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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Business Digest 01-21-15

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East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group now meets at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office is scheduled to speak on Jan. 27.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Business development week luncheon
If you’re interested in finding out more about the economy’s outlook and how the markets are likely to perform in 2015, you may want to attend the Business Development Week Luncheon Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 11500 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio.

Kumquat Festival selling sponsorship packages
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservation packages for the 2015 Kumquat Festival, set to take place Jan. 31.

Packages start at $500, and include logos and links on the KumquatFestival.org website, as well as booth space at the festival. Premier packages, which run from $1,000 to $5,000, include additional features.

The event is expected to draw 45,000 people from Florida, who live here seasonally, and who are visiting.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email .

Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speaker will be Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

Register at Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber introduces new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will shine a spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally at the event, which has the theme of “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application. For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

State program could generate 25,000 new jobs
An independent analysis by Florida TaxWatch has determined that expanding GrowFl could result in 25,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

GrowFl is a state program designed to grow and develop the biggest job-creating companies in Florida.

Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute.

In addition to boosting job growth, investing in GrowFl would help diversify the state economy and provide positive return on Florida’s investments, Florida TaxWatch said, in a news release.

PEDC board names new chairman
The Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. has named Lex Smith as the new chairman of its board.

Smith is city president-Nature Coast of SunTrust Bank.

Smith has been involved with the Pasco EDC board since 2010 and has served in various roles.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, where he played both quarterback and linebacker for the UF Gators football team from 1989 to 1992.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Dade City chamber needs volunteers
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for some volunteers to help with the chamber event season.

With winter residents returning to the area, there are a number of activities the chamber needs help to staff. The chamber is looking for people who are friendly and outgoing, who have knowledge of the local area and activities, and are team-oriented.

For information, email .

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

Volunteer tax preparers needed
United Way of Pasco County is looking for help this coming tax season with volunteer tax preparers.

Last year, more than 8,000 county residents used United Way’s tax preparation service, and received more than $8 million in total refunds.

Interest in being a tax preparer does not require experience, and comes with comprehensive training.

For more information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

 

Opponents to charter school gearing up to do battle

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About 90 concerned residents turned out to a strategy meeting on Jan. 8, as opponents gear up to battle a proposed charter school for up to 1,050 kindergarten through eighth-grade students in Lutz.

Charter Schools Inc., of Boca Raton is seeking permission from Hillsborough County to allow a school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard.

Sam Calco, a member of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, said the rules for public hearings on zoning and land-use issues can be confusing. He said it’s important to know the rules, so residents can protect their interests. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Sam Calco, a member of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, said the rules for public hearings on zoning and land-use issues can be confusing. He said it’s important to know the rules, so residents can protect their interests.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The operator of the school would be Charter Schools Association of Coral Gables, according to the application filed with Hillsborough County.

The proposed Sunlake Academy would operate on 7.46 acres. A 1-acre outparcel at the site represents a potential child care center in the future that is already permitted by existing zoning.

A public hearing on the request is set for Feb. 16. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., but the precise time this request will be heard won’t be known until that evening because there generally are a number of items on the agenda.

The hearing has already been delayed twice and there’s a chance it could be delayed again, Mike White, president and founder of the Lutz Citizens Coalition told area residents and interested parties who gathered at J.F. Swartsel Masonic Lodge, 3109 Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The application for the project shows two phases.

The first phase includes a two-story building with 33 classrooms, and the second phase calls for a two-story building with 20 classrooms.

The plans also show a storm water pond, a playground, and areas for parking for both vehicles and bicycles. Plans also call for basketball courts.

Since submitting the original plans, the applicant has revised the plans to include a number of changes, including a larger buffer area and setback from residential lots to the west of the proposed school, double tree plantings and fencing.

The plans also include revised plans regarding how vehicles will be able to get in and out of the proposed school.

Area residents and organizations have submitted letters objecting to the proposed school — citing concerns about traffic congestion, potential flooding and negative impacts on their quality of life and property values.

Todd Caroline, who lives in Lake Fern Villa, notes that the project would back up to his property line, according to a letter objection he submitted to Hillsborough County.

“It is already a struggle to get out of our community morning, afternoon and evening due to a poorly built intersection at Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake (Boulevard). Ever since Steinbrenner (High School), Martinez (Middle School) and McKitrick (Elementary School) have opened, it has only gotten worse,” Caroline wrote in a Dec. 23 email to Hillsborough County staff.

Other residents are on record objecting to the size, scope and density of the project.

They note that Sunlake and Lutz Lake Fern are two-lane roads and are not equipped to handle the additional traffic this project would generate.

The hearing officer must consider “substantially competent evidence” in determining whether to grant the special use permit, White said.

So, while it may feel good to complain about the potential negative impacts, it is crucial to provide the hearing officer factual data, White said.

“You don’t have to be a traffic engineer. You don’t have to be an attorney,” White said, but residents must meet certain benchmarks for their testimony to be considered by the hearing officer.

He recommended “fighting fire with fighting” and “fighting data with data” by hiring an attorney and a traffic engineer to protect opponents’ interests.

A legal defense fund has been set up to collect contributions to cover costs for an attorney and traffic engineer.

Residents also plan to fan out in their neighborhoods to collect signatures opposing the proposed charter school.

Story time: Grandmother’s comforting book gets published

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The first story Aleda Reilly wrote wasn’t designed to launch a writing career, sell a lot of copies or even get published.

All she wanted to do was comfort her grandchildren.
“(It was) just to help them through a really emotional, tough time,” said Reilly, who lives in Land O’ Lakes.

Aleda Reilly combs through copies of of her children's story, ‘Angel Balloons,’ which has been published in a variety of formats. She wrote it to help her grandchildren cope with the loss of their great-grandmother. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Aleda Reilly combs through copies of of her children’s story, ‘Angel Balloons,’ which has been published in a variety of formats. She wrote it to help her grandchildren cope with the loss of their great-grandmother.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Following the death of her mother, Gladys Soldato, Reilly’s grandchildren were confused and upset at the loss of their beloved Bama. They were close to their great-grandmother, and adult explanations weren’t doing the job for Isabella and Katie, ages 4 and 2. As their grandmother, Reilly wanted to console them and describe complicated feelings in a way they’d understand.
So she sat down and wrote them a story.

“Angel Balloons” describes the two girls spending time with Bama until she passes away right after Christmas. They’re told she didn’t get to say goodbye because she was tired, and now lives with the angels in Heaven. The girls send Bama drawings and stickers tied to balloons so she can receive them and share them with the angels.

When Reilly showed the story to the girls, it wasn’t illustrated or published. It was just a story written by their Avia, a term for grandmother. But they got the message.

“I read it to (Olivia) and in an exasperated attitude she said, ‘Well you know, Avia, if anyone had told me this, I wouldn’t have been so upset at the time,'” Reilly recalled.

She decided that other children might benefit from “Angel Balloons,” and she self-published it. Tate Publishing, a family-owned Christian-based publisher later picked it up, turning it into a fully illustrated publication, a 3-D book with glasses, coloring book and audio download.

Reilly appreciates any format that conveys the story to more children.

Parents can be reserved when it comes to serious subjects with children, she said, and aren’t always sure how to address new feelings. She wrote this story to tackle a serious topic in a positive way that young readers can understand. She’s pleased it can now reach more children than her initial audience of her two grandchildren.

Although this is the first story she’s written, Reilly’s background gives her a good foundation for penning children’s stories.

Reilly spent time as a psychiatric social worker. She approached the work with the belief that children are resilient and smart, and can grasp serious topics if presented properly.

“We don’t give children enough credit for how much they really do retain, even at a young age,” Reilly said. “I don’t ever talk down to children.”

“Angel Balloons” was written five years ago when Reilly was 60.

That first story was not her last. It has turned into a continuing series featuring Sunshine and Ladybug, Reilly’s nicknames for her grandchildren. She has new stories written and waiting for publication. “Sunshine and Ladybug Share Christmas” is a holiday-themed story about helping those who are less fortunate, while “We Don’t Eat Grass” addresses healthy eating. She’s working on a fourth book about blended and extended families, and as the girls have gotten older she’s introducing a new grandchild, Nola, into the stories.

Reilly’s stories contain a mixture of actual events and fiction to get her message across to children. But she admits that while “Angel Balloons” was written to help the young girls process a death, it also had benefits for the author.

“The genesis of this was all just to try to get them through it, but then I realized it was very cathartic for me as well,” she said.

Reilly also admits she is surprised by the attention and interest she has received from her publisher.

It may have started as a hobby, but Reilly takes the writing process seriously. When it’s time to write, she heads upstairs to the computer. When she’s finished or hits a snag, she simply puts it away and does something else.

She wrote “Angel Balloons” in about a week and is now preparing some promotional activities for her books.

Despite those activities, Reilly has never lost sight in what started her down their new career path or what drives her to continue writing.

“It was for the girls,” she said. “My family is absolutely the most important thing in the world to me.”

For more information about “Angel Balloons” and Reilly’s other books, visit TatePublishing.com.

Published January 14, 2015

Sharing Florida’s wonders through photography

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Images captured by landscape photographer Clyde Butcher reveal a side of Florida that many people never see.

For decades, Butcher has waded into Florida’s wild side — and until recently, he’s used a large format camera to produce captivating black-and-white images of the state’s natural splendors.

After hearing about the beauty of the sand dunes in the state’s Panhandle, Clyde Butcher decided to photograph them. The weather, unfortunately, was not cooperating. He set up his camera every day for a week, waiting for the right light. Finally, on the last day, the sun broke through the clouds just long enough for him to shoot one piece of film. (Courtesy of Clyde Butcher)
After hearing about the beauty of the sand dunes in the state’s Panhandle, Clyde Butcher decided to photograph them. The weather, unfortunately, was not cooperating. He set up his camera every day for a week, waiting for the right light. Finally, on the last day, the sun broke through the clouds just long enough for him to shoot one piece of film.
(Courtesy of Clyde Butcher)

Now that he’s 72, he can no longer lug the 65 pounds of equipment he used to carry into Florida’s swamps, and he has switched over to lighter digital cameras.

Regardless of the equipment he’s using, though, Butcher employs the same approach.

“Everything I do is point and shoot. I don’t use the camera to compose. I just use my eyes,” he said. “If I see something, I set the tripod down, I set the camera down, focus it and shoot.”

Some of the photographer’s work, showcased in a traveling exhibit called “Visions of Florida: The Photographic Art of Clyde Butcher” is currently on display through Jan. 29 at the West Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College in New Port Richey.

“I’m basically trying to communicate how great Florida is,” Butcher said.

People are often unaware of Florida’s unique and special nature, he said.

“We have a cypress tree the same circumference as the largest redwood tree. We have the oldest tree in America — 8,000 years old.

“We have great skies.

“We have the largest spring in the world.

“It’s the only place in the world that has a place like the Everglades,” Butcher said.

Pasco-Hernando State College began planning to bring the exhibit to its West Campus more than a year ago, said Ray Culvert, director of libraries. The exhibit is among the traveling exhibits offered through the Florida Museum of History in Tallahassee.

Culvert — whose family roots in Florida date back to the 1800s — has been fascinated by Butcher’s work for years.

“His photography just kind of reaches out to me, you could say, on a very emotional level,” Culvert said. “If all you see is Orlando and the beaches, you completely miss it (Florida). You really have to go back where he’s going to really appreciate it.”

Clyde Butcher will speak on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College in the West Campus Performing Arts Center. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the presentation. The performing arts center is at 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey.

Visions of Florida: The Photographic Art of Clyde Butcher
Landscape photographer Clyde Butcher captures the essence of Florida’s nature through black-and-white images.

When: Through Jan. 29. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: the Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery located within the Alric C.T. Pottberg Library on Pasco-Hernando State College’s West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey.

How much: Free

Published January 14, 2015

Holy Smoke! Blues, Barbecue in Zephyrhills

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The holidays are associated with great family, great friends and great food. In fact, sometimes the food is the best part: Turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and other dishes all make a welcomed appearance.

It’s all great, but something is missing. Where are the ribs? The chicken? The pulled pork? The sweet, tangy sauce that gets on your fingers? The baked beans and corn on the cob? The smoke from the grill that makes your mouth water?

Where’s the barbecue?

There will be plenty of vendors, but people will still line up for their favorites. (File Photo)
There will be plenty of vendors, but people will still line up for their favorites.
(File Photo)

You probably didn’t find it at the holiday dinner table, but you can make up for lost time on Jan. 17. That’s when the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host the Fifth Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave.

As the name implies, it’s a barbecue-themed event. Vendors offering a variety of meats and platters will be on hand, offering their own take on chicken, pork and other traditional courses. It’s all barbecue, but each one is a little different. The sauces, spices and sides make each one unique and worth trying. Whatever type of barbecue you prefer, you’re likely to find someone serving it hot.

They’re competing for prizes, too. Thousands of dollars’ worth. This is the Florida State Championship sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association. Did you even know there was a Florida BBQ Association? I didn’t, but I think I want to join it. Maybe they need taste-testers.

Anyway, the competitors are putting their best foot forward (or rib forward, I suppose) to create a variety of great tastes. You might not be an official judge, but you can pick your own winners from the competing vendors.

Now, you might have noticed that there’s more than barbecue happening in the name. It’s a blues fest as well, and music is a big part of the event. Cold Iron, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones, The Lauren Mitchell Band and TC Carr & Bolts of Blue will all be performing. Just bring a lawn chair (no coolers or pets), find a nice spot and enjoy the show.

Rows of business vendors will be there, too, providing information about different services and offering some giveaways as well. If you’re the kind of person who goes through a lot of pens, I definitely recommend visiting this area. I can say from experience that this is a good way replenish your supply and support some local businesses at the same time. I know you’re not going there for pens, but this is “On the Cheap,” after all.

But wait; there’s more. Aircraft displays, a car and motorcycle show and the WWII Museum of Military History all add to the entertainment. There’s even a special area for children. There’s so much to do, I’m willing to make a pretty bold claim: You could be a vegetarian and still have a good time here. Even without the food there’s hours of fun and music to enjoy.

And, of course, it’s cheap. Admission to Pigs in Z’Hills is free. It costs $10 to park, but if you bring friends or family in one car, it’s a good deal. You do have to pay for food, beer and other drinks, of course. So your appetite might make this cheap event not so cheap. But I can’t advise you to skip the food, because it’s really good. So maybe eat breakfast first, so you can sample the best of the barbecue without eating your way around the airport. And you might be tempted. Like I said, the food is really good.

Pigs in Z’Hills runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, call (813) 782-1913 or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Schedule of events:
10 a.m. Pigz in Z’Hills opens (free admission, $10 to park)
10:30 a.m. Cold Iron performs
12:15 p.m. Jewel Tones performs
2 p.m. Lauren Mitchell Band performs
3:45 p.m. TC Carr and Bolts of Blue performs
6 p.m. event endsTwo Kidz Zones, concession vendors, business expo and military aircraft displays will be open throughout the day.

Published January 14, 2015

Keeping heritage alive in East Pasco

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Imani Asukile walks among the headstones at Indian Pond Cemetery in Dade City, looking at the writing on each one. He knows some names, knew some of the people personally and even has a relative buried there. But not every grave is clearly marked and some of the names are unknown.

What is known about the old graves is that those who were buried there long ago — some at the beginning of the 20th century — faced segregation and discrimination.

Imani Asukile and the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County have events at places like Indian Pond cemetery in Dade City. The group wants the people and places that make up the area's history remembered and honored. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Imani Asukile and the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County have events at places like Indian Pond cemetery in Dade City. The group wants the people and places that make up the area’s history remembered and honored.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“This was the premiere cemetery for blacks in this area. They only allowed blacks to be buried at the Dade City Cemetery in the early 1970s,” Asukile said. Now, as president of the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, he wants to make sure the area isn’t forgotten, along with other important places, events and people in local history.

His group hosts military appreciation services at Indian Pond Cemetery each year to honor African American veterans. At a recent event, around 60 people gathered to honor World War II veterans. Their families received special congressional coins and certificates from the Wounded Warrior Project.

For the heritage society, those events create recognition for the veterans, and those buried at the cemetery where the events are held.

“You get inspiration from their stories when you understand their struggles, their victories, the hills they had to climb,” Asukile said. “We have to keep them alive.”

His group keeps those and other stories alive by hosting different events throughout the year. They have youth forums to inform young people and provide a platform for them to express their thoughts. And they have events to celebrate Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African-American culture held at the end of each calendar year.

Asukile said it’s the principles of Kwanzaa, including its focus on community support, interaction and problem solving, that guide the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County throughout the entire year.

“In everything that we do, Kwanzaa is the foundation of our existence, so to speak,” he said. “That’s where everything springs from.”

If community seems to be a big focus for the group, it’s by design. Asukile and the rest of the society take the “East Pasco” part of the organization’s name seriously. Local events attended by local residents are what keep the group motivated.

“In everything we do, we try to focus on local issues and individuals. Most black history programs are national or international, and we don’t have a problem with that,” he said. But we try to say ‘How can we take the same application and apply it here locally?'” The group recognizes local community members during Black History Month in February of each year. The 2015 focus will be on the founders of local community choirs, Asukile said.

But that doesn’t mean they restrict all their work to one small area. Asukile still considers Brooksville home, so he’ll often include that community. They also work with organizations or host events in other parts of the Tampa Bay area.

With a small core of dedicated members (the heritage society has around 10 active members) they provide a year’s worth of events to keep the community’s memories alive and honor those who came before them. He also sees areas for growth, and other communities that could form their own similar groups. Asukile mentioned Wesley Chapel as an area that has a lot of potential to form an organization in the future.

Wherever another group pops up in the future, Asukile and his group will be there to welcome them. As director of multicultural student affairs and equity services at Pasco-Hernando State College, he knows the importance of having a presence in the community and being a resource for those seeking information. And with the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, he can put that into practice off campus, reminding residents of historic places, people and events so their stories won’t be forgotten.

“Every community has to have something or somebody who is a griot, a storyteller, a keeper of the history of the community, of the people. Every community has to do to it. otherwise you start losing the stories,” Asukile said.

For more information about the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, e-mail Asukile at .

Watoto choir shares story of Africa’s vulnerable children

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The Watoto Children’s Choir is kicking off its four-month United States tour with appearances in Florida, including local stops.

The choir’s tour, entitled “Beautiful Africa: A New Generation,” seeks to raise awareness about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is touring around the Southeastern United States, including stops in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Tampa. Allan Nyakaana takes center stage here. (Courtesy of Watoto Children's Choir)
The Watoto Children’s Choir is touring around the Southeastern United States, including stops in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Tampa. Allan Nyakaana takes center stage here.
(Courtesy of Watoto Children’s Choir)

The performances — which are free and open to the public — include original African music, dance routines and life-transforming stories from rescued orphans and women who are part of the choir.

Local stops on the tour include a 7 p.m. performance Jan. 14 at Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, and three performances at Van Dyke Church in Lutz. The Van Dyke performances are at 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 18. Van Dyke is at 17030 Lakeshore Road.

Each of the children in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents. They live in Watoto Children’s Villages where they are nurtured to become productive citizens and leaders in their own country.

Edwinsmith Kigozi, now 29, was just 11 years old when he went to live in a Watoto Village. His parents had both died. His uncle did not have the means to support him and they welcomed Watoto’s help, said Kigozi, now a team leader with the organization.

The concerts feature a fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm.

Watoto’s children’s choirs have been traveling internationally since 1994 as ambassadors for millions of children who have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war and poverty.

Besides appearing in the United States, the choirs have traveled to Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, France and the U.S, among others.

Their audiences have included royalty, presidents, ministers, as well as people without rank or wealth.

The choirs serve as a cultural exchange and as a way to attract support for Watoto’s work, Kigozi said.

Choir members have the chance to be exposed to a broader world, he said. And, the hope is that audience members will do something about the plight that less fortunate people face, not only in Africa, but in America and other places, Kigozi said.

Watoto’s aim is to nurture children and to help them to develop into future leaders in their country, Kigozi said. Those leadership roles may come in different spheres of life, including medicine, law, politics and other areas.

Besides the Wesley Chapel and Lutz appearances, the choir also will be performing at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 North Tampa St., in Tampa, at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 21.

Published January 14, 2015

Suncoast Arts Fest celebrates a decade of arts and entertainment

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The Suncoast Arts Fest soon will celebrate its 10th anniversary of bringing acclaimed artists to Pasco County.

The annual festival is a popular event, attracting around 100,000 people to peruse its diverse offerings and to enjoy its lineup of live entertainment.

Rolly Ray Reel won best of show during last year’s Suncoast Arts Fest. This year, the event features nearly 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen. (Courtesy of Suncoast Arts Fest)
Rolly Ray Reel won best of show during last year’s Suncoast Arts Fest. This year, the event features nearly 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen.
(Courtesy of Suncoast Arts Fest)

This year’s festival features more than 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen, from across Florida and throughout the country.

“About 35 percent of our artists this year are from out of state,” Pam Marron, co-director of the festival, said, noting Florida’s temperate winter weather is a plus.

The festival’s venue — at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel — also offers people a chance to do a bit of shopping at the regional mall and enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants.

The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive. The mall is just off State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, a couple of miles east of Interstate 75.

The event features both new and returning artists.

Among those making a return trip is Rolly Ray Reel, of Maitland, who won best of show during last year’s event.

Besides offering art lovers a chance to enjoy themselves, the festival also raises money to support Arts for Kids, which supplements art programs in public, private and charter schools. Over the past decade, festival proceeds have funded more than 85 mini-grants, which have benefited more than 15,000 students.

The goal is to support both the visual and performing arts, Marron said.

Other highlights on this year’s schedule include a telephone photography competition sponsored by Rasmussen College. The Phoneography Competition is open to anyone who can take a picture with their phone.

The festival also will feature Duncan McClellan, an award-winning glass artist who has an international following. McClellan, who lives in St. Petersburg, will be supplying his glass-etching unit on Sunday, allowing people to create an original design and etch it on glass. That opportunity will be available on Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Another feature this year is the festival’s first mini Art Maker Space, where art, technology and education collide.

The lineup of live entertainment is another festival highpoint.

The Sunlake High School Jazz Band will get things started with a performance at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17.

Other entertainers who will be performing this year include The Black Honkeys, Unleash the Octopus, Hector Mayoral, Julie Black, Amanda Lynn, the Mike McKinley Trio, Gene Hardage (also known as Sarasota Slim), and a variety of other acts.

For a full schedule of entertainment and activities, please visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.

Tenth annual Suncoast Arts Fest
More than 120 fine artists and craftsmen sell their works. There also will be live entertainment, chalk artists, a phone photography contest, glass etching and interactive activities.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive (off State Road 56, east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard).

How much: Admission and parking are free.

There’s ample parking and the event is accessible for people with disabilities.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18

The event is held, rain or shine.

Published January 14, 2015

Table For One: Local Claims Silver at Senior Games

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Bruce Holck of Wesley Chapel won a silver medal at last month’s Florida International Senior Games & State Championships. But the road to that medal began seven decades earlier in a New Jersey home.

“My father had a table in the basement,” Holck said. “That’s what started it all.”

At 78 years old, Bruce Holck of Wesley Chapel is still taking home medals for table tennis. He placed second (and qualified for the national tournament) at the Florida International Senior Games & State Championships last month. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
At 78 years old, Bruce Holck of Wesley Chapel is still taking home medals for table tennis. He placed second (and qualified for the national tournament) at the Florida International Senior Games & State Championships last month.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The game was table tennis, also known as pingpong, and he learned how to play as a young boy. It stayed him over the years, from starting a table tennis club in Delaware to regular games in New York. He then decided to see how he stacked up by joining the Senior Games.

That was 20 years ago.

Holck, 78, competed in the New York Senior Games for a couple of decades, earning medals in both individual and doubles matches. By finishing in the top three in his age group he also earned several berths into the national games, which are held every other year. He won the doubles competition at the national games around 10 years ago.

So when he came to Wesley Chapel last year, Holck knew he wanted to participate in Florida’s version of the games. But with more players here, he had to qualify through a regional system. He attended several regional competitions throughout the state, even after he qualified, to get a feel for the state’s talent and scout out some of the competition.

Holck said the state has excellent players, and he enjoys competing against Florida’s best. He also appreciates playing people in his own age group, which isn’t always possible when he plays recreationally.

“I play in Land O’ Lakes (at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), and I’m quite sure I’m the oldest person playing there. I’m playing people who are younger and can move quite a bit better than I can now,” Holck said. “When you play in the Senior Games you’re playing somebody in your own age group.”

While Holck said the game is still fun for him — he even enjoys watching competitive table tennis — playing at a top level can be serious business. The game has changed a bit over the decades, he said, from reducing the number of points that make up a game to playing with a slightly larger ball.

But one of the biggest changes is in the paddle. Over time, it’s become a complicated piece of sports equipment. At one time there were simply the traditional rubber dimples on a paddle with nothing behind it. Now there’s a sponge-like material behind the rubber, and different groove designs that will cause different reactions with the ball. And when paddles have different designs on each side, they have different colors so the opponent might predict how the ball will be responding.

For Holck, another thing that’s changed is his age. Over the years he’s retained his hand-eye coordination, but isn’t as fast as he used to be. But he still plays at a high level, so when he defeats a young player, he’s philosophical about the victory.

“I’ll congratulate them and say ‘Well, that’s the last time I’ll be able to beat you because you’re getting better and I’m slowing up,'” Holck said.

But he isn’t slowing up too much, as evidenced by his second-place finish last month in Estero. He also qualified for the national tournament in singles and doubles, but isn’t sure if he’ll travel to Minnesota for the competition next year. His current schedule usually involves weekly play with the locals, and he also has a table at home, like his father did, so he can play when the mood strikes him. Holck even has a special robot that can simulate serves instead of just playing alone against a flat surface.

He also has a supportive wife of 55 years, Louise, who used to play herself. As she got older she let the game go, but she still cheers on her husband in his competitive contests.

“He takes it very seriously. It’s his passion,” she said.

And while he loves table tennis and plans to keep playing, he knows it’s not the most important thing in his life.

“She sometimes claims I think more of table tennis than her,” he said with a laugh. “But that’s not right, of course.”

Business Digest 01-14-15

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Lutz Rotary Club to hear from business college dean
Moez Limayem, dean of the college of business at the University of South Florida, will be the special guest speaker at the 7 a.m. meeting on Jan. 20 of the Rotary Club of Lutz. Limayem will talk about the intersection of technology with the consumer in business and academic worlds.

The Rotary Club of Lutz meets on Tuesday at 7 a.m., at the Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway. The meeting charge is $10, which includes a continental breakfast.

For information on Rotary, visit Rotary6890.org, or call Doug Andrews at (813) 857-7089.

Central Pasco Orientation
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its new member orientation on Jan. 20 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes. The session is for anyone who would like to join and any new member who has not yet attended an orientation session.

Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., and the orientation is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting is free, but guests must RSVP by Jan. 16 by calling (813) 909-2722.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group now meets at Rose’s Café at 38426 5th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office is scheduled to speak on Jan. 27.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Kumquat Festival selling sponsorship packages
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservation packages for the 2015 Kumquat Festival, set to take place Jan. 31.

Packages start at $500, and include logos and links on the KumquatFestival.org website, as well as booth space at the festival. Premier packages, which run from $1,000 to $5,000, include additional features.

The event is expected to draw 45,000 people from Florida, who live here seasonally, and who are visiting.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email .

Business development week luncheon
If you’re interested in finding out more about the economy’s outlook and how the markets are likely to perform in 2015, you may want to attend the Business Development Week Luncheon Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 11500 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio.

Dade City chamber needs volunteers
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for some volunteers to help with the chamber event season.

With winter residents returning to the area, there are a number of activities the chamber needs help to staff. The chamber is looking for people who are friendly and outgoing, who have knowledge of the local area and activities, and are team-oriented.

For information, email .

Christian business group to meet
Christian Business Connections-Central Pasco will have its next meeting Jan. 8 at 7:45 a.m., at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Laurie Hill, a member of the Christian Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay and author of the book “I Am in Business,” will be the speaker.

Admission is $9, which includes a buffet.

For information, contact Rene Van Hout at , or at (813) 300-7511.

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

Volunteer tax preparers needed
United Way of Pasco County is looking for help this coming tax season with volunteer tax preparers.

Last year, more than 8,000 county residents used United Way’s tax preparation service, and received more than $8 million in total refunds.

Interest in being a tax preparer does not require experience, and comes with comprehensive training.

For more information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.