The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Nutcrackers, nostalgia and Christmas cheer

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Take a step back in time to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz.

The free attraction, hosted by the Citizens for the Old Lutz School, is now in its 22nd year.

Though there’s no charge for admission, donations are accepted for the upkeep of the historic building, and nonperishable food donations benefit the Christian Social Services ministry.

Citizens for the Old Lutz School is dedicated to preserving the school as a community asset and landmark.

Visiting the Old Lutz School during Christmas has become a family tradition for the Ceretta family from Land O’ Lakes. Here, they are enjoying the Christmas tree room. From left: dad Clinton, 4-year-old Galilee, 2-year-old Noelle and mom Erin. (Christine Holtzman)
The Christmas tree room features around a dozen trees representing a variety of organizations, at the Old Lutz School.
Seven-year-old Adrian Gatza and his 5-year-old brother, David, watch a miniature train pass by, in a room that’s devoted to model trains and Christmas villages. Ben Nevel, the chairman of Citizens for the Old Lutz School organization, said he and Wally Hoedt, and many community volunteers, begin setting up the displays in October to be ready for the Christmas season.

Who doesn’t love a Christmas parade?

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Dade City kicks off its holiday season each year with the Magical Night Christmas Parade, a parade that dates back to 1982.

The event was presented by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Florida Hospital Dade City and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

Santa arrived in a red mustang to conclude the parade. The Santa sponsor was State Farm Insurance, ‘Baldy’ Boyd agent.

Here are some scenes from the festivities this holiday season.

Santa’s suit hangs in the window at Quilts on Plum Lane, as Carol Roy, a resident of Ridge Manor, strikes up a conversation with Ren Wright, a snowbird from Michigan. The pair hadn’t met before, but shared a table, as they waited for the 2018 Magical Night Christmas Parade to begin. The friendly conversation between strangers was not unusual, Roy said. ‘It’s the Dade City way, to be friendly to all.’ Her grandchildren were taking part in the parade. (Christine Holtzman)
Felecia Harvey, of Dade City, second from left, shares a moment with her four girls before the start of the 2018 Magical Night Christmas Parade. From left, 10-year-old Roxy Howard, mom Felecia Harvey, 4-year-old Rosalie Espinosa on her mom’s lap, 12-year-old Matilda Howard, and seated on the ground, 6-year-old Serenity Harvey.
Enjoying a hot coffee at the Christmas Parade, Tyler Wrage of San Antonio, right, and his wife Elizabeth admire a quilt on display while window shopping at the Quilts on Plum Lane shop, on Seventh Street in Historic Dade City. Elizabeth said she has attended the parade every year since her parents began bringing her when she was 3.

Christmas with friends, family, and Santa!

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On Dec. 14, 144 friends and family enjoyed a Christmas show produced by the group Tin Pan Alley and hosted by Terry Gardner.

Stockings hung by the fireplace. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Before the show started, there was a screen in the front giving the name of the show, the people that were in it and several other bits of information. There were all kinds of decorations, plus a fireplace that was on a miniature screen on the stage. During the performance, stockings were pinned up on the fireplace.

Terry Gardner started the show with a few jokes, which were cute and prepared the crowd for a good show.

Four performers entertaining the residents. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

It started off with a skit with grandma and several kids. They proceeded with the song, “We Need a Little Christmas” with everyone decorating an onstage Christmas tree. They continued with more hits such as “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silver Bells,” “Let it Snow” and others. Included along with the songs were a few dance steps and jumping on the stage.

They did a fine rendition of  the Christmas song, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.

They then performed some songs, Florida style. In other words, they did it in Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, no Santa hat and more. For instance, they performed to the tune of  “Winter Wonderland,” Florida-style, and some words were changed. It was adorable and got applause.

Helene Rubenstein takes her turn visiting with Santa. (Courtesy of Bill Donlon)

Next, there was a special treat for the men, as the women, in black sequin dresses, performed “Santa Baby.” They went through the entire audience and did a very good job.

Two men performed “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” while they were hopping and bopping around the stage. We were treated to several more songs, and each one was better than the next.

There was an adorable segment when they sang “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and you could see grandma descending the stage and a guy with antlers on his head going after her. It was a cute part of the show and had everyone was in stitches.

Belting out a song for the holidays. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

The song “I’ll be Home for Christmas” plus “All I Want for Christmas is You” was performed as a dedication to the veterans. At this time, each individual branch was called, and as they called it, the people in the audience who were in that particular branch stood to be recognized. This included he Merchant Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force and the Marines. It was a very nice moment and a beautiful touch.

There were several more songs performed like “Count Your Blessings,” and the program concluded with “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas,” with audience participation.

After the show and during the intermission, people got the chance to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and have their picture taken with them.

Five of the holiday performers. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

This marked the end of a real good show, and our thanks go to Terry Gardner plus his helpers, which included Rosie Semian, Tom Carter, Karen and Bill Donlon, Ron and Joyce Bell, and the hosts Mim and Terry Gardner.

While exiting the community center, Santa gave out some candy. Everyone went home happy.

The following morning, approximately 75 people met at the community center for an egg-in-a-bag.  This was hosted by Rita and George Gattos with helpers Rachel and Ron Gamache, Sue Parker, Linda Kartes, Maureen Stephans, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Carol and Clayton George, Marty Stephens and Doris Sutfin.  im Leitzke said grace before tables were called to fix the ingredients for their omelet. The breakfast was delicious, and we all thank Rita and George, plus the helpers.

Then on Dec. 19, we had our usual get-together for coffee and doughnuts, and got caught up on the news for the next week.

In addition to this, Sandy Lindke presented a gift to Craig Selph.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Wreaths Across America pays homage to fallen veterans

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In touching tributes that played out at cemeteries across the country, the nation paused for a moment on Dec. 15 to remember its fallen military veterans through Wreaths Across America.

People fanned out to place wreaths on headstones throughout the 512-acre Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. To date, more than 129,000 have been laid to rest at the cemetery. (Randy Underhill)

An estimated 2 million wreaths were laid on the gravestones of military veterans, including more than 30,000 at the Florida military cemetery in Bushnell.

Thousands arrived to Bushnell early, on a cloudy, windy day, to take part in the annual ceremony.

The wreaths arrived in semi-trailer trucks.

People traveled there on motorcycles and in cars. They came as members of veterans organizations, civic clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. There were family members and friends of the veterans being honored.

This is the gravestone of Lowell Hathaway, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is the father of Mary Eberhard, accounting manager for The Laker/Lutz News.

The crowd lined the narrow streets, as the escorted semi-trucks made their way to different sections of the 512-acre cemetery — delivering more than 30,000 wreaths to be placed at the headstones of veterans.

A ceremony was held at 11:45 a.m., with the presentation of colors, the placing of the POW/MIA table, the posting of ceremonial wreaths and other ceremonial touches.

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, of U.S. Central Command, spoke about the nation’s veterans, and their fortitude and willingness to serve.

The playing of “Taps” concluded the service.

The event was hosted by Wreaths Across America Bushnell and U.S. Military Vets MC.

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell is off Interstate 75, about one hour north of Land O’ Lakes.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 19, 2018

Vernon Brown, of Fort Myers, a veteran of the Vietnam War, placed a wreath for a fallen soldier he did not know, during Wreaths Across America on Dec. 15.
Staff Sgt. Andrew King, of Oklahoma, and Sgt. Kristopher Calnon, from California, both stationed at MacDill, post one of the ceremonial wreaths during Wreaths Across America, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Ninety-six-year-old Lyle Strong, of Zephyrhills, stands proudly, as he is recognized for his service during World War II.
Local Harley Owner’s Group members Capt. David Kreiger, Land O’ Lakes, seated on motorcycle; Barbara Blakely, director, left center, of Lutz; Larry Blakely, secretary, of Lutz; and Luis Buitrago, treasurer, get ready to ride through the rain to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. They are shown here in Land O’ Lakes.
Major Michael E. Langley, of the U.S. Central Command, was the keynote speaker for Wreaths Across America, an event at cemeteries across the country, including Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
U.S. Air Force veteran David Reeve, a member of the U.S. Military Vets MC, stands near a table set in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades. Each item on the table has significance. The table is set for a meal, but never occupied, at every military ceremony.

Specialty grocers sprouting up in Pasco

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A national trend for smaller, specialty grocery stores is taking hold in Pasco County.

Within the next year, Earth Fare, Sprouts Farmers Market, and possibly Lucky’s Market will open grocery stores that specialize in natural, organic and fresh foods.

Aldi is planning to open its no-frills, discount grocery stores in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey in 2019. Also, a new store is coming to the southeast corner of State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, on a parcel owned by developers of the Cypress Creek Town Center.

South Branch Ranch developers submitted plans to the county that include a “prototype” grocery store within a mix of commercial, office and retail. The approximately 25,000-square-foot store, on State Road 54 at Suncoast Parkway, would fit within the size range for boutique-style grocery shopping.

These new foodie arrivals on the retail scene follows an explosion of growth all over Pasco of more shops, restaurants and residential development.

Activity centers include Cypress Creek Town Center, the Village at Mitchell Ranch, Starkey Ranch and Wiregrass Ranch.

Rooftops and retail are two major parts of getting development started, and making them profitable, said Bill Cronin, executive director of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

“Some of the developments now are coming to fruition with their plans,” Cronin said.

Grocery stores are one part of that development pattern.

As 2019 unfolds, Pasco residents can anticipate a buffet line of new grocery options in addition to the traditional brand names, such as Publix and Winn Dixie.

According to the U.S. Grocery Store Trends 2018, consumers continue to prize high-quality fruits and vegetables, low prices, and great product selection and variety.

Currently, the new trend in groceries is for smaller stores that offer organic, natural and local foods. In addition, consumers are looking for something extra – a food “experience.”

“Everybody is looking for that food experience, whether its ethnic sourcing or that new product,” said David Fikes, vice president of communications and community/consumer affairs director for the Food Marketing Institute. “It’s not (about) giving people 11 varieties of ketchup in the store.

The digital age is ushering in coupons and social connectivity via mobile applications. Online grocery shopping is gaining in popularity, especially with millennials, according to the survey.

Baby boomers, though, are showing keen interest, as well.

Experiences are shared on Facebook, or other social media, as if saying “I discovered this, and you’re the foodie among your group,” Fikes said.

Prior generations would shop to stock the pantry in order to have enough food on hand, Fikes said. That evolved later to a desire for nutritional, healthy food, he added.

Now, a third factor is a desire for discovery, engagement and connection, according to the FMI survey.

“We are moving away from stocking up our pantry to what’s the next meal,” Fikes said.

The specialty grocery stores coming to Pasco include:

Earth Fare is an organic-based grocery store that boasts that its shoppers don’t need to read labels to know its products are healthy. (Courtesy of earthfare.com)

Earth Fare
The store will open at Cypress Creek Town Center, at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd. The organic-based grocery store boasts that shoppers don’t need to read labels to know its products are healthy.

Its food is free of added hormones, artificial anything, and, according to Earth Fare’s website, the store sells “100 percent clean food for your family.”

Earth Fare began in Asheville, North Carolina, as a health food store before it enlarged and, in 1994, became a full-service grocery store. Its stores are built to be energy efficient, with skylights and LED light bulbs. Biodegradable to-go containers are used, and recycling is encouraged in the store.

Among its features is the Heirloom Juice Bar.

Aldi
Aldi is in the permitting phase for a store at 2215 Sun Vista Drive, which is near the Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56. The store is expected to open in fall 2019, according to email responses from Matt Thon, Haines City Division vice president for Aldi.

Aldi is planning new stores in Pasco County, one near Tampa Premium Outlets and the other in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Aldi)

Thon also confirmed in the email that an Aldi will open in Zephyrhills, but no other details are available.

The location under discussion is off Pretty Pond Road, at U.S. 301. One issue nearing resolution at the site is the relocation of a traffic signal to that intersection.

The traffic signal “is under design review and engineering,” said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’s planning director.

Plans are to remove the existing signal at the main entrance to the shopping plaza, but to have traffic signals at the north and south ends of the plaza.

No construction date is set, but Vande Berg anticipates Aldi will open in 2019.

Lucky’s Market
Lucky’s is eyeing an approximately $1.5 million renovation to the former Winn Dixie grocery store at Collier Parkway and State Road 54, according to county records.

A pre-application meeting with county planners was held in November.

The Lucky’s option isn’t a done deal, but is the latest grocery to show interest in the site. Previously, representatives for Sprouts Farmers Market made inquiries and submitted a plan for a grocery store, as well as retail and a restaurant.

Nothing came of the proposal.

Now, Lucky’s is exploring options, though a spokeswoman for Lucky’s said no contract is signed.

The pre-application included demographics suggesting why the site has potential.

Average daily vehicle trips within 3 miles of the site, on State Road 54, total nearly 40,000; within 7 miles, more than 173,000 vehicle trips are charted.

About 14,770 households are within 3 miles of the proposed Lucky’s, and about 66,000 within 7 miles. Average household income ranges from about $87,000 to $94,000.

Lucky’s began in 2003 with inspiration from two chefs.

The store highlights local, organic and natural foods. Customers can sip glasses of wine or beer at an in-store café, or as they stroll along the aisles and fill their carts.

Lucky’s also has a juice bar, hot-ramen bar, a bulk foods section, and specialty foods, including house-made sausage and in-house smoked bacon.

Sprouts Farmer’s Market
Pasco’s first Sprouts Farmers Market will be one of three anchor stores at the 165,000-square-foot shopping center, The Village at Mitchell Ranch, according to a Dec. 13 press release from The Shopping Center Group.

Other anchors will be HomeGoods and Michaels. The shopping center is in Trinity, at Little Road and State Road 54.

The Arizona-based chain opened its first store in 2002. Its roots, however, date to 1943 and a fruit stand operated by Henry Boney in San Diego.

Sprouts features natural foods at affordable prices. Its motto is “eating clean and living healthy.” Today, the chain has about 300 stores and 28,000 employees.

By Kathy Steele

Published December 19, 2018

Pets AND Santa — what could be better?

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The PetSmart store, at 6001 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, offered ‘Photos with Santa Claus’ on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, allowing pet parents to have their pet’s photo taken with Santa. Those taking part were emailed a free digital photo from the store.

Eleven-year-old Chloe Meehan, of New Tampa, left, holds her dog Bailey, a maltipoo, as a PetSmart employee portraying Santa (Ciara-Diana Hayn, of Crystal Springs) greets her. (Christine Holtzman)
Two-year-old Brynlie Davis, of Spring Hill, reacts with delight as she gets kisses from a very excited 8-month-old pug named Millie while in line to meet Santa Claus during the ‘Photos with Santa Claus’ event at PetSmart. Brynlie was at the store shopping with her mother, Tessa. Millie is owned by Sue Reardon, of San Antonio.

Lake Padgett Estates holds its Golf Cart Parade

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Hundreds of decked out golf carts joined in the fun for Lake Padgett Estates’ 10th annual Golf Cart Parade on the evening of Dec. 8. Lake Padgett Estates has been sanctioned by Pasco County as an official golf cart community, meaning that golf carts can be driven on certain roadways within the community.

Five-year-old cousins Teagan Torres, left, and Kyleigh Harris, both of Land O’ Lakes, wait in the back seat of their uncle’s golf cart for the beginning of the 10th annual Lake Padgett Estates Golf Cart Parade. (Christine Holtzman)
The sun sets over East Lake as decorated golf carts line up to get ready to be in the golf cart parade. The nearly 5-mile parade began at the corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, and ended at Frank George Park, on Lake Saxon Drive, just in time for the boat parade on Lake Saxon.
Dressed as a festive Uncle Sam, Richard Rust, drives his cart to join the procession of decorated golf carts. The Rust family includes Richard’s wife, Amanda, 2-year-old daughter Faith and 9-year-old daughter Peyton, right. They recently moved to the community from Alaska and were excited to be taking part in the parade for their first time.

Lights, camera, action to celebrate Christmas

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Tom and Laurie Carter (Courtesy of Helene and Marty Rubenstein)

On Dec. 4, 27 women went to the Cheesecake Factory. There were residents and friends, and one new resident in attendance. The entire lunch lasted over 2 hours with much eating and loads of conversation.

Karen and Bill Donlon

I was unable to attend, but if it was anything like the one several years ago, everyone had a terrific time.

They have a very good selection on the menu, and the desserts are delicious and very “eye catching“ — all the colors of the rainbow. It was held at one long table, and many people took cheesecake home with them.

Jeanne and Wayne Bloomfield

The host of the luncheon was Joyce Bell, and she did an excellent job.

On Dec. 7, 44 residents went to Papa Joes Italian Restaurant for the monthly lunch connoisseurs and had a truly magnificent time.

The entire restaurant was decorated so nicely (even the bathrooms), and there were several Christmas trees spread throughout the restaurant.

The food was excellent, and the meal started off with candy canes at each individual spot and then a salad was served.

Jeanice and Ted Dalmon

The main dishes consisted of a chicken, pasta, beef or fish dinner. Bread baskets filled with garlic bread were served to each table. The bread was toasty and warm, and filled with garlic.

Then, to top it off, a raffle was held, and two people went home with a door prize.

It was a wonderful afternoon, and the time just went by so quickly. We had a lovely time and much conversation transpired.

Joyce and Ron Bell were the hosts, and they did a fine job for which we thank them.

On Dec. 8, we had a golf cart parade. There were approximately 30 golf carts decorated with Santa’s, reindeers, and music playing from their carts.

Paul and Freda Williams

As the carts passed each house in our development, you could hear several Christmas songs being played.

Of course, this was a very festive time, and as we passed each individual house, the people on the carts would yell “Merry Christmas,” while the people at the curb waved.

We also got to see all the lights and decorations on each house. Some houses really outdid themselves.

Eugene and Nancy Martin

After the golf carts came back to the community center, we all gathered for coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. There were many cookies and brownies, and some candy.

Joyce Bell presented a monetary gift to Meals on Wheels. Beth Aker was there to represent this organization that does so very much. Beth thanked everyone for the gift and went on to say a few words about Meals on Wheels.

We also had a sing-along with songs like “Jingle Bells,” “The First Noel” and more.

There were well over 100 people, and everyone had a good time.

This evening was hosted by Rosie, Rachel and Joyce. I spoke to Joyce, and she said that there were several helpers, including the bakers (who brought in the cookies), plus Mim and Ron.

Thanks to everyone!

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Fred and Pat Mengel
Early Birds to Papa Joes from left: Dave and Joan Lawrence, Helene Rubenstein, Betty and Tom Cooper, and Ray Weick with Ruth Weick (in front).
Joining in on the action and greeting the carts.
Ron Gamache (behind the wheel) and Ron Bell.
Betty and Tom Cooper

Academy at the Lakes does it again

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(Fred Bellet)

Academy quarterback Jalen Brown hoists the championship trophy and celebrates the win with the team. The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats notched its second straight eight-man football title, downing Miami Citi Christian Academy Fire 36-18 in the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state championship on Dec. 8, at Southeastern University in Lakeland.

Shopping, tradition and Brunswick stew

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There was essentially something for everyone at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, presented by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

After handing Santa a notebook that contains his Christmas wish list, 7-year-old James Kern of Odessa, left, listens as Santa, reads the list aloud inside the booth operated by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. (Santa couldn’t be there, so he sent his helper, Tom Bock, of Lutz, to fill in). Donations made at the booth will benefit the YMCA. (Christine Holtzman)

Thousands flocked to Keystone Prep High School, at 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa, to check out offerings from about 350 vendors, to enjoy a bite to eat and to socialize. Some were there to confer with Santa, too.

Spending time at the arts and crafts show is an annual  tradition for Nicole Reilly and her mother, Mary Lynn, and this year they were thrilled to introduce it to the newest member of the family, Nicole’s 7-month-old son, Lincoln.

Bonnie Duvall and Judy Curry, friends who live in Wesley Chapel, said they enjoy attending the event every year to shop for Christmas gifts and to enjoy the Brunswick stew served at the Boy Scouts booth

Heather Herzog, of Port Richey, and her mother, Debbie Denamen, of Hudson, also made the trek to do a bit of shopping.

They had plenty of choices.

There were booths indoors and out — offering handcrafted jewelry and home décor, soaps and candles, paintings, photographs, gourmet sauces and dips, and handmade clothing and quilts, among other things.

At the Burn Out Candle Company shop, Gail Allison, of Floral City, smells the inviting scent of a sandalwood soy candle. The shop owners are Allan and Vicki Spires, of Lake Placid.

Seven-year-old James Kern, of Odessa, took advantage of the opportunity to hand-deliver his Christmas wish list to Santa. Among the items he would like are a Hess truck, Disney passes and Play-Doh.

Karen Lee Kulas, owner of Exclusive-Lee Designed, a new vendor at this year’s event, had not considered there wouldn’t be electricity in her booth.

So, she improvised. She shined a flashlight on her handcrafted pendants, to show off sparkling opals, agate, jaspers and fossil jewelry.

Kulas, a snowbird from Wisconsin who winters in St. Petersburg, was at the festival, with her husband, Mike.

Event admission was free, but a $5 parking fee was collected to benefit Keystone Prep High School.

The festival is the largest fundraising event for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, which uses the proceeds to support scholarships and numerous local community causes.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

Seven-month-old Lincoln Reilly, of Tampa, sports cool shades while napping in the comfort of the baby carrier worn by his mother, Nicole. His grandmother, Mary Lynn, said she and her daughter attend the festival every year, and were thrilled this year to introduce the tradition to a new generation of the family.
Bonnie Duvall, left, and her friend Judy Curry, both of Wesley Chapel, admire the handcrafted Christmas wreaths made by shop owner Carol Matthews. Curry said that attend the show every year to shop for holiday presents and enjoy the Brunswick stew served at the Boy Scouts booth.
These 8-year-olds, Willa Jeckel, left, and Sophia Shelhart, were not about to let a little rain put a damper on their day of shopping. The girls, both from Tampa, make good use of a pink butterfly umbrella on the afternoon of Dec. 1 at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show.
Six-year-old Nola Barber, of Lutz, left, and her 9-year-old sister, Crosby, search through a large bin filled with name engraved ceramic pendants used to make necklaces at the booth owned by Lora Thomas. They were hunting for the names of their beloved horses.