Thoughts from the editor…
Published November 1, 2025
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
As sometimes happens, I had something else planned for this space. But then there’s a notion to just go with the flow or the gushing spigot of things to do that tosses your plans off track.
Or maybe it’s a simple nudge – a reminder in the daily fray that you’re closing in on a notable anniversary that bears mentioning because you’ve made it this far – for better and worse.
It was 45 years ago today, on a balmy 70ish-degree day in New England, just a few days before the election of Ronald Regan, that we tied the knot. We threw one heck of a party, one that I’d venture to say is legendary among the guests who are still kicking or can still remember.
As with a lot of enduring and graying couples, we’ve trekked through our share of thick and thin since that Indian Summer Saturday morning. Between us, we’ve suffered a boatload of tragic loss and redeeming miracles. Been financially poor at times, even as we were rich in intangible ways you can’t seem to feel or can’t count in a ledger when you’re trying to balance the checkbook.
We’ve proved to be a pretty good team – even in the dark times when we picked ourselves up by the collective bootstraps. But there have been times when we’ve also been propped up – tenderly cradled by others who stepped in to assist in immeasurable ways that helped us turn a corner and led us to eventually being able to experience the good and uplifting feeling that comes with being able to return the favor. To pay it forward – maybe shine a little light in someone else’s dark time.
That’s partly because someone else showed the way when they did it for you, but also because you got to realizing that no matter how humble, what’s the real value of good fortune if you can’t spread it around?
Which leads to another thought.
This November 1st also marks the first day that SNAP benefits won’t be distributed for a populace of seniors, children, the disabled, as well as low-income working people who qualify for assistance because they don’t earn enough to put food on the table.
There are many in our community working constantly to meet a worrisome, growing need.
Some of what’s going on lately, to name a few….
The non-profit, faith-based One Community Now, located on Main Street, recently raised an impressive $187,367 (and counting) through Pack the Park for Pac-a-Sack, an annual event held in Sims Park that featured 60+ vendors, a Trunk-or-Treat in the parking lot adjacent to Peace Hall, a Dog Costume Contest, and family-friendly activities. And a whole bunch of people working as one for a shared cause.
“The park was overflowing with joy, laughter, and connection,” according to a social media post wrap-up. “Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, celebrating, and making a difference together.”
We were there attending the What’s What New Port Richey booth and can attest to the warm feeling of camaraderie as we met the flow of people enjoying the day. It was a real pleasure to meet and interact with all who stopped by and to be able to absorb the community spirit that flowed freely.
Yet even with that monetary influx, One Community Now is still working toward the original goal to raise $250,000 to continue to fund the Pack-a-Sack. This longstanding, worthy program that distributes food staples for local children whose main source of nourishment is often school cafeteria meals. Which means local kids often go hungry over the weekend and during school breaks.
Shouldn’t be happening, right?
The need is growing exponentially by the day as state and federal grants that once helped support these programs dry up. Now, people who were expecting to go food shopping this weekend must do without as they wait for the release of emergency funds, as ordered by two federal judges, to pay SNAP benefits for November. Even if that does happen today, it is expected not to be an immediate fix.
Happy Holidays.
So, as happens with a gushing spigot of new needs, the local community is being asked to step in. To prop up and cradle those who don’t have the means to pick themselves up by the bootstraps. Donate food and gifts for the upcoming holiday, or make a monetary donation to one of the many organizations out there doing the work for us.
To that end, I encourage my neighbors and readers to pitch in when and how they can – even if it means simply directing others to resources and organizations that can help.
For a few instances….
Metropolitan Ministries is taking applications for holiday help, but is also asking for turkeys and monetary donations that will be matched by a generous donor if you write that check by November 26.
The Volunteer Way Food Pantry is also looking to provide food for holiday meals and is hosting a Trunking for Turkeys Donation Drive through November 15th, with a drive-thru turkey giveaway scheduled for Saturday, November 18.
Another organization asking for assistance is a newly formed non-profit with founders who have a long history of helping others.
Enchanted to Help was founded by Tara Dalrymple Fielding and Seth Kapp, owners of the Steamworks Pub in downtown New Port Richey, and Nikki Lennert-Frenette (pictured).
This annual fundraiser has been hosted by Tara and Nikki for ten years, ever since Tara, who was then working as a bartender at the nearby Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, decided to donate a night’s worth of tips to get things started.
“We raised 2,500 the first night,” she said, noting that the event held last year netted $12,000, funds that go a long way in brightening holidays for students attending several local schools and making things a little easier for struggling families.
That help looks to spread further as Enchanted to Help sets up a partnership with Marjorie’s Hope, another long-time non-profit that got its start providing homecoming and prom attire for high school students. Marjorie’s Hope also hosts Back to School and Christmas Kids drives and recently branched out with another partnership with the Class of 2025 Leadership Pasco to open a chic boutique housed on the Wendell Krinn School Campus called Marjorie’s Hope Outfitters.
This year’s Enchanted Christmas event, held on Thursday, November 13, at SteamWorks Pub, will help fulfill the wishes of over 200 children attending Richey and Chasco Elementary Schools and River Ridge Middle and High School.
Those who want to help can purchase a gift from an anonymous child’s wishlist, or make a monetary donation, “and we’ll shop for you,” Tara said.
(For more information on that event, visit the Enchanted to Help FB page or email enchantedtohelp@gmail.com)
These are just a few examples of how to get or give help as we collectively tap into the better part of ourselves.
For more, check out the Helping Hands Calendar of Offerings and Needs as well as the new Helping Hands | Fundraisers section. And if you know of a non-profit organization or fundraiser that you would like to see listed, please send the info along by emailing mmiller@whatswhatnewportrichey.com
We want to spread the word.
Thanks for reading.
Now Onward.
