Wesley Chapel resident Jeremey Molina performs a trick at the skate park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, on the morning of Oct. 14. Molina took advantage of the full-sized skate park at the local complex, doing some kick flips and running up ramps as some music played from his bluetooth speaker nearby.
Reasons To Smile
All about the tricks ‘n treats
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club enjoy a fun break from their busy schedule of community service projects and volunteerism for a bit of Halloween tricks ‘n treats at their monthly meeting. For more information on this volunteer service organization, visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomanslub.org or its Facebook page.
Those are some great pumpkins
Giant Gourd back on display in Carrollwood
Now a standing tradition at Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa, the longtime fruit and vegetable market has once again put a giant pumpkin on display, with this year’s gourd weighing in at a whopping 1,500 pounds. Arriving by truck from Michigan on Oct. 12, it is the largest pumpkin the farm stand has ever displayed and currently holds the record for the largest pumpkin in Florida. Yearly, Bearss Groves owner Barry Lawrance combs the country to find an impressively sized pumpkin that customers and patrons can take a free photo with for a few weeks. The pumpkin, and Bearss Groves, which has been in business for more than 100 years, sits under a massive oak tree, estimated to be more than 400 years old. Bearss Groves is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A place to call home
Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County hosted a new home dedication for future homebuyer Charity Sammons and her daughters. This is the first home dedicated in the new subdivision, The Cove, a 10-home neighborhood in Dade City. Sammons also received housewarming gifts, such as books, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a wreath from the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club. The Steele Family Foundation presented a gift certificate to the Habitat ReStore, as well as a donation toward the payment of the mortgage. Jim Brown, owner of Jim Browne Automotive-Dade City, and son Joey Browne, presented Sammons with the key to her new home. For more information, visit HabitatPasco.org, or email .
Coffee and conversation
Sundance & Sun Communities of Zephyrhills recently hosted its first-ever Veterans Coffee Hour. Veterans who took part in the conversation and camaraderie were Wayne Sprague, Dave Jordan, Donald Connell, Richard Marquette, Jerry Burgoon and Fred Wadelin. For more information, call Deidra Shelley, community manager, at 813-779-3214.
A home for the future
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) welcomed U.S. Army Specialist Jerome Rillera into his new smart home in the Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes. The T2T program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes that help the most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders reclaim their day-to-day independence. Rillera served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp and during his military career earned numerous accolades including Soldier of the Month. While in combat in Vietnam, Rillera came into contact with Agent Orange, resulting in PTSD, almost complete vision loss, and hearing damage. In recognition of the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, T2T provided 22 mortgage-free homes to heroes nationwide. Rillera, left, stands alongside retired Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Lt. Peter Daniti.
Loud and proud
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were out in force for their annual commemoration of 9/11, to wave flags along the highway. The club was loudly acknowledged by 18-wheeler air horns, and trucks and vehicles of every sort sounding their horns and giving the ‘thumbs up’ signal. The women also delivered gift baskets full of healthy treats to eight local Fire Rescue/EMT stations, to show their appreciation of their service.
Let it Shine!
Out of Zion Inc., is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing creative arts programs to children with medical and special needs at no cost to the caregiver. The organization’s 2023 Summer Camp was a one-week intensive creative arts camp at the River of Life Church in Lutz, culminating in a stage show and event, which included drama, dance, drums and choir. The theme, SHINE: Surf’s Up! helped the children explore the sun, sand and ride the waves to discover music and arts. For more information, visit oozion.org.
100-year-old Buffalo Soldier, New Tampa resident honored
Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club Tampa Chapter honored World War II Army Veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood, a 100-year-old New Tampa resident. On Aug. 13, Caldwood, a Bronze Star recipient, was given the special honor during a ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church of Tampa Palms, 15102 Amberly Drive. Prior to the presentation, the Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club did an honorary ride to the church to honor Caldwood.
Caldwood served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, encountering German infantry and Third Reich soldiers in Italy. He was a medic, taking care of his brothers in arms in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon.
“I will say this,” Caldwood told The Laker/Lutz News in May, “it was a hell of a experience, a once in a lifetime experience, and what I learned was how it felt to live in a free society and a colorless society — because in Italy, it was color blind. You never heard the word ‘color’ in the two years I spent in Italy.”