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Veterans Indulge In Rotary's Texas Treat

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: March 26, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - Residents at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O' Lakes enjoyed a special treat recently when the Wesley Chapel Rotary and a few students from area high schools served up Texas-style barbecue with a side of good conversation.

Even though this is the fourth year for the event, this year was special because two former Texans co-chaired and organized the festivities. George Schwappach and Marion Szurek said they decided to make sure this year's lunch was real Texas barbecue.

"In Texas, barbecue is a noun," Schwappach said. "We smoked the beef brisket all night, and we will serve it with Cattleman's barbecue sauce, potato salad and baked beans. We, as Rotarians, want to change the world, and this is the way we do it."

Szurek said she was interested in helping out at the home because she wanted to talk with veterans.

"If anything will open your eyes about life, talking with a veteran will," Szurek said. "I wish every American could come in and just visit for a few minutes with any of the guys and gals here. If you want to understand what courage is, talk to a veteran."

Szurek spent some time talking with World War II veteran Ivan Reed. He said he likes it when people come to visit - especially if they, like the Rotary, bring "delicious food."

"I like the food because it is something different then what I always have," Reed said.
World War II veteran Roy Morrison said he especially enjoyed his lunch when volunteers Michael Moran and Jenna Thomas, seniors at Wiregrass Ranch High School, took a break from serving food to talk with him.

"It is wonderful when people stop by to shoot the breeze," Morrison said. "I don't have anybody, so when people come here and talk with me it makes me feel like people really care."

Michael Patrias, a Rotary member, said he wanted to help out at the event because of everything the veterans did for America.

"The veterans have done so much for us," Patrias said. "This is such a wonderful place for them to be. This is just a small token of our appreciation for what they have given part of their life for."

Alexis Vlk, 17, a junior at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, volunteered at the event by helping to prepare and serve food.

"I have volunteered at this event for the past two years because I like it," Vlk said. "It is fun to help and serve others."

The next big event for the Rotary will be the second annual Bunny Bonanza at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11. Festivities will include an Easter egg hunt, games and free hot dogs and soft drinks.

The club meets at Los Vallarta's, 5335 Village Market, Wesley Chapel, every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. For information, call Michael Arato at (813) 263-7188 or Szurek at (813) 383-6683.

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