Hometown

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 16, 2007

High Fives

Lauren Reid, a student at Wiregrass Ranch High School, was recently named Pasco County Schools 2007-08 Outstanding Youth Volunteer. Reid has volunteered most of her life in schools and community. During the summer, she volunteered daily at Wiregrass Ranch High School, helping teachers move into classrooms, answering phone calls, delivering packages and checking in hew books. Reid will be recognized on Feb. 5 by the District School Board of Pasco County during a regularly scheduled board meeting.

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The 2007 Magical Nights Christmas Parade wound its way through Dade City on a recent Friday night, with five marching bands and scores of floats and individual business entries.

Hutch Brock, mayor of Dade City, opened the event promptly at 7 p.m., and directed the lighting of the official Christmas tree on the lawn of the Historic Dade City Courthouse. Then Greg First and Joey Wubena took over as masters of ceremonies of the parade.

When the last band had marched and the final float rolled by, winners in eight divisions were announced. Little Everglades Steeple Chase claimed best overall award; Del Carmen Mexican Store and the La Onda Dance Club took home the small commercial prize; Cross Construction was named best large commercial; Hernando/Pasco Hospice was awarded the civic/church prize; Song and Dance was named the best marching unit; Pineview Middle School claimed best marching band; Pasco Motors was named the best in car/truck division; and Technicolor Horse Farm was awarded top prize in the horse division.

What's Happening

The Seven Oaks Elementary School PTA held its annual Fall Festival recently. More than 700 children and their families took part in activities that included a mummy wrap, pumpkin painting, pie baking, apple grab, trick or treat village and more. The dunk tank was a popular attraction where students could try to dunk their favorite teachers. Proceeds from the dunk tank will help fund the fifth graders' end of year celebration.

Beautiful weather helped to make the event a success.

"The kids had a blast; that's what this evening is all about. It makes all of the work we put into planning the event worthwhile when you hear the laughter of the children," said Lauren Hracho, event planner.

The event had the support of administration, staff, parents and children.

Thank you goes to event sponsors SurgPro; Dental Health Group; New Tampa Pediatric and Adolescent Care; Dr. Anna H. Seo, dentist; Seven Oaks Realty Group; LifeSource; and Wesley Chapel Toyota. Additional thanks go to Brusters' Ice Cream and Young Chef Academy. For generous donations, thank you goes to UPS Store, Beef O' Brady's, Tijuana Flats, Pancheros, McDonalds, Oasis Nail & Spa, Beauty Center and Salon, Publix and Bonefish Grill.

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East Pasco Habitat for Humanity houses are on the move. The home faade entered the Dade City Chamber Christmas Parade, the Women Build home was set to be dedicated Saturday and eight new homes are starting at 21st Street, North Avenue and 20th Street.

Four new homes, in addition to the Women Build homes, will soon be dedicated. The Oliveras, Pisa, Tarrant and Floyd families will be Habitat Homeowners soon. The families have worked diligently to accumulate their "sweat equity" hours and finish their classes to join the ranks of Pasco County homeowners.

Habitat is always eager for individual volunteers to help with the building of new homes as well as groups to come out and work. East Pasco offers a "Dream Team" one day Build Program to strengthen team efforts for companies large and small.

For information on all Habitat for Humanity events, call (352) 567-1444.

Upcoming Events

Applications are now available for the upcoming 18th annual Miss Heart of Florida Pageant, to be held Feb. 22 in conjunction with the 61st annual Pasco County Fair.

The pageant is open to girls ages 6-17 who have lived in Pasco County for six months prior to the date of the event. Contestants will be judged in the age groups of: Wee Little Miss Heart of Florida, ages 6-8; Little Miss Heart of Florida, ages 9 and 10; Junior Little Miss Heart of Florida, ages 11 and 12; Junior Miss Heart of Florida, ages 13 and 14; and Miss Heart of Florida, ages 15-17.

Complete rules and regulations, along with applications, are available online at www.pascocountyfair.com or at the Pasco County Fair Office, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City.

The deadline to enter the pageant is Jan. 31. There is a $35 non-refundable entry fee.

For more information, call the Fair Office, (352) 567-6678.

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[Last modified December 15, 2007, 20:29:05]