Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Grand Horizons celebrates the Italian way

February 11, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From left: Susan Reams, Judy Hiler and Racel Gamache (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On Feb. 5, we had our monthly ladies lunch bunch. Eighteen women attended a lunch that was hosted by Robbie Lockard, which was held at Piccola Italia.

I must say that this lunch was presented in a very nice fashion.

The women met at our community center at 11 a.m., so they could discuss upcoming luncheons and also to insure that all women attending had a ride.

When we first arrived at the restaurant, which was under new ownership, we were shown to a table that would accommodate all 18 women.

We picked out what we wanted to order from a very extensive menu that consisted of chicken parmesan, lasagna, calzones, pasta specials and more. Garlic bread, as much as you requested, was served in baskets to the table.

The atmosphere was lovely, and we had an enjoyable lunch.

There was a slight mix-up, but eventually it cleared up, and we still had a good time.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

From left: Haraldi Coombs, Dana Outman and Susan Parker

From left: Fran Boulay, Helen Jette and Judy Fischer

Bring on the quilts, draft horses and antique cars

February 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you enjoy stepping back to a simpler time, the Farm Fest & Quilt Show at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village was probably your kind of gathering.

A small-pieced quilt catches the eye of Maya Clausen, who said she and her family made the trip over from Longwood to check out the work of the artistic quilters. (Fred Bellet)

Quilters showed off their works and draft horses demonstrated their strength during the event, which featured an array of activities designed to appeal to people of all ages.

Event-goers could peruse quilts made by local quilters, pick up some quilting supplies, or have their quilts appraised, for a fee, by Brenda Grampsas throughout the day.

There were opportunities to watch cane grinding and syrup making, check out some antique cars and take part in various children’s activities. There was live entertainment, too.

The draft horse pull competition drew a crowd.

Those attending were invited to bring their lawn chairs, to grab a pulled pork dinner or sandwich from the concession stand and to find themselves a spot to watch the mighty horses compete.

Matt Malnory waits with his team of draft horses for their next attempt at pulling thousands of pounds during the Southern Draft Horse Association horse pull competition. There are two weight classes: Lightweights (3,400 pounds and under) and Heavyweights.

While his grandmother, Valencia Salter, of Dade City, assisted at a food concession, Cedric Cochrane, 10, of Tampa, had it made in the shade with a bag of freshly popped popcorn and a great view watching horses pulling their weight in the horse pull competition.

Deacon Fred Wolfe of Zephyrhills sat on the porch of the historic Enterprise Methodist Church at the Florida Pioneer Museum and demonstrated the art of caning. He said he’s been pursuing the art for 10 years.

Audrey MacDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada, lives in Dade City during the winter. Here, she looks over the colorful display of quilts at the competition. Many quilters offered their works for sale.

Superheroes help at fundraiser

February 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Josiah’s Warriors’ fundraiser and vendor show on Jan. 26 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, benefited the Abbott family of Wesley Chapel, whose 5-year-old son, Josiah is fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia. There was a bounce house, a DJ, games, face painters and a chance drawing for a television. The event was hosted by Jami Lynn Photography and the networking group ‘Pasco Ladies Wanna Have Fun.’

Four-year-old Ava Rose Arrington, of Land O’ Lakes, gets a fist bump from the Deadpool character, played by Tyler Kirchner of Hudson, right. She was dancing to ‘Watch Me (Whip and Nae Nae)’ with Spiderman, played by Austin Gomez, of Weeki Wachee. (Christine Holtzman)

Seven-year-old Shane Spence, of Wesley Chapel, gets some serious air in the bounce house, performing a move he excitedly called, ‘The Jumping Jack.’

Sixteen-year-old Ariana Orlando, of Lutz, smiles as she tosses a bright orange ball at a small cup containing tiny rubber ducks in a game called Duck Cup. The object was to keep the ball in the cup to win a prize.

Bring on the quilts, draft horses and antique cars

February 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Quilt lovers had a chance to enjoy a wide assortment of artistic creations, and those who enjoy seeing draft horses pull heavy loads, each had a reason to head to the Farm Fest & Quilt Show at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Heritage Village. There were also plenty of activities for the kids, vendors selling goods and concessions to enjoy.

The crowd closely eyes this team of horses during the horse pull competition. (Fred Bellet)

Artist Debbi Pappas, of Brooksville, arranges the heads in her vendor booth display of character-themed headbands. She was one of many vendors and exhibitors.

Local residents will soon be able to Live Longer with Earth Fare

February 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you’ve driven by Cypress Creek Town Center lately, you might have noticed the newest addition coming soon: natural supermarket Earth Fare.

Terms like “healthy” and “natural” are authentic at Earth Fare. In fact, they’ve been leading the mission to bring healthy food to everyone for over 40 years.

It starts with its Food Philosophy, a guide to what is and isn’t allowed on its shelves, and the roots of that philosophy that started more than 40 years ago in Asheville, North Carolina. It was the city’s first natural food store, and it had a mission to let people take control of their health with real food.

In 1993, when artificial ingredients were on the rise, Earth Fare wanted to better define “real food,” and started its food philosophy by banning hydrogenated oils from its shelves. The philosophy has continued to evolve, and banned ingredients now include high fructose corn syrup; artificial fats and trans-fats; synthetic growth hormones; artificial sweeteners; bleached and bromated flour; antibiotics; artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Now, Earth Fare reads the labels, so you don’t have to.

Earth Fare made headlines two years ago when it challenged Americans to take control of their health through their food choices and Live Longer With Earth Fare®. To further that commitment, Earth Fare launched its healthy lifestyle magazine, The Clean Plate — a guide to eating clean and living a healthier, longer life.

Page by page, The Clean Plate walks the reader through why the Earth Fare difference matters by examining every category of the store, outlining Earth Fare’s approach to meat and seafood, pantry staples, prepared foods, bakery, specialty, wellness and beauty.

Earth Fare stores offer more organic produce than anyone in the industry, and its commitment to organic and non-GMO can be seen throughout the entire store. In fact, all Earth Fare private brand products are made with only non-GMO ingredients. The meat and seafood department carries everything from organic grass-fed beef to sustainably sourced seafood, while the bakery uses old world techniques for the freshest, cleanest breads and pastries.

The store also includes an Heirloom Juice Bar, complete with crafted juices, smoothies and coffee. For meals on the go, its extensive prepared food department boasts an organic salad bar, a fresh hot bar and ready-to-go packaged meals.

For local residents who want the convenience of their groceries delivered, the store will have online grocery delivery powered by Instacart. With one click, shoppers will be able to place a grocery order online to be delivered to either home or office.

And, to bring healthy food to everyone at an affordable price, more savings are available through the store’s Healthy Rewards loyalty program and weekly email flyers.

The Earth Fare Wesley Chapel location is hosting a grand opening celebration on Feb. 20 at 6:45 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony and mystery gift card giveaway to the first 500 people in line, as well as demos, special deals and fun for the whole family the entire week.

Learn more at Earthfare.com/wesleychapel, and follow along with them on social media Facebook.com/earthfarewesleychapel for grand opening updates and events. Earth Fare’s address is 25535 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz.

Elvis lives!

February 1, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The rumors are true. Elvis is alive and well in Dade City. He performed Jan. 25 at Country Aire Manor.

Gene Styles put on a “Tribute to Elvis” show for 85 residents. He opened with “Trouble/Heartbreak Hotel.” During the show, he had three costume changes, each reflecting the various stages of Elvis Presley’s entertainment career. The final costume was a black jumpsuit that he wore while performing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gene Styles, aka Elvis Presley, performs for a crowd at Country Aire Manor. (Courtesy of Paul Proctor)

Tall with bouffant-styled dark hair, Styles is a humble person. He has been performing for 16 years, entering Elvis contests throughout the country. He placed second in Branson, Missouri and in Akchin Casino, Arizona. He also took second place in Vegas with a song, “If I Could Dream.”

Styles’ career began when his wife, Sheryl, bought him a karaoke machine for his birthday. He started performing as a side job at recreational vehicle (RV) resorts, singing to 300 to 400 fans. Now, he performs in Central Florida due to the proximity of many RV parks. “I like doing this because it brings a smile to people’s faces,” states Styles, “Although Elvis fans are slowly slipping away, due to age.”

The smiles appeared Friday night when the Elvis impersonator performed “Teddy Bear,” and began passing out stuffed teddy bears to the ladies. One of the lucky recipients, Judy Betz, said that, “This is better than winning a prize at the fair.”

Several other ladies got on the dance floor to perform the Twist with Elvis while he sang, “Blue Suede Shoes.” More residents joined the dance floor for the Electric Slide line dance to the tune, “Now and Then There’s a Fool Such as I.”

By the time Styles closed his act, the majority of couples were on the dance floor slow-dancing to, “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”

For more information on Gene Styles’ availability, go to his website at GeneStyles.com. He plans to return to the area next year.

By Marjorie K. Nanian, Country Aire Manor

Karaoke party at Grand Horizons

January 31, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On Jan. 16, there were a little more than 75 residents at the community center where a “meals on wheels” dinner was being served.

We were unable to attend, but I do understand from several people that they had a lovely meal consisting of a salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and apple pie for dessert. This will hopefully be the start of something new, and we will have another dinner in March.

Swethearts of Branson – Denny Yeary and Sheila Renee (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Joyce Bell arranged for this to take place and our thanks go out to her. Marty and I were unable to attend as we had previous commitments.

We saw, at Rainbow Village, a fantastic show called “Sweethearts of Branson.” It was a very good show that consisted of two singers – husband and wife.

The show that they presented to us was called “Dolly and Friends.” It had many of Dolly’s hits through the years, including “A Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Islands in the Stream,” “I Will Always love You,” and several more. They told charming stories about Dolly and where she came from, how she met the man of her dreams, plus singing with Porter Wagoner and more. The show lasted 2 hours with a small intermission. We went home delighted with what we saw.

On Jan. 19, approximately 50 residents and guests came out to experience a karaoke party at the community center. It was hosted by Paul Williams with Gary Wilcox assisting.

Between the two of them, they kept the evening rolling. The karaoke music was shown on the computer, and they also had a CD player there if anyone brought a CD to play their special karaoke music.

They started out the evening with a fantastic song by Gene Watson and sung by Gary Wilcox called “Memories to Burn.”

The evening continued with several more songs entitled “Amarillo by Morning,” “Mack the Knife,” “Hey There Lonely Girl,” “Wabash Cannonball,” plus so many more. There were Elvis songs, some slow songs and some Charlie Pride tunes.

Several couples brought some snacks and drinks.

As the evening progressed, more and more people wanted to take the mike and sing their hearts out. We discovered that several residents at Grand Horizons have talent.

It turned out to be a successful evening and loads of fun. This was a first, and we hope to have it every month.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Danny Burgess bids farewell to House District 38

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ selection of Danny Burgess to serve as the state’s executive director of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs has been confirmed, and Burgess has issued a letter of farewell to his constituents in House District 38.

The letter recounts Burgess’ love for Pasco County, the wonderful memories he has and his love for serving the community.

“I could not imagine a better place to grow up and, now, watch my children create their own lasting memories here,” Burgess wrote.

He also noted that the two fundamental questions that have guided his life and public service have been:

Is this the right decision for my family?
How can I best serve my community to achieve the greatest good?

Although he did not seek his new appointment, he decided to accept it, keeping those two questions in mind, he wrote.

When he was offered the appointment, he said, “ I felt it my duty to accept. We owe each and every service member a debt of gratitude, and if I can do my part to make the lives of our veterans healthy, prosperous and safe, I am humbled to be in a position do so.”

He also told the constituents of District 38 that’s not leaving the community.

“Pasco County and Zephyrhills are my home, and my wife Courtney and I could not think of raising our three children anywhere else. The headquarters for the FDVA is right here in the Tampa Bay Area. So, while I may no longer be your State Representative, I will continue to be your neighbor and friend.”

Burgess also noted, “It is only by the grace of God and the unconditional support of my friends and family that I have this opportunity to help make a positive difference in the lives of others by serving those who served us.”

He then specifically thanked his wife, Courtney, and their three children; his parents; Gov. DeSantis; and colleagues in the House of Representatives, especially Speaker Jose Oliva,

Chairman Chris Sprowls, Sen. Wilton Simpson and the entire Pasco County delegation; and his staff, Robin Ringeisen and Jonathan Till.

Finally, he thanked his family and friends in District 38.

“Sometimes it’s easy in times of political acrimony and gridlock to forget the amazing accomplishments we’ve made together for our District,” he wrote, including renewed economic development opportunities, securing record funding in state appropriations, transportation improvement projects, and consumer friendly legislation.

Burgess recently won a third term for District 38, so a special election will be held to fill the seat he is vacating.

Published January 30, 2019

Responders’ work praised in Dade City Business Center fire

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley praised the work of emergency responders who converged on the Dade City Business Center, in Dade City, to put out a two-alarm fire, which began in the early afternoon on Jan. 18.

Pasco County Fire Rescue was among numerous agencies responding to a two-alarm blaze at the Dade City Business Center. It took 19 hours to put the fire out. Pasco County Fire Rescue investigators attributed the cause of the fire to welding being done by an employee. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire)

It took about 18 hours to bring the fire under control, according to a report from Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Pasco County Fire Rescue investigators attributed the cause of the fire to welding being done by an employee. The estimated damage to the business center was put at $3 million.

Oakley said local firefighters were joined by crews from other counties and received support from various agencies, in the quest to put out the raging fire.

“At the height of the fire, there were approximately 114 personnel on the scene working to mitigate the incident,” Oakley told his fellow Pasco County commissioners, during the board’s Jan. 22 meeting.

“There were no injuries. That’s the best part of the whole thing,” Oakley said.

“The fire started about 12:30 or 1 o’clock on Friday. You could see it from downtown Dade City. Just black smoke. It was hard to figure what was going on at the time.

“It started in one warehouse and it moved from one to three warehouses, and it affected five out of seven businesses right in that area in the business center,” Oakley said.

Combating the fire involved having to shut down the railway, which is no easy feat, he said.

Fortunately, there was sufficient water at the business center site to battle the blaze, Oakley said. Otherwise, crews would have had to close U.S. 301 to get to the closest water, Oakley said.

The commission chairman said he plans to send a letter thanking everyone who helped, including various agencies and the businesses that provided food to feed those working the incident.

Published January 30, 2019

Dade City attracts thousands to 22nd Kumquat Festival

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Thousands streamed to the 22nd annual Kumquat Festival in historic downtown Dade City on Jan. 26

Members of the Mexican dance troupe, the Folkloric Toltecatl, featured 11 Mexican folklore dancers. They are from Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

In an open letter, John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, recapped the event, and offered a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the army of volunteers who helped to pull it off.

“Over 400 vendors and sponsors sold and promoted their wares and services,” Moors said, in a news release.

“Our entertainment stage at the Historic Courthouse featured free live performances from wonderful local talent all day. Many of the shops and restaurants in Dade City, and the surrounding area, enjoyed their busiest day of the year,” Moors added.

A 10-year old Treeing Walker Coon Hound, named Zissou, waits patiently by his master, Nicholas Moo’s side, as Moo and his wife, Jenna, of Altamonte Springs, select bags of the Nagami-type kumquats to take home. It was the family’s first visit to the Kumquat Festival.

On behalf of the chamber, its board and its staff, Moors extended “heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors (especially our headlining sponsor, AdventHealth Dade City), vendors and supporters.”

The festival was supported by a $60,000 marketing campaign and, in conjunction with the City of Dade City, Pasco County Tourism and Visit Florida — which all promoted Dade City and the area as a unique place to visit, Moors noted.

He credited Bobby Van Allen and Jason Sasser, the festival co-chairs, for leading the efforts of more than 200 volunteers.

Moors estimated that the event generated more than $1 million in economic activity, based on calculations derived from the State of Florida Economic Impact Multipliers.

Zephyrhills winter resident Karen Bennett’s face says it all, as she discovers the taste of a very tart Nagami-type kumquat. She and fiance, Russ Spreeman hail from Houghton Lake, Michigan.

Moors also credited a number of others for making the festival a success.

Dade City Police Chief Jim Walters and Lt. Bill Rowe co-chaired the event’s safety and security team, including support from multiple agencies, Moors noted.

Others pitching in included the Pasco High School and the Saint Leo University ROTC, who helped with parking.

The Pasco-Hernando State College Fire Cadets helped with numerous tasks, and Joyce and Rick Dodd organized our “Welcoming Committee” for the early morning volunteers, Moors wrote.

Plans are already starting for next year’s event.

Published January 30, 2019