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Lutz woman celebrates her first 100 years

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Margaret “Peggy” Oakes is celebrating a big milestone this week — marking her 100th birthday.

Originally, the family planned to go on a cruise together, but those plans were quashed by COVID-19.

Peggy Oakes is 3 years old in this photo. One of her earliest memories in life is about pretending to drive the family’s big Ford. She was around this age, or a little older at the time. (Courtesy of Pam Oakes)

So, they went to Plan B.

Part of the plan involves a party for Peggy with some of her friends at Atria Lutz, where the centenarian now lives.

Other festivities, planned by her family, will continue through the week.

To say Peggy has had an interesting life, would be putting it mildly.

She was born on Sept. 17, 1920, in Rudyard, Michigan, about 20 miles from the Canadian border.

She was the only child of Emory and Ida Close.

Her mom was a country school teacher and her dad, a rural mail carrier.

When he started delivering the mail, he drove his route by horse and buggy, recalls Peggy, in a collection of memories called “Centenarian Experiences by Peggy Oakes.”

This photo of Peggy Oakes and her husband, Frank, was taken in the 1970s.

She also shared some details of her life during a Zoom interview recently, with a reporter from The Laker/Lutz News.

One of her earliest recollections involves her dad’s big Ford.

“I remember getting in and making believe that I could drive,” she said. “I think I was about 3.”

She writes about her early life: “My childhood was a carefree, happy one. Sunday was always church, and I was active in Sunday School, youth groups, Girl Scouts and Vacation Bible School.”

She got her first job when she was 16, working as a switchboard operator on weekend evenings.

“I made $9 a week,” she wrote, adding that “was very good money, at that time.”

She graduated from Rudyard High School, and attended college in Albion, Michigan, where she studied to become a teacher.

“I just knew I was going to be a teacher,” she told The Laker/Lutz News. “I always liked little kids and children.

She added: “My mother was a teacher. My aunt was a teacher. It was kind of in the family.”

She’s happy she chose that path. “I had some really sweet little children,” she recalled.

This photo was taken when Peggy Oakes was attending Albion College, in Albion, Michigan. She went there after graduating as valedictorian in her class at Rudyard High School.

She met her husband when she went with a group of friends to a dance in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.

“It was love at first dance,” she wrote in her memoir.

“We just both knew,” she said during a recent interview. “He was ready and I was ready.”

So, she dropped her plans of moving to California to teach, and became engaged.

“We were married Oct. 1, 1945. My folks gave us a big church wedding. It was a candlelight service,” her memoir says.

She and her husband, Frank, had three children – Michael, Melinda (Linda) and Pamela (Pam). The family lived in Holt, Michigan, near Lansing.

“Our family was very active. We went to a Presbyterian Church. We were involved in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, athletics, drama and choir,” she wrote.

“Those years passed very quickly.

“We had a big backyard and it had a tree house and a ball diamond, and later an above-ground pool. It was always full of kids,” she wrote.

She explained her motivation for creating that environment for her children: “I wanted to know where they were, and what they were doing and try to keep track of them,” she told The Laker/Lutz News.

Peggy Oakes and her daughter, Pam, hang out at a car show at Atria Lutz. Peggy says her life has spanned from the horse-and-buggy days to travel into outer space.

She still recalls how worried she was when her son crossed the street for the first time, on his own. She also remembers how thrilled he was when she let him drive the car home, after he passed his driver’s test.

“I let go and let him drive. That was big for him,” she said.

Over the years, the family expanded. Michael married Jeanne Sigsby, and Linda married Tom Hundt, and then later, after Tom passed away, Linda married Mark Trierweiler.

Pam did not marry. She became one of the first paramedics in Michigan, was the first female firefighter and first female fire captain for the Lansing Fire Department.

Peggy’s family also includes three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Over the years, she’s done a fair amount of traveling, including trips across the country to places such as Minnesota, South Dakota, Arizona, California, Massachusetts and New York.

She’s also traveled to Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Guatemala and Mexico, among other places.

She celebrated her 65th birthday at a castle in Ireland, and her 95th birthday in Havana, Cuba.

One of her favorite trips was to New York City, where she saw “The Lion King” on Broadway, and visited Central Park. She still marvels at the beauty of the costumes used in the play.

Peggy has endured many losses — including the deaths of her parents, the sudden death of her son when he was 66, and the deaths of many other relatives and friends.

She figures she’s outlived about four sets of friends.

She relies on her faith, to endure such losses.

“I have a pretty strong faith, and I depend on that for everything. I’m very close to God. I kind of turn it over, I guess. I’m able to turn most things over,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away Peggy’s ability to get around, or to welcome visitors, but she keeps an upbeat attitude.

She said she still enjoys working crossword puzzles, knitting, reading biographies and tuning in to her favorite television programs.

She also said she’s not accustomed to the notoriety that seems to accompany turning 100 years old.

“I’m not used to all of this attention,” she said. “But,” she added, with a laugh, “it’s not bad.”

Centenarian Peggy Oakes

Peggy Oakes’ advice for daily life

  1. Practice gratitude:When you don’t have gratitude for what you have, there is no foundation to build on. You will continuously be filling a hole that can never be filled. But, when you are thankful for what you have, as you accomplish and gain, it will overwhelm you with happiness.
  2. Be happy NOW:Dreaming of a beautiful future has its place, but it will forever be a dream unless we learn how to be happy in our present.
  3. Be rich in self-worth:We are all worthy of a good sense of self-esteem. Learn to know that you are more than a moment in your life. Learn that you have skills that others do not. Learn that you hold power in your life. Learn that others depend on you. Learn that you are loved. Learn that you deserve to love yourself, and then love yourself. Then you will be well on your way to true wealth.
  4. Build your awareness of wants vs. needs:We’ve all done it — bought something expensive, and then ended up with buyer’s regret. Understanding what actually fits into your life and knowing that purchase is going to return its value to you is an important skill to develop.
  5. Don’t cling to money worries:Worrying about money is an addiction that keeps you from focusing on what else is going on in your life.When you are truly struggling with money, it is understandable that it would cause worry. But, what so many of us do is we go through a period in our life where money is scarce, then we hold onto the fear of that moment long after it has passed. Even those who accumulate financial wealth often continue to worry about making sure their money is enough — and they end up missing out on the joy in their life! Learn to allow fear into your life when it is helpful, then recognize when it is no longer serving you and let it go.

— Author Peggy Oakes turns 100 on Sept. 17, 2020

Celebrating centenarians
Are you, or a loved one, turning 100?
The Laker/Lutz News would love to help you, or your loved one, mark this special milestone.
Simply email us a photograph of the birthday guy or gal, who is hitting the big 100 mark, and include a couple of paragraphs about the birthday king or queen. Please include your contact information, in case we have questions.

Published September 16, 2020

Wesley Chapel’s rec center on target for 2021 opening

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It has taken years to get to this point, but by the summer of 2021, a new recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park is expected to be up and running.

A virtual groundbreaking was held, due to COVID-19.

A group of elected leaders and county officials gathered at the district park on July 15 and tossed out a few ceremonial shovels of dirt.

A video of the event was shared by the county’s Media Relations & Communications Team.

Taking part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center were, from left: Erik Breitenbach, assistant county administrator; Dan Biles, county administrator; Ron Oakley, Pasco County commissioner; Mike Moore, Pasco County commission chairman; Tom FitzSimons, president of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association; and Keith Wiley, director of the county’s parks, recreation and natural resources department. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor, Pasco County)

In the video, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore talks about the long-term impact he expects the project to have.

“I spent years here with my children, in a number of sports. Now other children for years and years to come, and generations to come are going to be able to enjoy this indoor facility,” said Moore, who coached flag football, baseball and soccer at the district park, when his three children were younger.

Commissioner Ron Oakley thanked Moore for his involvement on the rec center project. Oakley added: “It’ll be great for this community.”

Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources, said the district park is the county’s largest athletic facility, in terms of space.

“So, this complex basically completes that package,” Wiley said.

The bid on the project was awarded to Keator Construction LLC, for slightly under $4 million.

Funding for the project primarily comes from park impact fees collected in the central zone of the county, Wiley said.

“We are fortunate enough with the growth that was occurring in the central area to be able to accumulate enough money to make this project come to life. So, we’re extremely excited about that,” Wiley said.

“We’re hoping that the building will be completed and open in the summer of 2021, and we’ll kick off our first program and welcome our first guest at that time,” he added.

This is a conceptual rendering of the planned recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park. The rendering is subject to change. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The 17,800-square-foot facility will accommodate a number of sports and other activities, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, summer day camp, toddler activities, community events and other uses, according to plans previously shared with The Laker/Lutz News.

The new facility will feature a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court that can be converted into two smaller courts, two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts.

There will be restrooms and showers, too.

Multipurpose areas will accommodate a range of activities for groups, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Tom FitzSimons, president of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association, said, “An indoor facility will allow us to get the kids off of the (outdoor) courts and inside to play basketball in our program, and allow us to offer wrestling and volleyball, and possibly competitive cheerleading, where they’d be inside and they could do the practicing.”

“I can’t wait to see this thing built,” FitzSimons said.

The recreational center gives people another reason to take advantage of the popular district park.

It already is packed with outdoor sports activities, including several athletic fields for youth and adults, a lighted soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables and grills for barbecues.

It also is home to the county’s only universal playground — designed specifically for children with disabilities.

Published July 29, 2020

Daisy Scouts give the gift of books

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Girl Scouts deliver much more than delicious cookies. They’re also leaders in delivering community services.

For example, some Daisy Girl Scouts from Land O’ Lakes Troop 50128 recently donated about 650 gently used books to BookWorks, a literacy program sponsored by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.

Daisy Girl Scouts Troop Leader Heather Tibbetts, left; Addison Bryant, 6; Kennedy Flege, 5; Reagan Flege, 6; and co-Troop Leader Audrey Flege donated about 650 books to Goodwill’s literacy program, BookWorks. Back row: Ken Karbowski, left, regional sales manager for Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.; assistant Goodwill store manager Robert Taylor and Store Manager Mistie Bradley. (Kathy Steele)

Ken Karbowski greeted the Scouts and their troop leaders as they dropped off box after box of books at the Goodwill store, at 2390 Willow Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The books will end up in the hands of low-income preschool-age children or at area elementary schools that need them.

Getting such a large book haul is tremendous, said Karbowski, the regional sales manager for Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.

The nonprofit serves a 10-county area, including Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

“You girls are awesome,” he told the Scouts. “You did a good thing for a lot of kids.”

Karbowski is quite familiar with BookWorks. Once a month he visits a Head Start program within the region and reads two or three books aloud to excited preschoolers.

Then, each child gets a book to take home.

“This program we have is huge,” Karbowski said. “We do so much good with it.”

Often, a child leaves the event with the first book they’ve ever owned, he added.

Goodwill estimates that BookWorks serves about 40,000 children each year.

The website for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida includes BookWorks on its list of recommended service projects to earn a “Uniforms in Action” badge. The girls also earn a “Clover,” a green Daisy petal, for learning to use resources wisely. They can earn enough petals to eventually complete a flower design for display on their tunics.

Daisy Girl Scouts serves young girls from kindergarten through first grade.

Troop Leader Heather Tibbetts selected BookWorks from the website’s list, and in mid-March she started organizing.

Each year Girl Scouts in the West Central Florida division partner with a local organization to host a community service project.

“Originally, I thought I would do this fancy flier,” she said.

But then COVID-19 showed up. “I couldn’t use it,” Tibbetts said.

No one could get out and collect books, so Tibbetts and her Daisy Scouts turned to Facebook and conducted a virtual book drive.

In a way, Tibbetts said, a shutdown that originally seemed a roadblock had an unexpected benefit.

“Everybody is home,” she explained. “They’re cleaning their house.”

And, they found lots of books to give away.

“So many people came by and left them by my door,” Tibbetts said. “Between the books and cookies, I can’t wait to get my living room back.”

The lesson for the Daisy Scouts is to give within your community, Tibbetts said.

Troop co-Leader Audrey Flege said the virtual book drive became a community enterprise to give children the gift of books.

“I just feel like every house has got to have one book,” she said. “I know we’re very privileged.”

Published June 24, 2020

MOSI focusing more on community outreach

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In just a few years, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has gone from being millions of dollars in debt to being financially sustainable, operating in the black.

The turnaround of the North Tampa organization has come under the new leadership of Julian McKenzie, who was promoted as museum CEO in 2017, after serving less than a year as its CFO.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) CEO Julian McKenzie was the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting earlier this month at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of MOSI)

The museum leader led a restructuring effort that saw the organization downsize its East Fowler Avenue campus from 300,000 square feet to about 55,000 square feet, while trimming just about 10% of overall exhibit space.

“The big issue for MOSI was it was trying to be too much for too many people,” McKenzie said, during a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

Museum leadership had to reconfigure its “core competencies and core values,” the CEO added, during the session, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

That has meant a shift toward a greater focus on community outreach — a mission of spreading more science education in schools and other youth organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, McKenzie said.

It’s entailed a renovated learning center on campus to host homeschooled children and summer camps, as well as a mobile science lab that features interactive STEAM workshops and assemblies. Another new program, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, allows youth get to build a robot with the help of a police office, “so that it kind of demystifies the role of law enforcement,” McKenzie said.

“For me, outreach is essential,” the speaker said. “There is no reason why a kid in Dade City cannot benefit from the same level of science education as a kid from Temple Terrace.”

MOSI reopened in November 2017 following a three-month renovation.

Since then, the venue has hosted about 70,000 children through school field trips, and has reached another 55,000 through its mobile outreach program, McKenzie said.

Roughly 50% of children lose interest in science by eighth grade, he said.

He believes MOSI’s outreach efforts can change that.

The museum executive detailed how one of his colleagues is a first-generation immigrant whose parents don’t speak English, but a MOSI youth summer camp sparked interest in volunteering at the museum and then going on to college.

There are “dozens of other examples” of people who caught the science bug on a MOSI field trip or visit and are now leading engineers at institutions like Georgia Tech “and some other fancy universities,” McKenzie said.

He also told those gathered at the chamber breakfast that there’s a correlation among cities with “very, very strong science centers that are very involved in the local community” to high-paying jobs and high average median salaries in those particular communities.

McKenzie also shared a story about a Temple Terrace-based school where science pass rates were just 14%. After MOSI implemented outreach programs at the school, those rates rose to 48%, he said.

“I don’t want to fault the teachers, but it’s the foundation that is missing, and what we at MOSI are good at doing is building a strong foundation in science education for those kids.”

He continued, “We have the expertise in-house, and so what we’re pushing is the expertise that we have accumulated and track record that we’ve had in doing so. The results we have at that one school are systematic of what MOSI can have.”

McKenzie outlined MOSI’s next “ambitious plan” is to host education outreach days to all schools in the following area counties — DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas. Put another way, he believes MOSI “can reach 221,000 kids and really make a difference.”

The museum also has launched an outreach program to serve at-risk youth at various juvenile detention centers in the area.

“If we can light that spark and do something that they change their way of life — or they have something to focus on — then I think we have really achieved our objective,” McKenzie said.

“It kind of dawned on me, that was an area of the community that we’re not touching,” he said. “But, they are the kids that, in my opinion, are the most in need.”

Meanwhile, McKenzie said museum leadership has worked to boost visitor experience with more hands-on, functional exhibits on polymers, DNA, rockets, robots and astronomy, as well as establishing an art factory with a resident artist.

And, the museum isn’t just for kids.

The venue has introduced “Science After Dark” allowing adults to tour the facility with light appetizers, and beer and wine samplings. The next event is scheduled for April 6 at 6 p.m.

The museum also plays host to STEM networking, corporate teambuilding and events geared toward seniors. “We’re trying to have that balance,” McKenzie said of serving various community segments.

As for other plans, McKenzie pitched the possibility of changing the name to “Museum of Science and Innovation,” and developing an exhibit to showcase the region’s most innovative technology companies. “It’s part of our strategic review we’re going through,” he said of the name change proposal.

McKenzie, too, addressed rumors of MOSI getting moved to downtown Tampa, so Hillsborough County can redevelop the present site: “As you all know, anything to do with government takes decades, so I’m not too worried about it. We’re doing well, we’re thriving where we’re at, and that’s where I want us to stay, moving forward and impacting kids as we’re there.”

He also said this: “Before I joined (MOSI), I thought, ‘What the heck am I getting myself into?,’ and I look at it today, and I’m very happy to say it has completely turned around and the institution is very, very strong right now.”

Published March 11, 2020

Wreaths Across America pays homage to fallen veterans

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In touching tributes that played out at cemeteries across the country, the nation paused for a moment on Dec. 15 to remember its fallen military veterans through Wreaths Across America.

People fanned out to place wreaths on headstones throughout the 512-acre Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. To date, more than 129,000 have been laid to rest at the cemetery. (Randy Underhill)

An estimated 2 million wreaths were laid on the gravestones of military veterans, including more than 30,000 at the Florida military cemetery in Bushnell.

Thousands arrived to Bushnell early, on a cloudy, windy day, to take part in the annual ceremony.

The wreaths arrived in semi-trailer trucks.

People traveled there on motorcycles and in cars. They came as members of veterans organizations, civic clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. There were family members and friends of the veterans being honored.

This is the gravestone of Lowell Hathaway, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is the father of Mary Eberhard, accounting manager for The Laker/Lutz News.

The crowd lined the narrow streets, as the escorted semi-trucks made their way to different sections of the 512-acre cemetery — delivering more than 30,000 wreaths to be placed at the headstones of veterans.

A ceremony was held at 11:45 a.m., with the presentation of colors, the placing of the POW/MIA table, the posting of ceremonial wreaths and other ceremonial touches.

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, of U.S. Central Command, spoke about the nation’s veterans, and their fortitude and willingness to serve.

The playing of “Taps” concluded the service.

The event was hosted by Wreaths Across America Bushnell and U.S. Military Vets MC.

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell is off Interstate 75, about one hour north of Land O’ Lakes.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 19, 2018

Vernon Brown, of Fort Myers, a veteran of the Vietnam War, placed a wreath for a fallen soldier he did not know, during Wreaths Across America on Dec. 15.
Staff Sgt. Andrew King, of Oklahoma, and Sgt. Kristopher Calnon, from California, both stationed at MacDill, post one of the ceremonial wreaths during Wreaths Across America, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Ninety-six-year-old Lyle Strong, of Zephyrhills, stands proudly, as he is recognized for his service during World War II.
Local Harley Owner’s Group members Capt. David Kreiger, Land O’ Lakes, seated on motorcycle; Barbara Blakely, director, left center, of Lutz; Larry Blakely, secretary, of Lutz; and Luis Buitrago, treasurer, get ready to ride through the rain to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. They are shown here in Land O’ Lakes.
Major Michael E. Langley, of the U.S. Central Command, was the keynote speaker for Wreaths Across America, an event at cemeteries across the country, including Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
U.S. Air Force veteran David Reeve, a member of the U.S. Military Vets MC, stands near a table set in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades. Each item on the table has significance. The table is set for a meal, but never occupied, at every military ceremony.

District park to get recreational center

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Back when plans were originally developed for the Wesley Chapel District Park, the intention was to build an indoor recreation center as part of the complex, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“Over time, with the downturn and people were saving money — cutting budget, it never happened,” Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is pleased that the county is pursuing plans to build an indoor recreation center at the county’s Wesley Chapel District Park. He’s excited about the new opportunities it will create for area residents. (B.C. Manion)

Now, plans for the indoor center are again proceeding for the district park at 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel.

“I asked it to be put in last year’s budget,” Moore said, noting he expects the county to soon select a design firm to design the building.

A county staff committee reviews the qualifications of those seeking to do the design work, Moore said.

“Once they choose the firm that meets the qualifications, they bring their choice to us,” Moore said. Generally, that’s approved by the board without debate, he said.

He expects the indoor recreation center to be similar to the building at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, and the budget for the project is approximately $3 million, Moore said.

He knows the indoor center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I’ve been very involved at Wesley Chapel District Park for a number of years,” he said, noting he’s coached baseball, soccer and flag football.

“There’s a lot of people out there on a daily basis,” Moore said.

“Right now, they’re playing basketball outside. The leagues are playing outside, plus, just the general public is playing outside.

“Well, the downfall, it’s hot in the summer — and then, rain,” Moore said. “You figure if it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s 120 (degrees) on that court.”

An indoor facility can be used year-round, he noted. And, “it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside. It doesn’t matter how hot it is.”

Plus, he said, “it’s just a safer environment for the kids.”

The new center also will give the community a chance to offer volleyball leagues, Moore said.

“I know for a fact, a lot of the girls and guys who are playing in volleyball are going to other places, whether it be Collier Parkway or New Tampa,” Moore said.

But, sports-minded people aren’t the only ones who will benefit, he said.

It also will create a new gathering space for the community.

He envisions a wide range of people using the center, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, aerobics classes, yoga classes, and various other classes and organizations.

“Think about those things they’re doing at Collier (Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), we could do them here,” Moore said. “I think about some of our retirees, our seniors, during the day — people could have Bridge Club or knitting.”

Right now, there are about 500 boys and girls in the basketball league each year, ranging from age 7 to 17, and there are no volleyball leagues at the park.

“My assumption is that you would see the leagues increase.

“I think it’s a deterrent for people to join when you play outdoors, because of the heat and everything,” he said.

There will be more parking, too.

“When you expand capacity, obviously you need additional parking,” Moore said.

He hopes the center is completed in time to open in early 2020.

Published November 21, 2018

Girl Scouts rejuvenate Karina’s Garden

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Step into the garden behind the administrative offices of Sunrise of Pasco, in Dade City, and you’ll find a place where flowers, plants, butterflies and statuary offer a place of repose and refreshment.

You’ve arrived at Karina’s Garden.

Those visiting Sunrise of Pasco’s office in Dade City have a chance to spend a little time behind the building in Karina’s Garden, which has been rejuvenated by Girl Scout Troop 1263. (B.C. Manion)

The garden initially was established in 2008 to honor Karina Abdul, a former shelter director for Sunrise of Pasco who died unexpectedly at the age of 29.

Over the years, plants became sparse and weeds took over.

So, when Troop No. 1263, of Wesley Chapel, was looking for a way to complete the requirements for a Girl Scout Silver Award, giving new life to the garden seemed to be an ideal project.

The trio of Girl Scouts — Paige and Kaitlin Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran — heard about Karina’s Garden from Kelly Mothershead, of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, who has worked with the girls on other projects.

“They decided they wanted to come in and transform this space. That’s what they did,” said Vicki Wiggins, director of development for Sunrise.

Follow the mulched path to find a relaxing seat on a newly installed bench, in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

The Girl Scouts, their parents and other volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got busy. They ripped out weeds, built mulch paths, added pavers, painted fences, installed benches and added plants.

They celebrated the garden’s completion at a gathering in August. Besides the volunteers, friends and Sunrise staff members, local members of Karina’s family were there, too.

“The family was thrilled,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins is impressed by the volunteers’ commitment.

“They’ve been raising money for about a year. They came out. They took pictures and designed it all,” she said.

“Apparently, Karina loved butterflies, so they made sure they incorporated a lot of plants (that attract butterflies),” Wiggins said.

“They did a really great job picking out things. I think the parents worked as hard as the kids.

Paige Traboulay paints some of the detail work on a door, which creates an inviting focal point in the garden. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

“They started the weekend after July Fourth,” Wiggins said. “Everything that you can see that’s not a weed, they’ve added.

“They put the pavers in. They put this structure here that has the birdhouse on it. They added the fencing here. They repainted the wall. They added the butterflies (decorations).”

Local artist Lisa Tesla volunteered her talents to give a new look to a dilapidated wooden door in the garden that had been covered in weeds and vines. Her artistry transformed the door into an inviting focal point.

Chris Wirt, of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay, cleared the garden of two black racer snakes before the trio of scouts got to work.

Sunil Mohammed, of Totally Blu H2O, stepped up to provide garden tools.

A colorful birdhouse invites feathered friends to drop by and stay awhile in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

Another volunteer, Karen Weiss, made the sign that credits the people who helped on the project.

Paige Traboulay said the girls began planning the project at the end of last year.

“We walked in the garden, and we saw how big it was and how much needed to be done,” said the 12-year-old, who attends John Long Middle School.

“We asked them what Karina liked. They said she liked butterflies, so we tried to focus on that. So, there’s a butterfly on the door, and there are butterflies on the fences.”

There are butterfly plants in the garden, as well.

Kaitlin Traboulay, who attends Land O’ Lakes High School, said the work was mostly done by her family and Alyssa’s family over the course of two weekends.

Thirteen-year-old Alyssa, who attends John Long Middle School, said it was hard work, and it was hot.

When they finished, she said, “I was especially happy because that meant no more bug bites.”

Alyssa Duran works on a planter in a garden at Sunrise of Pasco in Dade City. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

Paige added: “After the project was done, there was these butterflies flying around to each station. We thought it was her (Karina).”

The garden now provides a place to take a break and enjoy nature, Wiggins said.

“Sometimes the office can generate anxiety and a lot of stress for folks. This is a place where they can de-stress. They can just sit and watch the butterflies, and relax.

“It’s beautiful. I’m so happy they did this. They brought it back to life,” Wiggins said.

 

Garden Restoration and beautification
Girl Scout Troop 1263 Silver Award Project July 2017
Troop members: Kaitlin and Paige Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran

Made possible with the help of:

  • Andrew Abdul, donor
  • Suni Mohammed of Totally Blue H20
  • Chris Wirt of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay
  • Lisa Tesla, artist
  • Families and close friends
  • T’Weiss as Nice

Published September 6, 2017

Summertime fun with campfire cooking

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Those who grew up in the Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts, have fond memories of cooking over an open fire.

For those of who didn’t have those experiences early on, it’s not too late to join in the fun.

Don’t be intimidated by your lack of expertise.

These ingredients can create a delicious campfire meal. (Betsy Crisp)

Here are some fundamentals to help you succeed with campfire cooking.

First, be sure to build the right fire in the right place in the right weather!

Plan your cookouts on non-windy days to avoid having sparks fly, which can easily spread and create a forest fire.

Remember: You don’t want a fire that is too hot.

Preferably, build your fire in a fire pit, at least 10 feet away from any grass, tree roots or branches that can easily catch on fire.

To get your fire started, you can use dry pine needles, dry moss from trees, dryer lint or crumpled newspaper for kindling.

Place the kindling under a teepee of similarly sized dry, seasoned oak logs that will burn steadily and longer — allowing you to sing songs around the campfire after dinner. (It’s best not to use green wood, because it creates smoke and doesn’t burn well).

After you get your fire started, continue to add one or two logs at a time to keep the fire under control.

Once the logs burn down and the coals turn gray — with little or no flames – it is time to cook.

Before you get started, be sure that you have all the right items on hand: pots/pans, aluminum foil, long-handled utensils, heavy duty gloves and hot pads.

Skewers are easy for kabobs, hot dogs and marshmallows for S’mores!

A metal grill/grate works well for steak, hamburgers, chicken under a brick, etc., and those that swing in/out of the way and are adjustable for height are really nice.

Dutch ovens work really well for stews and chili, etc.

And, in Girl Scouts, we just wrapped many things in heavy-duty aluminum foil packets and placed along the coals, edge of the fire.

Here are some safety reminders:

  • Always have a bucket of sand/water or hose on hand to help keep it under control or put it out completely, when you are finished. When you finish cooking and you put out the fire, be sure there are no flames or hissing embers. Stir the ashes to be certain the fire is out.
  • Always practice proper food safety: wash hands often; avoid cross-contamination between raw foods and cooked foods; use a meat thermometer; keep hot foods hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and cold foods cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower); and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
  • Always watch kids and family pets around the campfire, to prevent an accident.

While it’s important to take precautions, it’s also good to remember that campfire cooking can be fun for people of all ages. Children can easily be involved with gathering sticks for kindling, wrapping food in aluminum foil, cooking under supervision and cleaning up.

With all of this in mind, here are a few recipes you may want to try.

Betsy Crisp is a Professor Emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.

Recipes:

Simple Campfire Meal-in-One (“tin foil” dinner for one)
Ingredients:

  • Protein (4 ounces to 5 ounces): beef/hamburger patty, venison, chicken breast or fish
  • Starchy vegetable, sliced (½ cup of one): potatoes, yams or turnips
  • Vegetables, sliced (½ cup total): celery, onion, mushrooms, carrots, green beans, squash, Brussel sprouts
  • Herbs and spices (to taste): salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, dash of cayenne, etc.
  • Liquid (2 Tablespoons): olive/canola oil/butter, broth, lemon juice, beer/wine

Instructions:
In the center of two layers of heavy duty aluminum foil (18-inch square, shiny side up), layer the above ingredients in same order as listed.

  1. Bring edges of foil together, fold down and roll over to form seal, then do same to each end to form a sealed packet.
  2. Place in hot coals, let cook 30 minutes to 45 minutes, until done.

Makes 1 serving.
If doing more than one, just repeat assembly process and be sure to count the number of packets that go in so that you pull the same number out of the fire (packages get charred/hide in the ashes!)

Campfire Luau Chicken
Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, split in half
  • 2 Tablespoons dry onion soup mix
  • 1 can (16 ounces) crushed pineapple (do not drain)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In the center of two layers of heavy duty aluminum foil (18-inch square, shiny side up), place a split breast (four times = 4 servings/packets).
  2. Place ¼ sliced vegetable on top of each piece of chicken.
  3. In a small bowl, mix soup mix and pineapple, divide by 4 and spoon on top of vegetables.
  4. Bring edges of foil together, fold down and roll over to form seal, then do same to each end to form sealed packet.
  5. Place on grill/hot coals (seam side up), let cook 45 minutes, until done.

Makes 4 servings.

Since S’mores are already well-known as the all-time favorite campfire dessert, I have included two other simple-to-make desserts that children will love to try… something new!

Campfire Brown Bears
Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • 4 Tablespoons butter/margarine, melted
  • 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated biscuit/bread dough

Instructions:

  1. Mix sugar and cinnamon together until well-blended.
  2. Melt butter in a metal cup/small metal bowl.
  3. Take the biscuits apart and roll each into a snake-like rope.
  4. Wrap/coil each piece around a skewer.
  5. Cook over a campfire until evenly browned.
  6. Use a spoon to drizzle (or brush) melted butter over cooked dough and then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Makes 8 servings.

Campfire Banana Chocolate Chip Split
Ingredients:

  • 1 banana, well-washed (water only)
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons mini-marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. With peel left on, slice banana lengthwise (do not cut all the way through).
  2. Spread the slit slightly open and fill with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
  3. Squeeze the banana closed as much as possible and wrap tightly in aluminum foil (shiny side in).
  4. Lay foil-wrapped banana on the campfire grill and let cook approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Carefully remove the banana from the fire and open foil just enough to get a spoon inside.
  6. Eating the peel is up to you (many countries, like Asia and South America, do) – Eat & Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Published July 5, 2017

 

Guv’na incumbent looks to defend ‘sash’

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With three weeks remaining in the Lutz Guv’na race, incumbent candidate Greg Gilbert is looking to defend the ‘sash.’

Gilbert, the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s in Lutz, became last year’s honorary mayor of Lutz, raising more than $1,500.

But, with two formidable challengers this year — Jessica Sherman, of Pinch A Penny, and Kori Rankin, of Kori Rankin Photography — winning again won’t likely come easy, he admits.

Gilbert readies to toss a cow patty, during last month’s Lutz Guv’na Debate, at the Old Lutz School. (Kevin Weiss)

“Those girls seem very impressive with being involved with the community, so I don’t feel like I have any advantage over anybody,” Gilbert said. “I think it’s all going to be work, work, work to stay in the race.”

Gilbert and his family moved to Spring Hill in 2013.

Before moving to Florida, he spent 20-plus years in Michigan working as a general manager for both T.G.I. Fridays and Ruby Tuesday.

Though he doesn’t live in Lutz, Gilbert has tried to ingrain himself within the area, since taking over the local restaurant in December 2015.

“I know most of the regulars now; I’ve been out in the community a little bit more,” he said.

Gilbert decided to re-enter the Guv’na race to provide “a challenge” to the other contenders.

“It’s all for fun, so I thought it’d be a fun thing to do,” Gilbert said. “Last year I was afraid to do it, because I am not the public speaker kind of guy, and I had enough fun last year that I thought I’d try again.”

He’s stayed busy on the campaign trail, organizing various donations and raffles.

He also plans to host a classic car show July 1, and designate a percent of restaurant sales to the Guv’na campaign.

While he didn’t win the May 20 Guv’na debate, Gilbert arguably had the top slogan: “Hang up your boots in Lutz.”

Last year’s slogan — “Beef it up at Brady’s” — was equally catchy.

Additionally, many of Gilbert’s platform answers during the tongue-in-cheek event still resonate.

The Guv’na hopeful advocated for a motorcycle ban in Lutz, to make roads safer and less noisy. He, too, endeared himself to the women of Lutz by proposing free massages “at least once a week.”

“The first year I spent a couple days thinking about the things I wanted to say, and then this year it seemed to have come a little bit faster and easier,” Gilbert said of his debate answers.

Greg Gilbert is the incumbent candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

When he’s not working or dedicating time to fundraising efforts, the Guv’na incumbent has a passion for brainteasers — he previously described himself as a “crossword and Sudoku junkie.”

No matter the outcome of this year’s Guv’na race, Gilbert is just content to raise money for a good cause.

“I’ll be happy with whoever wins, I really will,” he said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

More than $100,000 has been raised in the past decade alone.

The winner of the Guv’na race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Gilbert’s campaign, visit Beef ’O’ Brady’s Lutz, or call (813) 909-2300.

Published June 14, 2017

Conservation work yields statewide award

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Kaitlyn Greenough has nurtured a curiosity about nature and love of the outdoors since she was very young.

She also began her lifelong relationship with girl scouting at an early age. As a matter of fact, she was in kindergarten when she became a Daisy scout.

Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016. (Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough)
Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016.
(Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough)

Her love of nature and of scouting both have shaped her life, and offered her opportunities to get involved in volunteer work in the community.

Greenough recently received accolades for the work she has done, as a Girl Scout and a conservationist, to teach elementary-age children about water conservation.

The 20-year-old spent about 130 hours, over three years, researching and designing a water conservation course in her quest for a Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout.

She taught the course at Crystal Springs Preserve, a 525-acre sanctuary in Pasco County. For years, she attended summer camps at the preserve. She began volunteering there when she was 8.

In July, the Florida Wildlife Federation name Greenough the Youth Conservationist of the Year. The award was bestowed on July 15 in Bradenton.

“It’s the coolest award I’ve ever gotten,” said Greenough, the Zephyrhills High graduate who is now a junior at the University of South Florida.

A few months earlier, Greenough and other area Girl Scouts received their Gold awards from the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

The Gold Award honors extraordinary leadership and community involvement by scouts in ninth through 12th   grades.

Greenough also received a lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The young woman treasures the experiences she had through the Girl Scout program.

Kaitlyn Greenough, the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016, taught a class on water conservation at Crystal Springs Preserve.
Kaitlyn Greenough, the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016, taught a class on water conservation at Crystal Springs Preserve.

“It’s about empowering women, and I really like that the exposure is generational,” she said. “You want to have women with power, and give them opportunities to just bond and grow.”

Friends and family sat in the audience at the banquet in Bradenton, as she received the state award from the wildlife federation.

Zephyrhills’ Mayor Gene Whitfield also surprised her with a proclamation from the City of Zephyrhills.

Diane Hines, spokeswoman for the federation, said Greenough imparted her knowledge to young people. “She was able to teach others about the importance of protecting our rare, fresh water springs.”

Located near the city of Zephyrhills, Crystal Springs Preserve allows visitors to step back into old Florida, and enjoy wooded trails, butterfly gardens, a wildlife pavilion and educational programs on preservation of the natural environment.

Crystal Springs is the source for Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water, which is bottled and sold nationwide.

Greenough began researching the springs at the preserve nearly three years ago. She then crafted a course where students could build their own small watersheds in a sandbox. They also toured the preserve and learned about its history, plants and wildlife.

She is working on her studio arts major at USF, but Greenough still thinks about a future with Girl Scouts.

“In the future, I’m definitely going to volunteer,” she said.

Published August 31, 2016