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Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Quilts on Plum Lane

This shop creates tapestry of happy memories

July 14, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Donna Lillibridge soon will close Quilts on Plum Lane — “The Friendliest Quilt Shop in Florida’’ — and life in downtown Dade City may never be quite the same.

After 17 years in business, Lillibridge simply believes it’s time to go.

It’s not because of COVID-19, she just wants time.

Time to organize her home, do some yardwork, hike new trails, go kayaking and make more memories with her family, including three grown children who live in the area.

She also will keep quilting, just for fun.

This sign welcomes quilting enthusiasts to Dade City’s Quilts on Plum Lane. (Joey Johnston)

But saying goodbye for good? It’s a bit more difficult than she imagined.

The shop has been a mingling place for friends, acquaintances and strangers — a 1,900-square-foot town square, where precious keepsakes were created, quilting classes were held and permanent relationships were forged.

“My goal was not just to sell fabric — anyone can do that,’’ Lillibridge said. “I wanted to help them be successful, so they can come back and do more. If they got stuck or didn’t quite know what they were doing, they could come here and learn. We have had very good teachers here. And, we’ve had so much fun along the way.’’

Lillibridge moved from her native California in 1971, first becoming a classroom teacher in Hillsborough County, then settling into a 30-year stint as a psychologist for Pasco County Schools. Along the way, she revived an interest in quilting, a way to be creative and pass the time, but the quilt shop she frequented was about to close.

“I’m not very good at sitting around,’’ Lillibridge said. “I need to keep busy.’’

She took a chance, opening a quilt shop of her own.

The name? It has a backstory.

When Lillibridge was 4 years old, she remembers walking a few blocks to her grandfather’s house for ice cream. It was a dark and spooky night. Her older brother was too scared to go. She traversed a little dirt alley, surrounded by plum trees. It seemed frightening for a child, but she got the ice cream and made it home.

“You have to take risks to get something you want,’’ Lillibridge said. “That’s why I named it ‘Quilts on Plum Lane.’ It reminds me of taking risks. And, it was definitely a risk. During the recession (2008), I had to borrow money off my house. It was dicey. But we made it. And it came back strong.”

Lillibridge said she will miss the little things — such as carrying flannel and personally dyeing the wool that attracted people from all around Central Florida. She will miss the women — and sometimes their husbands — who started by tentatively cutting the fabric, then got hooked on the craft. She even will miss dealing with various sales representatives, discovering new products and patterns, and finding a way to remain unique.

Donna Lillibridge’s customers and friends gave her a quilt to salute her 17-year tenure at Quilts on Plum Lane.

It always comes back to the people. She will miss the people.

“If you need something and they don’t have it, they go get it,’’ longtime customer Diane Alexander said. “I don’t know what I’ll do now. It’s like part of my life is going away.’’

“I think we’re going to be sorely missed,’’ said Darlene Leosh, who works at the shop. “If there was a class or presentation, Donna was there. If pillowcases were needed at the hospital, she headed that up. If somebody needed a gift basket, she was there.

“I’m trying not to think about the end — because the end isn’t here yet. But, when Donna retires, she can come to quilt camps with us. We can have more time to stitch together. We have enough fabric to last us a few lifetimes. The whole thing is about friendship and making new friends.’’

That was always the philosophy of Lillibridge, who lives three blocks away from the shop with her rambunctious golden doodle, Lola.

“This is a business and you have to be smart about it,’’ Lillibridge said. “You don’t order just what you like. You order what the customers want. You strive to give service that you don’t find at the big-box stores,” said the shop owner, who hasn’t decided the exact day Quilts on Plum Lane will close.

“When you quilt, you have something physical to show for it. Something that lasts. It’s not like playing golf,” Lillibridge said. “It’s a communal thing.”

As part of the send-off, Lillibridge’s co-workers, customers and friends gave her (what else?) a quilt filled with special messages, a tapestry of love that commemorates her contributions to the tight-knit hobby.

“My favorite shop and the best people ever!!! Thanks for being here. Happy times to you!!” — Catherine Coggins.

“Loved every minute and every stitch is precious.” — Becky Gammons.

“Have loved your shop and your girls. Enjoy your future.” — Marilyn Morey.

“Learned so much. Thanks for your support. God bless you much.” — Judith Harris.

“Have a great retirement. You so deserve it.” — Vicki Paquette.

“I am going to miss you Donna and your lovely shop. Have a great retirement and stay healthy.” — Dianne Penney.

Long after the shop closes, the warmth of the quilters’ words will live on.

By Joey Johnston

Published July 15, 2020

Filed Under: People Profiles, Top Story Tagged With: COVID-19, Dade City, Darlene Leosh, Diane Alexander, Donna Lillibridge, Pasco County Schools, Quilts on Plum Lane

Small businesses reopen in Pasco

May 12, 2020 By Kathy Steele

Only four people at a time can browse through Quilts on Plum Lane.

But, at least that’s a new beginning for a shop that has a long tradition in downtown Dade City.

Donna Lillibridge has been selling fabric, patterns and quilt kits for nearly 17 years.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown small businesses, such as this one, for a loop.

“This is something I’ve never seen in my life,” Lillibridge said. “There are a lot of great uncertainties.”

But, Lillibridge, along with other small business owners across Pasco County, are reopening their doors and waiting to see what comes next.

Since mid-March stores closed under an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, a deadly virus that has been cited for claiming nearly 79,000 lives across the nation.

DeSantis announced a phased-in restart of Florida’s economy, effective May 4.

Initially, restaurants and retail could open at 25% capacity and with space for social distancing. Restaurants also could have outdoor seating, provided the tables are at least 6 feet apart.

Pasco County officials also recently announced that restaurants could use parking lot space to expand space available for outdoor seating.

And, DeSantis announced that hair salons and barbershops could reopen effective May 11, provided they operate at 25% capacity, and follow safety protocols.

Movie theaters, gyms and bars remain closed.

Lillibridge had to furlough her employees.

During the shutdown, she got phone calls from customers, many wanting to make face masks. She would box up supplies and put them on the sidewalk for pickup.

“I think I gave out 1,500 yards of elastics,” she said.

On the first day back at work, Lillibridge waited for a friend who was going to help out at the store.

In Land O’ Lakes, Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ is fielding calls to reschedule catered parties that were canceled when the coronavirus struck.

Most of those are in August, said Jaime Bradford, Hungry Harry’s catering manager.

Takeout orders kept the restaurant going. But, indoor seating is now available at four tables. Another four tables are in an overflow room and five picnic tables can seat customers outside.

“Obviously we took a huge hit with catering,” Bradford said. But, owner Harry Wright “was able to keep a full staff and keep us paid. We’re excited and can’t wait to get back to normal.”

In Zephyrhills, the coronavirus tested the resilience and ingenuity of the owners of K & M Treasures and Antiques.

The antiques shop is a two-person operation that opened downtown in 2016. Kathy Stepp and Murph Murphy mostly fielded phone calls and made some online sales during the shutdown.

“It (shutdown) definitely hit sales really hard,” said Stepp. And, online sales could become a larger part of their business, she added.

For now, the shop is open and can easily meet social distancing requirements.

“The nature of our business is only a few people at a time are here,” she said. “We have plenty of stuff to keep everyone away from each other.”

Not many people stopped on the first day.

But, Stepp said, “I guess we’ve started. I hope it will pick up. We’re definitely trying to get more stuff online.”

Meanwhile, shop owners like her wait for more traffic in downtown.

Florida’s Phase 1 reopening
This is a summary of Florida  Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase 1 reopening for Florida, excluding Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties:

  • Schools should distance learn through the end of the year
  • No visits allowed at long-term care facilities
  • Restaurants and shops may open at 25% capacity and must follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Outdoor dining at restaurants is allowed with 6 feet distancing between tables.
  • Elective surgeries are allowed
  • Movie theaters and gyms are closed
  • Effective May 11, barbershops and hair salons could open with “enhanced safety protocols

Published May 13, 2020

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: COVID-19, Dade City, Donna Liliibridge, Harry Wright, Hungry Harry's Family BBQ, Jaime Bradford, K & M Treasures and Antiques, Kathy Stepp, Murph Murphy, Quilts on Plum Lane, Ron DeSantis

New game celebrates Dade City

December 11, 2019 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Florida Pioneer Museum & Village)

Still looking for a unique Christmas gift for someone who likes board games? Check this out — Dade City Opoly.

The game features local Dade City businesses, and is being sold as a fundraiser for the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, at the price of $40 each.

Over the next few months, the museum also will be raffling off 10 games autographed by The Bellamy Brothers, who have a spot on the game’s board.

Raffle tickets are sold at the museum, 25602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

To order Dade City Opoly online, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Or, to pick up a game, stop by one of these Dade City businesses: Lori Anne’s, The Book Shack, Flint Creek Outfitters, The Garden of Eden Spa, Quilts on Plum Lane, or the museum itself.

Published December 11, 2019

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Dade City Opoly, Flint Creek Outfitters, Lori Anne's, Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, Pioneer Museum Road, Quilts on Plum Lane, The Bellamy Brothers, The Book Shack, The Garden of Eden Spa

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Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

February 23, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/08/2021 – Tomato garden

03/09/2021 – Grilled cheese

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03/09/2021 – Poetry discussion

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