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Author hopes Bible study guide will lead to richer relationships with God

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It’s not like Liz Lyon-Hall was just looking for something to do.

After all, she’s a professional guardian for the elderly with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Plus, she and her husband, Alan, have two daughters, 15-year-old Eliana and a 12-year-old Alyssa, and two sons, 5-year-old Daniel and 3-year-old Jaidon.

On top of all that, the Wesley Chapel family has dogs, a cat, a bunny, a mouse, a bird and two pet sharks.

Liz Lyon-Hall experienced what she characterizes as a revelation, as she was reading a particular Bible verse. The experience was so inspiring she decided to write a Bible study guide to encourage other Christians to deepen their relationship with God, by reading scripture.

Still, when Lyon-Hall was reading a particular verse of the Bible she experienced what she characterizes as a revelation — and she was inspired to share it with others.

“I realized at one point that any revelation from God, no matter how big or how small, is not necessarily just for the person receiving it, but also to be shared with other Christians,” she said.

“I really want to encourage people to be reading the Bible and studying it for themselves. That’s a big life message for me — just encouraging Christians to spend time in the Bible,” she said.

It’s important, she added, to “know your scriptures and study it as much as you can.

“One of the ways that God speaks to his people is through the scriptures and if you’re not reading them, you’re missing that opportunity.

“Christianity is not just a belief system. We’re meant to have a relationship with God,” she continued. “If you’re missing out on his primary way of communicating to you, you’re really missing out.”

So, what began as a personal inspiration turned into a research and writing project.

“I typically wrote about an hour a night, pretty much from midnight to about 1 a.m.,” she said. She squeezed in some extra writing time on Fridays, which she generally takes off from her day job.

She estimates she spent about six months creating the study guide, which is called “Hezekiah, A Conversation With the Enemy.”

The guide’s release will be celebrated with a book launch on July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Bridgeway Church, at 30660 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The six-week Bible study is divided into six weeks of study, five days a week.

“That’s kind of a standard format for a lot of Bible studies,” Lyon-Hall said.

While Bible studies can be done individually, that’s not the general approach.

“The main goal for most Bible studies is to be done with a group of people, so that you’re having discussion and you’re fellowshipping — getting to know each other and helping each other throughout life, praying for each other, that sort of thing,” Lyon-Hall said.

This is the cover of Liz Lyon-Hall’s Bible study guide. She lives in Wesley Chapel and attends Bridgeway Church.

“This Bible study, when I wrote it, I did it with my own personal little small group Bible study,” she said. She also ran it through a Bible study at Bridgeway Church, where she has been a member since 2015. A  second Bible study group at the church began using the guide recently.

Lyon-Hall said her guide is designed to be used by Christians of any church denomination.

She plans to get the word out about the book by attending church events, conferences, breakfasts and so on. She is scheduled to sell her book at Palm Harbor’s New Hope Church’s Women’s Dream Conference, Aug. 13 and Aug. 14; at Tampa’s St. Clement’s Episcopal Church’s Blessing of the Animals event Oct. 2; and, at Lutz’s St. Timothy Catholic Church’s Annual Women’s Club Boutique on Nov. 13.

Whether or not it’s a big seller, Lyon-Hall said she’s glad she pursued the project.

She knows that the guide was extremely helpful to one of the participants of the first Bible study group that used it.

“It was a blessing to her, specifically — helped her kind of break through some issues she was having,” the author said.

“I’m not looking to make my millions off this book. I’m just looking to share it and encourage people to be reading their Bible.

“I figure God is going to use it for whatever he’s going to use it for. He will put it in the hands of who needs to read it,” she said.

For more information, visit LizLyon-Hall.com.

Bible Study Book Launch
What: Meet local author Liz Lyon-Hall at an event celebrating the launch of her first published Bible Study: “Hezekiah, A Conversation With the Enemy.”
Where: Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel
When: July 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Enjoy Christian fellowship across a variety of denominations. There will be light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Bring or buy a book for author signings.
Please RSVP to , to ensure adequate provision of food and drink.

Need a guest speaker for your Christian group? Liz Lyon-Hall, author of the Bible Study, “Hezekiah, a Conversation With the Enemy,” is available to speak to your group. Email her at to make arrangements.

Published July 07, 2021

Christmas celebrations vary, during COVID-19

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Some churches are issuing tickets for admission.

Many are limiting seating.

At least one is offering drive-in services, and many places of worship plan to conduct candlelight services.

And, based on internet searches, it appears the vast majority have some sort of safety protocols in place, in light of COVID-19.

Some churches have already had their Christmas services, opting to celebrate the weekend before Christmas.

And, at least one — First United Methodist Church of Dade City — has decided to drop its traditional Christmas Eve service and its Sunday service Dec. 27 because of uncertainty of crowd size, according to a posting on the church’s Facebook page.

Still, those who are seeking to attend a religious service to celebrate Christmas will have plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Beyond traditional scriptural readings, some churches will offer special music and will feature festive decorations.

Some will have services indoors and out. Many will offer remote streaming options.

Chances are, you’ve already made your plans to celebrate — after all Christmas Eve is this coming Thursday and Christmas Day, on Friday.

But, if you’re still considering your options, be sure to visit your preferred church’s website to be certain you have current information. Also, you’ll need to check ahead to guarantee you can still get tickets if you need them, and can become familiar with any precautions you’ll need to take, to comply with the church’s COVID-19 protocols.

There are literally hundreds of churches across the newspaper’s coverage area. So, here’s a sampling of some churches in our coverage area, and their Christmas plans — based on Facebook and website postings — for this year.

LUTZ

  • Christmas at Idlewild, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.: Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., face coverings recommended; Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., masks optional; Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., masks optional. Tickets are available through the church’s website.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road: Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., following guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing. The website notes: “We respectfully request everyone wear a mask while at church.”
  • First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41: Online and in-person candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. According to the website: Balcony is mask only; auditorium is mask optional.
  • Bay Hope Lakeshore Campus, 17030 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Streaming on Bay Hope TV on Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
  • St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The service will be held in the main church sanctuary, with livestreaming to the parish hall and an outside courtyard. Eucharistic ministers will distribute communion in livestream areas.
  • Crosspointe Family Church, 919 DeBuel Road: Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road: Family candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., candlelight worship on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
  • Unity North Tampa, 19530 Holly Lane: Burning Bowl Service, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. A ceremony to release what is unwanted in your life and affirm new blessings for the New Year.

LAND O’ LAKES

  • Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway: The church is following guidelines for sanitizing, social distancing and masks. There’s an outdoor mass on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., no signup is required. Other Christmas Eve masses are: 6 p.m., signup and livestream; 10 p.m., signup; midnight, signup and Life Team. On Christmas Day, the mass times are 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., which are both signup; and 11:30 a.m., which is signup and livestream.
  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., candlelight worship service with communion.

WESLEY CHAPEL

  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Christmas Eve in-car service on Dec. 24 at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. RSVP, first come, first served. Those signing up on the church’s website are asked to indicate if they are driving a car, an SUV, a truck or a van. They also are asked to indicate how many people will be receiving communion. RSVP by calling 813-973-2211.
  • Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road: Service on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m., and on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Faith Lutheran Church, 27221 Foamflower Blvd., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Cypress Creek Church (meets at North Tampa Christian Academy, 5585 County Line Road): Christmas with the Family Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. The church’s website notes: “We have the restaurant rule. You are required to wear a mask as you step on and off the church campus, but once you are at your seat you may take off your mask.” Church staff and its Dream Team will wear masks as they serve. Also, temperatures will be taken, before each person enters the building.
  • First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54: Christmas service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Grace Community Church, 7107 Boyette Road: Candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Previously known as Wesley Chapel Episcopal), 38356 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101: Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m., with a musical prelude at 10 p.m. Masks and reservations required. Incense will be used during the service.

ZEPHYRHILLS

  • St. Joseph Catholic Church, 38710 Fifth Ave.: Dec. 24 services at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Dec. 25 services at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Its website notes that masks are required for every person at every service and social distancing is required, too.
  • ZFA Church, 36322 State Road 52: Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service.

DADE CITY

  • First Presbyterian Church of Dade City, 37412 Church Ave.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Services also available via Facebook and YouTube.

SAN ANTONIO

  • St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32885 Rhode Island Ave.: Services on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. On Dec. 25, the service will be at 10 a.m., and it will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Published December 23, 2020

Leveraging the power to do good

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The tables aren’t exactly round.

Instead, they’re set up in the shape of a giant square, and those seated around it are taking turns — talking about organizations they represent.

They share what they do day-to-day. They announce upcoming events. They identify current needs.

Some folks in the room are familiar with others. The rest are total strangers.

But all have come to Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, to attend the inaugural “Wesley Chapel Pasco Difference Makers” roundtable meeting.

David West and Larry Guilford, of Make a Difference, are involved in efforts to make a difference in Pasco County, through a variety of efforts. One of those is called Wesley Chapel Pasco Difference Makers roundtable, which brings people together from a variety of charitable and service-oriented organizations, to create the potential for helping each other. Another roundtable is also held in East Pasco. (B.C. Manion)

The group an extension of the same kind of roundtable that has been meeting,  at the Make A Difference, Inc., headquarters at 12311 U.S. 301, in Dade City.

“Our goal is to bring our community together,” said Larry Guilford, founder of Make A Difference, Inc., which initiated the monthly roundtables.

“We don’t want to get in the middle,” he told those gathered. “We want to help you guys network together.”

Organizations tend to operate in silos, explained David West, who works for Make A Difference, Inc. The roundtables are intended to open lines of communication.

By sharing information, organizations can become aware of new opportunities, such as grants or training in a particular expertise, Guilford said. They also might tell each other about resources, such as  volunteers or equipment — that they need or can provide.

It didn’t take long at the initial session to learn that this assorted group of organizations had diverse immediate needs.

Bridgeway Church, for instance, could use some fill dirt.

It wants to use the dirt to help smooth out a field it would like to use for football and soccer games, said Joel Eason, senior pastor.

Diapers are in big demand at the locations operated by Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, said Dave Dorsey, organization’s development director.

And, volunteers who can help build houses — especially on week days — would be greatly appreciated, said Jere Ferguson, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco.

Todd Woodfill, executive director of Defeat Suicide Foundation, said he’s in search of a mentor who is especially good at raising money.

He said that he needs to raise $80,000 for some services he’d like to provide next year, and so far, he noted, with a self-deprecating laugh, he’s about $79,000 short.

Jody Armstrong, of Disability Achievement Center, said her group welcomes donations of wheelchairs, walkers and other durable pieces of medical equipment. It cleans up the equipment and gets it to people who need it, she said.

Those were among needs expressed during a roundtable session that offered a glimpse into the wide range of services being provided by multiple organizations operating in Pasco County.

Work being done ranges from providing diabetic testing to encouraging students to read; from providing clothing and personal items for foster kids to supporting athletes for the Special Olympics; and, more.

Guilford said he hopes the roundtable sessions will attract not only organizations that are doing good work, but also members of the community who want to provide resources to help.

“We’re here to help you fill your needs, and also show you other needs in the area that you may not be aware of,” said Guilford, a Wesley Chapel real estate agent, who has been involved in charitable giving for numerous years.

Before his current efforts, Guilford was involved many years doing charitable work in Ukraine, Colombia and the Philippines.

He decided to return home in 2015 to focus on selling real estate and helping people in Eastern Pasco, which has been so good to him.

Make A Difference focuses on serving Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Lacoochee and Wesley Chapel.

Its services include a mobile food pantry that distributes food once a month in Dade City and once a month in Zephyrhills. It also provides new shoes to students in need at area schools.

Guilford said he has seen an incredible amount of need in Pasco communities.

Wesley Chapel’s growth and new development has boomed in recent years, making it difficult for some people to realize it has pockets of poverty, he said.

“We don’t see the needs because Wesley Chapel is so promising,” Guilford said.

The roundtables are based on old-fashioned concept of networking.

“We’re open to anybody who is trying to help people in the community,” West said.

And, it’s not limited to charitable organizations.

“There are businesses that are very involved in doing community support, so we’re hoping that we’ll have a pretty good representation of them, too,” West said.

He issues this invitation to them: “Come and listen to what everybody’s needs are.”

The whole point of having the roundtables, West said, “is to find out what people need and to try to find resources for them.”

Pasco Difference Makers roundtables
What: Various charitable and service-providing organizations share information about what they do, upcoming events and immediate needs
Where: There are two locations
The roundtable in East Pasco meets on the first Wednesday of the month, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Make A Difference office, 12311 U.S. 301.
The roundtable in Wesley Chapel meets on the third Wednesday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the roundtable meets at Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.
Info: Call (352) 437-3466.

Published October 09, 2019

Sharing joy through Operation Christmas Child

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Jennifer Hernandez is in the business of spreading love – not just locally, but globally.

For the past two years, she and Bridgeway Church, where she attends in Wesley Chapel, have been coordinating their efforts to help kids worldwide in what is known as “Operation Christmas Child.”

The nondenominational Christian project was first established in 1993 and is based in North Carolina under the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

Children within Fiji are elated as they receive special Christmas gifts from their friends in the U.S. (Courtesy of SamaritansPurse.org)

Samaritan’s Purse is headed by evangelist Franklin Graham who had a vision to help underprivileged youth gain something beneficial from the holidays. Thus was the beginning of Operation Christmas Child.

Since its inception 25 years ago, more than 157 million children across 160 countries have received shoeboxes with school supplies, personal hygiene items and toys.

This year, thousands of other volunteers nationwide are trying to reach 11 million children in need.

From Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, a National Collection Week will take place throughout the U.S., where donations can be handed in at various drop-off locations.

Hernandez, a drop-off team leader, recalled her reaction when a fellow church member initiated the idea to the congregation: “It looked like a worthwhile cause.”

Now in its third year, Bridgeway Church has collected more than 2,000 shoeboxes and hopes this holiday season will not be short of a success.

Bridgeway is one of seven drop-off locations for shoeboxes in Pasco County.

“The entire reason is to demonstrate God’s love through this tangible gift,” explained Dana Williams, assistant manager of media relations for Samaritan’s Purse. “This is an open door to share with a child that they’re loved and not forgotten.”

The manpower of Samaritan’s Purse is spread wide, as they train “local ministry partners” in other countries on how to receive the gifts and distribute them.

They will typically set up outreach events in a town’s church, school or community center and get the word out to parents that there’s a special surprise waiting for their children there.

Oftentimes, foreign pastors who know their communities well are granted the task of handing out shoeboxes to the children whom they know are in great need.

While adults can set up the shoeboxes themselves, youth are strongly encouraged to be involved, to help them learn how privileged they are here in the United States, Hernandez said.

Senders can include a letter in the shoebox, which enables the recipients the opportunity to respond.

“It opens up a relationship between the child that gets the box and the child here who sends the box,” she said.

An online donation of $9 will grant the donor a “follow your box” tracking label. By attaching the label to the shoebox, the donor can track which country it has been sent to.

To make a donation or to look up drop-off locations in your community, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week
Bring donations to help fill shoeboxes to these drop-off locations, from Nov. 12 through Nov. 19 (hours vary by location):

Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 907-1313.

East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road, Dade City. For information, call (352) 567-3646.

Fair Haven Baptist Church, 34927 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills. For information, call: (813) 782-7115.

Details: Various regions of Pasco County and the U.S. will be collecting and  packaging shoeboxes with gifts to send out to less fortunate children. For other drop-off locations and more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Published November 7, 2018

Holiday happenings abound: Prepare to have fun

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Whether it’s a stroll along Christmas Card Lane in Lutz, tree lighting festivities in Zephyrhills, synchronized tree lights and music at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, or a magical Christmas parade in Dade City — there are plenty of holiday events in coming weeks to put on your calendars.

Several events are planned in anticipation of the holidays in Lutz.

Here’s just one of the displays that visitors are likely to encounter if they visit the Old Lutz School during the holiday season. (File photo)
Here’s just one of the displays that visitors are likely to encounter if they visit the Old Lutz School during the holiday season. (File photo)

Shoppers looking for a unique gift may want to check out the 2014 Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival at Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, on the weekend of Dec. 6-7.

The annual event attracts more than 250 vendors, offering a wide array of items including paintings, photography, jewelry, woodcarvings, ceramics and pottery, and stained glass.

The juried art show awards cash prizes as the year’s biggest fundraiser for the GFWC Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and supports a multitude of community organizations and activities. The event also features various food selections, including the woman’s club’s famous peach cobbler.

The event’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7. There is no admission charge, but parking costs $2.

The Lutz community also is planning a couple other events likely to appeal to those who enjoy old-fashioned holiday festivities. At the 18th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 N., visitors can walk through rooms to enjoy holiday displays, listen to musical presentations, sip a cup of hot chocolate, and nibble on a cookie.

There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted. Proceeds are used for the Old Lutz School. Canned foods and new toys also are accepted to provide for those less fortunate.

It’s open this year from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 16, Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 26, Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. For a nominal fee, children can enjoy breakfast with Santa from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 13.

For those who like entertainment, the heartwarming Christmas musical, “3 Wise Men and a Baby” may be just the ticket. Heritage Church, 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz, is presenting free performances of the play at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14.

Lutz also is planning another community event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, when it will showcase its Christmas Card Lane.

The event features the displays of four-by-eight-foot illuminated holiday cards, along with performances by children from local schools, a visit by Santa, hot chocolate and cookies.

The event takes place at the corner of U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road in the vicinity of the Lutz Train Depot near the library.

Those who enjoy holiday concerts may want to plan on attending one of two presentations of “A Saint Leo Christmas,” at Saint Leo University in the town of St. Leo. The free presentations are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center, 33701 State Road 52.

Although admission is free, those attending the 7 p.m. show must call to reserve tickets to be assured seating. To reserve a seat, call Tamra Hunt at (352) 588-8294.

The Founders Garden Club of San Antonio also is gearing up for its annual “Christmas in the Park,” held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 in the city park.

The event includes lighted Christmas cards placed around the park by area businesses and families. After the lighting, the Rev. Santiago Huron and his musical family from Heritage Bible Church of San Antonio will present a Christmas concert.

The event also includes refreshments, carol singing, and a Nativity blessing by the Rev. Edwin Palka.

Those who enjoy watching parades may want to mark their calendars for the 2014 Magical Night of Christmas Parade in Dade City at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, and the parade planned for 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 during the Festival of Lights in Zephyrhills.

The Dade City parade, organized by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, will feature bands, floats and walking units.

In addition to the parade, the Festival of Lights, presented by Main Street Zephyrhills, has a theme this year of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Another event likely to draw a big crowd is the 30th annual Lighting of the Trees, hosted by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, on the front lawn of the hospital, 7050 Gall Blvd.

The event includes decorating trees, entertainment, a live Nativity, Santa’s arrival, skydivers, and of course the tree lighting and some fireworks.

Forest Lake Estates, 6429 Forest Lake Drive in Zephyrhills, has its annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6. It will feature handcrafted items including jewelry, jams, decorations and other goods.

Those who enjoy a lively Christmas lights show can swing by The Shops at Wiregrass to take in its seventh annual Symphony of Lights. The holiday light show features a 55-foot tall tree and more than 250,000 lights, synchronized to music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Shows run nightly, on the hour, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., through Dec. 31 at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Wesley Chapel also has a new performing arts company presenting O. Henry’s heartwarming story “The Gift of the Magi.” Dreamhouse Theatre will present the play at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Tickets at the door are $22 for adults, and $17 for students and kids 12 and younger. Tickets also are available at a discounted rate online at DreamhouseTheatre.com.

For those who don’t mind venturing out of the area to take in some holiday sights and sounds, there are a host of offerings that they may find enticing.

The Celebration of Lights is a new attraction in Tampa Bay, which features a mile-long route that motorists can drive along to see a dazzling display of animated lights.

The event was the vision of Dave Parrish, a community leader in West Pasco who died before his vision could come to life.

The event is open at dusk on Nov. 27-30, and Dec. 5-Jan. 4 at 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill. Entry fees are $20 per car and $40 for a 14-passenger van.

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Money spoke loudly in this year’s election

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He showed up around 6:30 a.m., just as the sun was starting to rise above the horizon.

His place was in a side parking lot at Bridgeway Church, located on Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, and he came ready for the day.

Nick Burgess promoted his older brother Danny to voters all day Election Day from the bed of his pickup truck at Bridgeway Church in Wesley Chapel. Danny Burgess won his first state House election with 60 percent of the vote. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Nick Burgess promoted his older brother Danny to voters all day Election Day from the bed of his pickup truck at Bridgeway Church in Wesley Chapel. Danny Burgess won his first state House election with 60 percent of the vote. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Nick Burgess put signs up around his pickup truck, touting his older brother Danny Burgess, who was running for Florida House District 38. Nick was staying until polls closed at 7 p.m., and he had brought enough food to tide him over until then, and a restroom just inside the church to help get him through the long day.

Burgess was happy to be there, however. He wanted to show support for his brother, who was facing Beverly Ledbetter in the race to replace Will Weatherford in Tallahassee. And he has supported him from the beginning, especially when Danny told his family for the first time that he was going to run.

“I’m behind you 100 percent,” Nick told Danny. “The whole family is. That’s what it takes.”

The community was behind Danny Burgess as well, giving him 60 percent of the vote and a rather seamless journey from when he was an 18-year-old Zephyrhills City Council member, to the 28-year-old man he is now representing eastern Pasco County in the state House. To do that, however, he had to get past retired educator Beverly Ledbetter, who felt there was a lot she could do in the Legislature.

But if nothing else, she wanted to make sure voters had a choice.

“I was excited by the fact that many people, for the first time, were getting involved in the political process,” Ledbetter said. “They were walking neighborhoods, putting up signs, and making phone calls. That is an accomplishment.”

While Ledbetter felt she had local support from a dedicated group of people, one place she didn’t get much help from was the Democratic Party — at either the state or local level. Burgess picked up more than $23,000 in support from the Republican machine, while the other major party chipped in just a little more than $2,000 to Ledbetter’s campaign.

“You have to have money to actually get your message out,” Ledbetter said. “Besides your newspaper, none of the other major newspapers covered any of the local races, so people didn’t really get a great deal of information.”

She is still trying to figure out why the party virtually ignored this race, which she feels could’ve made a huge statement if Democrats claimed a seat currently held by the Republican House Speaker, Will Weatherford.

“That is part of the problem with people wanting to run, is that the state party gives you absolutely no support,” Ledbetter added.

Burgess took 60 percent of the vote, and another Republican — Mike Moore — had about the same success in his race to replace Pasco County commissioner Pat Mulieri. Despite not picking up endorsements from regional news outlets, or Mulieri herself, Moore spent a lot of money to beat Erika Remsberg in the District 2 race.

Moore finished with more than 91,000 votes in the race, and paid about $1.82 per vote received. Remsberg had a little more than 63,500 votes, paying out just 17 cents per vote, which shows the rather large gap between fundraising.

Remsberg won just 11 percent of the precincts voting by an average of 46 votes, according to unofficial results from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office. Her biggest margin was the precinct at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Port Richey, one of the few precincts in the county that has more Democrats than Republicans.

Early in her race, Remsberg knew her chances against a well-financed candidate in a Republican-leaning county were not the greatest, but the Land O’ Lakes social worker looked forward to the opportunity to run.

“I love going for the underdog,” Remsberg told The Laker/Lutz News back in July. “It’s just that this time it’s me, which is a new experience for me. But I’m good with grassroots efforts and community organization, and I’m getting out wherever I can to share a message of how we all need to work together.”

Published November 12, 2014

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Dreamhouse Theatre seeks to entertain, inspire

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The stage is empty.

But then, they start arriving: The woman who does information technology finance during the day, the guys who do pest control and lawn work.

Then, there’s the nanny, the grocery clerks, the college students and the teachers.

Grace Spenceley, left, Sylvia Roper, Jose Sotero (sitting), Janelle Ankrom and Phyllis Frey (on a platform) run through a number as they prepare to perform in Dreamhouse Theatre’s first full-fledged play, ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Grace Spenceley, left, Sylvia Roper, Jose Sotero (sitting), Janelle Ankrom and Phyllis Frey (on a platform) run through a number as they prepare to perform in Dreamhouse Theatre’s first full-fledged play, ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

When they hit their marks, they shed those roles of daily life and become Seymour, Audrey, Orin Scrivello D.D.S., and other characters in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

As they immerse themselves, the actors hope they can transport the audience right along with them into the world they’ve created. At least that’s what cast members said during breaks at a recent rehearsal at Bridgeway Church on Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

They’ve been rehearsing for weeks.

They’ll present the comedy rock horror musical at 8 p.m., on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The musical represents the first full-fledged production of Dreamhouse Theatre, a theater company based in Wesley Chapel that got its start about a year ago. The company’s first production was a musical review, but this one is much more ambitious.

Bryan D’Onofrio, the company’s artistic director, has a lot riding on it. As does his wife, Darci, the play’s executive director.

“Something we’ve always wanted to do was to have our own theater,” Bryan D’Onofrio said. “That’s been a dream of ours.”

The couple has talked about it for about two decades.

“Our pastor gave us a book called ‘The Dream Giver,’” he said. “It was about following your dreams and doing what you’re meant to do, what you’re born to do.”

So, the D’Onofrios decided: “Let’s give this a shot.”

They joined forces with Chris and Melissa VanSchaik, also of Wesley Chapel, to bring the vision of Dreamhouse Theatre to life.

They don’t have a permanent home yet, but they have lofty goals. They want to open a storefront initially and eventually build their own arts center, where they can put on about a half-dozen productions a year, and offer arts classes and summer drama camps. They’ve even talked over the possibility of a couple locations with J.D. Porter near Wiregrass Ranch, Melissa VanSchaik said.

“We just think there’s such a need for it in this area,” she said. “There’s no entertainment quite like live theater. There’s nothing like this in our area that’s consistently family friendly — passes that love for the arts onto the kids.”

Ticket prices at places like the Straz Center in Tampa are astronomical, she said.

“It’s very hard to take a family of five to a show where tickets are $100 apiece.” VanSchaik added.

The goal is to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price, said Chris VanSchaik, who got involved when Bryan D’Onofrio was drama pastor at Victorious Life Church. The VanSchaiks helped in the dramatic productions there, with Chris building sets and Melissa doing makeup.

“It was really a great avenue as a makeup artist to get to explore the world of special effects,” said Melissa, a makeup artist, a stylist and a part owner of Eclipse Salon and Spa in Lutz. “Having that creative outlet really fulfilled something within me that would have been dead otherwise.”

Besides being co-owners of Dreamhouse Theatre, the VanSchaiks are helping with makeup and stage construction, too.

Many of the actors have known the D’Onofrios for years. For some, acting has been part of their lives for years.

That’s true for Timothy Mendoza, 20, who is playing the role of Seymour Krelborn. Mendoza is so serious about acting he aspires to make it his life’s work.

Gabrielle Dion, 18, has been cast in the role of Audrey. She has never played a lead role, and said she’s excited and feels ready.

While some are seasoned performers, Phyllis Frey, 48, is making her theatrical debut. The Wesley Chapel resident is an experienced choral singer, but has never attempted acting.

“I find it very challenging,” Frey said, noting that it not only involves singing, but acting and moving, as well.

Jorge Diaz, who teaches acting classes and works as a pest control operator, is playing the role of Orin Scrivello D.D.S. The New Tampa 22-year-old believes he was born to act.

“Being on stage, it’s like I’m home,” he said. “When I’m on that stage, it’s like I’m in a different world.”

Janelle Ankrom, 18, enjoys being able to try on life through a new perspective.

“I get to be someone else,” the Land O’ Lakes resident said. “I get to experience what they would be feeling and something that I would probably not do in my real life.”

For Grace Spenceley, 18, acting almost is like an out-of-body experience. When she’s acting, the Land O’ Lakes resident is so attuned to her character that she almost forgets she’s there.

Lori Littlefield, who is handling many backstage duties, was involved in her first theatrical production when she was 3.

“I just love the theater,” said the Wesley Chapel woman who now works at Tampa Palms Elementary School. Littlefield will do anything — even sweep the floors — if it gets her into the theater.

Sylvia Roper, 48, who works with preschoolers all day long, has known the D’Onofrios for years.

“I’m enjoying performing,” she said.

Her acting skills come in handy at her day job, too. “I’m a lot of different characters all day long.”

Jose Sotero, 48, likes the feeling that comes when the actors are performing well. “It’s really awesome when you can fit in that part, when you see the audience get connected,” the Wesley Chapel pest control operator said.

Josiah Lindsay, who is playing eight different roles in the upcoming play, enjoys having an opportunity to learn. The Wesley Chapel 19-year-old told friends he’s “playing every non-main character in the show.”

“I’m literally every extra who has a line,” he said.

The D’Onofrios know they took a big risk when they decided to pursue their dream, but it’s a dream they believe in.

“We absolutely love the arts,” Darci said. “We want to bring them here. We know that’s a need.”

“We really believe in the power of the arts — in music and dance and theater,” Bryan added.

No matter the outcome of chasing his dream, Bryan D’Onofrio said there’s one thing he won’t have to regret.

“When I’m 75, I’m not going to say, ‘I wish I would have tried that,’” he said.

If you go
WHAT: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
WHO: Dreamhouse Theatre
WHEN: Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.
COST: $20, available at the door
INFO: DreamhouseTheatre.com, or call (813) 997-7146.

Published October 22, 2014

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