The LOLA News from your neighborhood

Your historical perspective will cause you to either challenge or embrace the movie “Red Tails.” Mine did both. I watched “Red Tails” sitting on the edge of my seat. But of course my perspective is different. Yes I know, the movie critics will tell you that the acting wasn’t very good, but thanks to George Lucas the digital animation was excellent. However, the movie itself is bigger than the acting and the digital animation combined.

Events described and portrayed in this movie are a significant part of American history. That part of our history that many people simply don’t know or care to learn about. A part of American history that is ugly and mean and cruel and selfish and still bears hate and discomfort when discussed in many circles.

The movie is based upon the American social climate of 1944 when even those serving our nation in uniform were as equally segregated as the country itself. A time when it was ok to die for this country, but not okay to enter the front door of even many government establishments. The Tuskegee Airmen made a difference and stood for something. We are the benefactors of that something.

The Tuskegee training program prepared black fighter pilots during World War II to eventually escort U.S. bombers and help defeat Hitler. Paramount to the story line is the 1925 Army War College study which suggested that white officers were far superior than black officers, black troops should always remain segregated especially in combat roles and because of their mental incapacity, black officers should never lead white troops.

It wasn’t until the Korean War between 1951-1954 that our military was forced into desegregating units by Presidential Executive Order. It took many more years before black troops and white troops ate, fought, won, sacrificed and died side-by-side.We are better off now because of it.

As a young Army officer I had the pleasure of meeting a few Tuskegee Airmen and getting to know several on a personal level. In hindsight, I under-appreciated the true value they brought to my life AND my career as a military officer, leading America’s men and women without regard to color, race or socioeconomic status.
The movie was 20 years in the making, the story helped shape America into what it is today. Watch the movie, then talk about it. “Nothing is difficult, everything’s a challenge,” Dr. Roscoe Brown, Original Tuskegee Airman.

Brian Butler is a retired army officer, a National War College graduate, proud veteran and President of Vistra Communications, a strategic public relations and management consulting firm with an office in Lutz. Visit Vistra online at www.ConsultVistra.com. Brian is actively involved in the local community and enjoys supporting veteran causes.

2012 Walk MS Offers Eight Locations with One Destination:
A World Free of Multiple Sclerosis

Registration is now open and teams are now forming for the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter’s annual Walk MS events: eight distinct events in eight fun and scenic locations throughout Central Florida. Whether they have MS, know someone affected by MS, or simply want to enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends while enjoying the springtime sunshine, walkers of all abilities and ages are invited to put on their walking shoes and join in the festive atmosphere of Walk MS in the city nearest them.

Beginning March 10 and running through April 14, Central Florida cities including Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Lady Lake, Largo and Ormond Beach, as well as Brevard County (Melbourne), will welcome thousands of walkers with a common vision: to support cutting edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward.

The distance of each Walk MS event varies per location, from .6 to 3 miles, with a short and long route offered at each event. There is no registration fee to walk, but participants who meet the suggested $125 goal will receive a 2012 Walk MS T-shirt. In addition to these 8 Walk MS events, the Mid Florida Chapter also offers a Virtual Walk option for those who live too far from scheduled Walk MS events or are unavailable on their city’s scheduled date. Participants can select the date of their choice anytime throughout March, invite family and friends to form a team, make use of free online fundraising tools and walk on the appointed day at the location of their choice to help raise awareness and funds for the Mid Florida chapter. Fundraising tips and tools are available online at www.nationalmssociety.org/FLC.

For more information about Walk MS, contact Gaby Casado, Development Manager at 407-478-8882 ext. 27.

Co-Publisher’s note: I walk each year, for myself and many friends who I have made along my journey with this terrible disease. Diagnosed 20+ years ago, I struggle with symptoms; but gratefully on most days, I am still able to walk. Please email me at lolakaren2@yahoo.com if you would like to join my terrific team of “Karen’s Kool Peeps” at the 2012 Tampa MS Walk on Saturday, March 24, Lowry Park Zoo starting at 5:30 pm.

Hillsborough And Pasco County Parks, So Much More Than Just Walking

As you drive along the busy street known as Dale Mabry, you may be unaware of the hidden oasis, named Lake Park. The 589 acre park has a lot to offer including five lakes, an equestrian area, BMX bicycle track and a two mile hiking trail.

Whether you are looking for a fun way to tire out your children at the playground, or want a relaxing day reading a good book under a shady tree, Lake Park is for you. Fishing is permitted from the shore, and only electric powered boats are permitted in the lakes. If you are lucky enough to catch a fish, a volunteer catch and release program for bass is encouraged and there is a limit of two catfish per day.

The park hosts many events throughout the year, including the Native American Festival, an annual art show, and Tampa BMX Raceway races. During the winter months, the park is open from 8 am to 6 pm. In the spring, summer and fall from 8 am to 7 pm.

Another park in Lutz is perfect for the dog lover. Be sure to visit Carolyn Meeker Dog Park, 122 1st Ave. SW, Lutz. Located near Johns 4 Meat (aka John’s Butcher Shop) and the Lutz Library, the park has five acres with a six foot chain link fence. The area is split into two separate access areas for small and large dogs. In addition, there are water fountains for people and dogs, park benches, dog washes, a hitching post, and doggie mitt receptacles.

Further east is one of the first parks I visited when I moved to Florida. Lettuce Lake Park opened a few years earlier, in 1982, and over the years has added amenities, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fitness course. The 3500 foot boardwalk meanders along the Hillsborough River to an observation tower for a birds eye view of the beautiful surrounding nature. A canoe and kayak launch has added another option for the nature observer. The 240 acre park is located at 6920 E Fletcher, Tampa.

Traveling north on 301, you will find Hillsborough River State Park. It is one of the oldest parks in Florida. It opened in 1938 at 15402 US 301 N in Thonotosassa. With over seven miles of nature trails, it is a hiker’s paradise. Bicyclists can ride the 1.6 miles Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail as well as the 2.2 mile loop around the campgrounds. If you don’t own a bike, you can rent one for $10 per hour. Surreys (for two or more people) can be rented for $20 per hour.

Camping, swimming in the pool, enjoying the picnic areas, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the things to do at the park. Rangers can take you on a tour of Historic Fort Foster on Saturdays at 2 pm or Sundays at 11 am. The cost for the tour is $2. Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. Artifacts found at the fort site are on display along with maps showing both sides of the conflict between Seminole Indians and US Forces.

Fort Foster Rendezvous will be held Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12. Historical reenactments featuring military and Seminole Indians will be held on Saturday and Sunday after 1 pm. Settlers and tradesmen will be dressed in historical clothing to make you feel as if you traveled back in time. Craft demonstrations and a variety of food will be available. Thursday and Fridays will be school days (but the public is invited as well). The cost is $2 per student and teachers and chaperones are free.

Like many of the parks in Hillsborough County, there is a $2 entry fee at each of these parks (not including the dog park). Canoes and Kayaks can be rented for $25 for two to four hours (times vary depending upon the park), $10 each additional hour. For more information, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/Parks
Hillsborough County is not alone in the “beautiful parks department.” Pasco has many places to visit. In fact, too many to include all of them in this article. Withlacoochee River Park is located at 12449 Withlacoochee Boulevard, Dade City. The park has a playground, 40 foot observation tower, campgrounds, and 5.2 miles of hiking trails, but the most unique part of the park is the 1840’s replica of an Indian Village with a School House, Church, Trading Post and Cracker House as well as a Log Cabin. We found only one location where the hiking trail met the river, and that was near the pay station. There’s a dock where you can launch a canoe, but the water level was very low on our visit.
The park is the home of the Withlacoochee Living History Primitive Art Festival. Flint knapping demonstrations (where artists make arrow and spear points), fur traders and craftsmen from the 1800s lead to the authentic feel of the festival. Visitors can buy arrowheads, spear points, and stone working tools. The annual festival is being held on February 17, 2012 from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost is $2 per person, children 12 and under free or $5 per car.

After taking in all the history at Hillsborough River State Park and Withlacoochee River Park, we decided to travel west. Of course, in Florida, you can only go so far before you hit water. We found three beautiful parks along the same road, Key Vista Nature Park, Anclote Park, and Anclote River Park are all located on Baillies Bluff Road in Holiday.

Key Vista Nature Park is a 101 acre park located at 2700 Baillies Bluff. The nature trail meanders through the woods among tall beautiful pine trees. The only sounds are leaves rustling and the marsh grass blowing in the breeze. As we continued along the path, enjoying the tranquility, we saw a bald eagle perched high on a tree branch. It spread its wings and flew off, before we could get a close up view. The nature hike continues onto a boardwalk with breathtaking views of the Gulf. Benches are all along the trail, for you to rest and enjoy the nature around you. Photographers will enjoy the abundance of wildlife at the nature park. We were pleasantly surprised to see an owl sleeping in it’s nest high overhead. The park has a $2 parking fee and restrooms.

For another dog park, visit Anclote Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff. As you enter the park, there are two large play areas for the dogs. The double gated entry allows the larger dogs (over 35 lbs) to play in one area and the smaller (under 35 lbs) in another. There are benches for the owners to sit with a few shady spots, while the dogs run and play. Water fountains help to keep the dogs hydrated.
Located along the Gulf, the park is a popular fishing spot, either with a boat or along the two piers. A children’s fishing tournament is scheduled for March 3, 2012. Check the Pasco County Parks calendar for more information. website
Wildlife is all around this park, as well. A sign showing “Manatee area” is displayed to alert visitors to be on the lookout for the slow moving creatures floating through the warmer waters of the canal. Pelicans, eagles, and a variety of birds make their home in Anclote Park.

Further down the road, is Anclote River Park, located at 1119 Baillies Bluff. There are many amenities for your family to enjoy, including 300 foot swimming area on the Gulf, picnic tables, volleyball and horseshoe pits. With six boat ramps and four docks, it is a good place to launch your boat, canoe or kayak. The cost to use the boat ramp is $5 per day. The park entrance fee is $2.

Heading north, you will find Crews Lake Wilderness Park. Crews Lake was once the largest lake in the county. It was very sad when the lake dried up many years ago during the drought. But the park still has a lot to offer and assured its visitors that it wasn’t going away by opening a train ride. Free rides are offered on the 2nd Saturday of each month by The Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad, Inc. from 10 am to 4 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter #2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties as well. Contact (727) 639-7639 for more information or visit their website at www.cpgrr.org.

The train ride, picnic areas, hiking trails and playgrounds ensure that families will have a great day visiting the park. Crews Lake Wilderness Park is located at 16739 Crews Lake Drive, Spring Hill. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Whether you are a bird watcher, photographer, hiker, or parent with energetic kids (including the 4 legged kind), you will be able to find a park for you. So put on your hiking shoes, pack a picnic and enjoy your walk in the park.
Parking Passes

Hillsborough County Parks - annual passes for $50 (individuals) or $100 (families) can be purchased at Hillsborough County Regional Parks, Administrative Office, 15502 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. The application can be downloaded from the website and mailed. PDF document

Pasco County Parks - annual passes for $60 will allow you to enter 11 county parks. Passes can be purchased at several different locations including the Central Pasco Professional Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Suite 202, Land O’ Lakes.

Hope For Honduras – Local Businesses On A Mission

Jackie Sayles, owner of Experience Miracles Catering, is not only preparing for the trip of her life, but more importantly the lives of many children in need. With the help of other business owners and community members she plans to fly to Honduras on a mission trip to renovate an orphanage for the abandoned children in the region just south of the Tegucigalpa Mountains. She was introduced to the project last year by Doug Torres, one of the owners of A Cup of Organic Coffee, who are well known in the community for their giving back.

The City of Hope Orphanage was established in 1999 by Pastor Jose Inestroza to provide a caring residence to abused, neglected and orphaned children in the area. The dilapidated structure is in dire need of restoration in order to make it sanitary and inhabitable. There is an urgent necessity for building materials and labor to make this possible. The plan is to construct a separate, new dormitory while the old one is repaired. On completion the building would house more than forty five children. There are currently twenty four in residence from age eight to eighteen years and the project has a five to six year anticipated completion time.
Jackie explained, “I had a definite calling when I first went to the North coast in July and I knew I would be called back. It was really upsetting to see the conditions the children were living in and I wanted to do something to help them.”
The aim of the mission is to teach the children English; general life skills to prepare them to leave the orphanage and equip them with a support structure to remove them from the otherwise dangerous situation most find themselves in. A famous quote states, ‘Give a man a fish and he is fed for a day - teach him to fish and he is fed for a lifetime!’

Jackie seeks assistance in raising funds for the program and requests donations direct on web site and at charity events. A Wine Tasting Benefit, for the City of Hope, was held at the Country Walk Clubhouse, in Wesley Chapel on Tuesday December 27 2011 at 7pm. The evening included wine tasting by Wine for Humanity; heavy Hors D’Ouvres and a classical piano performance by James A Williams. Proceeds went to the Orphanage fund.

The next event - “Have a Heart For Children High Tea “ - will be on Sunday February 12th from 1pm till 3:30 pm at the Country Walk Clubhouse, Meadow Pointe, where harpist Beverly Fuller will be playing.
While Jackie is busy finalizing plans to travel out, Eric Johnson, Director of Corporate and Community Relations at Wesley Chapel Toyota & Honda recently returned from Trojes, Honduras. His mission was to head to the mountainous areas currently without clean water and build filtration systems for individual houses, with a team of four others from the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary. The trip was organized by Pure Water for the World, an organization dedicated to improving the health of children; families, and communities in the developing world by providing them with sustainable pure water solutions.

The journey for the group, which was sponsored by The Wesley Chapel Rotary and Wesley Chapel Toyota & Honda, began on January 15 to 21 and consisted of a three day plan to fit latrines and install bio sand water filters. They also visited local schools and previously filtered villages as a follow up on progress made on prior work carried out. Eric was excited to report that there were significant improvements in the health of those who benefited from the installations and more dignity in regards to hygiene. He stated “It was much harder work than we anticipated due to the rain making conditions slippery. We were way up in the mountains without electricity and running water but were able to install seven latrines and seven water filters”.

For further details on how to donate to the City of Hope Orphanage; how to become involved and to purchase tickets for the benefit event please contact Jackie Sayles on (813) 991 1212 or visit the web site at www.cityofhopehonduras.org.

These Cats Have It Made On Easy Street

Although the Veteran’s Expressway was very close, no traffic could be heard as sunlight filtered through the trees and landed on a bobcat named Angelica. She stretched out on the ground, revealing herself to be larger than one might expect, then she arched her neck backward and started grooming her fur. Bobcats like her live throughout America, but are seldom seen even by people who live on the edge of the wilderness.

Angelica is one of more than 100 felines who reside on a 55-acre parcel near Citrus Park Town Center, representing numerous species from around the world. Their benefactor is Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization that is quite different today than when it opened in the early 1990’s.

Originally called Wildlife on Easy Street, its basic goal of rescuing animals from a life of abuse and neglect remains the same. However, the scope of that goal has broadened and the means of achieving it have changed, in keeping with the evolving philosophy of founder Carole Baskin.

It was so “hands on” in the early days that my sister, who was in high school at the time, had her picture taken with a lynx sitting on her lap. Today, even the employees do not touch the cats.

It used to breed animals and sell some of the offspring to what were thought to be good homes. Today, Baskin and her staff recoil at the thought of doing that because it amounts to participating in the exotic pet trade -- something which, over the years, they have come to view as being bad for cats and humans alike.
In fact, the exotic pet trade is a topic she is so passionate about that the organization now turns down approximately 25 rescues for every cat it does acquire. Whereas yesterday’s Wildlife on Easy Street was quick to take in animals in distress, today’s Big Cat Rescue will not do so unless the party relinquishing the animal surrenders its license to own such creatures. This is because the organization has learned that some people and entities will simply unload aging or commercially unviable cats, then use their freed-up resources to breed or purchase new ones, thus compounding a problem rather than solving it.

A visit to Big Cat Rescue is very educational, but of course you will want to see the animals as well as learn about them. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. The cats are kept in spacious, multi-chambered, cage-like enclosures, each of which sits three feet behind a short fence. You are allowed to take pictures but are not allowed to reach over the fence and violate the three-foot buffer.

Big Cat Rescue is home to “classics” like lions and tigers, and also to lesser known cats such as servals and caracals. I was surprised by how many servals call it home, considering that I had never even heard of the species until my January visit. With sleek faces, oversized ears, and elongated bodies, these African natives comprise one of the most visually striking felines I have ever seen.

The jungle cat, a native of southern Asia, is another species I had never heard of until last month. Rambo, the organization’s lone jungle cat, is an active fellow who likes to walk around his enclosure making a vocalization that sounds eerily close to a person saying “wow.”

As you stroll the grounds you will see name plates that identify each cat and explain how they came to reside here, and you will find that the stories behind the acquisitions are wide-ranging. Some cats were simply surrendered by owners who realized they could not care for a creature that is essentially a wild predator. Others were rescued from failed roadside attractions. One -- a lioness named Nikita -- was seized by authorities in a drug raid. Jeff Kremer, Director of Donor Appreciation, told me and my wife that it is becoming increasingly common for drug pushers to keep big cats on their property to protect their illicit inventory.
A fount of information, Kremer eagerly shares his knowledge about big cats and the challenges they face both in the wild and in captivity. Previously employed by Honeywell, he loves his current job and sings the praises of Big Cat Rescue’s culture and mission. He points out that because it covers all overhead and operating expenses with the revenue it gets from public tours and merchandise sales, every dollar it receives from donations “goes to the cats.”
After ending his career with Honeywell, Kremer’s love of animals led him to Lowry Park Zoo, where he worked in security for four years before making his way here. He describes sanctuaries like Big Cat Rescue as being “not anti-zoo, but a zoo alternative,” explaining that both types of entities play a role in animal welfare, though sanctuaries are charities, not businesses, and thus are less beholden to their bottom lines.

Kremer tells us that when he was being hired by Big Cat Rescue, the people doing the interviewing told him “we would like you to retire here.” He smiles and adds, “I don’t remember ever hearing anything like that in the corporate world.”
This is one charity about which you can be confident that you aren’t getting swindled when you write a check. For three years in a row it has received the highest rating given out by the watchdog group Charity Navigator. If you are interested in donating to Big Cat Rescue, or in being a volunteer, you may call them at 813-920-4130 or visit their web site at bigcatrescue.org.

Tours for ages 10 and up are given every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:00 p.m.; and on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For children under 10, the tours are shorter and given every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Prices are $29 per adult and $19 per child.