The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Photos of the Week

Paying homage to the first Thanksgiving

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Tinkering Tuesdays at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, celebrated the season by doing crafts to commemorate the first Thanksgiving. Tinkering Tuesdays focuses on a different theme each month. During the program, which is one Tuesday evening a month, kids have a chance to explore the world around them by doing crafts and various activities. Besides making the feathered headbands, the Thanksgiving program featured a teepee and activities, such as making beaded necklaces, corn and pumpkin decorations, ice cream cone teepees, and kits to make a wooden Mayflower boat to sail in a tub of water.

Jeannine Jensen, of Land O’ Lakes, helps her 3-year-old son Parker, on her lap, as he constructs a pumpkin using pipe cleaners and beads. Parker’s 6-year-old brother, Easton, is making his own pumpkin design. (Christine Holtzman)
Four-year-old Kinsey Gallaher, of Land O’ Lakes, proudly shows off the Native American feathered headband that she crafted along with her mother, Amy.
After finishing a headband and a beaded necklace, 7-year-old Jewel Selego, of Land O’ Lakes, smiles at his mother, Diana, as he checks out the inside of the teepee that was hand sewn by library assistants Kerry Peters and Jayde Archbold. They used fabric that was donated to the library. In fact, Peters said most of the materials used during the evening were donated to the library by members of the community.

Kids and adults have fun at Touch-A-Truck event

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Children were clearly having a good time checking out a variety of trucks, buses and other vehicles during a Touch-A-Truck event at Starkey Ranch District Park, at 11880 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa on Nov. 3.

Children could get their faces painted, enjoy inflatables and play games at the event, which was sponsored by the Medical Center of Trinity.

Hundreds took advantage of the sunshine and cooler weather to get up close and personal with dozens of vehicles, including those used in construction, a firetruck, police vehicles, and buses. Kids were encouraged to test out their curiosity by touching, exploring, climbing, and honking horns at the family event.

Parking was $5.

Sporting his freshly painted face, 3-year-old Brady Leiphart, of New Port Richey, tests out the driver seat of a large John Deere farming tractor. (Christine Holtzman)
While waiting for his older sister to get her face painted, 1-year-old Beckett Rumenik, of South Tampa, shares a tender moment with his mother, Shelly, in the cab of a John Deere utility tractor.
Mark Melichar, of Odessa, left, gives a helping hand to his 4-year-old son, Troy, as the youngster descended from the top of a Volvo G series articulated hauler with his siblings. Troy’s dad said he thought the event was a perfect way for families to spend time together.

Helping families communicate through sign language

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Families came to the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, to learn how to communicate with hearing impaired loved ones.

The library will be hosting two classes each month, one for families and one for adults.

at the New River Branch Library. Gabriela Southwick, an American Sign Language instructor who resides in Zephyrhills, teaches the class.

Southwick holds a degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of South Florida. She’s an American Sign Language teacher at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

She said that American Sign Language is intuitive, and many nouns are iconic, meaning the sign visually looks like what it means, making it easy for children to learn.

For more information or to register, contact the library at (813) 788-6375.

Eighteen-month-old Leighton McIntosh, of Wesley Chapel, who has severe hearing loss, peeks over a row of bins filled with books, while her mother, Nina, and father, Spencer, keep a watchful eye on her during a Family Sign Language class at New River Branch Library. (Christine Holtzman)
After attending the Family Sign Language class with his mother Janet, 7-year-old Kevin Ojo, of Wesley Chapel, participates in a kid’s craft session, decorating an apple using marshmallows and gumdrops. Janet Ojo, who came to the area 10 years ago from Nigeria, said that she was thinking of her son’s future when she decided that he should learn American Sign Language. ‘You never know, Kevin may meet a deaf person at some point in his life and it may make a big difference in that person’s life if he knew how to communicate in sign language.’
Gabriela Southwick, an American Sign Language instructor who resides in Zephyrhills, shows the class how to say ‘thank you’ during the Family Sign Language class.

Learning some Tai Chi moves at the library

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Those taking part in a recent Tai Chi class at New River Branch Library practiced some moves, including the ‘Swimming Dragon’ and the ‘fly left leg.’

Originally associated as a method of self-defense martial arts, Tai Chi is now known to have many health benefits, and the graceful, slow movement exercise is used to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, fight depression and improve balance.

Bonnie Birdsall, who has been a Tai Chi instructor for 20 years, says that Tai Chi is for everyone — regardless of ability. Her students have ranged from as age 8 to 101.

She ends all of her Tai Chi classes with meditation, because she says it ‘settles down the chi, which is the energy that moves through us.’

This was the last class at the New River Branch Library, after a successful two-month run, but additional classes are possible in the future, according to Angelo Liranzo, the branch manager.

Birdsall currently is leading Tai Chi sessions at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Mondays.

Instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far right, leads the class in a Tai Chi move called ‘Swimming Dragon’ during a recent class at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. ‘Swimming Dragon’ is a technique for stimulating the systems and organs of the body for wellness. Many of those taking part in the class said they were there upon the recommendation of their doctor. Shown in the back: Margie Gordon, left, and Olympia Coleman. In the front: Joleen Patane, left, and Bonnie Birdsall. (Christine Holtzman)
Participants of the New River Branch Library’s Tai Chi program, led by instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far left, perform a move called ‘fly left leg.’ From left are Bonnie Birdsall, Olympia Coleman, Joleen Patane, Margie Gordon and Sheryle Baker.
After participating in a recent Tai Chi class at the New River Branch Library, Doreen Iannazzo, of Zephyrhills, left, Sheryle Baker, of Lutz, center, and Olympia Coleman, of Lutz, take a few moments to relax and meditate.

Concerts for a Cause combine fun, and giving

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Bexley by Newland Communities recently concluded a series of concerts geared toward helping feed those in need. Those attending the events were encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the live entertainment in comfort. They also were asked to donate nonperishable food items or cash to help support Feeding Tampa Bay, the area’s largest food bank. Besides the live entertainment, a fall festival featured a pumpkin patch and decorating station, and food trucks for those wanting to get a bite to eat.

Three-year-old Avery Long, of Land O’ Lakes, gets her groove on while listening to the high energy rock and roll cover band Raydio during Concerts for a Cause, at the Bexley by Newland Communities subdivision at the Game On Park, at 16950 Vibrant Way in Land O’ Lakes. Avery’s mother, Nikki, said the little girl loves music and is constantly dancing. (Christine Holtzman)
Three-year-old twins Cecile Insignares, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Miguel, enjoy the evening’s festivities with their mother, Given, during the Concerts for a Cause on the evening of Oct. 27 in the Bexley community of Land O’ Lakes.
Under the stars, Patrick Briggs, of Land O’ Lakes, plays a lively game of toss and catch with his 5-year-old daughter, Adalyn. Briggs shares that the family tries to attend most events in the community, and that his children love to have fun at the Game On Park and playground, where the concert took place.

Things that go bump in the night, and other frightening stuff

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Things that go bump in the night, and other frightening stuffThe community center at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park was transformed into the “Haunted House on 41,” where visitors had a chance to take in frightening experiences and have some Halloween fun, on the evenings of Oct. 26 and Oct. 27. The event, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., was hosted by Land O’Lakes Heritage Park and Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources.

It takes about a month to gear up for the two-night event.

The volunteers, mostly Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake High School students, also help with tasks such as building the maze frames and painting the props, and in exchange can earn volunteer hours.

Many of the teen volunteers return year after year, not because of the volunteer hours, but because they enjoy being part of the event, said Mike Walcott, a supervisor with Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources which oversees the park.

Admission to the haunted house cost $1, which helps offset event costs. Those attending also get free popcorn and soft drinks.

Two Land O’Lakes High School juniors, 16-year-old Abbie Perez of Wesley Chapel, left, and 16-year-old Lauren Bates of Lutz, perform a terrifying scene at the ‘Haunted House on 41.’ (Christine Holtzman)
Seventeen-year-old haunted house volunteer Cesar Castillo of Land O’ Lakes, left, creeps up on 12-year-old Abigail Payton of Lutz, center, as her 9-year-old cousin Jasmine Randall, also of Lutz, looks on in delight. Mike Walcott, a supervisor with Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources who oversees Heritage Park says that the Haunted House has been a Land O’ Lakes tradition for longer than the 16 years that he’s supervised the park.
Hovering in a strobe light lit hallway midway through the haunted house, 16-year-old Sunlake High School sophomore Chloey Reynolds, of Land O’ Lakes, ghoulishly greets those that dare to continue through the hair-raising maze. Hundreds of people braved the 10-minute unnerving walk-through, which depicted heart-stopping and scary scenes, along with performers lurking in the dark ready to frighten anyone brave enough to enter. This was an experience that was not recommended for small children.

 

Fall is in the air, at Wesley Chapel festival

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Whether they were collecting goodies through Trunk-or-Treating, enjoying carnival rides, picking out the perfect pumpkin or competing in a costume contest, there were plenty of chances for fun at the 14th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. The event also featured local vendors, food trucks, a pet parade and a petting zoo. And, the weather cooperated, too.

Dressed as a little monkey for Halloween, two-year-old Logan Allgood, of Dade City, excitedly looks at his mother as he picks out his perfect pumpkin at the Scrub-A-Dub Bin Cleaning pumpkin patch. A portion of the pumpkin patch proceeds will benefit the Stano Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support and personalized care packages for members of the military services. (Christine Holtzman)
With the aid of her father Rich, 1-year-old Madigan Munkwitz, of Wesley Chapel, pets a gray donkey named ‘Minnie Mouse’ at the A. Thomas Pony Rides and Petting Zoo tent. Madigan’s mother, Rachael, says the family loves fall festivals and supporting kid-friendly events, especially when they’re within the local community.
Described as having ‘no fear’ by her parents, 12-year-old Alyssa Fagan, of Wesley Chapel, ‘free falls’ from the 20-foot platform of the ‘Stunt Jump’ attraction to the giant air cushion below. Eleven-year-olds Mariela Lastres, of Dade City, on platform left, and her friend, Jayleigh Hutchins, of Dade City, center, watch as they work up the courage to take the next jump. The worker for Frank’s Jump-N-Fun, Doug Berdan, is on right.

 

Blessing all creatures, big and small

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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane in Dade City, had a Blessing of the Animals service on Oct. 7 to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his affinity for animals. People brought their animals to be blessed, and shared a potluck meal together.

Though this is the first Blessing of the Animals that the church has hosted, the pastor says he began blessing in California in 1989 and has been doing so ever since. He plans to hold an annual blessing of the animals in October at the Dade City church. He said that the event is important because the word ‘animal’ comes from the Latin word ‘anima,’ which means ‘spirit.’ “Every living thing has the spirit in them,” the pastor said. “We have an obligation to the anima of the Earth to do this.”

Rio, a Biewer Terrier, gives his attention to Pastor Mark Reiff, left, as the pastor gives the dog a blessing. The canine’s owners Larry Comer, back, and Marcia Alexander look on. (Christine Holtzman)
While holding Zoie, Carl Wolf listens to Pastor Mark Reiff recite a reading from Genesis, as his wife, Joyce, follows along in the pamphlet. The Wolfs were eager to get a blessing for Zoie, because she suffers with cataracts.
Don Higgs, of Dade City, and his deer head Chihuahua, Ebony, wait for the start of the Blessing of the Animals service at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane. The event, which commemorates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, also included a potluck meal.

Pickin’ out the perfect pumpkin at a patch in Lutz

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Visitors to the Family Fun Festival at Seal Swim School, 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, could pick from a wide assortment of the seasonal orange orbs in a pumpkin patch, and could also enjoy pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, food, music, a bounce house and a costume parade. Proceeds from pumpkin sales and the festival help promote water safety and the school’s special needs program.

Despite the large crowds, 4-year old Kyle Floyd, of Lutz, is able to share a quiet moment in the pumpkin patch with his dad, Jason, while enjoying a frozen treat during the 11th annual Family Fun Festival hosted by the Seal Swim School located at 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. Hundreds turned out for the fun fall event. (Christine Holtzman)
This group seemed to be having a great time playing a game during the Family Fun Festival at Seal Swim School. They are, front row, from left: Kali Riddick, Aliyah Headley and Skyla Headley. Back row, from left: Stephanie Hosang (Kali’s Mom) and Mia Headley.
Two-year-old Finn Reilly — also known as a Red Power Ranger — channels his inner artist while painting his pumpkin. The little boy from Lutz was taking advantage of a paint station at the festival intended to allow people to add a personal touch to their pumpkin.

 

 

 

 

‘Santa’s workshop’ at the library

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Volunteers are painting handmade wooden toys at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library to be donated to the Toys for Tots program. The library’s Foundry Makerspace woodworkers volunteered their time to create approximately 100 wooden toys. Now, it’s holding painting sessions to give the toys a bit more personality. The library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, could use some volunteers to get the work done. Anyone over 16 is invited to pitch in. Teens can earn volunteer hours and painting supplies are provided. To find out more, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

Volunteer Cherie Zellmer, of Land O’Lakes, begins to custom paint a toy truck. Toys that have already been painted, in the background, serve as an inspiration. Zellmer takes part in a regular drawing class at the library and was happy to pitch in when she heard help was needed to paint the toys. (Christine Holtzman)
Library Assistant Kerry Peters, of Lutz, paints a wooden car toy a bold color of blue during a recent Toys for Tots painting session.
Land O’ Lakes Library assistant and resident artist Jayde Archbold laughs, while painting a toy that will be distributed by Toys for Tots. The Dade City resident came up with the idea for the painting program after seeing all of the unpainted toys in the Toys for Tots donation bin that were made in the library’s Foundry Makerspace. Archbold thought: Why give children plain wooden toys when they can be colorfully painted?
Carmen Quiles, of Wesley Chapel, uses a paintbrush to paint a yellow door on a multi-colored truck toy. She wanted to help, as a way to give back to the community.