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Bruster's real ice crème Grand opening     

… Bruster's real ice crème, located directly across from Wharton High School in New Tampa, held their Grand opening this past week end and served up delicious waffle ice crème cones to non stop lines of kids and kids at heart.

 …Leaning out their window toward lines of satisfied ice crème lovers Alyssa Nolting of Wesley Chapel High, Woldyne Hyppolite of Wharton High and Cheryl Edwards of Wesley Chapel High serve grateful customers like Jacob Zook 4 who will start kindergarten at Hilda Turner Elementary and his Mom Christina Zook (www.MySilverStarOnline.net).

… Gardiner McDowell of New Tampa had a plan and he got zero resistance from his family when he wanted to go to Brusters for some real ice crème. Seconding his vote was his son Justin 12 of Learning Gate in Lutz, Emmanuel 10 also of Learning Gate, Wife Gayla McDowell and David 13 of Tampa Tech.

… The Crew at Brusters takes their job very seriously, serious fun that is for all including General Manager Matt Provenzano.
  by Anthony V. Masella Jr.   NT 20060624-04
                             

 

Bayfront Studio Grand Opening  in Wesley Chapel

Cameron H Photography… Miroslav and Erica Beck of Bayfront Productions, held their official Grand Opening Wednesday in Wesley Chapel. Bayfront Productions is an award-winning full service video production company providing specialized expertise for both business and personal video keepsakes.  They have the experience and the equipment to fulfill all of your video production needs, from pre-production conception, scripting and development through delivery of the final cut, duplication and packaging. Bayfront Productions utilize the latest in digital technologies to provide broadcast quality video services including: TV Commercials, Real Estate, Promotional, Sales and Safety Training, Seminar, Conferences, and Special Events Videos, Weddings, Anniversaries, Sporting events, Reunions, Birthday Parties, Plays and Photomontage. If you would like to contact Bayfront Productions call 994.9549 and visit their website at www.BayfrontProductions.com.

OurtownFLA Photography...Miroslav and Erica Beck (center with scissors), of Bayfront Productions, LLC, prepare to cut the ribbon at their ribbon cutting for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce on June 22.  Several chamber members and friends joined them.  Bayfront Productions, LLC is located at 29813 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. The full service video production company can be reached at 813-994-9549 or  www.bayfrontproductions.com.June 23, 2006  Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 

                              

 

   Library Movie Marathon  

New River Library of Wesley Chapel held a Movie Marathon for teenagers Saturday afternoon June 24th complete with popcorn, drinks and fun for all. All that fun left quite a mess and student volunteers were there to clean things up. Keeping things tidy are Lizzy Curran a 10th grader at Wesley Chapel High School,  Eric Gale an 8th grader at Stewart Middle School, Paul Stonebridge of the New River Public Library of Wesley Chapel and Matthew Hemphill, a senior at Freedom High School. WC 20060624-05 By Anthony V. Masella Jr.
 

Rocket Car at the Wednesday Nite Cruise in at the Wesley Chapel Dairy Queen  

…The Wesley Chapel Dairy Queen is always fun but at Wednesday Nite Crusin, you never know what you might find. Tully Moran 8 of Quail Hollow Elementary can’t keep his eyes off of this Rocket car owned by Ron Gallops (240-0126), but will have to check with his Dad, Kyle Moran (easternshoregraphicsandconsulting.com) before leaving terra firma.   20060621-03  By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 

Statewide Financial Mortgage, LLC Ribbon Cutting   

...Angelica Rivera (center holding scissors), of Statewide Financial Mortgage, LLC, cuts the ribbon during her Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce on June 22.  Business associates, chamber members, and friends joined her. Statewide Financial Mortgage, LLC is located at 26308 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (SR 54), Lutz and can be reached at 813-994-4554 or www.statewidefinancialmtg.com.    20060623-00  By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 

Sweetbay Supermarket plans Grand Opening for Sat. July 1st

… Sweetbay Supermarket Store Manager Joseph LaBarbera and John Barnette Sweetbay Supermarket Director of Operations are getting their Wesley Chapel Supermarket ready for their Grand Opening to be held Saturday July 1st. The Supermarket promises a new, fun and delicious food shopping experience. Doors will open at 7 am and the first 500 guests will receive free giveaways and the Celebration will last throughout the day. 20060621-04   By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 

  Cut-a-thon against Hunger at St Antonio 

… Local San Antonio salon owner Kesha DeRosa of Salon DeRosa, with Amy Greif of San Antonio, joined forces with Redken in the fight against hunger in America. Salon DeRosa’s first annual Cut-a-Thon and Charity Auction was held inside the tranquil walls of the renovated 18th century house. Patrons and newcomers were treated to haircuts, shampoo styles, and manicures performed by salon owner and master stylist Kesha DeRosa along with her crew Rachel Hagen, Randy Gant, and Amanda Weisbrod for a $25 donation.

… Virgene Gabish chair massages were available thanks to Virgene Gabish from the Muscle Clinic. Salon DeRosa gave a special thanks to everyone for their time and donations in helping to make this event possible and are already looking forward to seeing everyone next year. A very special shout out goes to : San Antonio Liquor & Lounge, Southern Sun & Tanning, Dade City Car Wash, The Western Edge, Williams Lunch on Limoge, Unlimited Energy, Pancho Villas, Silver Eagle Band, Golden Corral, Gator Mobile Auto Detailing, Elaine Herich, Haken Spa, Salt City Candles, San Antonio Market, DeRosa Sales, Double J Lawn Service, Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, and Reel Trouble.

… Outside under the tent provided by Withlacoochee River Electric, people enjoyed food and drink, while bidding in a silent and live auction performed by Auctioneer Ryann Satz of Satz Auction (813) 713-5713, Featuring pieces including a painting by Land O’Lakes Artist Berry Nehr, jewelry by Joan Rogers and baskets donated by local entrepreneurs such as Allison Newlon of Newlon Services along with GHD Housing Development. J. (Juice) Rodriquez of Unique Expressions (813) 493-5062 with nephew, Josh Vasquez, a 9th grader at Wesley Chapel High, kept the music flowing, Mark Koeberle of Cliffside Appraisals in Wesley Chapel (892-1268) volunteered and (in front) helping out is Jade Vasquez 8, a 3rd grader at Quail Hollow and Kyle DeRosa, a 5th grader at San Antonio Elementary for this great cause. 20060623-01   By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 
 

 Domino's Pizza Customer Appreciation in Zephyrhills

     Domino's Pizza of Zephyrhills held a Customer Appreciation Day Saturday June 24th with a wide variety of activities like Michael Waltrip’s Simulator Race Car, Pit Stop Tire-Changer, Contests (can you say...free pizza?) the Zephyrhills Fire Department and a Raffle for tickets to the big race in Daytona. A good time was had by all.  

…Jeff Gordon fan, Brock Packard 3 of Zephyrhills stands next to Michael Waltrip’s Simulator Race Car with buddy’s Cody Watts a 6th grader at Stewart Middle, Taytum Osborn a 2nd grader at West Zephyrhills Elementary, Angela Gawel of Domino’s Pizza in Zephyrhills, Stepanie Watts, Jane Pomeroy and Connie Reece of Zephyrhills.  

… Taking a break from the Moonwalk are Nathan Fleming 7 of Chester Taylor Elementary, Sarah Bunton GM of Domino’s Pizza with McKenzie Beck 2, Josh S. LeClair of Domino’s, Cassandra Perrini 4 and Arika Beck 6 of Woodland. 20060624-06   By Anthony V. Masella Jr.
 

Golf Scramble Chamber of Commerce – Rotary Club of Zephyrhills at the Scotland Yards Golf Club

On Friday June 23rd, the combined efforts of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills held a successful Golf Scramble at the Scotland Yards Golf Club in Dade City. Over 90 men and women participated in the event to raise funds for these two great local institutions with over a hundred local business donating money and/or prizes. A special Thanks went out to the Committee Chairs, Kerry Barnett and Dale Barnett.  20060623-02 By Anthony V. Masella Jr. 

… Donna French, Executive Director of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce congratulates the first place team with a net score of 60, Tony Fusco of Lupton’s Catering services, Josh Golladay of Aflac in Tampa, Bill Reid of Verizon (not pictured and Mike Prenderville, owner of Westgate Printing in Zephyrhills (788-4237) who printed and donated the events programs.  

… Frank Marler of Marler’s Body Shop (779-8816) earned a chance to win $2,500 if he could just sink a 50-foot putt.

Frank Marler’s putt just missed by 3 feet and he took home a $50 consolation prize.  

… Justin Turner, sponsored by First Choice, had the men’s farthest drive 425'  

… Val Berry of Silverado Golf and Country Club won closest to the pin and the longest drive for the ladies.  

… Kathy Mims, a Rotarian volunteer for the golf Scramble won a free month at Sports + Field in Wesley Chapel.

…Having a fun day of golf at the Scotland Yards Golf Club and a great dinner are Ed Gallagly, CEO of Florida Central Credit Union, David Kelsey of Zephyrhills, Lloyd Yoder of Tampa and Jim McCleod of Zephyrhills.

  Outreach Missionaries from Zephyrhills in Kenya 

      …Three of the twelve missionaries from Zephyrhills that returned recently from a two week trip from Kenya are Associate Pastors Neil and Julie Smith, Pastor Tena Sloan, are the leading edge of the Oasis World Outreach Church in Zephyrhills.20060614-03   By Anthony V. Masella Jr.      Click > Worship
Event: 6/14/2006 Contains: 6 photos  20060614-03 417642

 

American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball at the Lange Farm in Dade City 

…Owner of Kids Stuff Cathy Peckett, Ray Gadd, Assistant Superintendent, Kevin Hansut, General Manager of Gulf Coast Tractor & Equiptment, Amanda Green, recent graduate of Land O’Lakes High and future Seminole at Florida State and her proud father Robert Green. Mr. Green got the crowd going with his generous bid for the poster of the Singing Cowboys signed by Rex Allen, Gene Autry, Eddie Dean, Monte Hale and Roy Rogers.  

… Peggy Campbell of the Midway Farm and Ranch Supply in Land O’Lakes, Dr. Gerald Robbins of the Florida Cancer Institute Medical Oncology and his wife Colette, Sue Campbell of 105.5 and Mel Toran, Executive Director of the American Cancer Society for Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County. 20060603-03   By Anthony V. Masella Jr. 
 

 Land O' Lakes Student at Temple Terrace Ballet  

Temple Terrace Ballet recently celebrated the end of their Semester with a performance showcasing the different classes.  All classes are held at the Temple Terrace Recreation Department located at 6610 Whiteway Drive. For information please call Matilde Barreto at 786-4916 or the Temple Terrace Recreation Department at 989-7180. The 7-week Summer Session will begin on June 5th with graded classes for students 3 years old through adult.  A 10-day Camp for intermediate and advanced students will also be offered July 10 to July 21 from 1-4p.m. It includes daily class, variations, ballet history, pantomime, modern dance and jazz.  The theme of the camp will be the ballet "La Fille Mal Gardée.   

Natasha Stopford and Cheyenne Stopford two sisters from Land O' Lakes dancing together a Modern Dance piece.  

…Lynn Kathryn Grissom of Temple Terrace jumping on right with Natasha Stopford from Land O'Lakes on left dancing a Modern Dance piece. 20060603-03   By Anthony V. Masella Jr. 
 

Land O'Lakes Chamber new members

 ...New members introduced at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting on May 10 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Meeting Room include (from left): Joe Cassilly, of Tree Masters Tree Service, Tracee Robinson of Raymond James Financial Services, Leo Almerico of AAA Auto Services, and Genia Ward-Chamber Ambassador.  May 25, 2006 By Faith Jordan Masella

 

 Remembrance of the 62nd Anniversary of D-Day at the   Zephyrhills Airport Barracks Museum  

    Recent events in Iraq have led many to conclude that the Free World has reached a turning point in the War on Terror but that determination is often best left to historians and all of them would agree that 62 years ago, a turning point was indeed made on the Beaches of France in favor of the Allied Forces in World War II. Men and women who, in their teens and twenties wore the uniform with pride, paused on this very special anniversary, June 6th, to remember their brothers in arms who lost their lives by the thousands on that very special day and to the others who are no longer with us.

     The site, the Zephyrhills Airport Barracks Museum, made this remembrance all the more special. Ed Lark, Barracks Museum Volunteer, who’s Father served in World War I and brother served in World War II, said “ Our objective is to keep alive the memory of all our service men and women that keep our country free and protect our way of life.” The core foundation of the museum is memorabilia from the 10th Fighter Squadron that trained at Zephyrhills Army Airfield from January 1943 to January 1944. “These veterans have returned for several reunions and recall fond experiences of Zephyrhills and its warm and friendly people.  Many of the 10th veterans said it was the best place they were ever stationed” Lark said.  The Museum has continued to add to the collection receiving artifacts from World War II veterans and their families, as well as, from the veterans and their families of the Korean and Viet Nam Wars.  “Our intent is to build a museum of military history and generate interest in our past heritage.    20060606-01 By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

…Donated items like the actual A 2 Flight Jacket and other gear worn by Captain Fred Varn while he flew his 200 Missions during World War II, bring the past alive for young and old alike.  

…Bev Gibson stands by husband Charles who left his Ohio home to join the Infantry, more specifically the Big Red One, immortalized in the movie of the same name, Anthony V. Masella Sr. of Land O’Lakes who served in the Navy during the 2nd World War, Margaret Seppanen, Museum manager / volunteer, William V. Womack, who served on the USS Sapho in the Navy and wife Kathleen Womack, Margerie Forest of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corp. who saw more than any young girl should have to see when our brave wounded soldiers flew into Chicago to receive the tender loving care of the Corp and behind the Womacks is Bill Kustes of the world renowned 82nd Airborne Division.  

… Museum volunteer Ed Lark shows World War II veteran Anthony V. Masella the headlines that brought so much joy and happiness to millions of war weary people at home. “The Barracks Building is very unique in that it is the only remaining vintage World War II Barracks building in all of Pasco County” said Lark.  The Barracks Museum is always looking for military artifacts to add to the collection and should anyone be interested in donating items just call Margaret Seppanen, Museum volunteer contact person at (813) 780-0067.

 

  Fun on St Rte 54   

…Traffic on the busy State Route 54 can be harrowing when the top of your car comes up to the bumper of the vehicle behind you. This little import sure looks cute but in a collision, even your air bags probably won’t help you. By Anthony V. Masella Jr.
 

  Hot Air Balloons over Land O’Lakes 

     

    If, for some unknown reason you are up at 6:29 AM on a Saturday morning and you  happen to hear strange sounds emanating from the sky that sounds like a cross between a giant horse or a fire breathing Dragon, you just might be witnessing an invasion of the Hot Air Balloons. By Anthony V. Masella Jr.

 

  Land O'Lakes Junior Softball Runner Up The Wave 

 

The Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor A Phillies win Division Championship   

    The Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor A Phillies won their division championshipdefeating the Devil Rays and capping a 13-3 season record and a 4-0 tournament record. The win came in the bottom of the last inning. Devil Rays pitcher Brett Renner pitches 3 stellar innings and got great run support to jump out to a sizable lead, but the Phillies staged a late inning rally and finished the tournament undefeated.  Team members pictured are: front row (from left): Ty Van Nostrand - Stinson, Elliott Anstine, Reid Donaldson, Alexander Burnham-Season MVP, Colton King, Elias Early, and Eli Campos. Middle row (from left): Marco Cid, Alex Anderson, William Walsh, Wade Daniels, and Tyler Hill. Back row (from left): Rick Donaldson, Kevin Anderson-Manager, Hunter Anstine, Donald Burnham, and Fernando Cid. June 4, 2006 By Faith Jordan-Masella.

Catcher Alex Anderson, of the Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor A Phillies was the Game MVP when they defeated the Devil Rays on May 25. Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella. 

  Elliot Anstine, of the Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor A Phillies, pitched 9 innings, faced 39 batters, had 5 walks, 19 strike outs, and allowed only 4 hits and 6 runs when his team defeated the Devil Rays to win the Minor A championship. He was named the Tournament MVP. Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.

 

  The Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor B Devil Rays win Championship 

TheDevil Rays beat the Yankees to win Minor B Championship at LOL Little League on May 25.  Kyle Koshiol led the game off with a triple to left field. Brett Shackett, Jerel Garcia and Brice Noble all walked. Logan Henderson and Brice Pheiffer both singled to give the Devil Rays a 5-run lead. Adam Barios and Austin Deimitras lead off the 2nd inning with walks and Danny Burnham grounded into a fielder’s choice.  Colin McGlinchey followed with a walk.  Logan Henderson pitched two innings of shut out ball to give the Devil Rays a 10 nothing lead after 2 innings.  Jerel Garcia led off the 4th inning with a single.  Brice Noble, Logan Henderson, Brice Pheiffer, Adam Barios all walked with Austin Deimitras grounding out.  Danny Burnham followed by being hit by the pitch.  Kyle Koshiol shut down the Yankees in the 3rd and 4th inning giving the Devil Rays an 18 to 3 lead after 4 innings. Colin McGlinchey led off the 5th inning with a walk.  Kyle Koshiol and Brett Shackett both singled. Jerel Garcia doubled. Brice Noble and Logan Henderson both singled giving the Devil Rays 22 to 3 lead after 5 innings. Colin McGlinchey led off the 6th inning with a single.  Kyle Koshiol and Brett Shackett followed with walks. Jerel Garcia doubled, Brice Noble walked, Logan Henderson singled, Brice Pheiffer and Adam Barios both followed with walks. Austin Deimitras singled and Danny Burnham followed with a walk. Jerel Garcia pitched 2 innings of shut out ball to close the game.  Devil Rays win the Championship 29 – 3. Coaches Tim Henderson, Louis Garcia, Greg Koshiol and Abner Barios would like to thank the parents for their support and players for their efforts throughout the year.

...Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor B Devil Ray player Colin McGlinchey did a great job  catching to at the final game of the Division Championship game against the Yankees on May 25.  The Rays won 29-3.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella. 

...Logan Henderson, of the Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor B Devil Rays did an awesome job pitching to help his team win their Division Championship by defeating the Yankees on May 25.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.  

  The Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor B Devil Rays won their Division Championship on May 25 defeating the Yankees 29-3.  Pictured are (front row, from left): Brice Noble, Brett Shackett, Kyle Koshiol, Adam Barios, and Kevin Koshiol (Batboy).  Middle row (from left): Colin McGlinchey, Brice Pheiffer, Austin Deimitras, Jerel Garcia, Logan Henderson, and Danny Burnham.  Back row (from left): Coach Greg Koshiol, Coach Louis Garcia, Coach Tim Henderson, and Coach Abner Barios.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.

 

  Minor A “Blast” 

The Land O Lakes 9-10 year old softball Blast completed a very successful season by beating the New Tampa Diamondbacks 12-9 in the Tournament of Champions Championship game on Sunday, June 4th. The Blast had to come out of the loser’s bracket to defeat New Tampa back to back to win the Championship. They defeated New Tampa 8-0 on Saturday to advance to Sunday’s Championship game. Behind the shut out pitching performance of Lauren Evans and a grand slam by Glenda Lopez, Sunday’s Championship game was a total team performance that included a home run by Tatiani Velez and some key hits by Mikayla Cochran. Clutch pitching by Glenda Lopez, Alexis Perez and Sarah Jennings kept New Tampa’s bats at bay. The Blast ended their Championship season as LOL 9-10 year old Champions and District 25 Champions with a record of 21 wins and 6 losses.   

...The Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor Softball Blast won the Tournament of Champions on June 4 defeating the New Tampa Diamondbacks.  Pictured are (top row, from lef)t: Coach Bill Fairbanks, Manager Earl Evans, and Coach Kenny Cochran.
Second row (from left): Tatiani Velez, Lauren Evans, Alexis Perez, Glenda Lopez, Sarah Jennings, Mikayla Cochran, and Kayla Scallon.  Bottom row (from left): Allison Fairbanks, Julia Trudel, Ashley Fairbanks, and Erin Swider.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.

      Land O’ Lakes Little League capped off their regular season by hosting the Tournament of Champions for Minor Softball, Major Softball, and Junior Softball. Outgoing President Tom Keterrer and the Board of Directors would like to thanks the volunteer scorekeepers, announcers, concession workers, volunteer umpires, and all volunteers.  With almost 1,000 local children playing this year volunteers are more important than ever. They would also like to recognize local merchants Moe’s Southwest Grill, Outback Steakhouse-Wesley Chapel, Pizza Villa, Salvato’s Casual Dining, Smiles Country Store, and Ukelele’s for donating food. 

 

  Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Lake Padgett Estates East resident 

  Danny Ficetola

   Denise DeRemigio

  Joe Cleary  

Kathy Ervolino

  LPE Servers

Scott Bonvillain

  Tom Tartaro

 On June 25, 2006 about 100 golfers participated and capped off the day with a steak dinner and silent auction at the Lake Padgett Estates East Clubhouse. Five year old Trinity Kupies and the LOL Moose donated their large gas grill.

Mike Moses-of Land O’Lakes (second from right), was joined by (from left): Jeff Garren-of Brandon, Tom Tartaro and Richie Guastella –both from Lutz at the Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Lake Padgett Estates East resident Trinity Kupies who is battling the brain disorder Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLS). 

 

   Land O’Lakes  Rotary Dads Breakfast 

...Gisela Gardner and Bob Garner (from left) enjoyed themselves at the Land O’ Lakes Rotary Father’s Day Breakfast on June 17.  Also pictured are John Gardner (standing) and Tracey Keefer of Carrollwood.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.

....Randy Gailit (on left) and Lee Cannon, of the Land O’ Lakes Rotary, cooked a Father’s Day Breakfast at the Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room on June 17.  Photo by Faith Jordan-Masella.

 

   LACROSSE scores in Land O'Lakes  

....The Wesley Chapel Athletic Association Lacrosse league has named "Justin Thomopalos" (on right) the Most Valuable Player for the 5th & 6th grade team.  The honor came from a vote of team players.   A third year player from Land O'Lakes, Justin posted solid numbers in goals scored, assists, ground balls retrieved, and face-offs won. As a mid-fielder, Justin was required to cover the entire length of the 110-yard Lacrosse field and he attributes his triathlon training for his good conditioning.  He is the son of Steve and Val Thomopalos of Land O’ Lakes and is pictured with family friend, Rob Patterson, who trained and mentored Justin in the game of lacrosse.  A Lacrosse team will be starting up in Land O'Lakes.  Anyone interested should contact:  Coach Steve Thomopalos at 813-995-9428 or email:  Pool_pro@verizon.net.June 11, 2006