The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bring on the quilts, draft horses and antique cars

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

Denny Yeary

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

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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.

Danny Burgess

“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

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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

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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

At the corner of Third Street and Church Avenue, 3-year-old Holly Reffuse and her cousin, Lisa Yawns, of Dade City, were selling parking spaces in Yawn’s yard during the Kumquat Festival. Cars would stop and they would be directed into their yard where Chris Yawns directed the parking.
Two-year-old Dixie Cross, of Brandon, discovered there’s nothing quite like a hot dog, after having her face painted. Her mom, Jamis Cross was ready with a napkin.
After waiting in a long line, Carolyn Bartow of Tampa, top center right, and her daughter, Alison Place, of Tampa, right, eat slices of Kumquat refrigerator pie, as Place’s 3-year-old daughter, Nora, waits from her stroller for a taste. They headed north to Dade City instead of attending Tampa’s Gasparilla, held the same day.

County and United Way help during shutdown

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Pasco County and United Way of Pasco have stepped up to help keep some local nonprofit agencies operating during the federal government shutdown.

The Pasco County Commission approved a $400,000 temporary loan to help the agencies in danger of ceasing operations during the federal government shutdown, due to funding shortages.

The county is loaning the money to United Way, which will act as an intermediary — lending the money to the agencies in need, which will reimburse the United Way, which, in turn, will repay the county’s loan.

Chuck Anderson, director of United Way, told commissioners: “The federal government shutdown has had a huge impact on agencies, individuals, a lot of people.

“A survey was done of our agencies, two in particular who are in danger of not being able to continue their programs if they do not receive some type of interim funding between now and the first of the upcoming month,” he said.

The funds must be repaid within 60 days of the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.

Anderson thanked commissioners for stepping in to help.

“There are so many people who would go unserved without this support, so thank you on their behalf,” Anderson said.

Published January 30, 2019

Rain didn’t deter beauty at Suncoast Arts Fest

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More than 100 artists turned out for the Suncoast Arts Fest, which also featured live music and activities during the weekend of Jan. 19 and Jan.  20 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Light rain and gusty wind, at times, made for less than ideal weather conditions, but artists offered plenty of choices for patrons who ventured out. Proceeds from the event support the ‘Art for Kids’ grant that supports arts education in Pasco County schools.

Shannon Macklin, of Flagstaff, Arizona, sits among his cedar wood and copper water fountains at the Suncoast Arts Fest. (Christine Holtzman)
Steve McLeod, of Wesley Chapel, looks over a large canvas painting created with high-end acrylic paints. The painting was called ‘The Sun Garden’ by artist Jim Tucker, of Kansas City, Kansas.
Making their way down Paseo Drive, the Emmel family from Minnesota, Kate, left, Tom and 18-month-old Grace head toward the stage area where the musician, Mr. Harley, was performing a show geared toward children. The Emmels were in town visiting cousins in Lutz.

The shows, and the food, go on at Grand Horizons

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On Jan. 8, a lunch bunch was held at Fresh Country Café and about 25 women attended. There was a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, grilled chicken, fried chicken, tenderloin tips and more.

Ron and Rachel Gamache (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

The luncheon was hosted by Helene Rubenstein and there were two door prizes. There was conversation throughout the entire meal and it looks like all had a good time.

There were several shops where you could go shopping that were nearby or people could go straight back to their homes.

There were over 50 residents at the lunch connoisseurs  at Beef O’ Bradys on Jan. 11.

The menu was varied and had lots of choices. There was a chicken, steak or veggie bowl, along with chicken dinners, hamburg plates, shrimp platters, salads and so much more.

There were several door prizes, which was a very nice touch, and the waitresses were very nice and helped if someone had a question.

Tom and Laurie Carter

Once again, it was close to home, so we didn’t have to travel too far and we could go shopping after lunch or back to our homes.

Our host and hostess were Tom and Laurie Carter, and our thanks go out to them for doing a splendid job.

Later that night there was a show called “Re-Creation” in the community center. There were approximately 125 residents, family, friends and visitors.

It was a show that was spectacular and magical, hosted by Terry Gardner.

Before the show even started, a video presentation was on the screen in the front of the room.  There also were men and women dressed in red, white and blue costumes greeting everyone and distributing a brochure to all.

Eileen and Ed Goldstein

Then, at 7 p.m., the show started by the director of Re-Creation, Jay Muller, where he explained about the group and the shows that they perform. He then introduced the first group that consisted of four women and three men, who were dressed in sparkling costumes and sang some songs, and also did some dancing.

Each song had a different singer with the rest of the group singing backup.

This was followed by classic American music, such as “Bill Bailey, Won’t you Please Come Home,“ “Music, Music, Music” (Put another Nickel in, In the Nickelodeon ) and also “Pennies from Heaven” and “Let me Call you Sweetheart” (with men dancing steps and singing to the women performers that were on chairs on the stage.)

Performers in ‘Re-Creation’ (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

A beautiful rendition of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” was done with a tap dancer in front of the stage. The singers then went to dance with people in the audience.

Songs such as “Tennessee Waltz,” “Fever,” “New York, New York” and more were performed to an excited audience. They did a great job.

Several disco songs were performed to an ecstatic crowd.

The performers then continued with several more songs, such as “YMCA” that had the audience clapping and singing along.

Also performed were several country tunes like “Country Boy,” “Mountain Music,” “God Bless the USA” and several others.

From left: Robbie Lockard, Linda Hillman and Haraldi Coombs

The women and men came to perform some rock n’ roll, and the women were in poodle skirts.  They did a fine job of “Johnny B Goode,” “Chantilly Lace” and others. The seven performers walked through the audience singing songs like “Do Run Run, Do Run Run” and others.

They performed some classic rock and then came out on the stage dressed all in stars and stripes, and sang songs including “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and more.

They closed out the show singing the hymns of the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Merchant Marines, while the people who served in each individual branch stood to be recognized when the song was sung.

“America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” were performed to a standing crowd. This marked the end of a terrific show with unforgettable entertainment.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Ron and Fran Boulay
Germaine Marion and Jerry Raffa
Rosemarie Weingartz, left, and Siggi Ziotowsky
Barbara Holzapfel