Stunning yellow hibiscus blossoms swayed gently in a soft breeze. Across the way a newly arranged natural garden reflected the care of expert nurturing hands. A table filled with bonsai plants sat on the long porch, overlooking a small pond and around the corner a group gathered in the shade paying close attention to a rain barrel demonstration. Surrounding the activity were a variety of unusual and common plants for sale by master gardeners. This was the setting for the Third-Annual Cooperative Extension open house and plant sale recently at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City, under the guidance of Betsy Crisp, acting extension director.
The natural garden included many things from easily recognized herbs to a lush green sweet potato vine. Nearby stood a newly planted Fringe tree, set out by master gardener Milton Larsen, in memory of Vivian Harris, who died in August after serving as county extension director for four years.
Master gardeners John and Elisabeth Angelini, specialists with bonsai, displayed several examples of what their artistic skills have created with an assortment of plant arrangements. John explained that bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special hybrid dwarfs. A primary rule for the bonsai creator is that the plant, while expressing delicate beauty, must look natural and never reflect the work of human hands. John and Elisabeth's bonsai reflected their adherence to these rules.
Marsha Madill, master gardener volunteer, stood knee deep in the small mucky pond, siphon in hand. She explained that she was "sucking out ammonia causing decaying debris," clearing the pond so that fish would have a balanced clean environment.
Close by Jeannie Hayes, program assistant volunteer with Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, was offering information on how to create and use a rain barrel to conserve and use rain with the watering of lawns and plants.
A trip inside the fairgrounds building revealed a flurry of activities by Family and Consumer Sciences demonstrators. From craft and yard sale type items to teaching demonstrations, there was something for practically everyone.
Jan Devine was busy overseeing an exhibit of four foods that contained unusual ingredients. After sampling the tasty treats surprised gasps came after participants peeked into paper bags to discover the "secret" ingredient. Cookies contained potato chips, a spice cake was made with Harvard beets, sweet brownies left no telltale signs of the sauerkraut in them, and a fruit and nut bread contained a can of pork and beans. Maxine Clayton, an extension volunteer for more than 50 years, was the master chef behind these unusual food items that clearly were delighting tasters of all ages. Copies of the recipes, which Clayton has collected, were picked up rapidly.
Across from the mystery food exhibit, Gloria Jasinski displayed her talents at creating edible centerpieces. A pineapple was transformed into an attractive turkey complete with layered carrot rings for a neck. Beside the turkey stood a hollowed acorn squash with a variety of floral items, all made from vegetables. Jasinski has been a Florida Association for Home and Community Education member for 16 years.
Another extension member, Marge Vanyur, was busy at a craft table, encouraging participants to "make something out of nothing." Vanyur's many specialty items include centerpieces made from dried southern magnolia leaves. Her displays showed them in natural tones as well as silver and gold which are often requested for use in anniversary gatherings, she says. Vanyur has been with the extension for 25 years.
Completing the demonstrations was Brendan Phelps, 11, a student at Pine View Middle School, Land O'Lakes. Brendan was leading others through the steps of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Several items he had completed lay among the brightly colored squares of paper. Brendan's mother , Karen Phelps, sat nearby, and watched as her son patiently taught Russell Duthie, 8, how to fold a green frog. Brendan, who learned origami on his own, has been creating folded paper objects for about five years.
A tour of the activities seemed complete when guide Betsy Crisp met up with Luther Rozar, former county extension director for Pasco and Sarasota counties. Crisp and Rozar embraced and shared a moment of recollection as Rozar looked at the concrete step and remarked that he remembered helping to pour the concrete for the spot where he and Crisp stood. Crisp recalled how Rozar's office was originally in the basement of the county's historic courthouse until the fairgrounds came about sometime in the 1940s. Crisp and Rozar seemed very much at home in their surroundings of the Pasco County Fairgrounds.
In addition to Crisp and Rozar, who serves on the overall advisory committee for the extension, many volunteers made the open house possible. Crisp noted a special thanks to Pasco Utilities and to Southwest Florida Water Management District who supplied a water conservation restroom trailer for the event.
Also arriving at the show was Ripply, the big blue water drop that works with Swiftmud to promote water conservation across the district. Ripply offered free water conservation coloring books and other information as well as entertained those who attended.
The Cooperative Extension Service Office is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36702 State Road 52, Dade City. For information about the many services provided by the extension call 352 523-1921 or visit http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu
Rose Manor ALF's grand opening ceremony
Sherri Peck and Barbara Butler announced the grand opening of Rose Manor Assisted Living Facility at 39746 Otis Allen Road, Zephyrhills. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held recently.
Rose Manor is a nine-bed facility north of Zephyrhills on a quiet and serene 21/2-acre tact. The large, seven bedroom house has been decorated to complement its rural surroundings.
Peck and Butler say they have spent the majority of the past year preparing the house to be a safe, family oriented home for Zephyrhills' senior citizens.
Peck is a registered nurse with a career in nursing spanning 26 years. Butler has been working with the elderly for 25 years. The past nine years Peck has been an assisted living facilitator administrator.
For information about Rose Manor, call (813) 780-6727.
HIGH FIVES
Suncoast Conchologists celebrate 20th year
Suncoast Conchologists, a shell club for both serious collectors and beachcombers, is celebrating its 20th year this fall. As a part of the ongoing celebration the featured program for its meeting Nov. 9, is titled, Color and Patterns in Marine Shells. The program will be presented by Alice Monroe, a St. Petersburg College professor and nationally known authority on shells.
The club meets monthly in the recital hall of the Piano Company, 1710 N Hercules 112, Clearwater. The meeting is open to anyone interested in shells. For information call (727) 796-4117.
Suncoast Conchologists is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the study and conservation of mollusks (shells) and allied fauna, and also the collection, preservation and display of mollusks. The club provides an educational and/or financial support to other related organizations such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, local libraries and the Bailey-Mathews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Membership for the club is drawn from Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Angela Signoriello named county volunteer of year
The Pasco County Commission recently named Angela Signoriello as its Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Signoriello began volunteering with the Victim Advocate Unit and throughout the years has helped to develop procedures which have been beneficial in connection with the domestic violence unit.
Signoriello was instrumental in assisting with the development of logs to monitor activities of volunteers in the unit. She also implemented a system to insure prompt communication with victims.
Rotary International to celebrate 100th year
The Pasco County Commission recently recognized the 100th anniversary of Rotary International.
Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service. Rotary also encourages high ethical standards in all vocations.
Rotary Clubs develop service projects that deal with children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. Clubs also support youth programs, educational opportunities, and international exchanges for students, teachers and professionals.
Rotary's primary motto, "Service Above Self" was adopted in 1911.
Included in its many projects is Rotary's united worldwide effort to eradicate polio by 2005 through financial and volunteer support of immunization efforts for around the world.
