B.C. Manion

Fifteen-year-old raises $1 million for hospital

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Leigh Dittman always knew that she would achieve her goal of raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children – she just didn’t know she’d do it by age 15.

The Gaither High School student, who has a disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), said she was motivated to raise the money for Shriners because of how giving it has been to her.

Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“They are such an amazing group of people, and they’ve given me so much, with my life. It seemed like the right thing to do,” the young woman said during an interview at her Lutz home.

She began raising money for Shriners when she was turning 3. She said she’d rather have friends and family give money to the hospitals, instead of giving her presents.

The first year, she raised $5,000.

It grew from there.

When she was 7, people began asking her: “How far do you want to go? What’s your goal?

“As a 7-year-old, I was like, ‘A million dollars seems like a really big number. Why don’t we shoot for that?’ ”

She expected to meet the goal at some point, but not within eight years, she said.

The money was raised by annual events that initially were tied to her birthday, but later were held separately.

The event was a combined live auction, silent auction and raffle event. People could bid on items or buy raffle tickets for all sorts of prizes, including sports memorabilia, theme park tickets and stays at a cabin in North Carolina.

“We would spend the majority of our summer going to different organizations and different companies, and asking them – seeing if they would like to donate. We met great people who would help us continuously throughout the years,” the 15-year-old said. Now that they’ve hit the million-dollar mark, the family plans to take a year off, she said.

Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations. (Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children) — Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations.
(Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children)

The young woman was honored on Dec. 14 at Shriners Hospitals for Children, where the hospital and its Board of Governors swapped the teenager’s bronze fundraising plaque for a gold one, signifying donors who have given at least $1 million, according to a hospital news release.

At that ceremony, Board Chairman Tom Edwards described his first encounter with Leigh when she was 5.

Edwards said he was supposed to carry Leigh through an archway during a program. He recalled her telling him: “Mr. Shriner, be careful. I break easy.”

Leigh’s mother, Ellen, said none of this would have happened had she listened to doctors who advised her to have an abortion.

She knew early in her pregnancy there were problems, she said.

“Shriners Hospitals said they were sure they could fix her legs. And, they put her on a waiting list, not even knowing was going on with her, other than we knew that with her legs there was something major going on,” she said.

Leigh was born, via C-section, with five broken ribs and a broken femur that had already healed.

Since then, she’s had 14 surgeries and about 40 fractures.

But, Leigh refuses to define herself by her OI, commonly called “brittle bone disease.”

“I know some people have the same condition, who have made it their entire life. That’s all their life is,” she said.

This is how she defines herself: “I’m a sophomore. I’m an older sister. I’m a violinist. I’m a straight-A student. It’s the afterthought of, ‘And, oh, I have OI,” Leigh said.

Her disorder makes her bones weak.

“That’s why I’m shorter than average. That’s why I break so easily. That’s why I us a wheelchair as my main mode of transportation,” she said.

When people see her in her wheelchair, they often mistakenly assume she has a mental condition, she said.

“I have a lot of people that will start talking to me and speaking to me in a different tone of voice, and speak to me like I’m at a lower maturity level than what I am. I’ll have people come up and talk to me like (I am) a 2-year-old and ask me how I’m doing,” she said.

Once she responds, she said, they realize they’re mistaken.

She has a positive attitude and optimistic outlook, but said she has experienced darker times.

Seventh-grade year was particularly difficult. She had four surgeries, two broken legs, a broken collarbone and a scar infection.

“So, I did, for a little while, go: “Why God, why me? Why did you do this?’

“And then, I realized, it was so I could tell people my story, so I could show, yeah, life’s not always rainbows and butterflies, but you get through it. You’ll be OK.”

She wants to use what she’s been through to help others.

“I want to go into nursing,” she said, adding she’s known that since she was 7.

“Maybe I’ll have that kid that just had spinal fusion,” she said.

She’ll be able to tell that child: “You’re going to be OK, and you’re going to get through this and do whatever you want in life. It’s not going to stop you, because guess what, I did the same thing. I had the exact same story as you. I’m here. I’ve made it. You can do it.’ ”

About Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.”
A person is born with this disorder and is affected throughout his or her lifetime.

The disorder is caused by a mutation (change) in a gene that affects bone formation, bone strength and the structure of other tissues.

OI occurs equally among males and females and in all racial groups. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. have OI. With good medical management and supportive care, the majority of people who have OI will lead healthy, productive lives and can expect an average life span.

Source: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF.org)

Published December 23, 2015

New school boundaries approved

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County School Board members adopted boundaries for Elementary School W in Wesley Chapel, despite objections by parents living in Northwood and Arbor Woods.

In approving the boundaries, the board members also approved a plan by school district staff to add gifted services to Denham Oaks Elementary School in Lutz.

Parents had objected to their children losing gifted services, and the district responded – at the recommendation of board member Allen Altman and other board members – by adding the services at Denham Oaks.

Some parents also voiced concerns about a waiting list for the child care program at Denham Oaks, but Superintendent Kurt Browning said additional staff is expected to be hired for the program.

The board’s unanimous vote on the school boundaries came despite concerns voiced repeatedly by parents who wanted to keep their children at schools within their Wesley Chapel community.

They said shifting their children to the Lutz school would disrupt their established day care arrangements. They also said it would be harder for commuting parents to make it to after-school events.

Some said they had moved into their neighborhoods specifically because of the schools serving them. And, they also voiced concerns about the impacts that the boundary change would have on their child’s assigned middle school and high school.

Parents also asked if children entering fifth-grade could be grandfathered in, which some board members said the district should try to do, if possible.

Ray Bonti, assistant superintendent for support services, said the district has a past practice of allowing parents of children going into fifth-graders to apply for school choice to attend that school.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong, who made the motion to approve the boundary change, said she realized the boundary change “is painful for the parents.”

But, she added, “We do have to sometimes make very difficult decisions.”

Board member Altman, who seconded the motion, said offering the gifted services at Denham Oaks is important. The district may not be able to alleviate geographic impacts of boundary shifts, but should do what it can to ensure that students have the same academic opportunities, he said, during the first public hearing on the boundary change.

Board member Alison Crumbley noted that, “Those of you who came out tonight, you’re the kind of parents that make schools really good. You could be the core of leaders, and your children, I’m sure, too, in the school. And that’s a really valuable asset.”

Steve Luikart, another board member, who is a former educator said, “When the parents get on board and say, ‘Whatever it is, we’re going to make the best of it.’ Their students will make the best of it. It’s going to start in the home.

“We’re having to make decisions that we don’t like making. But, the mending is going to start at home. It will be up to you as parents to make that transition as easy and as simple as possible,” Luikart said.

But, he also noted that the school district will do what it can to help.

Published December 23, 2015

Saint Anthony choir to perform for Pope Francis

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Members of the Saint Anthony Choristers are departing Dec. 26 on a pilgrimage to Rome.

The highlight of their trip will be to sing at the World Peace Day Papal Mass on New Year’s Day, said Sandra Lau, the choir director for the group from Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in San Antonio.

The 14 youth singers will be part of 5,000 youth singers from around the world that are taking part in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores.

Pueri Cantores, which means “little singers” in Latin, was founded in France in 1907.

St. Peter’s Basilica is filled with singers from all over the world during the International Congress of Pueri Cantores on Jan. 1, 2011. It should be a similar scene when a group of singers from Saint Anthony of Padua Church in San Antonio take part in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores. (Courtesy of American Federation Pueri Cantores) — St. Peter’s Basilica is filled with singers from all over the world during the International Congress of Pueri Cantores on Jan. 1, 2011. It should be a similar scene when a group of singers from Saint Anthony of Padua Church in San Antonio take part in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores.
(Courtesy of American Federation Pueri Cantores)

The organization is dedicated to the conviction that singing can be an instrument in worshipping God.

Saint Anthony Choristers is part of the largest delegation of American singers ever to participate in a Pueri Cantores Congress, with almost 2,000 pilgrims expected to travel from the United States to Rome.

Other activities during the week include the “Mass of the Nations,” where the American choirs will celebrate a Mass in English in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, various “Concerts of Hope” at major churches in Rome, featuring an international mix of children’s choirs from among Pueri Cantores’ 37 federations around the world, and a private audience with the Holy Father, at which the “little singers” will sing Christmas carols from their home countries.

Lau said the group she is leading has been practicing the music it will be singing in Rome for months.

“We started in July, and we’ve been having twice a month, hour-and-a-half rehearsals,” Lau said.

The choir is singing an Argentinian song that we’re learning, because our Pope is from Argentina, Lau said.

The group also will be touring various sites in Rome, Lau said, noting she believes the experience will leave a lifelong impression on the singers making the trip.

Being able to sing for Pope Francis is an honor, she said.

“You saw how excited people were when he came to the United States, in Philadelphia and New York. So many people said, ‘Oh, I just love this Pope. And, they loved seeing him here on our homeland. But, to be in the Vatican where he lives and have kids their age from all over the world coming together is just amazing. It makes you realize how big the Catholic church is, and how far it has spread,” she said.

The music the choirs will be performing, she said, “ties us in with generations past, because we’re singing chant that goes back centuries.”

So, the experience will enable the choir to join voices with choirs from around the world, and they’ll be connected to the past through the music

The group also will be in church during a special time.

Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee of Mercy, which began Dec. 8 and runs through Nov. 20, 2016.

A Jubilee is a special time celebrated by the church to receive pardon and blessing from God, according to the National Catholic Reporter. “Most Jubilees have been focused on calling pilgrims to Rome to receive such pardon — normally by walking through a special holy door at a papal basilica,” according to the national Catholic publication.

“Francis has widely expanded his Jubilee, asking that diocese throughout the world open their own holy door at a cathedral or other church to expand the practice globally,” the National Catholic Reporter explains.

Lau is excited because the choir will be in Rome when the Holy Door is open there.

Lau has been the organist and choir director at St. Anthony of Padua since 1987, and has led children’s choirs nearly the entire time.

The Saint Anthony Choristers became affiliated with Pueri Cantores in 2007, expanding the choir’s opportunities to participate in regional festivals and international choral gatherings.

This is the second time the church has sent members of its youth choir to Rome; the other time was five years ago, Lau said.

Published December 23, 2015

Lighted hummingbirds, butterflies and snowmen — oh, my!

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys seasonal decor, you’ll find plenty to like at Holiday Lights in the Gardens at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.

The gardens — home year-round to an interesting array of plants and trees — decks out with 750,000 holiday lights and a huge array of seasonal decorations during the event.

Visitors to Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo will encounter colorful lights throughout the display, decking out everything from berry bushes to stately palms, to pointy cacti and floral beauties. Here, a set of round colored lights seems to be the perfect addition to this berry bush. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Visitors to Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo will encounter colorful lights throughout the display, decking out everything from berry bushes to stately palms, to pointy cacti and floral beauties. Here, a set of round colored lights seems to be the perfect addition to this berry bush.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The display features such things as lighted lollipops, giant snowflakes, ornaments and snowmen, too. There’s also a choo-choo train, gingerbread men and a gingerbread house, as well.

Plenty of the lighted decorations pay homage to Florida’s natural life, including a turtle, a gator, hummingbirds, flamingoes and butterflies.

The lighted figures are placed throughout the garden, adding color and complementing the garden’s natural beauty. For instance, a group of illuminated flamingoes appears to be prowling under some drooping angel trumpets.
The event is the largest fundraiser for the gardens and depends on the help of about 450 volunteers, as well as donations to make the event a success.

Visitors who want their kids to have a chance to tell Santa what they would like will have until Dec. 23.

But, the event continues nightly, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., until Dec. 31.

An up-to-date schedule of nightly, family friendly entertainment can be found on the Florida Botanical Gardens’ website at FLBG.org, or by calling the Holiday Lights hotline at (727) 582-5800.

If You Go
What: Holiday Lights in the Gardens
Where: Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo
When: Nightly through Dec. 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How much: $4 donation suggested per person, for those 13 and older. Parking is free.
For more information, go to FLBG.org.

These snowmen were a big hit with visitors during a recent evening at Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.

Visitors to Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo will find plenty of interesting light displays, as well as natural beauty. On one path, tree branches form a canopy, presenting a multitude of flowering natural ‘ornaments.’

Holiday Lights in the Gardens offers visitors lots of reasons to enjoy the holidays, including creative light displays, refreshments for purchase, holiday music and entertainment.

East All-Conference girls’ teams named

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Last week, we presented the boys’ teams for the Sunshine Athletic Conference East All-Conference Teams. This week, we’re presenting the girls’ teams.

Girls’ cross-country
Team champion: Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach of the year: Meredith Keppel, Land O’ Lakes High School
Runner of the year: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes High School

First-team all conference: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes; Jamila Cardwell, Sunlake; Amber Maxwell, Wesley Chapel; Brenna Moran, Wiregrass Ranch; Emma Skantze, Land O’ Lakes; Isabella Brown, Land O’ Lakes; Julia Blankenbaker, Wiregrass Ranch; Kelly Hutson, Land O’ Lakes, Lauren Payne, Wiregrass Ranch; and Lauren Hale, Land O’ Lakes.

Second-team all conference: Lindsey Weilant, Land O’ Lakes; Kerry Reilly, Wiregrass Ranch; Reis Ehman, Wiregrass Ranch; Maddie Traver, Wiregrass Ranch; Julizette Melgar, Wiregrass Ranch; Alexis Perez, Pasco; Katelyn Ortiz, Sunlake; Clare Hernandez, Pasco; Hope Velez, Sunlake; and Samantha Zaw, Land O’ Lakes.

Honorable mention: Josalyn Wingo, Zephyrhills

Golf
Team champion: Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach of the year: Jeff May, Land O’ Lakes High School
Golfer of the year: Kelly Harris, Sunlake High School

First-team all conference: Kelly Harris, Sunlake; Hayley Kirinsky, Sunlake; Dana Mumaw, Wesley Chapel; Morgan Powers, Wiregrass Ranch; and Maggie Schmook, Land O’ Lakes.

Second-team all conference: Emillie Alderman, Zephyrhills; Kacie Huber, Pasco; Miranda Bradley, Land O’ Lakes; Daniela Vasquez, Land O’ Lakes; and Alexis Lane, Wiregrass Ranch.

Girls swimming/diving
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach of the year: Robin Hilgenberg, Land O’ Lakes High School
Swimmer of the year: Taylor Ward, Land O’ Lakes High School
Divers of the year: Julia Blankenbaker, Wiregrass Ranch High School and Antionia Beason, Land O’ Lakes High School

First-team all conference:
200 Medley Relay: Taylor Ward, Margarita Czupryn, Ashley Schrader and Romina McCloskey, Land O’ Lakes

200 Freestyle: Taylor Ward, Land O’ Lakes

200 Individual Medley: Lauren Conway, Wiregrass Ranch

50 Freestyle: Bryce McMenamin, Pasco

100 Butterfly: Madison Conway, Wiregrass Ranch

100 Freestyle: Romina McCloskey, Land O’ Lakes

500 Freestyle: Taylor Ward, Land O’ Lakes

200 Freestyle Relay: Amber Pritchard, Kaylee Bruce, Hanna Barton and Amanda Albrecht, Sunlake

100 Backstroke: Madison Conway, Wiregrass Ranch

100 Breaststroke: Lauren Conway, Wiregrass Ranch

400 Freestyle Relay: Amber Pritchard, Megan Thai, Elise Balish and Kara Wilkins, Sunlake

Divers: Julia Blankenbaker, Wiregrass Ranch and Antionia Beason, Land O’ Lakes

Second-team all conference
200 Medley Relay: Madison Conway, Lauren Conway, Daniela LaFlamme and Sydney Horn, Wiregrass Ranch

200 Freestyle: Sarah Massey, Pasco

200 Individual Medley: Daniela LaFlamme, Wiregrass Ranch

50 Freestyle: Makenna Larson, Land O’ Lakes

100 Butterfly: Sara Massey, Pasco

100 Freestyle: Emily Gelb, Pasco

500 Freestyle: Pierce Imperialbobis, Land O’ Lakes

200 Freestyle: Madison Conway, Lauren Conway, Daniela LaFlamme and Sydney Horn, Wiregrass Ranch

100 Backstroke: Pierce Imperialbobis, Wiregrass Ranch

100 Breaststroke: Sydney Bethel, Wiregrass Ranch

400 Freestyle Relay: Elizabeth Bobev, Rebecca Torres, Sydney Bethel and Daniela Laflamme, Wiregrass Ranch

Honorable mentions:
Emma Cutkomp, Zephyrhills
Renee Carpenter, Wesley Chapel

Volleyball
Team Champion: Sunlake High School
Coach of the year: Deann Newton, Sunlake
Player of the year: Kelsey Riquelme, Sunlake

First-team all conference: Kelsey Riquelme, Sunlake; Colby Coats, Sunlake; Gabriela Mills, Land O’ Lakes; Katie Noland, Land O’ Lakes; Austin Kopenski, Wiregrass Ranch; Gianna Basulto, Sunlake; and Nelly Diaz (Libero), Sunlake

Second-team all conference: Kamea Nash, Sunlake; Hannah Presson, Sunlake; Kenneesha Derrio, Wesley Chapel; Sara Buchanan, Wesley Chapel; Sydney Hindersman, Land O’ Lakes; Kiara Broner, Pasco; and Anna Olsen (Libero), Wiregrass Ranch

Honorable mention: Hannah Stacy, Zephyrhills

Published December 23, 2015

AMIkids Pasco provides update to school board

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

O.B. Stander, president of AMIkids Pasco, recently updated the Pasco County School Board on changes being made to improve the program.

The changes are in response to the board’s Dec. 1 vote to terminate the organization’s contract effective Jan. 29.

When they took the vote, board members made it clear they would revisit the issue and would reinstate AMIkids Pasco, if the organization could demonstrate substantial improvement in its performance by Jan. 12.

The board’s initial action came at the recommendation of Superintendent Kurt Browning, who informed the board that substantial progress would be needed.

At the same time, Browning said he hopes AMIkids Pasco can turn the program around, so it could continue operating it.

AMIkids Pasco serves 46 students, who come from across Pasco County.

The program serves 25 therapeutic emotional/behavior disability students and 21 students in the Department of Juvenile Justice program at a campus of portables on U.S. 41, north of State Road 52 at 18950 Michigan Lane in Spring Hill.

If AMIkids Pasco makes considerable progress, Browning said he will recommend that the board revoke the termination; otherwise, the district will take over operation of the site on Jan. 29.

Browning said discontinuing the district’s relationship with AMIkids Pasco is not the preferable option for him or for Pasco County Schools.

Stander told board members that retired principal Pat Reedy has been helping AMIkids Pasco in the development of an enhanced action plan.

“We changed the school’s leadership team to strengthen both the educational and behavioral modification expertise,” Stander said.

It also has hired additional staff to make sure that class size ratios and mental health needs of the students are being met.

It also has increased staff compensation to a rate that’s higher than the school district’s rate, to improve retention, Stander said.

AMIkids Pasco also has partnered with the University of South Florida’s Department of Applied Behavior Analysis to participate in a pilot program, Stander said. That program includes having a university faculty member, with a doctorate in behavioral analysis, as well as two graduate students on campus, for a total of about 60 hours a week, Stander said.

Published December 23, 2015

Honoring the memory of Jaret Harshman

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Members of Wesley Chapel High School’s cross-country teams led a solemn procession around the school’s track on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman.

The 15-year-old died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident.

Shortly after the accident, his father, Mike Harshman, shared the news of his son’s death on Facebook.

Members of the cross-country teams at Wesley Chapel High School led a solemn procession on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman. The 15-year-old was described as a dedicated runner, who was kind to others. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Members of the cross-country teams at Wesley Chapel High School led a solemn procession on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman. The 15-year-old was described as a dedicated runner, who was kind to others.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

After first apologizing for the shocking nature of the post, Mike Harshman, of Wesley Chapel, wrote: “This evening on his way to church with friends, our oldest son Jaret was killed in a fatal car accident. He was just shy of his 16th birthday on Dec. 28. Kristi and I are numb and distraught – it seems surreal to us. We love Jaret, and are so proud of him – a terrible hole will be felt in our family forever, and we are still in shock over this. But we take great comfort in our faith, believing he was welcomed home into the arms of Christ.”

In the post, Mike Harshman, who is a preacher, also asked for prayers for the two boys that Jaret was riding with, Ryan and Michael Miller, also of Wesley Chapel.

Michael Miller “was in surgery for hours and appears to have a long recovery from his injuries,” the post says. It also notes that Ryan Miller “will have to deal with the emotions he will face. We love those 2 boys like our own sons, and will continue to embrace them as this will be a difficult road for them as well …”

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Ryan Miller was driving a 2006 Chevy Aveo north on Culbreath Road, approaching a stop sign at the intersection County Road 572 (Powell Road) around 6:18 p.m., on Dec. 9.

Jaret Harshman, shown as the lead runner here, was a devoted member of the cross-country team at Wesley Chapel High School. He died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School) — Jaret Harshman, shown as the lead runner here, was a devoted member of the cross-country team at Wesley Chapel High School. He died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School)

Meanwhile, Christopher Reed Russell, 25, of Spring Hill was driving his 2014 Dodge Ram on County Road 572.

Miller failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled into the pathway of Russell’s vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report. Charges are pending.

During the memorial at the school, members of the cross-country teams carried a paper banner containing hundreds of tributes to Jaret.

The messages were printed in tiny letters, or scrawled in giant cursive. They were written with markers or pens in green, red, black, blue and pink.

The posts expressed sorrow at Jaret’s death, gratitude for having known him and hope for him to have a new life in heaven.

Here’s how Nicole put it: “Jaret, you always brightened up my day and lit the whole room up with your smile. You were one of the best people I ever got to know. Love you J. Harsh.”

Another friend, Pey, wrote, “I’ve known you for seven years now and I will love you and miss you forever. Doesn’t seem real … You had a heart of gold.”

Mike Harshman thanked everyone who has offered their support, in the aftermath of a Dec. 9 traffic accident that claimed the life of his 15-year-old son, Jaret.

Members of his cross-country team wrote a tribute, too. “I know, we know, that you will be watching us at cross-country meets and cheering us on from up in heaven. Thank you for being an amazing friend, brother to us. We love you so much.” They signed the message: “Love the cross-country team that you will always be a part of.”

Desirae K., added “you were loved by many and had such a kind heart. You will be missed dearly. Rest easy.”

Members of the cross-country team, and the coach, spoke during the memorial, describing Jaret as a devoted runner who inspired others with his dedication to the sport.

Mike Harshman spoke, too, thanking the hundreds gathered at the track, and everyone else who has offered comfort and support in response to Jaret’s death.

Carin Hetzler-Nettles, principal at Wesley Chapel High, characterized Jaret as “an incredible young man who loved school, loved his friends and family, and loved participating in sports here at Wesley Chapel High.”

She also noted: “ He touched many lives with his random acts of kindness and selflessness, and was adored by his Wildcat family. He will be missed greatly and will always be in our hearts.”

Published December 16, 2015

Christmas cheer dispensed here

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

If you want to have yourself a merry ‘little’ Christmas, you may want to bypass Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s place.

They’re not into merry ‘little’ Christmases — they prefer presenting a mega-dose of holiday cheer. And, they deliver it through thousands of artfully arranged decorations.

Beyond the mere size and variety of the décor, there are stories behind scores of items in their display.

Bill Tuttle, from left, holds the family’s dog, Bailee, while posing in front of the family’s Christmas tree with his granddaughter, Kalise Mabingnay, and his wife, Debbie. The trio of elves has been busy decorating just about every square inch of their home for the holidays. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Bill Tuttle, from left, holds the family’s dog, Bailee, while posing in front of the family’s Christmas tree with his granddaughter, Kalise Mabingnay, and his wife, Debbie. The trio of elves has been busy decorating just about every square inch of their home for the holidays.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

And, in a true spirit of Christmas, the couple will open their home to the public on Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., so people can take a peek. The couple’s home is at 2308 Camp Indianhead Road in Land O’ Lakes.

When visitors arrive, they’ll see a lighted display in the front yard, and decorations adorning the house.

But, that’s just a prelude to what lies ahead inside.

Every room in the house is dressed up for the season.

Near the front door, a giant figure of Santa, welcomes those who enter.

There are trees, with various themes, in different rooms of the house.

In the office and crafts room, for instance, there’s a tree with ornaments made from old wooden spools and decorations depicting various crafts.

There’s a Mickey tree and a Minnie tree that Debbie Tuttle made, to complement the animated Disney characters adorning a shelf in the couple’s living room.

There’s also a massive tree illuminated by 5,000 lights and decked out with ornaments depicting moments of the family’s life through the years.

The couple’s zeal for Christmas is on display everywhere.

The sunken tub in the master bath, for instance, is off limits for the holidays because decorations encircle the tub.

Snowmen add to the festive feel at Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s home in Land O’ Lakes.

Even the dog crate, in the couple’s master bedroom, is decked out for the season.

There’s a holiday bedspread that Debbie made, on the couple’s bed.

There’s homage to her late father, too, featuring a miniature John Deere tractor, a small tree decorated with tiny John Deere hats, and a small figure of a fisherman — depicting the things that he loved best.

The dining room features an 11-foot bottle tree that Debbie made this year, using bottles she bought at Dollar Tree stores. “I went to 13 stores in one day,” she said, adding it took 201 bottles to make the tree, and she even picked up some of them in Orlando.

She also made a smaller tabletop tree that’s crafted from bottles of many colors.

In the kitchen, there’s a tree that’s dressed up with miniature gadget ornaments.

There’s also a gingerbread house on one counter, and an oversized ornament, serving as a centerpiece, on a kitchen table.

This 11-foot bottle tree is a new addition to the Tuttles’ holiday décor this year. Debbie Tuttle made the tree using 201 bottles that she bought from Dollar Tree stores. “I went to 13 stores in one day,” she said.

A 6-foot-tall nutcracker stands as a sentry, providing an imposing holiday presence.

There are plenty of snowmen and nativity scenes, Santa clauses, decorated trees and twinkling lights to see in other rooms throughout the house, and in the gathering spaces outdoors.

Holiday music also helps to boost the home’s holiday cheer quotient.

The couple has been opening their home for four years, offering some private tours and a couple of public open houses every holiday season.

More than 400 people turned out for the first open house, the couple said.

Besides giving people a feast for the eyes, they also provide cookies and cider, for those who visit their home.

There is no charge to take the tour, but donations are accepted.

The couple uses the money to provide Christmas for some families in need. This year, they think they’ve received enough donations to provide a Christmas dinner and presents for four families.

This stately Santa Claus offers a warm welcome to visitors to the Land O’ Lakes home of Bill and Debbie Tuttle, who host public open houses a couple of times during the holidays to share the spirit of the season.

Getting ready for the holidays at the Tuttles begins on Oct. 1 and takes considerable work, but the couple enjoys sharing their holiday handiwork.

They also enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with their granddaughter, 9-year-old Kalise Mabingnay, who lives with them and helps provide seasonal cheer.

Making holidays bright is what it’s all about, said Bill Tuttle, who works for Senior Helpers.

“If you can’t be in the spirit after leaving here, then you’re not ever going to be in the spirit,” Bill Tuttle said.

Christmas Open House
What: A Christmas Open House featuring a holiday display including 82 decorated trees, 70 animated characters, and thousands of lights and decoration, indoor and out.
Where: Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s house at 2308 Camp Indianhead Road, Land O’ Lakes.
When: Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: Admission is free. Donations are accepted to help provide a Christmas dinner and presents to families in need.

Published December 16, 2015

Pasco schools planning more construction projects

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

As Pasco County Schools gears up to open an elementary school in Wesley Chapel next school year, it’s also planning to open a school for students in grades six through 12 in Wesley Chapel and an elementary school in Land O’ Lakes in the fall of 2017.

It’s also planning to open a kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Starkey Ranch, though no opening date has been yet specified, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

District officials also are seeking bond money against revenues from Penny for Pasco proceeds so the district can get to work sooner on projects at Land O’ Lakes High School, and Woodland Elementary in Zephyrhills, he said.

Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, said the district is seeking additional school sites to accommodate increasing enrollments. (File Photo) — Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, said the district is seeking additional school sites to accommodate increasing enrollments.
(File Photo)

And, those are just a few efforts under way, as the district experiences the most growth it has seen since the housing market flattened during the recession, Williams said.

The Land O’ Lakes High project hasn’t been designed yet, but it will be significant and will involve adding capacity, Williams said.

“We have Connerton and those developments around there, so we definitely want to look to add capacity to Land O’ Lakes (High School),” Williams said. “The biggest issue is going to be: ‘What do we do with all of the kids?’ ”

When Quail Hollow Elementary School was redeveloped, the district could reassign its students to other elementary schools.

“But, that’s a different ballgame when we start talking about Land O’ Lakes High School,” Williams said.

While it’s possible to do construction with students on campus, it’s more complicated and time consuming, Williams said.

A portion of the bond money also would be used for a remodeling at Woodland Elementary, Williams said.

“Woodland is just an older school. It has a really small cafeteria, plus they’re well over capacity,” he said.

The district has to be careful about how much capacity it adds, because it also owns property for an elementary school on the north end of Zephyrhills, Williams said.

In Land O’ Lakes, the district has acquired an elementary school site near the entrance of Tierra del Sol. There’s no timetable yet for building that school, Williams said.

The district also is working to secure another high school site in the State Road 54 corridor, between U.S. 41 and Trinity, he said.

A high school is planned in Bexley Ranch, but an additional high school site is needed in the State Road 54 corridor to accommodate anticipated growth, Williams said.

The high school in Bexley Ranch won’t be accessible for three to five years, because of its location within the development, Williams said.

In addition to the elementary school site planned in Bexley Ranch, the district is looking for an additional elementary school site in the State Road 54 corridor, Williams said.

As the district grows and adds more schools, it will need to draw new boundaries for the schools, a process that tends to arouse controversy.

Superintendent Kurt Browning addressed the issue regarding school boundary shifts in a column he posted on the Pasco County Schools’ website.

“The biggest complaint we get when we have to change school boundaries is from parents who moved into a neighborhood specifically to send their children to the neighborhood school.

“That is why we strongly urge realtors not to use nearby schools as a selling point when they list homes for sale,” Browning writes.

“While we can’t promise parents that the school their home is zoned for when they buy it will continue to be their children’s assigned school, we can promise that it is our mission to provide a world-class education at every Pasco County school,” the superintendent’s column says.

Published December 16, 2015

Have a holly, jolly — safe season

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The holidays are meant to be a time of good cheer, but with all of the hustle and bustle, there’s also more opportunity for accidents and crime, too.

Here are some pointers from various local agencies and national websites, intended to help you have a safe and happy season.

Here are some holiday safety tips from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office:

Be Safe While Shopping

Lock your car doors and roll up your windows.
Limit the amount of cash you carry.
If possible, pay for your purchases with a credit or debit card.
Limit how much jewelry you wear.
Keep your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside jacket pocket if possible.
Place all packages in your trunk, so people walking near your vehicle can’t see them.
Remember where you parked.
Have your keys out when you’re approaching your vehicle.
Don’t leave cellphones, purses or other items in your parked car where they can be seen.
When using ATM machines: use one in a populated area and pay constant attention to your surroundings. If possible, go during daylight hours. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another. Remember to retrieve your credit/debit card after the transaction.

Be Safe at Home

Be sure to lock your doors and windows when you leave your home.
Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
Leave on a light or a television while away, to give the impression that someone is home.
Be wary of strangers who come to your door seeking charitable donations.
Don’t leave boxes from gifts outside for the trash collector. Take them to a dumpster so thieves don’t target your homes for new TVs and other items.

Fire Safety Tips

Here are some pointers from Tampa Fire Rescue to help you stay safe at home, especially during the holidays.

Be sure your batteries are fresh in your smoke detectors, and be sure there are detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home.
Never leave cooking unattended.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near burners.
Keep the cooking area free of grease buildup.
Do not place items near the stove that could catch fire, such as paper towels, cereal boxes and dishtowels.
Turn off the stove and unplug small appliances, when leaving your home.
Never smoke in bed.
Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
Never leave burning cigarettes unattended.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Use alternative heaters only in well-ventilated areas.
Do not use space heaters in areas where they can be easily knocked over.
Keep blankets, clothing, furniture and anything that could catch fire away from portable heaters.
Always use a protective screen near fireplaces.

Be Safe While Traveling

If you’re hitting the road during the holidays, these tips from AAA might come in handy.

Be sure your car is roadworthy. Check the air in your tires. (The proper pressure level can be found in the owner’s manual, or on a sticker that’s usually located on the driver’s side doorjamb). Also, get your battery checked, have your car’s fluid levels checked and make sure you have good windshield wipers.
Buckle up. Be sure everyone is buckled up, and be sure that little ones are traveling in the proper type of car seats.
Know the route you’re taking, and make sure someone else knows it, too.
Be sure that you’ve adjusted your seat and your mirrors for maximum safety and comfort before you leave your driveway, or the rental car agency.
Stay focused. Changing the radio, putting on makeup or talking on the phone takes your focus off the road. If a phone call or text can’t wait, have a passenger take the call or send the text.
Be alert to what other drivers are doing. Even good drivers can’t predict what other drivers will do.
Don’t drink and drive. If you’re going to be drinking, have a designated driver.
If you get lost, don’t panic. Often, you can simply take the next exit to turn around to get back on track.
Pay attention to weather conditions and reports, and make any needed route adjustments.

Published December 16, 2015