Trinity A REA
Community News Briefs
By Diane Galemmo Summer Fun at Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa Homebuilder Ralph Zuckerman purchased some land in Odessa at the site of Old McMicky’s farm, which went up for sale in 2006. It was very rundown and for years he didn’t know what to do with the property. But whatever his eventual plans, the land had to be cleaned up. When that was done, the homebuilder decided not to fill the lakefront property with houses. Instead he turned the land into a petting zoo and a farm, with goats, rabbits, chickens and ponies for riding. There’s a milking station where kids not only learn about milking a cow, but also will have a chance to do it. Located next door is the baby barn, filled with the farm’s youngest residents. Above it, a loft maze provides an outlet for the seemingly endless energy of visiting children. Every child gets a pony ride and can travel a barnyard maze that ends with a slide ride from the second story. There’s also a hayride powered by a 1949 Ford tractor. A visit to the baby pygmy goats elicits shrieks of delight and squeals. Commenting on the farm, Zuckerman says, “It’s old-fashioned, traditional fun in a beautiful natural setting.” In late May, kindergarten and firstgrade students gave the farm a test run before it officially opened to the public. “It’s great to see the amazement on their faces,” Zuckerman says. “Most of these kids have never held a chicken, and you can see their faces light up. They are learning to have an appreciation for animals.” Along the way, guides provide details on the animals and how they are cared for.
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“Many of the same people who worked at the farm before it closed in 2006 have rejoined the team,” Zuckerman says. In an effort to give back to the community, Zuckerman introduced a program called 1,000 kids. “We want to bring 1,000 kids who are facing any type of challenge, whether it is a physical, health or mental challenge,” Zuckerman says. “(We) bring them out for an amazing day on the farm at no charge.” Zuckerman has reached out to several area nonprofit groups and is open to working with others, including Wounded Veterans. “The farm is very peaceful,” Zuckerman says. “It’s very healing. I decided I wanted to re-create the tradition for the Tampa Bay area. The farm is on the former Camp Keystone acreage. It was founded in 1946 and had served as a popular summer camp for six decades. Old McMicky’s Farm is at 9612 Crescent Drive in Odessa. It is open every day with the first tour beginning at 9 a.m. and the last tour at 1 p.m. The cost is: children, $9; adults, $11; seniors, the military, law enforcement, firefighters or teachers, $9. Groups of 20 or more with reservations, pay $8 per person. Fourth of July Fireworks Light up the Night Sky The city of Port Richey is planning to spend $7,000 for a pyrotechnic display over Waterfront Park, located at Miller’s Bayou at 8119 Old Post Rd. in Port Richey on the 4th. According to City Manager Tom O’Neill, the fireworks will begin about 9 p.m. and last for 10 to 12 minutes. The city’s Community Redevelopment Dept. (CRA) will directly hire the Princeton, Florida-based Fireworks Unlimited LLC. The CRA has $15,000 set
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aside in its special events budget. City council members, acting as the CRA board, agreed to a $3,500 deposit. The fireworks company plans to fire about 556 shells of various sizes. The company, managed by Gary S. Avins, will carry a $1 liability insurance policy and handle all permits and licenses. The display will be the only fireworks show in West Pasco on the 4th of July. However, on June 30 Greater New Port Richey Main Street is planning an early Independence Day Festival and fireworks display. The event will be held Sat., June 30 from 2 p.m to 11 p.m., in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. Main Street in conjunction with Friendly Kia, Tampa Bay Times and the City of New Port Richey offers this event to the citizens of West Pasco as a celebration of freedom and everything that is allAmerican, including the annual fireworks display. It is a day filled with all American food, arts and crafts, the annual Miss Firecracker contest, live music and, of course, the highlight of the day––the fireworks. Attendance of approximately 10,00012,000 is anticipated. The music lineup consists of three local bands with strong followings, as well as Draw the Line, an Aerosmith tribute band out of Boston. In addition to Draw the Line, local businessman Eric Anderson and his band, Jam Sandwich, will be the festival’s opening act. Local favorites Circle Sky will also perform followed by That 70s Band. Draw the Line will go on stage at approximately 8 p.m. with a break around 8:45 for the fireworks display. The band will continue playing until approximately 10:30 p.m. Activities and fun for the whole family will be underway beginning at 2 p.m. on June 30th including a Corn Hole Tournament, bounces houses, face painters and many other summertime festivities. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, and leave your coolers at home. Food and beverages including beer and wine will be available throughout the day.
JUNE 2013
Main Street needs volunteers to help out with the event. Call 727-842-8066 if you want to help out. Volunteers Spruce up New Port Richey Downtown Area Mike Glass of West Pasco Outreach along with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay (CareFest) have come together to volunteer to clean-up the landscaping at the property on River Road in New Port Richey that was once home to the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The community service event is part of a larger day of service called CareFest, a Christ-centered community service. The property had the lawn, bushes and trees cut and trimmed; vines were removed. The volunteers were on the property on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Along with the cleanup at the River church, some individuals from these groups helped two wheelchair-bound residents. These organizations volunteer their time to help municipal governments like the City of New Port Richey and residents that are need of help with their property. In the past, these groups have helped with cleaning of the Hacienda, installed an irrigation system at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, and painted at Sims Park. While Glass and his team were cleaning up the church, groups in several Suncoast cities were cleaning up parks and vacant buildings, as well as assisting the elderly. CareFest activities are tri-county and are not just faith-based. “Anyone can help clean up the community,” says Glass. Other organizations such as The Well Worship Center have also helped the City at the Recreation and Aquatic Center with trimming the bushes around the pools, as well as trimming and pulling weeds from the Butterfly Garden. The Well Worship Center has also beautified the flowerbeds at Peace Hall at Grand Blvd. and Peace Lane along with cleaning
Trinity Area Neighborhood News