INSIDE: Pg. 3A - Scarecrow Festival Ready For CrowdsPg. 5A - Fire A Few Rounds For Charity

Pg. 7A - A Bit Of Everything MusicalPg. 10A - Wisdom Beyond Her Years

Pg. 1B - Mustangs Slog Past PiratesPg. 3B - Pasco Middle Drops One To Stewart

Dade CityServing Dade City • San Antonio • Saint Leo NewsVolume VII • Issue 8 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org October 5, 2017

NOW OPENCALLACCIDENT 352-437-3200

14343 8th St. • Dade City

Door Dings

Water, Sewer Fees Near Hike

People using Dade City’s water and wastewater services could be paying more in the next five years under an ordinance that passed 4-1 during its first reading on Tuesday.

City Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon cast the dissenting vote. She favors increasing the rates annually if necessary rather than voting for a five-year increase.

Two people who spoke during a public hearing held before the vote discussed customer service issues rather than the proposed rate increases. Both said they thought they were being charged too much because their meters don’t accurately reflect how much water they are using each month.

City Manager Billy Poe said he would meet with them later regarding their concerns.

The proposed ordinance calls for two percent increases each year between 2018

Both Utilities Have Major Future Needs

by Joe Potter

Don’t Leave It To Chance

Pizzeria Punts NFL From Shop

When Heath Dorr saw professional football players across multiple NFL teams taking a knee during the national anthem, he knew he no longer wanted to support the league at his business.

A veteran himself, Dorr cancelled his Sunday Ticket subscription at Al’s Famous Pizza and removed any affiliation in the store with the NFL. The atmosphere of San Antonio’s only pizza parlor will instead be focused on family and community.

The ‘Sunday Funday’ event premiered with great success, according to restaurant co-owner and Heath’s wife, Sarah Dorr.

“We want to get back to what’s important – community and family and

friends and just enjoying time together,” Dorr said. “With the recent actions … shown by the NFL players, we don’t really want to promote that anymore.”

The event was held from 2 to 6 p.m. with live music, a bounce house and games for kids and adults. More than 100 folks stopped by the San Antonio restaurant, far more than on their usual Sundays.

Music was performed by Andy Bryant, a local firefighter who also wanted to support the Dorrs’ cause.

“Everyone definitely seemed to have a good time and appreciated what we were doing,” Dorr said. “People thanked us for standing up in what we believe in.”

‘Sunday Funday’ Will Return Next Month

Jody and Jennifer Storch of Dade City have pizza at least once a week during the baseball practice and scheduled games with their son.

by Keri McAlpine

Old Timers Picnic Ready For New Era

For the past 50 years, the Old Timers Picnic has brought longtime Pasco residents together for an afternoon of friendship and reminiscing.

However, this year’s Oct. 14 event will mark the end of an era for the Burkett family, who has organized the get together for three generations.

Tim Burkett, president of the Old Timer’s group, recently announced it will be his last as lead picnic organizer and is searching for someone to take the reins of the feast at the fairgrounds.

Anyone who has lived in Pasco County for 20 years or more is considered an “old timer” and is invited to attend A picnic lunch of fried fish, hushpuppies, green beans and all the

southern fixings was served at the Old Timers Picnic last year.

Story and photos by Keri McAlpine

Billy Poe

Fees • Continued on Page 9A

Fairgrounds Tradition In Need Of A Fresh Boost

Picnic • Continued on Page 8A

While October brings colors of orange, yellow and red many in the healthcare industry and cancer survivors will make pink their favorite color to support breast cancer awareness.

Both Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Bayfront Health Dade City encourage women to schedule their annual mammogram appointments during October.

Bayfront is offering a $99 mammogram special price with extended hours for more availability. FHZ will hand out free breast cancer awareness lunch totes to every patient

Physician’s Experience Is A Warning To WomenStory and photo by Keri McAlpine

Warning • Continued on Page 5ADr. Karen Reeves has been working as a pathologist at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills since 2013.

Photo by Richard K. RileySunday • Continued on Page 6A

2A • October 5, 2017 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

Joshua Oal Lones, 31, of 18414 Lawrence St., was ar-rested by Dade City po-lice on Sept. 27 and charged with two counts of burglary of a struc-ture. Lones allegedly en-tered a storage shed in the 13000 block of Fifth

Street in August in a stealthy manner with the intent to commit a crime there, the arrest report said. Lones also allegedly en-tered a victim’s closet at the same address on Sept. 5 in the dark with a small flash-light with the intent to commit a crime there, police said. A video reportedly

showed Lones committing the Sept. 5 bur-glary. A search of his residence reportedly resulted in the discovery of stolen items. Post Miranda, Lones denied having com-mited any burglaries. He was booked into the Pasco County Jail.

Robert Ryclko, 52, of 6018 Ridgeway Drive, Zephyrhills, was apprehended by Dade City police on Sept. 15 on a Pinellas County warrant charging him with failure to appear – burglary. He was booked into the Pasco

County Jail upon confirmation of the warrant.

Bieniveenido “Benny” Cintron, 39, of New Port Richey, was apprehended by Dade City police on Sept. 26 at Eighth Street and Church Avenue on a Pasco County warrant charging him with fail-ure to appear – posses-

sion sale or distribution of synthetic drugs. He was booked into the Pasco County Jail upon confirmation of the warrant.

Michael Edward Fernandez, 50, of Wesley Chapel, was ap-prehended by Dade City police at the Parole and Probation Office on Sept. 25 on a warrant charging him with vio-lation of probation or community control. He

was booked into the Pasco County Jail upon confirmation of the warrant.

The information provided in the Dade City Police report is taken from public re-cord. All parties are considered innocent un-til proven guilty.

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Supermarkets Thank First Responders For ServiceThe Dade City and both Zephyrhills Publix Super

Markets made many east Pasco first responders happy on Friday when they delivered free meals to police officers and firefighters.

Throughout the day store managers and staff stopped by the departments in Dade City and Zephyrhills, taking time to personally thank each department.

A spread of deli sandwiches, ice-cold sodas and a cake welcomed the responders, who were able to pop in and grab some grub when they had time.

The cakes were decorated to the nines, with icing depicting each department in a special way.

Publix managers praised the departments’ efforts during Hurricane Irma, as well as their everyday service to the community.

Sept. 29 was also the birthday of Publix founder George W. Jenkins, who was born in 1907. Zephyrhills store manager Mickey McPhee said celebrating him with a day of generosity and giving back to the community made it even better.

Publix management and employees join the Dade City Police Department last Friday to provide them with a tasty meal.

by Keri McAlpine

Photo Provided

Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org October 5, 2017 • 3A

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Scarecrow Festival Ready For Crowds

While last year’s Scarecrow Festival was a resounding success, the spike in attendance created a parking problem for organizers. This year, they have come up with a solution to hopefully enhance everyone’s experience at the Oct. 14 event.

Remote parking will be available at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center on Live Oak Avenue and shuttles will take people to and from the festival every 30 minutes, beginning at 9 a.m.

Parking is free at the courthouse or the museum, and a $5 admission fee will be charged at the festival gates at the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road.

Once inside the festival, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors will have access to many free and kid-friendly activities.

Mr. Tommy, a children’s musical entertainer, will perform on stage at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and is being sponsored by San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

Face painting will be offered at two locations and attendees may have their photographs taken with a scarecrow said museum event organizer Brenda Minton.

All historical buildings on the museum’s grounds will be open. Docents will be wearing period costumes and will provide information about the buildings.

There will be a “Touch A Truck” with a variety of trucks on site including the Sunshine Scampers.

“We will have a petting zoo, carnival

games with prizes, barrel train rides, bounce houses, slides and pony rides, pumpkin painting and scarecrow build. We supply the materials,” Minton said.

Other new additions include a

32-foot-tall rock climbing wall and Knockerball Soccer – where participants wear a large plastic ball and collide with other players as they attempt to score.

The concession stand will be open; drinks will be available for $1 and hotdogs, hamburgers and pizza will be available starting at $2.

Food vendors will also have kettle corn, ice cream, fried Oreos, Cajun food and tacos for sale.

More than 50 other vendors have signed up to participate in this year’s festival offering everything from patio furniture to kids clothing and homemade crafts.

“This will be a family friendly fun event,” Minton said.

Contact the museum at (352) 567-0262 or Minton at (352) 206-8889 for more information.

New Activities, Vendors Added To Rosterby Joe Potter

Amelia Sizemore of Spring Lake showed off her choice of a pumpkin at the Pioneer Florida Museum last year.

Mr. Tommy, a children’s folk singer and entertainer, will return to perform at this year’s Scarecrow Festival. Photos by Richard K. Riley

Traffic for last year’s Scarecrow Festival was backed up for 1/2 a mile. Organizers hope to alleviate the parking problem with remote parking and shuttles.

4A • October 5, 2017 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

East Pasco EventsOct. 5 – Lions Club Sight Program – The Zephyrhills Lions Club, located at 5827 Dean Dairy Road, will be accepting applications for its Sight Program from 9-11:30 a.m. Applicants must bring required documents, which can be found on www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/zephyrhills. The program is open to all Pasco County residents in need of basic eye care. Contact the clubhouse at (813) 788-1441 for information.

Oct. 6 – Bountiful Fall Salad – Take the autumn harvest and combine it into a colorful and healthy salad. This free program will be held from 1-2 p.m. at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ Creation Health Wellness Center, 38233 Daughtery Road. Call (813) 779-6476 for information and required reservations.

Oct. 6 – First Friday – The Dade City Merchants Association invites you to enjoy a charming evening out with that special someone in a family and pet friendly environment. Refresh from the work week and explore the many offerings of the downtown merchants and restaurants from 5-9 p.m. Slowly wander through downtown; drinking in the sounds of local musicians as you sit back and enjoy a leisurely carriage ride. Visit the Merchants Facebook page for more information.

Oct. 6-7 – Book Bazaar – The Friends of the Hugh Embry Library announce the monthly Book Bazaar to be held both days from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the library, located at 14215 Fourth St. The bazaar features a selection of books, audio and video media, magazines and related materials for a modest cost. Admission is open to the public. Contact (352) 567-7449 or bookbollard@iCloud.com for information.

Oct. 7 – The Market Place – Held the first Saturday of every month at Hibiscus Park at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue. Stop by from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to shop local vendors and listen to live music. This free event is open to the public and is family and pet friendly. Contact Lucy Avila at (352) 521-5858 or lucyavila707@gmail.com for general and vendor information.

Oct. 7 – Car Show – Located in downtown Dade City from 3-7 p.m. and operated by Ronnie Setser. Cost is $10 for car registration. This event is free to attend and will offer special activities for kids. Attendees and car enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the fabulous shops and restaurants in Dade City. Call (813) 879-1616 for information.

Oct. 7 – Arts in the Park – Stop by Agnes Lamb Park, 14246 Ninth St., from 2-5 p.m. for a family friendly celebration of art, culture and community. Hosted by the Dade City Youth Council, this event will be held rain or shine. Free and open to the public, be sure to bring a blanket or chair. Snacks will be available for purchase; no alcohol is permitted. Email ArtsintheParkDadeCity@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/artsintheparkDadeCity for information.

Oct. 7 – Fall Festival – Bayfront Health Dade City will be hosting a family friendly fall festival at the hospital, located at 13100 Fort King Road from 3-7 p.m. The festival will be put on by the Patient and Staff Satisfaction PASS Committee for staff and families. Call (352)518-1020 for information.

Oct. 7 – Thrifty Angel Boutique – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Thrifty Angel Boutique, at 38460 Sixth Ave., is celebrating its 11th year anniversary by offering special sales every hour, free

refreshments and door prizes from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Normal winter hours also resume, every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am.-12 p.m. Donations are also accepted on Mondays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in the garage behind the shop. Call (813) 780-7309 for information.

Oct. 7 – Pasco Master Gardener Horticultural Festival – Held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at San Antonio City Park, 12200 Main Street in San Antonio. Free parking and gardening products galore await from all of your favorite plant nurseries in the central Florida area. Vendors will be selling tools, plants and anything and everything garden related. Call the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office at (352) 518-0156 for information.

Oct. 12 – Bingo With A French Flair – Florida Hospital Zephyrhills will host Bingo in the Creation Café from 2-3 p.m. at 7050 Gall Blvd. Attendees will enjoy homemade French pastries and coffee while they learn about PatientSecure from Mike Vanderbilt, Patient Access Director. The new technology, which was installed earlier this year, provides an extra layer of identity protection for patients every time they come to the hospital. Bingo winners will receive small prizes. Call (877) 534-3108 to register and for information.

Oct. 13 – Focused Selling Skills – This program will address salespersons tactics and ways to improve the selling process in the new millennium. Held from 1-3 p.m. at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., #309. Visit pascohernando.score.org for information and to register.

Oct. 14 – Clays for the Community – Put on by the Boots & Roots Foundation, the fourth annual event will be held at 2 p.m. at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes. Profits from the event will help give back to local agriculture, outdoors and sportsman communities, focusing on youth, people in need and other local charitable organizations. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. Visit www.bootsandroots.org/registration for registration information and prices, and competition rules.

Oct. 14 – Dentistry from the Heart – Free dental care will be provided at this second annual event, held at Premier Community Healthcare, 37944 Pasco Ave. from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. No appointments necessary. This event is first come, first served. Community members 18 and older without access to dental care may choose one of the following: one filling, one extraction or cleaning services. First 100 patients guaranteed to be seen. Call (813) 971-1688 for information.

Oct. 14 – Old Timer’s Picnic – The annual picnic will be held in the Clayton Building at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 S.R. 52. Food will be served at noon, but attendees are urged to come early and visit. Bring a covered dish to share, along with your own table service. Refreshments will be provided. Anyone who has lived in Pasco County for 20 years or more is considered an “old-timer”. Bring old photos and memorabilia about your families. Prizes will be awarded. Call (352) 567-3996 or (352) 588-3368 for information.

Oct. 14 – Dade City Symphony – The Symphony’s fall concert will be held in the Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and concert begins at 7 p.m. Visit www.dadecitysymphony.com for information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

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I have a new favorite team to watch in lieu of professional football. They are not an NFL team but are working quite nicely taking their place. As a matter of fact many of this team go north during the summer season and some are starting to return. I am referring to, “The Manatees”. They head south as the ocean in this part of the world starts to cool and they really enjoy the spring fed rivers here in Florida.

Professional football has been a mainstay and a way of life for many. Some followers have even been called fanatics going to the extreme with clothing, jewelry, paints and a variety of things to make them a ‘super’ fan to draw the attention of TV cameras and fans everywhere. But it seems to me like the National Football League has thrown a monkey wrench into their well oiled machine and many fans have had their fill.

I am talking, of course, about players not standing during the national anthem at pro football games.

Last week, friends of mine who own a huge sports bar were approached by one

of their beer suppliers promoting a new collector series beer bottle for a Florida team. They told the rep they were not interested in carrying the product or for that matter anything connected to the NFL. They have taken down all of the NFL posters and signs and will not show any NFL game on Sunday, Monday, Thursday or whenever. I went by on Sunday afternoon and the place was packed. All of the TV’s were on but none were tuned to an NFL game. All kinds of other sports were being shown, including NASCAR.

NASCAR events still include a prayer before the race and everyone stands for the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, too.

NASCAR and other sports’ owners are refocusing on heroes who make a difference.

Many Hurricane Irma first responders and others have won the hearts of many in the country through their compassionate work; they are the real heroes and ones our kids can look up to with pride.

I do believe in standing up for what you believe. One solution could be for NFL teams to rent their stadiums for use as their own soapbox, but it needs to be paid for with their own money.

When I was in basic training in the military if one person wasn’t carrying his weight everybody had to pay the price. It didn’t take long for all of us to figure out what we needed to do.

I am not sure where all this is going to end up but this could be the beginning of the end for the league. It’s up to the players and those who call the shots for the NFL. I hope they get a clue and make some right decisions.

If not, like many other things, this could become part of a history they wished they could have changed.

Seems like this is happening a whole bunch lately.

Forget NFL, MyFavorite Team’s‘The Manatees’

Commentary

First Things FirstGreg First

Dear Mr. Greg, My late husband was a quadriplegic from World War II. I also feel the disrespect these people are showing to the men and women who put their lives on the line for them and for our country and the way of life earned by them for us. There is a time for kneeling in

humility and also a time to stand erect and strong. If these folks don’t believe it perhaps they should move elsewhere and try getting away with their nonsense. God bless America!

Sincerely,Mrs. Ella Cochrane

Letter To The Editor...

Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org October 5, 2017 • 5A

who comes in for the breast test.Starting in their 20s and 30s, women

are recommended to conduct their own breast exams to check for lumps or abnormalities. Physicians cannot detect lumps on a patient as well as patients can with a self-exam, according to FHZ Simpson Breast Health Center manager Alexa Stinnett.

Starting in their 40s, women are encouraged to have a mammogram once a year, based on guidelines from the American College of Radiology and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, Dr. Karen Reeves went on an arduous two-year journey to eradicate it and has been cancer free since 2008. For the FHZ pathologist, October is an important month to start the conversation among women.

“I am not afraid to talk about my experience,” she said. “I am still

surprised to this day that people will get breast cancer, or any type of cancer, and they will not tell anybody.”

Reeves hopes more women won’t put off their mammograms and – should lumps be found – “get treated when it’s still in a curable phase.”

On the second day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Reeves was decked out in pink: a pink shirt, pink bows on her shoes, pink ribbon socks, her office decorated and, to top it all off, pink hair dye on top of her head just in case anybody missed the memo.

Her journey started when she was feeling pain in her right breast, much like a needle stabbing her chest, she said. When she first approached her doctor, she was met with skepticism and when her mammogram came up negative she avoided her follow up.

“My doctor made me feel really stupid for asking … I didn’t go back and get that second mammogram because I thought everyone thinks I’m a

hypochondriac. Why would I bother?” she said.

However, Reeves soon ran into a friend who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer with a similar story. In 11 months since her first negative mammogram, Reeves returned for her second with devastating results. While her cancer was non-invasive, she had extensive cancer in her right breast.

“If I hadn’t seen her that day and talked to her I might not have gone back to get that second mammogram,” Reeves said.

She opted for a bilateral mastectomy to ensure both breasts were cancer free, and then had to undergo radiation for six weeks, followed by breast reconstruction once she healed.

“I was incredibly lucky because we caught it early. If we hadn’t caught it early it might not have been a survivable cancer,” she said. “You have to trust yourself. If you think there’s something wrong – if you feel a lump

– you have to make them listen to you and go get the treatment you think you need.”

Bayfront’s Radiology Department will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the rest of the month. Patients receiving a mammogram will also be given a free gift following their appointment.

Call Bayfront at (352) 521-1592 to schedule a mammogram.

Florida Hospital’s Simpson Breast Health Center celebrates five years tomorrow, and to honor all breast cancer patients the center has pink luminaries for patients, staff and volunteers to dedicate in the lobby, free of charge.

Call the Simpson Breast Health Center at (813) 779-6278 to schedule a mammogram. Walk-ins are welcome and Saturday appointments are available upon request.

Warning • Continued from Page 1A

Fire A Few Rounds For Charity

Now more than ever, communities in Florida could use a helping hand. That’s where the Boots and Roots Foundation comes in and Oct. 14 will mark the fourth installment of their most successful fundraising event, Clays for the Community.

RJ Huss, the organization’s current president, established the Boots and Roots Foundation in 2015. Huss developed the foundation to help individuals and organizations in his community who were in need of assistance.

“The concept was simple, have a

fundraiser that goes back to the kids of the community,” Huss said. “Clays for the Community is a 50-clay target shot gun shootout at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’Lakes.”

The event begins at 2 p.m. and is open to the public. In addition to the shootout, the event features games, awards, raffles and dinner. All proceeds will go to various recipients in need.

“We want to raise funds so we can help as many people as possible,” said Huss.

For those interested in participating in the shootout or just looking to get involved, go to www.bootsandroots.org to register.

Boots And Roots Event Coming Up

All are welcome to participate in the fundraising clay shootout, no prior experience required.

by Emily Kochanski

Photo courtesy of Boots and Roots

6A • October 5, 2017 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

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While most of the feedback for the event and decision made by the Dorrs has been positive, there have been some people who voiced their disagreement, which she said is to be expected with anything, especially with a hot

button issue such as this one.The pizzeria plans to make Sunday Funday a monthly

event on the first Sunday of every month. Dorr said she hopes its popularity will give locals something to look forward to, to hang out with their neighbors and enjoy quality time together.

Sunday • Continued from Page 1A

Andy Bryant, a musician from New Port Richey, provided entertainment at the first Sunday Funday.Owners Sarah and Heath Door of Blanton run the beer taps at the Sunday Funday at Al’s Famous Pizza.

Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org October 5, 2017 • 7A

A Bit Of Everything Musical

The Dade City Symphony is back from its summer hiatus and the musicians are tuning up for the seventh season’s first concert.

The group has one more practice session for Lullabies, Broadway & Blues before the always-packed annual performance, this year on Oct. 14.

Symphony president Laurel Weightman said the evening’s theme is pretty self-explanatory but the performance will feature a couple of popular crowd-pleasers outside of the title’s genres.

Admission is free and the best seats fill up fast.

Since the end of last season, the symphony has welcomed four newbies to the group for a total of 37 musicians. Joining the DCS this season are Laurie Fox, violin; Aaron Staving, French horn; Paul Lewis, cello; and Victoria Wilkinson, flute.

“They’ve been a great addition,” Weightman said.

From the symphony’s modest first notes in 2010, the group has grown and hopes to do so even more. While all professional musicians are appreciated, Weightman said they are always in need of string players.

“We’d like to continue to grow and the more members we have of course the more balanced we will be musically,” she said.

The group is completely volunteer and not for profit. Practices are held regularly and members are encouraged to practice on their own to save rehearsal time.

“It’s a labor of love. It’s a lot of work but it is absolutely a blast,” Weightman said. “All of us love music, we all love our community and we love the support the community has offered us.”

Donations are welcome at the performance, which will go toward the operating cost of the symphony.

Doors open at the Pasco Middle School auditorium, 13925 14th St., at 6:30 p.m. with the performance starting at 7 p.m.

Interested parties can also sponsor a

song, where a donation will have your name in the program as well as being announced before the piece is played. Visit the Dade City Symphony website for information on sponsoring a song.

The Christmas and spring shows have already been scheduled this season, to take place on Dec. 16 and April 21, both at the same times at Pasco Middle School.

Weightman advises guests to arrive early at all shows, but especially for the Christmas program, which tends to fill up fast.

“We’re excited for another season and look forward to the concerts,” Weightman said.

Those interested in joining the symphony should visit www.dadecitysymphony.com for more information.

Dade City Symphony Ready For Fall Concert

The Dade City Symphony will kick off their autumn concert Lullabies, Broadway & Blues at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Pasco Middle School.

by Keri McAlpine

Photo by Richard K. Riley

SLU Hosts Puppies And Pizza To Ease Pre-Exam Stress

To help with mid-term exam jitters and stress, Saint Leo University’s Student Success coaches and Counseling Services sponsored Puppies and Pizza on Monday, Oct. 2, at the campus in St. Leo. Students received a free slice of pizza and got to pet dogs from Tranquil Pawz Therapy Dogs, who visited campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plenty of faculty and staff got in on the puppy love and visited with the dogs, too.

Rascal the dog gets some attention from a Saint Leo University student.

A mastiff was the center of attention during the puppies and pizza event. Photos Provided

8A • October 5, 2017 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

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with their families.Burkett took charge of the event when his father,

Billy Burkett, passed the responsibility to him. Billy Burkett passed away in December 2016 but was a longtime driving force behind the picnic, which at its peak hosted almost 300 locals. Billy had followed in the footsteps of his parents, Bill and Bernice, who started the picnic in the 1940s.

“It’s always been important for old friends,” Billy Burkett said during last year’s picnic. “Even if they don’t see each other but once a year to get together and talk. It’s just great to see the same people every year.”

A short business meeting is held each year before the food is served to elect new officers. Billy’s surviving wife, Shirley, hopes someone will step up and take over the task.

“We would appreciate it if there’s somebody who would be interested. It’s not that big of a problem and its only one time a year,” Shirley said.

Always held on the second Saturday of October, the new president’s main responsibility would be to organize the fish fry, which is provided during the picnic by the association. Donations are collected during the event to make up for the cost.

Shirley stressed that it is usually a group effort, with volunteers and the rest of the board there to help.

“It works out pretty good and it’s not that big of a job actually. You just have to get somebody help you to cook and do the things that need to be done,” she said.

The event originally started out at the eldest Burkett’s house by Drew Pond off St. Joe Road. After

a couple of successful years, they moved it to larger locations and it is currently held in the Clayton Building at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

New community events have begun to crowd the calendar each year, resulting in lower attendance throughout the years, but Shirley is hoping whoever takes over will figure out a way to make it thrive again.

“There’s a lot you could add to it,” she said, noting the event used to even have live entertainment and games some years ago.

Food is always served at noon, but attendees are urged to come early and visit. The association encourages everyone to bring old photographs, newspaper clippings or just stories of what living in

the area used to be like.“You look forward to seeing these folks each time

… It’s a special thing and we hope it continues,” Shirley said.

Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish to share, along with their own table service. Iced tea and lemonade will be provided.

Prizes are awarded to the oldest man, the oldest woman, the couple married the longest, and the person who came the greatest distance to attend. Prizes are donated by area businesses and the committee wishes to thank them for their generosity.

Contact Shirley Burkett at (352) 567-3996 or Diane Jones at (352) 588-3368 for information on the picnic.

Picnic • Continued from Page 1A

About 40 people attended last year’s Old Timers Picnic, held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. The picnic celebrates those who have lived in Pasco County for at least 20 years, and has been held since the 1940s.

Shoes-4-Schools Holding Raffle For Needy ChildrenShoes-4-Schools is selling raffle

tickets for an Oct. 6 drawing. Over 15 items are up for grabs, including a 55-inch TV, a laptop, a foursome golf outing at Saddlebrook Golf Club, golf bags, restaurant gift certificates, activity gift certificates, and a fruit basket from Shannon’s Produce.

Tickets will be sold only on Thursday and Friday of this week at the following locations: Flying J, 29933 S.R. 52; Sam’s Club, 27727 S.R. 56; and in the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club Clubhouse lobby, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10.

The drawing will be held at Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in the lobby of the clubhouse at 7 p.m.

Shoes-4-Schools is a nonprofit organization that provides shoes to needy children in Pasco and Hillsborough Counties from pre-school through high school. It is staffed

completely by volunteers. This is the organizations’ big fundraiser for the year to enable it to buy those much-needed shoes.

Contact Janet Chubinsky at (813) 505-1378 or visit Shoes-4-Schools.org or the Schools 4 Shoes Facebook page for more information or how to donate.

Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org October 5, 2017 • 9A

and 2022. Dade City has not increased its rates

for water or wastewater service for eight years, said Henry L. Thomas, senior vice president of Public Resources Management Group of Maitland. A rate study PRMG did for the city indicated the increases were necessary to keep the water and wastewater utility systems fiscally sound over the next five years.

Customers using 1,000 gallons of water and wastewater now pay $19.61 per month and would pay $20.65 in FY18, with their rates increasing by two percent each year afterwards through 2022.

A typical customer uses 6,000 gallons and currently pays $51.85 per month. They would see their bill increase to $54.45 in 2018, followed by the two percent increases annually through 2022.

Customers using 10,000 gallons now pay $74.01 and their bill would rise to $77.65 in 2018, to go along with the yearly two percent bumps through 2022.

The increased fees will affect all customers who receive city utility services, not just people living within the city limits. One of the reasons given for the rate hike is because of growth occurring in the area. The approved ordinance says the cost of providing utility services to that new development should not be borne solely by city residents.

Currently, $9.6 million in improvements are planned for the city’s water and wastewater systems, Thomas said.

These include lift stations that will be

added to the system. Additional money is also needed to address Dade City’s aging underground infrastructure, Thomas said.

He said the state could step in and order that infrastructure to be fixed should the city not do anything about it.

Should the ordinance be adopted, Dade City would still have rates lower than many other Pasco cities as well as those the county charges, he said.

“There are a lot of variables involved,” Newlon said before casting her vote. She said she would be less inclined to vote for a five-year increase but would rather vote for an increase on an annual basis.

“If you adopt a five-year rate you can change it if the utilities over-perform and the proposed increases aren’t necessary,” Thomas said. He noted Lakeland, which is on a similar plan, did not adopt one of its scheduled increases recently.

“In other cases where we have brought up rate increases there has been a pressing need. I think this is a good conservative plan to take care of our needs,” Commissioner Scott Black said. “This is something that we need to be able to maintain. I think it puts us on a solid footing. If we didn’t take this action, only the people living in the city would pay, so I move we approve this ordinance.”

Commissioner James Shive seconded Black’s motion.

A second public hearing for and final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave.

$14.65M Budget Passes

City commissioners approved this year’s $14,646,265 budget by a 4-1 vote on Tuesday with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon casting the lone ‘no’ vote.

Newlon told the other commissioners there were two reasons she could not support the measure – not enough for streets and sidewalks, and nothing for a public splash park.

Mayor Camille Hernandez responded to Newlon’s concerns saying a design must be approved first before and funds could be allocated for such a project.

“We work on that on a year-by-year basis,” Hernandez said.

“It’s difficult to balance all the needs

of the city with the funds that are available. We don’t always agree on everything and we didn’t this time,” Hernandez said.

The agreement to keep the millage rate at the current level of 7.14 gained unanimous approval.

Dade City ordinarily would have adopted its budget during its last commission meeting in September to make it effective Oct. 1. But Hurricane Irma caused the first September meeting to be cancelled and moving the two necessary meetings to Sept. 25 and Oct. 3.

City Manager Billy Poe said the budget became effective on its approval but no purchases would be made under it until Oct. 4.

Dade City Tax Rate Remains Unchanged by Joe Potter

Fees • Continued from Page 1A

10A • October 5, 2017 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

This popular annual event began in 1967 and put San Antonio Florida on the map ! It is the primary fundraiser for charitable

projects organized by the Thomas Promise Foundation. The event kicks off with the annual Rattlesnake Run, and features free

admission, traditional snake shows and wooden gopher tortoise races, live music , handmade arts and crafts, children’s games, pony rides ,food vendors, beer garden and so much more. 2017

marks the 51st anniversary of this great community event.

Now taking applications for food and craft vendors

Call for more information(813) 782-0000

October 21st9am-5pm

October 22nd11am-4pm

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PARKINGBRING A CHAIR

Wisdom Beyond Her Years

Sister Helen Lange was the life of her own party on Thursday at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center where she has resided for the past several years.

Lange sang “Home of the Brave” after she exchanged greetings with many of the nearly 100 well-wishers who attended the party.

Mayor Richard Christmas designated Sept. 28 as Sister Helen Lange Day in St. Leo. Town Clerk Andrea Calvert, assisted by Wendy Lavoie, read and presented the proclamation to Lange.

Lange, who is legally blind, was wielding a large knife when it came time for her to cut her birthday cake that she admittedly couldn’t see. People were standing by with cameras ready to capture the moment. An attentive staff member rushed up, took the knife, and gave Lange a plastic cake cutter.

“It wouldn’t look good for you to be seen holding that knife,” she said.

Lange has suffered from macular degeneration for half of her life.

Sister Roberta Bailey, a former principal of Saint Anthony Catholic School, said she has known Lange for more than 60 years. “She was my second principal when I started teaching in Jacksonville in 1953,” said Bailey, who is now prioress of Holy Name Monastery.

Lange was actively involved in ministerial work for more than 80 years.

Back in 1930 she and four cousins came to Holy Name Monastery in San Antonio and joined the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

She was still a teenager then and her name was Laurina Lange. She became known as Helen Lange when she took her perpetual vows and became a member of the Benedictine Sisters.

Lange has a degree in education and

taught at the Holy Name Academy for girls and the St. Benedict Preparatory School for boys. The Academy closed in 1964.

During her 44 years as an educator, Lange also worked in New Orleans, Ocala, Jacksonville Beach, North Miami, Venice, St. Leo and Sarasota.

She also taught at St. Anthony Catholic School in 1948-49 and again in 1978-79.

In addition to being a teacher and principal, she has been a bandleader and oversaw a hostel for visitors from other countries. Later in life, she became involved in elder care.

Lange increased her knowledge over the years through studying at Loyola University, Our Lady of the Lake, Barry University, Mount Scholastic and the Catholic University of America.

She continues to minister to other residents of Heritage Park.

She is happy with what she has accomplished but admitted Thursday her life’s journey here may be coming to an end.

“I have lived a long life and I am very happy. I am looking forward to being

lifted to heaven,” Lange said.Lange has influenced hundreds –

perhaps thousands – of people’s lives over the years.

She penned a memoir, “Kicking the Habit”, that tells her life story in 10-year increments. The wearing of a habit became optional in many religious orders following the Second Vatican Council that was held from 1962-1965.

Sister Lange Celebrates 104th Birthday

Sister Helen Lange stands behind her birthday cake and several vases full of flowers she was presented for her 104th birthday last week.

by Joe Potter

Photo by Joe Potter

St. Leo Town Clerk Andrea Calvert, left, and Sister Helen Lange read through a proclamation presented to Lange at her birthday celebration. Photo by Richard K. Riley

Sister Helen Lange receives some help as she cuts the cake during her 104th birthday party. Photo by Joe Potter