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North Tampa Bay Chamber reflects on 2020
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Like every business and organization, the North Tampa Bay Chamber has faced challenges and unpredictability — in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. A public health crisis, government shutdowns and a flattened economy caused the chamber to pivot, and change the way it delivers services during 2020, so it could continue operations, while remaining safe. It caused the chamber to shift to virtual operations, to begin offering meetings and
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webinars, and to provide assistance remotely — aimed at helping its members navigate through the pandemic. Chamber leaders discussed the chamber’s response to the pandemic, during the organization’s annual business meeting held via Zoom on Dec. 1. Kevin O’Farrell, the outgoing chairman of the board, said “we’ve really had to reimagine all of our events and our programming, our activities, to continue to push the organization forward.” The pandemic, he said, has served as a reminder of “how important it is for
individuals and organizations, in times of crisis, to truly double down on their values. I think, as a chamber, that’s exactly what we’ve done.” He then detailed how the chamber focused on its four core values of integrity, innovation, inclusivity and collaboration. “We had to be inclusive, bringing in new members and new individuals, to give us new voices, to make sure that we’re addressing all of the needs of all of our members — not leaving anyone behind, or on the side-
See CHAMBER, page 9A
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A wonderland of 'snow' and surprises Coupled with a light drizzle, Life Church’s booth generated bubbles that doubled as snowflakes and snow drifts. Hundreds of vehicles made their way along the line of vendor tents at the Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru, hosted by Wesley Chapel Rotary at Wesley Chapel District Park. Natalie Dougherty (left), of Life Church, hands out gifts within the sudsy blizzard. See more on page 1B.
Celebrating some of life’s big moments
Making birthdays happy, despite COVID-19
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
If ever there was a time when joy was needed, 2020 was the year. Here’s a look, in condensed form, at some of the stories revealing big moments and happy times in The Laker/Lutz News region, during the year that was. More photos on page 9A. FILE
When original plans for Evelyn “Ev” Furman’s 99th birthday were canceled, her daughter came up with Plan B. The plans were all set. Furman’s family planned to travel to Land O’ Lakes and to take her to the Rusty Pelican to celebrate her 99th birthday. A birthday lunch with friends was planned, too. Neither happened, thanks to COVID-19. Instead, her daughter, Debbie Storts organized a party — inviting people to drive, walk or bicycle by the house to help Ev celebrate. Storts used a 6-foot tray to hand out cupcakes. Those bringing gifts left them at the edge of the driveway, where they were collected and sanitized, before being delivered to the Birthday Girl. Although the original plans fell through, Ev didn’t mind. “It was the best party I ever had,” she said.
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When Kynlee Kuberski wasn’t able to celebrate her 11th birthday at Universal Studios, her mom, Jessi, took to social media inviting people to drive by to wish her a happy, socially distanced birthday. People responded, making the day a treat for Kynlee, who lives in Connerton. Kynlee, center, reacts as a Pasco County Fire Rescue truck drives by — adding to the fun. Her mother, Jessi, stands to her left, and her older sister, Kalyn, is on her right.