range of motion, by using a chair for support in a variety of seated and standing yoga poses. Certified Humana SilverSneakers yoga instructor Cara Godwin teaches her students many simple, modified yoga poses and relaxation exercises that, if practiced regularly, could lead to some very positive health benefits. Godwin said that some of the benefits include stress reduction, mental clarity, improvement in balance (which will help prevent falls), as well as improved flexibility and range of motion (to help with the task of getting up and out of chairs, and automobiles). Chair yoga meets every Wednesday at 1 p.m., and will run through mid-December. Classes are limited and weekly registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Zephyrhills Public Library at (813) 780-0064, or register online at PascoLibraries.org.