B.C. Manion

Recycling and fun are major themes at Learning Gate

January 27, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The seventh- and eighth-graders were so revved up, it seemed like they were competing for a big cash prize.

But, they were battling for something that has no price tag.

Plastic trays, garden hose, plate liners and tin molds are used to bring life to the side of a storage shed at Learning Gate Community School’s seventh- and eighth-grade campus. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Plastic trays, garden hose, plate liners and tin molds are used to bring life to the side of a storage shed at Learning Gate Community School’s seventh- and eighth-grade campus.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

They were going after bragging rights during a physical challenge at Learning Gate Community School, at the school’s seventh- and eighth-grade campus at 207 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The kids were clearly having a blast, as they crab walked, kangaroo hopped, buzzard circled, salamander slithered, inch walked and piggyback rode through a relay race in the school’s auditorium.

The place was rocking with cheers and laughter, as teams raced back and forth.

The relay race is just one of the challenges that students have participated in this year, said Principal Michelle Mason said.

The challenges vary. Sometimes they’re physical. Other times they’re academic or have another focus.

“We make sure everybody has a chance to be the star and use their natural gift,” Mason said.

The students are competitive, she said.

But, points can be earned in other ways, too, the principal said.

Teachers can reward students that they notice are going above and beyond — academically, socially or behaviorally.

“We try to make sure that we encourage them in all different ways,” she said.

Although the elementary school and the middle school are on two different campuses, the school makes it a point to build on the curriculum, to give students a seamless education, she said.

The school places a heavy emphasis on environmental education and has won national recognition.

It received a 2014 Best of Green Schools award from the U.S. Green Building Council for the annual EcoFest that the school organizes.

Originally held on the school’s campus in Lutz, the event became so popular that it was moved to Tampa’s Lowry Park.

The event brings together businesses, organizations and individuals from Tampa Bay dedicated to the principles of sustainability.

The elementary campus has a sizable garden, and the seventh- and eighth-grade campus will be adding one.

This is the first year that the seventh- and eighth-graders have been housed at the Lutz Lake Fern Road campus, in a building that previously housed Hand in Hand Academy.

The seventh- and eighth-graders had been attending classes in an office building on Florida Avenue, but that was always intended as a temporary location.

At Learning Gate Community School’s seventh- and eighth-grade campus, the words ‘upcycle’ and ‘recycle’ are part of the school’s daily life. They’re reusing an old building for their school and are using ingenuity to create outdoor décor. Spray paint and hubcaps can be transformed into outdoor whimsical décor.

The charter school had been seeking to build a school for grades six through 12 off U.S. 41, but those attempts were abandoned after community opposition to the proposed site.

The Lutz Lake Fern Road location gives the students what they need, Mason said.

“We spent all summer getting this in shape for the kids to come in. We made it work for us,” she said.

“We’ve kind of been using the whole theme of recycling,” she said. “We’ve recycled and reused this older building.”

Outside, spray-painted bicycle rims and old hubcaps have been transformed into flowers, and a shack is decked out with flowers, featuring recycled items and green garden hose.

This campus has 176 students and can accommodate up to 205.

The school originally wanted up to 250 students, but agreed to compromise with community representatives for a maximum of 205.

“I think it was a good compromise,” Mason said.

Published January 27, 2016

Band has big dreams and bold ambitions

January 27, 2016 By B.C. Manion

They haven’t had many big gigs yet, but the band that calls itself Beyond Chaotic hopes that will change soon.

In fact, the six-member band is planning to travel to Orlando next month to audition for “America’s Got Talent.”

Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Band members say they know it’s a big stage, and they admit they’re a bit nervous, but they want to go for it.

After all, they’re trying to build their fan base.

That sounds like a lot of the acts that appear on the popular television program.

But, Beyond Chaotic is not exactly a typical band.

It’s a rock group, and its six members are all age 12 or younger.

The members are Max Karafilis and his sister, Alex; Colin Mendoza and his sister, Kayla; Devon Bilek and Dominic Fusco.

They live in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Two are homeschooled, two go to Seven Oaks Elementary, one attends Lutz Preparatory School, and the other attends John Long Middle School.

All of them love music, and they’re willing to work hard to improve their musical chops.

Max is the band’s lead singer. Alex plays violin and keyboard, and sings, mostly backup, too. Devon is the bass player. Dominic plays leader guitar. Colin is the drummer, and Kayla is on keyboard.

Five of the band members met during the Bigel Music Rock Band Camp last summer.

They’ve all been playing instruments longer, and they practice together two to three times a week — in addition to their private lessons.

Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.

Like many bands, they’ve already had one player drop out. She had a conflict with church and Sunday school.

Colin’s sister stepped up to fill the gap, because the 8-year-old has been playing keyboard since she was around 4.

So far, their biggest crowd was during shows they played at The Shops at Wiregrass during the holidays.

They played three sets, of 40 minutes each, to hundreds of people, according to Cindy Karafilis, Max and Alex’s mom.

They have a play list of roughly 20 songs, ranging from “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragon to “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes.

They’re also beginning to write their own music.

Being in a band has its demands and its rewards, they said.

“It’s hard, but it’s fun,” said Alex, who handles the vocals.

Twelve-year-old Devon put it like this: “It makes me feel accomplished that I can play music really well, when I hear the crowd getting excited when we’re playing.”

They may be young, but they have big dreams.

Alex wants to go on tour and wouldn’t mind getting a record deal.

Devon wants to build the band’s fan base.

Max wants to play a bigger venue, so more people can see them and spread the word about the band.

They have some gigs lined up.

Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.

They’re on the schedule for Feb. 5 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, they’ll do a few numbers at the Valentine’s Dance at Seven Oaks Elementary School, and they’re scheduled to play April 16 at Journey for a Cure 5k at Al Lopez Park to benefit St. Joseph’s Children Hospital.

They’re also open to playing for private parties, Cindy Karafilis said.

But, they’re so new to the game that they haven’t quite figured out what to charge when they do get a paying gig, she said.

Regardless of the venue, the kids seem to love it.

“It’s hard work, of course. It’s really fun,” Colin said. “I think it’s pretty exciting.”

Dominic agreed: “It’s really fun to perform. Once you get over that little hump of being afraid to go onstage, it’s a blast.”

Some day, fame may come. But, for now, they’re just working hard — and turning up the volume.

Published January 27, 2016

Local students vie for $10,000 video prize

January 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The fifth-grade media club at Veterans Elementary School is vying for the $10,000 grand prize in the annual Trees Rock video contest sponsored by Scotties Tissues.

The club’s video has been deemed a top 10 finalist in a national competition.

The contest calls for videos that explain the importance of trees. The $10,000 prize is intended for use in a sustainable project, such as tree plantings, outdoor classrooms, greenhouses, gardens and so on.

Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf. (Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School) — Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf.
(Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School)

Students led by club co-advisers Susan Forgas and Mario Pineo worked on the video for weeks.

The students came up with the ideas for the segments, wrote the scripts, created costumes, filmed the segments and edited the three-minute video.

The video is based on the concept of someone flipping through the channels at night, landing on commercials or previews of shows.

“The kids kind of brought their own ideas,” Pineo said. “They sort of had an audition. Then we brainstormed how we would put those together and which ones we would include, and which ones made sense,” he said.

One segment is a portion of a mock sportscast hosted by Jack Carbone, playing the role of Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent, playing the role of Alyssa Leaf.

Carbone also wrote the script for the segment, and Gadiel Ramirez shot the video.

Bollent also wrote the script for “Jennie the Genie,” with assistance from Caitlan Jamison and Julia Rosenberg.

Caitlan Jamison plays the role of Jennie the Genie, and Siena Bracciale plays the role of Sarah, in a segment called “Jennie the Genie.”

Jamison played the role of Jennie, Siena Bracciale played Sarah, and Yasmin Fajardo worked the camera.

Isaac Machado played the role of Slash and also wrote the script for “Slash vs Arbor Girl.” Rosenberg played Arbor Girl, Joie Goletz was Woodchuck, and Ava Shortt shot the segment.

Alyssa Forgas, who is Susan Forgas’ niece, handled the camera for the “All Spice” advertisement, which also featured Ella Jennette and Lauren Rossman as rock stars and Lauren Carulli as a makeup artist. Carulli and Jennette co-wrote the ad.

Griffin Roberts played the role of Daniel Wood in one segment. He also created a Twitter page @VoteVes, to help attract votes for the video.

Isaac Machado plays Slash, a villain in a segment called “Slash vs. Arbor Girl.”

Throughout the process, students handled a variety of chores, shooting video, editing, writing scripts and coming up with costumes.

If the school wins, the students want to spend the money on the butterfly garden, an edible garden and a sensory garden, featuring plants that have scents.

This isn’t the first time Veterans Elementary has had success with the contest.

In 2013, Ryan and Rachel Mish, a brother-and-sister team from the school, placed in the top four.

During the next phase of the contest, which runs through Feb. 7, the public will have a chance to view the videos and vote to determine who wins the grand prize.

To view and vote for Veterans Elementary School’s video, go to ScottiesTreesRock.com.

Published January 20, 2016

Former Lutz Guv’na is now Saucy Queen

January 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

It all began with a carrot.

Well, a basket of carrots, actually.

Carrots were the vegetable of the week at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, and everyone was encouraged to come up with an idea to make vegetables more enticing for kids.

Michele Northrup poses near her gourmet hot sauces, now available on the shelves of some Winn-Dixie stores in Florida. (Photos courtesy of Michele Northrup) — Michele Northrup poses near her gourmet hot sauces, now available on the shelves of some Winn-Dixie stores in Florida.
(Photos courtesy of Michele Northrup)

Michele Northrup, who works at the charter school, decided to combine the sweetness of carrots with the heat of peppers to concoct a gourmet hot sauce.

People said the sauce tasted so good, she should bottle it.

So, she did.

Since then, she launched a business named Intensity Academy and has branched out to have a product line including sauces, dry rubs and dips.

Her company’s gourmet sauces also have garnered 57 national awards.

Last year, Northrup and her husband, Tom Was, joined forces with a partner to open their own bottling plant, The Sauceology Group, in Clearwater.

Intensity Academy also was selected by Winn-Dixie to stock its product in about 150 Winn-Dixie stores across Florida.

“In the middle of the summer, Winn-Dixie did a really big, grassroots search for local, quality products,” Northrup said. “They put the word out through all festivals and markets that they were looking for products to showcase their Winn-Local program.

“So, we did a pitch, very similar to a ‘Shark Tank’ pitch,” Northrup said, referring to the television program which gives product inventors a chance to win backing from potential investors.

“We did samples of foods with all of our sauces, and we presented it to them, and we had little cheat sheets, so they knew what sauces they were eating with what foods.

“We had to talk about our fan bases and our social media, and how we built our businesses from the ground up.

“From that selection process, they narrowed it down to a few key products for the state of Florida,” Northrup said.

The rollout began around Thanksgiving and is occurring gradually.

The fun part, Northrup said, is finding out from fans where her sauces are showing up in other parts of the state. They’ll pose in front of a shelf and take a “Saucy Selfie” to send to her, Northrup said.

One of the five artisanal hot sauce developed by Intensity Academy for The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

Northrup was also notified last week that she is one of five finalists in the first annual “That Business Show Awards” selected by Jamie Meloni, host of the iheartradio show.

Northrup is thrilled by the achievement of a business she has built from, literally, the ground up.

She launched Intensity Academy in 2007, the same year she was making her run for Lutz Guv’na.

The honorary title is won by raising the most cash, and proceeds from the race go to local organizations and charities.

Northrup raised $16,912, setting a record for the race.

Throughout her bid, she was introducing her sauce and using proceeds from their sales to fill her campaign coffers.

Her Guv’na bid helped groups in Lutz, but also helped Northrup get her fledgling business off the ground.

People who had tasted her sauces during the campaign wanted to buy more, she said.

Now, Northrup’s sauces are sold at specialty markets, and dozens of festivals and fresh markets each year.

She also delivers. She tools around the area, making stops in Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, Citrus Park, Carrollwood and other spots to drop off orders.

Now, she’s transitioning the business. Her sons Christian, Sebastian and Tommy, and their girlfriends, now handle the events and markets.

She’s focusing on product development and marketing, and her husband is in charge of the Clearwater warehouse.

“I do all of the artwork for the labels. I draw all of the designs.”

She’s still developing new sauce flavors, too.

“Our newest sauce is a mustard. It’s MustThai. MustThai is a must try. It’s a spicy mustard,” she said.

The bottling plant provides services for 11 brands on a regular basis and about 20 others, periodically, she said.

At Sauceology, she helps new companies get their grassroots marketing going.

“Really, for me, the marketing and the branding, and the social media — I love that. I love the connection side of it, too,” she said, noting she has about 10,000 combined followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The common question she gets is: “How did you get started?”

Another popular query is: “How do you take an idea and actually make it into something? That’s why I ended up branching off into Sauceology, because I was giving everybody advice all of the time,” she said.

When she meets someone who has an idea and a passion for it, she tells them: “Take the chance. Take the leap. That’s the difference right there.”

It’s not necessary to know all the answers, or how it will all play out, she said.

Just get started and don’t be intimidated, she advised.

“The first step makes all of the difference,” she said.

“You don’t always have to know how you’re going to finish it, or how you’re going to do the whole thing,” Northrup said.

“I would have never thought that I’d have my own manufacturing plant — from just that little idea from a carrot in a garden,” she said.

To learn more about her business, search Intensity Academy on Facebook or visit www.intensityacademy.com.

Published January 20, 2016

4,000 singers make music together in Rome

January 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Singers from a choir from San Antonio were among 4,000 to join voices in Rome in a New Year’s Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis.

“It was beautiful to hear all of the singing together,” said 14-year-old Catherine Beard, who belongs to the Saint Anthony Choristers from Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

“We were in one place. We were all singing for God, together, from everywhere around the world,” she said.

This shot, of the entire choir, was taken near the Coliseum, in Rome.Top, from left: Blaise Carson, Sarah Balling, Valeria Merkt, Clare Hernandez, Claudia Vitale, Catherine Beard, Maria Hernandez, Emily Balling, Tierra Carson and Esteban Merkt. Middle, from left: Michael Beard, Donnie Beard and Sandra Lau. Bottom: Lexi Rosario and Adriana Schiereck. (Courtesy of Jackie Rosario) — This shot, of the entire choir, was taken near the Coliseum, in Rome.Top, from left: Blaise Carson, Sarah Balling, Valeria Merkt, Clare Hernandez, Claudia Vitale, Catherine Beard, Maria Hernandez, Emily Balling, Tierra Carson and Esteban Merkt. Middle, from left: Michael Beard, Donnie Beard and Sandra Lau. Bottom: Lexi Rosario and Adriana Schiereck.
(Courtesy of Jackie Rosario)

The singers came from 18 countries, and they learned songs in several languages, including French, Latin, English and Portuguese, said Kristin Beard, Catherine’s mom.

“When they were in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Day, they all sang the same music, which was beautiful,” she said.

“There were several mini-concerts around Rome, where maybe four or five choirs would sing. They’d perform for their families, friends and people,” she said.

Before the choirs joined at St. Peter’s Basilica, they had a rehearsal at an auditorium behind the basilica, she said.

That’s when they had a private audience with Pope Francis, she added.

“He came to greet the children. There was a main aisle, and he went down the aisle. He was shaking children’s hands, as he walking down. He sat down and talked to the kids. And then, he walked back up the aisle, and that’s when he was shaking hands.”

“We knew that he was going to be there. We knew he’d be going up and down the aisle, however we didn’t know where we’d be seated. Our choir was fortunate enough to be seated right on the aisle,” she said.

Her sons, Michael and Donald, Jr., both shook hands with Pope Francis.

Michael shook both of his hands with Pope Francis and Donald shook one.

Both boys were delighted.

“They were pretty excited. They said they were never going to wash hands again,” Kristin Beard said, laughing at the thought.

Michael Beard, left, shook both of his hands with Pope Francis. Donald Beard Jr., shook one hand with Pope Francis. It was an experience their mom, Kristin Beard, said the boys will never forget. (Courtesy of Kristin Beard) — Michael Beard, left, shook both of his hands with Pope Francis. Donald Beard Jr., shook one hand with Pope Francis. It was an experience their mom, Kristin Beard, said the boys will never forget.
(Courtesy of Kristin Beard)

“It’s something they’re going to remember forever,” she added.

Besides enjoying the music, Catherine Beard, was impressed by the historic landmarks, including the Coliseum and the catacombs.

“I’m a big fan of Roman architecture,” she said.

Fifteen-year-old Lexi Rosario was also duly impressed.

“Going to Rome was such an amazing experience in so many ways,” she said, via email.

“Making a trip like this is on so many people’s bucket lists, and being able to go at such a young age was such a blessing, not to mention meeting and singing for the Pope himself. “I am truly blessed and grateful for all who helped make this happen for us,” she said.

Choir Director Sandra Lau echoed those sentiments.

“I would just like to say ‘Thank you’ to the many generous people who contributed financially to make this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible for our youth choir,” she said, via email.

Published January 20, 2016

Porter campus provost is promoted

January 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Dr. Stan Giannet, the founding provost at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, has been promoted to a vice president’s post at the college.

Giannet wrapped up his last day at the Porter Campus on Jan. 15. He assumed his new role, based at the college’s West Campus in New Port Richey, on Jan. 19.

Stan Giannet, the founding provost of Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has been promoted to a vice president for Pasco-Hernando State College. His last day at the campus was Jan. 15. His new role began Jan. 19. (File Photo) — Stan Giannet, the founding provost of Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has been promoted to a vice president for Pasco-Hernando State College. His last day at the campus was Jan. 15. His new role began Jan. 19.
(File Photo)

The new vice president is eager to embrace the challenges of his new role, but said he will miss the staff, students and community at the campus he has led since its beginning.

Previously the provost at the college’s North Campus in Brooksville, he took over the leadership role at the Porter Campus in July of 2013.

Giannet selected the campus’ inaugural staff, and directed the school’s opening and subsequent growth.

“For this term, our full-time enrollment, we are up 4.5 percent,” he said.

“We continue to have strong programs. We continue to have classes from 8 o’clock in the morning until 9:40 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and a vigorous selection of classes on Fridays, from 8 (a.m.) to 4:30 (p.m.),” he said. “Almost all of those classes are full.”

Giannet has been named the college’s new vice president of academic affairs and faculty development/college provost.

“This will give me an opportunity to work closely with the president and the faculty to strengthen our existing programs and academic activities,” he said.

The role involves strengthening communication and collaboration among the departments, and developing the faculty, he said.

Previously, the provosts reported to the president, but now they will report to Giannet. Academic deans also will report to Giannet.

The new structure will foster opportunities for closer collaboration, Giannet said.

He said he will be striving for consistency across the college’s campuses.

He also wants to be sure the college is listening to students, supporting the faculty and serving the community.

“There’s going to be a heavy focus on community initiatives,” said Giannet, who was deeply involved in that type of work at the Porter Campus.

“What makes this a truly extraordinary place of learning and work is the family, the people we have here,” Giannet said.

He said he knows the campus is positioned well to continue to thrive.

“I’m leaving behind a solid foundation of people, who do outstanding work,” Giannet said.

He also expects continued partnerships, as the community grows.

The campus gave Giannet a send-off, which he characterized as “deeply touching, deeply moving.”

Dr. Bonnie Clark, who has been named vice president of distance learning and provost of Porter Campus, is Giannet’s successor.

Published January 20, 2016

Credit union is 60, and going strong

January 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Anyone who has spent much time in the community of San Antonio has undoubtedly seen the tangible results of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union’s handiwork.

The credit union, which serves the eastern half of Pasco County, and the tip of Hernando County, has been handling the financial transactions of its members for 60 years.

Tim Baldwin and Terri Gude, left, flank the portrait of Joe Herrmann, one of founders of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Carolina Rodriguez and Andy Kinross, are on the other side of the portrait. Baldwin, president, and Gude, vice president, have worked at the credit union the longest. Kinross and Rodriguez are the two newest members on the credit union’s 40-member staff. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Tim Baldwin and Terri Gude, left, flank the portrait of Joe Herrmann, one of founders of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Carolina Rodriguez and Andy Kinross, are on the other side of the portrait. Baldwin, president, and Gude, vice president, have worked at the credit union the longest. Kinross and Rodriguez are the two newest members on the credit union’s 40-member staff.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

In a world of bank mergers and takeovers, this credit union is the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County, said Tim Baldwin, the credit union’s current president.

“I think the credit union has made a big difference in the lives of a lot of people in this area, and we feel that’s what we’re here to do — help people make their lives better,” Baldwin said.

“We make home loans, car loans, personal loans. We have credit card accounts. We even do member business lending,” he said.

The credit union has offices in San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills, and expects to have a soft opening on its fourth location — in Wesley Chapel — this week.

It all began with two men.

Joe Herrmann and some of his friends wanted to bring a financial institution to San Antonio, a small community between Dade City and the town of St. Leo.

“They applied for a state bank charter and were denied. And, they applied for a federal

bank charter and were denied,” Baldwin said.

During his research, Herrmann found out about credit unions and decided to find out more.

So, Herrmann and his friend, Joe Collura, did some field research.

“They got together, and they drove around Florida and Georgia visiting credit unions.

“They decided that would fit what they wanted to do here,” Baldwin said.

The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union was chartered on Dec. 12, 1955.

The charter was dated Dec. 12, 1955, and the credit union opened for business on Jan. 3, 1956.

The desire for a financial institution likely stemmed from the community’s civic pride, Baldwin said.

“It’s a little town, and it’s always been a little town; but, it was always a vital little town,” Baldwin said.

While some credit unions are established to serve a certain group of employees, or a particular business, the San Antonio credit union has always been a community charter.

Under its original charter, anyone who lived within a 5-mile radius could join. Now, the credit union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within its field area.

In those days, the credit union was located in a storefront of a building owned by Joe Herrmann.

As it grew, it moved to a new location in San Antonio and then built its current location.

It also has offices in Zephyrhills and Dade City, and will have a soft opening this week for a new location in Wesley Chapel.

This is the current location for the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union in San Antonio.

Its membership and assets grew, too. During its first year, it had 358 members and $67,000 in assets.

It finished last year with more than 13,000 members and slightly more than $175 million in assets, Baldwin said.

“I can remember, it has probably been 25 years ago or so, I remember at one of our annual meetings we were reporting that we had crossed $22 million in assets.

“I remember Mr. Herrmann got up and spoke to us. He almost cried. He said, ‘We never dreamed that there would be $22 million in assets in this credit union,’ ” Baldwin said.

“To me, it’s just a remarkable story about how this got started,” Baldwin said.

“In the early days, everybody that worked at the credit union was a volunteer. They couldn’t afford to pay anybody,” he said. “I don’t know if you could start a credit union from scratch again today, I would hate to try. It would be a daunting task.”

Now, the credit union has 40 employees.

Baldwin, who has been with the credit union for 27 years, loves his job.

“We still make small personal loans to people. Usually at a commercial bank, unless a loan is a certain size, they won’t do it.

“You just feel like you can actually make a difference for people,” Baldwin said.

Terri Gude, vice president of branch operations and compliance, has been around the credit union most of her life.

Her mother, Veda Gude, was the former credit union president.

“I really grew up in the credit union. I used to come in on the weekends and in the evenings, and things like that, with my mother,” she said.

She enjoys the personal nature of the credit union.

“We’re not as big as some of the banks, so you get that true hometown feeling when you come in,” she said.

“If you need a $500 loan, we’re willing to do it. We have the opportunity to change lives. We do that everyday,” Gude said.

Stockholders own banks, but members own credit unions.

It makes a difference in pricing and policy decisions, Baldwin said.

It also affects the environment, said Andy Kinross, who is one of the credit union’s two newest employees.

“You’re literally a member. You aren’t just one of the masses,” said Kinross, who worked at a credit union in Ohio before moving to Florida.

She’ll be working at the new Wesley Chapel, at 28909 State Road 54, just east of Interstate 75.

The new office will serve a rapidly growing area, Baldwin said.

He also expects the credit union’s territory to continue to grow.

“I don’t think we’d ever want to go too far west in the county, but I think a next natural progression would be to try to incorporate some of the Land O’ Lakes area,” Baldwin said. “Land O’ Lakes would be a nice westerly boundary for us, eventually.”

Published January 13, 2016

Benefit aims to help college-bound homeless

January 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Paul Gigante is hoping for a gigantic 50th birthday bash, but the party won’t be merely to celebrate him turning a half-century – it also will benefit homeless high school graduates who are college-bound.

Gigante, who earns his living through his school photography business, said he became aware of the plight of homeless students through his wife’s involvement in Wharton High School’s Parent Teacher Association.

“Our kids are in college now. But, it was brought to my attention a few years ago that there were over 14 homeless high schoolers at Wharton High School,” he said. “It has bothered me for the past number of years.”

Over time, he learned more about the problem, and he decided he would use his 50th birthday party to try to do something to help.

“In Pasco alone, there are 78 homeless high school seniors,” he said.

Paul Gigante poses near the sign for his school photography business, based in Wesley Chapel. He is planning to turn his 50th birthday party into a benefit to help college-bound, homeless students. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Paul Gigante poses near the sign for his school photography business, based in Wesley Chapel. He is planning to turn his 50th birthday party into a benefit to help college-bound, homeless students.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“There are so many levels of homelessness. They could be kicked out of their house. A parent or two parents could be in jail. They could have been abandoned by their parents,” he said.

“There are so many scenarios. They’re living in a car. Or, they’re bouncing from apartment to apartment, staying on friends’ couches. There’s many, many scenarios.

“I don’t need to know all of the scenarios. I just want to know what it is that I can do to help them,” Gigante said.

To make that happen, he enlisted the help of his staff and his friends to organize a fun way to raise money.

The benefit will be on Jan. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road in Tampa.

“My goal is $50,000 for my 50th birthday,” Gigante said.

“I’ve assembled three bands, four DJs — and I’m a DJ myself. So, at the end of the entire event, I’m going to be DJ’ing,” he said.

He’s hoping for a big turnout.

“We have a lineup that’s really fun. It’s going to be nonstop entertainment.

“I start off with the USF “Hot” Band. They’re going to have about 30 members there,” he said, noting the band has waived its appearance fee.

Gigante also has the Butch Ryan Band, which is made up of a bunch of band directors from Wharton; they’re going to do classic rock.

“We’re going to have about 20 baskets, everything from pampered chef theme to sports themed to wine theme to IPA beer. There’s going to be a whole bunch of different things,” he said.

Instead of holding a silent auction, he’ll be selling tickets for drawings to see who wins the baskets.

“I’ve invited all of the krewes (of Gasparilla) because I’m part of the krewe life,” he said.

He also has talked to the principals at the 35 to 40 schools where he shoots school photographs, encouraging them to spread the word.

After the party, Gigante plans to accompany a social worker to meet with homeless students who are college-bound to find out how he can help them.

“I could buy shoes. I could buy computers. I could give them out to everyone. But, what if they don’t need that? What if they need rent for 2 ½ months? What if they need food? What if they need clothes? What if they need a laptop? What if they need books?”

He wants to address specific needs.

“I want to make sure that from when they graduate until they start college, they don’t fall off the boat,” Gigante said.

He’s not sure how many students he’ll be able to help, or how much he’ll be able to provide.

He’s going to start with the schools served by his photography business.

In Pasco, those are Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Mitchell, Anclote and River Ridge high schools. In Hillsborough, they are Wharton, Jesuit and Steinbrenner high schools.

“This is a one-time deal for me,” said Gigante, who lives in Hunter’s Green.

“It’d be great, if everyone, when they turned 50, would decide to do something like this,” Gigante said.

Homeless benefit
What: Paul Gigante’s 50th birthday bash, including DJs, bands, raffles and 50/50.
Why: To benefit college-bound homeless graduates from Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Where: Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road in Tampa.
When: Jan. 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: Cover charge is a suggested $10 donation, plus a birthday card for Paul Gigante.
For information, contact Paul Gigante at (813) 340-4080.

Published January 13, 2016

School renovations under way

January 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Saint Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, celebrated a milestone in its history last February, when it dedicated a new classroom building.

Now, it’s in the midst of a $1.7 million renovation of the three-story brick building that formerly housed the school.

The current project, which began in June, involves a complete overhaul.

The top floor will be a cafeteria and a recreation space, said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

The second floor has a media room, a computer lab, an art room and a Spanish classroom.

The ground floor has a music room, two extra classrooms and storage space.

Work is under way on a $1.7 million renovation project at Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. The project follows the construction of a new three-story classroom building that was completed last year. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Work is under way on a $1.7 million renovation project at Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. The project follows the construction of a new three-story classroom building that was completed last year.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Children will be able to have recess and physical education inside, on the top floor, when it is too cold or rainy to go outdoors, Ottapurackal said.

“They are excited about that, and me, too. They need that time to relax and get that physical activity,” she said.

The new construction completed last year has allowed the school to enhance its programs and this renovation will, too, Ottapurackal said.

The school uses technology in each classroom.

The computer lab is intended to allow an entire class to work on projects at the same time, and also will give children an opportunity to bolster their computer skills, Ottapurackal said.

While appreciating the value of technology, the principal said the school focuses on giving students good foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and mathematics.

The principal believes that children can quickly learn how to use computers. She wants to be sure that the school’s students know how to read, write and communicate and are able to tell if the information they find on the Internet is credible.

The classroom building completed last year allowed the school to enhance its science program, Ottapurackal said.

The renovation under way will provide more space for the music and art programs, she said. Instructional minutes for those programs won’t be increased, but the teacher will have more time to teach because the larger spaces reduce the need for taking out and storing materials before and after each class.

Like many schools, Saint Anthony Catholic School is placing an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. The principal said it also adds another area of emphasis: religion.

The school has 217 students, in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Ottapurackal hopes it will have between 230 and 235 students next year. It has the capacity to serve 270 students.

While the Diocese of St. Petersburg supported the construction of the new classroom building, the renovation project is being paid for by community donations.

So far, $1.4 million has been raised for the project.

“We wanted to give everyone an opportunity to participate in this project. So, we had fundraising from $50 to $500,000.”

“The community here — people are so generous. It’s their school. It’s been here since 1884,” she said.

Anyone who would like more information about the school, or who would like to help in the fundraising campaign, can email .

Published January 13, 2016

Pasco school growth expected to continue

January 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County is expected to add a total of 1,673 students in public and charter schools next year, based on projections compiled by Pasco County Schools.

That’s an increase over last year’s growth, which was 1,517, and brings the figure to nearly 3,200 in two years.

The bulk of the growth is coming in the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

The growth is coming, he said, from “all those new developments springing up along the 54 corridor — Wiregrass. Bexley Ranch. Starkey Ranch.”

“Everything between Trinity and Wesley Chapel, along the 54 corridor,” Williams said.

There’s development in the Sunlake area, and Connerton is building again, too, Williams said.

The school district planner broke down the enrollment growth by grade levels.

“This year, we grew by a little bit under 500 elementary kids. Next year, we’re projecting 555 in the elementary, which is about 73 percent of an elementary school,” Williams said.

“We’re projecting 346 (additional students) for middle, and 709 (more) for high school,” he said.

The district picks up a sizable number of private school and charter school kids at the high school level, Williams noted.

“We have to be cognizant of that when we’re doing our projections. We can’t just take our eighth-grade population and assume that’s what our ninth-grade population is going to be,” he said. The district has to add to that.

This will be the third year in a row that the district has experienced enrollment growth, Williams said.

Growth projected for next year is substantially less than in 2004-2005, when enrollment grew by almost 3,200, he said

But, the expected growth is significantly more than in 2008-2009, when enrollment grew by 280; 2009-2010, when it grew by 327; 2010-2011, when it declined by 252 and, 2011-2012, when it dropped by130.

The district’s projection for this year was for 69,475, but it expects to come in higher — at 69,633, Williams said.

Its projection for next year is 71,306.

The district tries to be cautious in its projections, Williams said.

“We don’t want to overbuild,” he said. On the other hand, “We also don’t want to fall way behind, either.

“We’re trying to be smart about where we’re putting schools,” he said.

“We built W because it was centrally located and allowed us to relieve Double Branch, Seven Oaks, that area,” he said.

With all of the construction activity, there’s no doubt additional schools will be needed, Williams said. The question is how many?

“Everybody is restarting, and they’re all going at once. The question is how sustainable is that? Are they competing for the same customers, or is there enough demand to buy all that they’re going to build? And, I don’t know the answer to that,” Williams said.

Published January 13, 2016