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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

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A brief history of corned beef and cabbage:

Eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day seems to go hand-in-hand with this day — almost as naturally as shamrocks and wearing green.

Many restaurants feature the meal as a menu special, which is sometimes so popular that it sells out.

Carrots and potatoes often accompany corned beef and cabbage, a dish often served on St. Patrick’s Day. (Courtesy of Sheri Bresin)

But, how did this tradition start, and is this truly an Irish dish?

There is a lot of history to it, but I will keep it concise.

If anything, the vegetables in the meal are more authentic to Ireland than the meat.

The cabbage is grown in many varieties in Ireland and is available almost year-round. Additionally, you will find carrots and potatoes in a corned beef and cabbage dish, which have also been Irish staples. They have grown well there, because of the soil and climate, for centuries.

But, cooking the corned beef and cabbage dish as a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is more of an Irish-American tradition. Meaning, if you travel to Ireland on March 17, don’t expect to see this meal being served (Just like you wouldn’t see General Tso’s chicken on a menu in China).

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, pork was (and still is) the main animal product consumed in Ireland hundreds of years ago, as beef was more expensive and out of reach for most. Also, cattle were used solely for milk and to help with farming, and would only be eaten if a cow was too old to work or produce milk.

When the Irish immigrated to America starting in the late 1700s, though, they could enjoy beef, where it was more affordable and accessible.

In fact, the Jewish delis in New York City introduced them to corned beef.

The saltiness of the corned beef paired well with the plain flavors of the cabbage, carrots and potatoes they were so familiar with back home.

If you have any leftovers from your corned beef and cabbage, you make want to make some Reuben sandwiches.

And, with St. Patrick’s Day being a religious holiday in Ireland, the Irish immigrants celebrated this day to recognize their heritage with a meal that connected their new homeland to their old one.

So, you might be wondering: Why do we call it corned beef?

The corned beef comes from brisket, which is a tougher cut of meat from the front of the cow. To make it tender, it is cured (preserved) with large grain pieces of salt, or “corns of salt.”

So there are a few fun facts for you. It’s not quite the Irish cuisine most of us assume, but something that started right here in the United States, and with a completely different immigrant population playing a role, no less.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County 

Recipes
This is a recipe that my (Irish-American) father-in-law makes using the slow cooker:

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped

4-5 pounds of corned beef brisket

12 oz. can of dark beer

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon of thyme

Seasoning packet (optional/usually included with the brisket)

4-5 carrots, halved and cut in ¾-inch slices, rinsed

½  large head of green cabbage, cut into wedges, rinsed

2.5 pounds of whole red potatoes (or any preferred type of potato), rinsed

Directions
Put chopped onions on the bottom of the crockpot

Place the corned beef brisket fat-side up

Mix the beer, brown sugar and thyme, and add to crockpot

Add seasoning mix (optional)

Cook on low for 8 hours

About 10-15 minutes before the meat is done, take 1 cup of the juice from the slow

cooker to boil the cabbage and carrots in until soft (about half an hour)

Boil the potatoes until soft

Let meat cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing (veggies may still be boiling as the meat

cools)

Feeds six people

Have leftovers?  Great. Don’t throw it out just yet (unless it’s been in the fridge for 4 days). Use the extra meat to make a Reuben sandwich. This classic sandwich has many variations, but here is one simple way to make it:

Ingredients for one Reuben sandwich
2 slices marble rye bread (or another type you prefer)

2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing (Russian dressing is typically spicier)

2 slices of Swiss cheese

2 Tablespoons of sauerkraut from the bag or can (but canned tends to be too salty for some)

1/3 pound corned beef, thinly sliced if preferred

1-2 teaspoons cooking oil (enough to coat the pan)

Directions
Spread the dressing on each slice of the rye bread

Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread

Add the sauerkraut on top of each slice of cheese

Add beef on one bread slice and then stack slices together to form sandwich

Coat pan with oil

Cook on one side until golden brown, then flip to other side until golden brown

Put lid on to help the cheese melt

Published March 06, 2019

Pasco County Fair delivers food, music and thrills

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The Pasco County Fair has always prided itself on its focus on family fun, in a safe environment, and this year’s fair fulfilled that mission.

The Ferris wheel, one of the most popular amusement rides, was positioned in the center of the fair to give riders a 360-degree view of all the activity below. (Fred Bellet)

It featured a parade through downtown Dade City, with the theme of “Thrills, Squeals and Ferris Wheels.”

There were the usual fair favorites, too: Food, music, rides, competitions and shows.

Hungry fair-goers could choose tasty offerings such as gyros, French fries, corn dogs, roasted corn and, of course, cotton candy, candy apples, elephant ears, funnel cakes, cinnamon roll, and much, much more.

There were gospel and bluegrass concerts, roving entertainers, racing pigs and other shows.

Art was on display, and kids showed off their prize heifers, bulls, rabbits and other animals.

There were lots of rides on the Midway, too.

The fair, put on by the Pasco County Fair Association, has played an important role in community life in Dade City for decades, and has attracted people from far and wide to enjoy its offerings.

It carried on that tradition, again, in 2019.

Published March 06, 2019

With her parents close-by, 6-year-old Layla Huffmier, of New Port Richey, sneaks up on Pasco County Fair Ambassadors Marion Panek, left, and Wayne Panek, of Spring Hill. The youngster was waiting for her parents Nathan and Julie Huffmier to decide which exhibit they were going to check out first. As ambassadors, the Paneks provided information to fair-goers from their booth near the main entrance.
Hungry fair-goers treated themselves to pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, corn dogs, egg rolls, cotton candy, candied apples and more at the Pasco County Fair food court.
Six-year-old Lily Bolton, of San Antonio, has her sights on the fair’s amusement midway on opening day. But first, a quick stop at the food court for some French fries with her cousin, Kiki Sears.
Ernest Lee, also known as ‘The Chicken Man,’ brought his brand of art to the fair. He worked on a number of acrylic paintings in the exhibit hall and painted requests he received from fair-goers.

 

One-year-old Brayden Doyle snoozed through the line, while his mom, Tori Doyle, of Riverview, and cousin, Robin Wilks, of Zephyrhills, navigated his stroller through the main gate during the opening of the Pasco County Fair.

 

 

 

Tampa Bay area ‘Big’ and ‘Little’ honored

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Just three years ago, Howie and Hunter were complete strangers.

But, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay program, the two have become best buddies.

In fact, their friendship has earned them the district’s 2019 Big Brother and Little Brother Award.

“It wasn’t something we were striving for, so it made it that much more of a surprise,” said Big Brother Howie Taylor. “It’s quite an honor.”

Often mistaken for father and son, Hunter, left, and Howie are actually good buddies. They were united through the mentorship program Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. (Brian Fernandes)

They were nominated by their match specialist who initially introduced them in 2016 and believes their friendship exemplifies the kind of relationship the program strives to achieve.

Every year, Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs volunteer adults, referred to as Bigs, with youths, referred to as Littles, around the country.

The key is for a Big to be a positive mentor to a child of the same gender – being a confidant, helping with academics and having fun.

“We don’t just play in the park – we’re learning about volunteerism, citizenship, respect [and] responsibility,” Howie explained. “Apparently that’s something that other people are looking at and saying ‘Hey, that’s cool stuff that you’re doing.’”

Before meeting Hunter, Howie said he’d suffered the passing of his younger brother, Chris, in 2014.

Howie and his wife also became empty-nesters, when their two daughters moved away from home.

So when the 52-year-old spotted a flyer for Big Brothers Big Sisters at a local Dairy Queen, he was curious.

He decided to attend a volunteer orientation and was instantly hooked.

“This sounds like an amazing idea,” Howie thought to himself. “This is going to fill that void I had in my life.”

The program’s match specialist soon paired Howie with Hunter – a then shy 13-year-old with an affinity for video games.

Hunter also had experienced a shift in his family: His older brother had left home for college.

Howie initially met Hunter and his family at their Land O’ Lakes home.

Hunter recalls that first meeting.

“There was a strong bond from the beginning, but it got better over time,” Hunter said.

For their first adventure, Howie found a way to get Hunter more engaged outdoors.

He took him to a local park in Land O’ Lakes to fly a drone — something Howie uses in his work.

Hunter was more than happy to take the drone for several spins.

“I’m a programmer by trade,” Howie said. “Obviously I swell with pride when it’s something he’s interested in, too.”

Since then, Hunter’s Big has helped him to see there’s a whole outdoor world waiting to be explored.

They have enjoyed deep sea fishing together, have attended charity walks, have gone to amusement parks, have watched baseball games and have gone to concerts, to name just some of their activities.

They’ve also adopted a signature look: Wearing fedora hats just about everywhere they go.

And, Howie got Hunter involved with the Krewe of Blackbeard’s Revenge – an organization that raises funds for charities every month.

The group also participates in the Gasparilla Kids’ Parade – where the two brothers dress in full costume.

“He makes a great pirate,” Howie said, with a chuckle.

Food is another common interest for the Big and Little.

They took a six-week cooking course, allowing them to prepare and taste new recipes.

They acknowledge that, as pizza lovers, they were reluctant to add spinach as a topping, but they said, the taste grew on them.

While they enjoy having fun, Howie is also ready to help Hunter with homework so he maintains good grades.

“I was struggling with ASL (American Sign Language),” the teen recounted. “We both watched it together and figured it out.”

Howie said that he wants Hunter to become a well-rounded adult.

He takes Hunter to autism and cancer walks not only to be charitable, but also to help him develop a sense of gratitude for what he has in life.

The mentor also teaches the importance of financial responsibility and punctuality.

But, Hunter isn’t the only one on the receiving end.

Howie has also learned valuable lessons, too. The friendship has helped him to become more patient and a better listener.

“I wait for him to ask for advice,” Howie said. “Sometimes he doesn’t need somebody to solve a problem for him. Sometimes he just needs somebody to listen to him.”

He also credits Hunter for giving him a chance to feel like a kid again.

During their three-year friendship, Howie has watched Hunter grow physically, and in other ways, too.

“I saw a lot of myself, when I was that age, in him,” Howie stated.

Later this year, the pair will attend a Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling event.

Such fundraisers help raise money, but state funding is needed, too.

Howie plans to visit Tallahassee to speak with legislators, to seek more state assistance for the program.

Both Howie and Hunter are also looking forward to being recognized at an awards ceremony in September.

Both plan to don tuxedos.

They’re also now eligible to compete for the Big Brother and Little Brother national award.

No matter how that goes though, they both feel like they’ve already won the best prize: The mentorship program may have brought them together, but they’re confident they’ll be lifelong friends.

To learn more about the Bay Area program, visit BBBSTampaBay.org.

Published February 27, 2019

Marilyn Wannamaker leaves a legacy of service

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She was a fixture for years at Independence Day celebrations in Lutz, overseeing the annual Cake Bake Contest.

She was a regular, too,  at the Christmas House at the Old Lutz School, serving up hot chocolate and doling out cookies.

But, those are just a couple of the many, many ways that Marilyn Wannamaker served the community of Lutz.

Marilyn Wannamaker was known for her steadfast service to the community of Lutz, and her kind, caring ways. (Courtesy of Pat Serio)

She was deeply involved in the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, occupying nearly every office, including president for two terms.

She was devoted to helping young girls develop a heart for community work, as well as leadership skills, through her role as adviser to the Little Women of Lutz.

Marilyn Wannamaker’s life was remembered on Feb. 23, during a Memorial Eucharist at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa.

During the religious ceremony, she was eulogized by her sons, Mark and Scott Peterson; and by Annette Bellinger, a first vice president of the Woman’s Club, and Jane Mason, current adviser for the Little Women of Lutz. Her son, Mark, also shared some thoughts provided by his wife, Val Peterson.

Bellinger recalls feeling a little bit intimidated when she met Wannamaker, who was president of the woman’s club at the time — and had total command of club protocol.

But, Bellinger said her initial concerns were quickly erased, as she witnessed Wannamaker’s incredible warmth.

Wannamaker paid attention to people, and became aware of not only details in their lives, but in their loved ones’ lives, as well, Bellinger said.

Wannamaker led by example.

“She was always willing to work,” Bellinger said. “Even when she didn’t feel that great, she still turned up.”

Mason, who now works with The Little Women of Lutz, recalled Wannamaker’s passion for that group.

During Wannamaker’s tenure as its advisor, The Little Women of Lutz cooked dinner at the Ronald McDonald House, helped at the Lutz Branch Library, kept a stretch of road clear of trash; and helped a family at Christmas, and performed other acts of community service.

Working with the girls was a source of joy to Wannamaker.

“To me it’s wonderful to watch them grow and develop into wonderful young women,” she told The Laker/Lutz News, in a feature story about the group.

Wannamaker’s sons — Mark and Scott — were unabashed in expressing their affection at her memorial.

“Mom never missed an event,” Mark said. “She graded our homework.

“She was our life coach.

We have so many fond memories of our mom,” he said.

“Our mom volunteered for everything,” Mark added.

Over the years, she was active on the board of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department, held the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na, was head of the St. Clement’s Altar Guild, and was a Salvation Army bell ringer, among other things.

Mark said her calendar was so crowded that he would have to call her weeks in advance to get a date to take her out to dinner.

He wasn’t complaining: He was proud.

Her son, Scott, said his mom was a good sport.

When he was playing Little League baseball, she’d put on a glove to go outside to play catch with him. And, she stepped up to become the official scorekeeper.

“She had immaculate penmanship,” he marveled.

She encouraged his love of music, even to the point of allowing his bands to practice at their house.

“I don’t know how many times that poor woman had to hear ‘Gloria,’” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Wannamaker enjoyed traveling and had the chance to visit such places as Scotland, Australia and the Far East.

She enjoyed those trips, but she was always happy to return to Lutz, where she spent much of her time and energy working to improve community life.

After the service, her friend Pat Serio, another member of the Woman’s Club, described Wannamaker as “a very, very involved friend, and a dear, caring person.

“Marilyn will definitely leave a large void in my life, as well as in our club and the Lutz community,” Serio said.

Wannamaker was always thinking of others, even to the end, her sons said.

One of her final requests was that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Little Women of Lutz, c/o Lutz Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club, P.O. Box 656, Lutz, Florida 33548-0656.

Published February 27, 2019

Summit addresses mental health challenges

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Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

Heart defect doesn’t stop local teen

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Samuel Mazzeo’s life changed forever, during a P.E. class at Cypress Creek Middle High.

He was playing football with classmates on the school’s field when, suddenly, he collapsed.

The teenager had gone into cardiac arrest.

School officials, luckily, were on hand to quickly come to his aid.

He was revived with CPR and a defibrillator. He received medical care at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

After months of recovery and an internal pacemaker, Mazzeo has been cleared to participate in shot put and discus events on Cypress Creek Middle High’s varsity track and field team. He previously participated on the school’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams. (Courtesy of Lona Mazzeo)

Mazzeo had been suffering from a rare, genetic heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, or ARVD for short.

It occurs when the heart muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat or fibrous tissue, so the right ventricle is dilated and contracts poorly; the condition was never diagnosed during physicals or regular check-ups.

The condition weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood.

The scary episode happened on Feb. 23, 2018.

“I don’t remember anything at all,” said the 17-year-old Mazzeo. “I tell my stories from what my friends and my family and the doctors told me what happened.”

Family and friends recently celebrated the day’s one-year anniversary, which is now described as Mazzeo’s “first birthday.”

“It’s crazy to think that actually happened a year ago, but I’m still happy and lucky I’m still here,” Mazzeo said. “I’m starting to realize, ‘Wow, it’s already been a whole year since basically my life completely changed.’”

Mazzeo now has a pacemaker implanted into his chest.

He doesn’t look like someone with a heart condition.

The teen measures at 6-foot-5 and 240-plus pounds — packed into a sturdy, imposing frame.

Doctors told him he’s no longer able to play competitive sports, however.

Other strenuous forms of exercise are also off-limits — aside from brisk walks, light weight-training and the occasional swim.

The realization was humbling for a multi-sport athlete who participated on Cypress Creek’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams — and who had dreams of playing college football.

“It was a little tough at first,” Mazzeo said of the diagnosis and its limitations. “The first few months were rough, and I realized that football was no more. I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen to me. I’ve always been a healthy, active kid. I almost felt invincible, playing football…and then that happens and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’”

As months passed, Mazzeo learned to accept his new, altered lifestyle.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fine with it, but I’m not mad about it,” Mazzeo said. “I’m better now. It’s a lot easier to move on with.”

A few things eased the transition.

Though unable to don a helmet and pads ever again, Mazzeo was able to be involved with the Cypress Creek varsity football team in another capacity — as a student assistant coach.

It’s a role he grew to embrace.

“As the season went on and progressed, I found out that I loved to coach,” Mazzeo said. “It’s something that’s really rewarding to see the progress from the start of the season to the end of the season, just watching the guys improve and watching them get wins.”

Mazzeo has even been asked to return next season as a paid assistant, once he graduates high school.

He sees it as a possible future career path.

“I do miss playing football a lot, especially during the last past season, but getting the opportunity to coach was something that I never would’ve expected to happen,” Mazzeo said. “It was a good opportunity to do and, obviously it still kept me close with the team and close with everybody.”

Mazzeo found a niche in another sport, also.

He recently was cleared by his cardiologist to participate on the school’s varsity track and field team as a shot put and discus thrower; the movements were deemed low-impact enough for someone with a pacemaker.

Given his size and strength, Mazzeo has shown to be a natural at both.

At a recent quad meet, he placed sixth overall in shot put (10.55 meters) and ninth overall in discus (25.77 meters), respectively.

“I’m happy I was cleared to do shot and discus,” said Mazzeo.

Besides his continued involvement in sports, Mazzeo also is working to raise awareness about heart health throughout school.

He encourages his classmates to get heart screenings and to understand the importance of learning CPR.

“I think it’s good to get screened, to get tested for just anything in general,” Mazzeo said. “Even if you’re an athlete, you never know.”

Meantime, Mazzeo remains thankful the incident took place at school.

He sometimes reflects he could’ve been any place alone when his heart stopped.

“I’m very fortunate that it happened in the right place, with the right people around to help me,” Mazzeo said. “Because I work out at home, I work out at the gym, usually there’s no one with me or there’s no medical devices around, so I’m very lucky and fortunate it happened here at school.”

Published February 27, 2019

Taking a blast into the past at Zephyrhills Founder’s Day

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Get ready to travel back in time, exploring Zephyrhills history during the Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival on March 9.

Celebrating the community’s 109th year, the event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the theme “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” – the evolution of transportation in Zephyrhills.

The parade is set to begin at 10 a.m., showcasing vintage automobiles, decorations and a marching band along Fifth Avenue.

These Model T Fords rolled down the road during a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills. (File)

From noon to 4 p.m., guests can sit by the Hopkins’ family porch and take a trip down memory lane — through accounts shared by various storytellers, including Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield.

At 2 p.m., a beard and mustache contest is scheduled at 4/One: The Gentlemen’s Quarters barbershop.

Contenders have the opportunity to win prizes, including cash, for their unique facial hair.

There also will be rows of vendors offering items, such as arts and crafts, as well as information about businesses. A plant expo also is planned.

Hungry patrons can get their fill from various food trucks, including a new offering this year: Gyros for Heroes.

The slate of entertainers includes The Time Travelers, the Chipco Creek Band and the Country Jam Band.

Kids can show off their skills through chalk drawing, and there will be hayrides for them to enjoy, too.

The function will be at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., and will proceed further into Downtown Zephyrhills.

Proceeds will go toward local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome.

To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

109th Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This year, the festival aims to inform and entertain guests with Zephyrhills history, featuring planes, trains, and automobiles. The event will have its annual parade, ‘Tales of the Hills’ story time, a beard and mustache contest, as well as food and music.
Info: To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published February 27, 2019

Civil War history comes to life at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village

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Civil War buffs had a chance to see history come to life at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village over the weekend.

Confederate Soldiers fire during a Civil War battle re-enactment at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

Re-enactors also had a chance to take part in battles and skirmishes on the museum grounds.

The sounds of soldiers shouting commands and the smoke from firing guns filled the air.

Little ones shielded their ears to avoid the loud sounds of the guns.

Besides seeing the soldiers in action, visitors could tour confederate and union camps, see re-enactors in character and get a glimpse of Civil War life.

They also could see traditional period demonstrations and a ladies fashion show feature clothing from that period. There was live music, too.

Six-year-old Gregory Jacobsen holds his ears during the booming sounds coming from the 12-pound Mountain Howitzers. This was the young boy’s first experience of seeing a Civil War re-enactment. He was there with his dad, Benjamin Jacobsen, of Tampa.
Portraying a Confederate courier, Chuck Sheridan, of Sanford, delivers a message to Gen. Harding.
The trio, 7 lbs of Bacon, entertained the crowd by playing music of the 1800s.
The Union soldiers defeated the Confederate soldiers on one day of the two-day event, and the Confederate soldier defeated the Union soldiers on the other day.
From the audience area, Samantha Johnston, of Seffner, portrays a Southern Belle. She was applauding the efforts of the 5th Florida Company B, at the end of the Civil War re-enactment event.

Locals invited to get involved with Lutz Fourth of July

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A planning committee preparing for the Lutz 4th of July Parade will have its first meeting on March 12 at 7 p.m.

The community is encouraged to attend and to offer fresh ideas for the annual holiday event, which has been a Lutz tradition for years.

The meeting will take place at the Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41.

Future meeting dates will be announced during that initial assembly.

The Independence Day celebration will be hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. It will include a parade, which begins on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or at .

Local performers win big at Access Broadway in Orlando

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Graham Music Studios, from Dade City, recently competed at Access Broadway in Orlando, and came home the big winners.

“I am absolutely thrilled. It’s sort of a David and Goliath kind of thing because the other studios are just mega-studios,” said Alison Graham, who is the director of Graham Music Studios. “They come from cities where they have multiple performing arts magnet schools, and we come from a city where the big high school doesn’t even have a chorus.”

Front and center: Shelby Surratt; second row from left: Channing Romesser, Megan Phillips, Catherine Beard and Macy Pickerall; third row from left: Analiese Gallagher, Victoria Campos, Jasmine Kurz, Mikayla Mauradian, Kalli Keith and Emma Shireman; and, back row from left: Amanda Cloversettle, Genevieve D’Water, Lyndsey Furtado and Bernadette Richter. (Courtesy of Graham Music Studios)

“There were six top vocal awards for the whole weekend. We were entered in four of them, and won three of them,” Graham said.

“We were incredulous,” she said, referring to herself, the girls and their parents. “The first time, we were just jumping and screaming. The second Broadway Star, I just started bawling. And then the third one, I was like: “I cannot believe this.

“It was really, really exciting,” she said.

To understand how well they did, Graham said, “you have to see the mega-studios, with all of their props and money.”

Graham credits the singers’ success to their commitment, and the support of their parents and the community of Dade City.

“These girls, they work so hard,” Graham said.

One team, called Showbiz, won Platinum and took first place overall.

The team competed against 536 other acts from performing arts studios, and came out on top.

Another team known as Showstoppers — also received a Platinum rating and placed fourth overall in the competition, with their performance of “Up The Ladder To The Roof” from Everyday Rapture.

The Dade City studio also won the award for the best Broadway Vocal, for its performance of “Five Forever,” from Little Women. In that competition, Graham enlisted the aid of a boy singer to round out the group. She knew she had the right group of voices to compete well with that song, she said.

Showbiz is made up Sarah Atkins, Carly Bowling, Gianna Como, Isabella Como, Ellie DeLloyd, Lyra Lacson, Larkin Mainwaring, Kassie Miller, Mackenzie Robinson, Payton Rodgers, Analee Tomkow, Marlee Tomkow and Karis Williams.

Another team from the Dade City music studio — its oldest group of performers, known as Showstoppers, is made up of Catherine Beard, Victoria Campos, Amanda Cloversettle, Genevieve D’ Water, Lyndsey Furtado, Analiese Gallagher, Jasmine Kurz, Kallie Keith, Mikayla Mauradian, Megan Phillips, Macy Pickerall, Georgia Piersall, Bernadette Richter, Channing Romesser, Emma Shireman and Shelby Surratt.

Kassie Miller, Sarah Atkins and Bella Como celebrate.

The singers winning the best Broadway Vocal were Roman Ricardo, Macy Pickerall, Isabella Como, Megan Phillips and Shelby Surratt. They received a Platinum rating,  as well as first place.

Shelby Surratt and Megan Phillips also took home the award for the best duet/trio of the weekend with their performance of “You Love Who You Love,” from Bonnie and Clyde.  They received a Platinum rating, first place overall and are the title holders for best duet /trio vocal.

The youngest group from Graham Music Studios, Showtime, received a High Gold Rating for its performance of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” They placed third place overall in their age group.

That group is made up of Katarina Carroll, Kennedy Eldridge, Kassidy Graham, Anabelle Harris, Sally Harper, Sarah Hoerbelt, Kaylab Kelly, Emeley Poblick, Sophie Poblick, Asha Queen-Badal, Rio Riccardo, Mackenzie Trenkle and Keaton Ward.

Winning in Orlando qualified the group to compete in New York, but it typically doesn’t compete at nationals because of the expense, Graham said.

However, this year, a group of about 30 will be traveling to New York, to take part in an invitation-only master class with the cast of “Anastasia.”

The students will get to take part in the master class, get to meet the cast members at a party and have their photos taken with them. Then, they’ll get to watch the play, too.

It’s an experience that Graham expects will leave quite an impression on the girls: “To get to go backstage in the warmup rehearsal hall of “Anastasia,” and have a master class, with the actual people in the show —it’s just incredible.”

The trip is planned over spring break.

And, it’s happening partially because of fundraising efforts and generous gifts to help defray expenses.

One of Graham’s former students has sponsored one of the girls, making it possible for her to make the trip.

Others have chipped in during fundraisers.

When they were seeking donations at a Publix store, a fire truck pulled up, Graham said.

“Five firemen jumped off and gave us like 20 bucks each,” she said.

That’s just one example of the community’s generosity, she said.

Published February 27, 2019