B.C. Manion

Enrollment growth in Pasco highest since recession

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Drive through Pasco County and it’s easy to see the signs of growth.

New houses are popping up in subdivisions. New apartment complexes are being built, and land is being cleared for more development.

And now that school is back in session, some of that growth is beginning to show up in classrooms, too.

These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school. (Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School) — These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school.
(Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School)

For the first time since 2007, the enrollment figures for the first day of school in Pasco County Schools increased by more than 1,000 students compared to the first day of school during the previous year.

Countywide, the district’s enrollment was 66,059, on the first day of classes, not counting four schools that had not yet submitted enrollment figures.

District schools gained a total of 1,138 students, while charter schools operating in the county picked up 441 — bringing the total to 1,579.

The increased enrollment exceeded the district’s expectations. Officials had projected an increase of 1,490.

Elementary schools experienced the biggest gain, picking up 672 more than last year. Middle schools experienced a slight decline, tallying seven fewer students than the previous year, and high schools gained 526.

The district’s education centers also saw a slight decrease, dropping by 53 students.

Some schools experienced increases, while others saw declines across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The opening of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School, with 718 students, in Land O’ Lakes had an impact on enrollments at several area schools.

Connerton Elementary School’s first day enrollment was 770, down from last year’s first-day count of 890.

Oakstead Elementary also experienced a decline from its enrollment of 1,123 on the first day of school last year, compared with 1,000 this year.

Pine View Elementary, also in Land O’ Lakes, reported an opening day enrollment of 530, down 100 students from the prior year.

Lake Myrtle Elementary, also located in Land O’ Lakes, had a decline of 73 students, going from 639 last year to 566 this year.

Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz, saw its enrollment drop by 56 students, going from 669 last year to 613 this year.

Other schools experienced enrollment declines as Quail Hollow Elementary reopened in Wesley Chapel, with 380 students on its first day.

Watergrass Elementary School’s first-day enrollment of 592 reflects a decrease of 114 students from its first-day figure last year.

Wesley Chapel Elementary’s first-day enrollment dropped by 191 students, as compared to last year.

Two elementary schools reported enrollment gains of 50 students or more. Sand Pine Elementary, in Wesley Chapel, increased by 51 students and Woodland Elementary, in Zephyrhills, experienced an uptick of 83 students.

Most of the middle schools in the central and east portions of Pasco County saw changes that were within 25 students of last year, plus or minus.

Pine View Middle School was the only school that experiencing a bigger change. Its first-day enrollment decreased by 65 students, compared to last year.

Among high schools in central and east Pasco, those charting the largest gains were Land O’ Lakes High, with an increase of 155 students, Zephyrhills High, with a boost of 119 students, and Sunlake High, with an uptick of 78 students.

Charter schools in the newspaper’s coverage area also reported gains. Academy at the Farm picked up 119 students, Imagine School in Land O’ Lakes reported 50 additional students, and Countryside Montessori, also in Land O’ Lakes, increased its first-day enrollment by 29.

The largest elementary schools in the newspaper’s coverage area are Oakstead, with an enrollment of 1,000; Seven Oaks, with an enrollment of 1,065; and Woodland, with an enrollment of 929.

The largest middle schools in central and east Pasco are John Long, with an enrollment of 1,665; Rushe, with an enrollment of 1,299; and Weightman, with an enrollment of 1,102.

All of the high schools in east and central portions of the county having enrollments exceeding 1,450, with Wiregrass Ranch High topping the list, with an opening day count of 2,272.

Published September 2, 2015

Getting an early taste of the artistic life

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Patrons perusing the shelves of the children’s section at the Hugh Embry Branch Library got a bonus over the last several weeks.

But they’ve had to look up to see it.

Student artwork is displayed above the bookshelves in the Saint Anthony Art Show at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City. (Courtesy of LInda Whitman) — Student artwork is displayed above the bookshelves in the Saint Anthony Art Show at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.
(Courtesy of LInda Whitman)

On the top ledge of the shelves, there’s an exhibit of artworks created by students from Saint Anthony Catholic School.

The works demonstrate the broad range of artistic instruction these young students experience under the guidance of Linda Whitman, the art teacher at Saint Anthony since 1987.

There’s a linoleum block piece featuring a blue cat, created by Effie Tillack, a fourth-grader at the time.

There are icons, by Aneesha Joshy and Gabriel Quinn, made through the technique of tooling metal.

Destiny Li, who was just in kindergarten, has two pieces on display. One is a painting and the other, a collage.

Other examples of interesting work include mixed media, yarn painting and colored pencil drawing.

The exhibit went up in August and is expected to come down around Sept. 10.

Aneesha Joshy tooled metal to create this icon image of Saint Peter. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Aneesha Joshy tooled metal to create this icon image of Saint Peter.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“Miss (Linda) Whitman, she does this every year. This has been going on for about four years now, and every year, there is very impressive art,” said Mary Keesling, Librarian 1 at the Hugh Embry Branch Library.

“People have come in to visit,” Keesling added, noting she thinks most of those coming to see the exhibit are parents of the artists.

The display showcases Whitman’s effort to give her students a broad exposure to art.

“I try to give the kids a taste of everything,” she said. “So, that they’re aware of different styles and different artists.”

She also encourages her 218 students to explore their creative side and remain open to their artistic spirit.

“The younger they are, the more open-minded they are,” Whitman said. “They are absolutely open to anything and everything.”

Around third-grade, though, a lot of children lose their enthusiasm and begin to doubt their artistic abilities, she said.

At that point, Whitman said, “they’re beginning to say, ‘I can’t draw.’

“Usually by third grade, some adult has made the mistake of saying, ‘What is that?’

And that stymies them. That will discourage them,” the art teacher said.

Instead of asking what an artwork portrays, Whitman said it’s better to say, “Tell me about it.”

Emily Vizcarra created a collage of vases, include some real-life or lifelike ferns. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Emily Vizcarra created a collage of vases, include some real-life or lifelike ferns.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Asking the student how he or she created a piece of art also helps to encourage the artist to stay interested in the creative process, she said.

Beyond learning how to work with various media, the students learn art history and about various styles of art.

Whitman said student works are exhibited each year at the library, at CenterState Bank and at the Pasco County Fair.

She chooses the pieces to display based on merit.

“I intentionally have their kids write their names on the back of their artwork, so I don’t know who it is. If I choose to show two of one student’s or three or one student’s in an art exhibit, then so be it.

“I had a principal years ago say, ‘Well, I noticed you had three pieces by this one little girl in the exhibit. If you limited her to one, then two other students could have shown. I said, ‘Yeah, but that’s like telling the fastest runner on the track team, ‘Can you slow down, and let somebody else win?’ ”

Staging an exhibit requires work, but it is worth it, Whitman said, because of the thrill it provides for the students who have their work on display.

“They enjoy exhibiting. They like the limelight,” she said.

That is, except perhaps for kindergartners.

Jose Trevino demonstrates his artistic skills through this colored pencil drawing. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Jose Trevino demonstrates his artistic skills through this colored pencil drawing.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“The kindergartners are funny. When I ask them, ‘Can I keep your artwork for an art show?’ (They respond) ‘Well, no.’

“They don’t like that idea,” she said, noting they want to take their work home and have it hung on their refrigerator door.

But, the teacher or an older brother or sister will talk to the child to assure them the work is just on loan, and the kindergartners typically change their minds.

Once a student has had a work on display, they will often ask Whitman if a work they’ve completed is good enough to exhibit.

The whole idea is to encourage children to develop and use their talents, said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

“It’s mainly to encourage children to do their best. We want to make sure that they know that we appreciate them, and to give them a chance to shine,” she said.

“They’re so excited when they see their work displayed,” she added.

“We try to embrace whatever talent God has given them, and to show that to others and to share with others.”

Plus, the principal noted, such displays reflect well on the school.

Published September 2, 2015

Partnership aims to counter rumors with facts

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

As the 2015-2016 school year begins this week in Pasco County Schools, the school district and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office have formed a new partnership to give parents timely, accurate information when threatening situations occur on or near a school campus.

The partnership aims to give parents a place to turn when they’re hearing reports about potential dangers and they want to find out the facts.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning holds a smartphone and talks about how easy it is for information to spin out of control during a school emergency. To counter the spread of inaccurate information, the school district and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office have set up social media sites to provide timely, factual information to parents and the public during school emergencies, Browning said. Pasco County Sheriff’s Capt. James Mallo, at right, also took part in the news conference.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

“Safety of our students is our top priority,” said Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, at a news conference last week to announce the partnership.

Efforts by law enforcement and school personnel can be undermined when inaccurate information begins circulating in social media, Browning said.

“One of the challenges that we face is the instant communications that the students have, and we all have, as a society. It’s a reality and certainly a challenge.

“What we have found is, that when we get into these types of situations, the social media, the texting, the cellphones really wreak havoc,” Browning said.

“It’s important for parents to have accurate information in an emergency or a potential emergency situation,” the superintendent said.

So, the school district and the sheriff’s office have established social media sites where parents can obtain accurate information.

“It’s important for parents join us in this partnership, for the sake of their children’s safety,” Browning said. “We created social media sites that we want parents to turn to first for information during these times of emergencies.

“It’s also important that principals in schools and staff have the ability to concentrate on their school, not answering questions at this time from parents in their community,” he added.

When parents come to campus during an emergency, they can put themselves at risk, Browning said.

The idea is to get a unified message out, said Capt. James Mallo, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The posted message will be approved by both the sheriff’s office and school district.

Mallo gave an example of an incident that occurred last year, when this kind of system would have been useful.

“We had a bank robber that left the bank and ran across the school property,” he said, but there wasn’t a system to let people know quickly what was happening.

Drew Patel and Maddie Toth, both students at Land O’ Lakes High School, think the social media sites set up by the school district and sheriff’s office will help dispel rumors, and give parents the information they need during a school emergency.

“We want to make sure that the parents and teachers and students and everybody have one place to go to get this message, so that when you do have something like that happen — and a bad guy running around the area of the school — we can put out a single message that’s unified,” he said.

That takes the guesswork out of what’s happening, Mallo said.

The combination of inaccurate information and social media can create significant distractions, as law enforcement and school personnel are trying to handle a potentially dangerous situation, both men said.

“I can’t begin to tell you what a challenge it is as a school community, when we have either a controlled situation on campus or a complete lockdown.

“Everybody that has one of these things,” Browning said, holding up a smartphone. “And students are texting moms and dads.

“You know how the game of Rumor goes. They heard there was a gun on campus. The next thing you know, they’re texting mom or dad that there’s a gun on campus — when there’s not a gun that’s been confirmed on campus,” Browning said.

“We now have the ability to provide that information very quickly and accurately, to keep moms and dads calm, and let them know that first and foremost, their students are safe,” the superintendent added.

Seventeen-year-old Drew Patel, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High School, said he likes the idea of the central clearinghouse for information.

“It provides a direct line of accurate information to the parents. They know what’s going on at the school where their kids are at,” he said.

“I think it’s a great idea,” added Maddie Toth, 17, a junior.

It will help prevent the spread of rumors, she said.

Parents will be able to go to the sites “and see the real information,” she said.

“I think it will work,” Patel said.

Social Media Resources
Here are the places where parents can go to get the latest information about school safety, crime prevention and public awareness information about Pasco County Schools:

Facebook: Facebook.com/pascosheriffschoolsafety
Twitter: @PSOSchoolSafety
Instagram:
Pasco Sheriff’s School Safety Internet Page: PascoSheriff.com/PascoSheriffSchoolSafety

What parents can expect in a school crisis
There are different kinds of school emergencies. Here is what parents can expect.

Crisis response: A coordinated response between the first responders and school personnel during an extraordinary event that could significantly impact the safety and welfare of school children and/or school staff. This kind of crisis can include, but not be limited to any overt act or threat of extreme violence, severe weather occurrence or a tragedy.

Controlled campus: This occurs when there is a potential threat or safety concern that requires a greater degree of control.

Lockdown: This occurs when there is a direct threat to the school campus itself, or the student body.

Parents are not allowed on campus and will be provided instruction as to a reunification time and location, if necessary. Parents are advised to use the social media sites to obtain information.

Published August 26, 2015

Trip to Tokyo offers new perspectives

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Colby Tomasello recently returned from Tokyo, Japan, where he took part in the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy.

The Land O’ Lakes High student was among a group of eight students and four teachers from the United States who were selected to make the trip.

Colby Tomasello (back row, third from right) joins other participants at the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo. (Photos courtesy of Toshiba) — Colby Tomasello (back row, third from right) joins other participants at the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo.
(Photos courtesy of Toshiba)

He spent a week working in collaborative teams with Japanese students, to tackle challenges that required thinking outside of the box.

He also did some sightseeing and had a chance to see firsthand what life is like on the island nation of Japan.

The pace of activities was busy, said Tomasello, who won an essay competition to receive the expenses-paid trip.

Each day began around 7 a.m., with lights out around 10 p.m., he said.

“We had a lot of work to do,” explained Tomasello, who was still attending Pine View Middle School, when he was selected for the U.S. team.

Besides the challenges he and other students tackled, he also had the chance to ride on one of the world’s fastest elevators, master the technique of eating with chopsticks and check out the way people live in Tokyo.

His biggest surprise was how similar Tokyo is to major U.S. cities.

“The layout was very modern,” he said.

Colby Tomasello, right, receives a congratulatory handshake from Toshiba America Inc. executive R. Steven Tungate for his participation in the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo.

The number of people he encountered who speak English surprised him, and he was impressed by the way Japanese people, in general, treat strangers.

“People are very polite. They’re very respectful. They bow a lot,” Tomasello said.

He also observed that the Japanese lifestyle appears to be more environmentally friendly than the American way of life.

“Only 20 percent of their vehicles are all gasoline,” he said.

At the hotel where he was staying, the beds were smaller than a typical bed in the U.S., and turning on the room’s lights and running the air conditioner required the room key.

During the week, he took part in a contest to build a tower out of straws and tape that would withstand a simulated earthquake.

“We designed future communities. They’re supposed to be smart communities,” Tomasello said.

“We also saw a SMART home designed by Toshiba,” he said, which featured solar panels and other self-sustaining features.

He worked with a team that was made up of Japanese and American students. One Japanese student on his team was fluent in English, and the other wasn’t.

They worked well together, he said. When the student who spoke little English had trouble understanding, the other student translated, Tomasello said.

Bill Nye, a representative for the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy, speaks to this year’s participants at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

Tomasello noted that both Japanese students were much more fluent in English than he is in Japanese.

One lesson he learned during his trip had nothing to do specifically with the challenges at hand, he said.

He learned that the American approach to tackling a problem isn’t necessarily the only approach, or always the best approach.

Tomasello’s selection for the essay competition was based on his previous participation in the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program.

Students in grades eight through 11, and high school teachers who are members of the NSTA (National Science Teacher Association), were eligible to apply.

Their Japanese counterparts were selected from high schools that promote strong achievement in science and mathematics, as well as have strong international student exchange programs.

Tomasello isn’t the only member of his family who has fared well in the ExploraVision competitions.

“My sister (Catie) has won four times, and I have won twice,” he said. One of those wins came when he was on a team with his sister.

Published August 26, 2015

New Walk celebrates a new church home

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When New Walk Church began offering services in 2006, it was located at the YMCA building in Zephyrhills, and had about 120 regular attenders.

Now, the church has three locations, totaling roughly 2,000 members, and it is planning to host the grand opening for its new Zephyrhills home at an evening service on Aug. 29 and two morning services on Aug. 30.

Lead Pastor Gary Baldus believes that New Walk’s invitation that God desires people to make a spiritual reconnection has led to the church’s growth.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The new Zephyrhills location is at 35008 State Road 54.

The church also has satellites in Dade City and Holiday.

New Walk aims to reach people who are looking for a spiritual home, according to Lead Pastor Gary Baldus.

“I think there’s a lot of people who have been involved in things in their life, and they’re like, ‘There’s no way God loves me now after what I’ve done,’ ” Baldus said.

New Walk tries to help those people understand that God does love them, he said.

“It’s like ‘Who left the relationship? You or God?’ ”

New Walk wants to “reach people who are far from God, but would like to get close and discover that relationship.

“From the time they get to the parking lot and through our service, we want them to know that God still loves them and wants that relationship with them,” Baldus said.

“We have a vision statement which is ‘Unleashing new purpose in every life through Jesus Christ,’ ” he added.

It’s a place designed to be inviting, for members and visitors, alike.

The church has attracted many families with children, and also many single adults, but there are also some older members, Baldus said.

Those driving by New Walk Church on State Road 54 may have wondered what was being built on that road. Now, they know. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Those driving by New Walk Church on State Road 54 may have wondered what was being built on that road. Now, they know.

Its services feature contemporary music, with highly skilled musicians, the pastor said.

“It’s very lively. It’s all Jesus-based. It’s pretty much what you would hear on Christian radio,” he said.

Much of the new building is designed with children in mind.

The area has been themed out, by Wacky World, a company the church hired to do the décor.

There’s a check-in area, where parents can leave their children while they attend the worship service. That room has a seaside theme, with a model of a giant wave, complete with a surfboard.

“When this is fully running, we have a scent machine,” Baldus said, noting it smells like the coconut oil often used in suntan lotion.

Different rooms within the children’s area are designed to cater to different age groups. There’s a nursery area, a room for toddlers and other spaces for older kids.

The idea is to make church a place where kids want to come, to have fun and to learn about Jesus, Baldus said.

A look at some of the décor, which provides a lively environment for children attending worship services with their parents at New Walk Church.

There’s also a Hospitality Café, where worshippers can enjoy free doughnuts and coffee, or splurge on cappuccinos or slushies. It’s a place where worshippers can relax and spend time with each other, Baldus said.

The main worship hall can accommodate 850 people, which Baldus expects to be full at the services during the grand opening weekend.

The project cost $3.8 million for construction, not including taxes, fees or furnishings.

The new 39,000-square-foot church building sits on 6.5 acres. The site includes a large retention pond in the back and 300 parking spaces around the building, the pastor said.

Even with 300 spaces, parking could become an issue as the church grows, Baldus said.

A significant amount of space has been devoted to children at New Walk Church. The rooms are designed to cater to different age groups.

“One of the challenges on that is that we reach a lot of single people, which is wonderful, but they don’t bring two or three people,” he said.

The church is affiliated with the General Baptist denomination, but its members come from various backgrounds, and there’s no denominational bent, Baldus said.

When people arrive at New Walk, the primary goal is to make them feel welcome.

“Let’s take the barriers away, so they want to come in and hear what God would want for them in their life. And then we can let God do the changing,” Baldus said.

The message he seeks to deliver is: “God loves you and wants you to come back.”

He thinks that invitation for spiritual reconnection has resonated with many people, leading to New Walk’s growth.

“I think the biggest draw has been that this is a place that people could come into and hear the love of Jesus,” Baldus said.

Published August 26, 2015

Retired CPA becomes published novelist

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The morning after John Chaplick retired from his consulting business, he knew after he’d finished his first cup of coffee that he wasn’t a man who could live without plans.

As he was drinking that cup of coffee, he quickly realized that no one was seeking his advice, he had no meetings to attend and no one was waiting for his reports.

John Chaplick, a retired certified public accountant who lives in Lutz, has penned three novels and is working on No. 4. (Courtesy of John Chaplick) — John Chaplick, a retired certified public accountant who lives in Lutz, has penned three novels and is working on No. 4.
(Courtesy of John Chaplick)

So, he decided to do something he’d promised himself years before that he would do. He decided to write a book.

Of course, he soon learned that it sounded much easier than it was.

It didn’t take long either to discover he had a great deal to learn.

But he was up for the challenges.

And now, the retired certified public accountant has published three novels and is working on his fourth.

His publishers are Cricket Cottage Publishing and Southern Yellow Pines Publishing.

The titles of his novels are “The Rivergrass Legacy,” “Bridge of the Paper Tiger” and “Forbidden Chronicles of a Roman Centurion.”

He’s already about 80 pages into his next novel, “Wolves of Antikythera,” which he expects to be 300-plus pages, because of the research involved.

Chaplick said he does his writing on the computer in his den at home, surrounded by his materials.

He believes that readers want more than an engaging story.

His novels always include a broad underlying premise, such as money laundering in “The Rivergrass Legacy.”

When he writes, he keeps in mind that there’s no such thing as a perfectly righteous hero or completely evil villain.

Obstacles change his characters, as the novel progresses.

His novels always have a twist at the end, too.

He believes that authors must capture the reader’s interest at the outset and use concise writing to keep them reading.

He seeks to do more than merely tell a story.

He uses “atmospherics” — which is a descriptive kind of writing that give readers a sense that they’ve been transported to the place where the story is unfolding and brings the characters in the novel to life.

When it comes to the actual writing, Chaplick has no particular routine.

“I probably write a little bit every day. Sometimes I’ll sit there for four hours. Sometimes I’ll sit there for 10 minutes,” he said.

Essentially, he doesn’t write unless he feels like he has something to say.

“I just don’t write unless I feel like it. If you try to write when you really don’t feel like it, it comes out kind of forced, and I’m not sure what kind of quality you get.”

If he hits a wall, he takes a break for a few days to mull things over.

“I usually find my way around it,” he said. “When I get stuck, it’s usually because the novel says, ‘Hey, I want to go in a different direction.’ ”

Sometimes, he’ll wake up at 2 a.m., with an idea, so he heads to the den and gets to work.

“I get on the computer and punch away.”

Chaplick said he’s always on the lookout for ways to enhance his material.

Occasionally, he’ll see something while he’s driving that will make him think of a scene or an image, and he’ll pull over to jot down some notes.

“Sometimes, a billboard believe it or not, will trigger a thought,” the author said.

He begins every novel with an outline, but doesn’t always stick to it.

“I find, as I go along — as the characters develop and the plot thickens — sometimes the book drives me,” Chaplick said.

His novels tend to run between 275 and 325 pages.

He despises the use of fill material.

And, he’s not impressed by sequels.

“I think sequels are weaker than the first one. And, they’re playing on their readers’ desire to see a repeat of the first, and it’s usually a disappointment,” he said.

None of his books have been sequels.

Chaplick said he would encourage anyone who is serious about writing a book, to pursue that desire.

But he advised: “Don’t do it unless you’re committed to it long term. It’s a long, long journey.”

He also warned would-be authors about the dangers of being exploited by publishers.

“Every new writer who enters the field is suddenly set adrift on a sea of protocol without a compass, and the navigation is difficult because there are literary sharks waiting at every turn to take advantage of a new writer. There are a lot of predators out there,” he said.

Effective writing requires solid research, which adds depth and dimension to the storytelling, he said.

It’s a good idea to join writing groups to help authors develop and refine their writing skills, Chaplick said. It’s also a good idea to read a lot, to learn techniques from other writers.

Chaplick’s wife, Avis, edits his drafts, his writer groups critique his work, he has several readers who offer advice, and he has an editor, Paula Stahel, too.

It’s important to develop a thick skin, Chaplick said.

Once one of his writing groups was critiquing his work, while there was a visitor from Scotland there, thinking about joining the group.

“Well, he was sitting next to me. As they were taking mine (Chaplick’s writing) apart, with their red ink and criticizing, he kept looking at me. He looked over to see my reaction.

“I sat there because I was used to it.

“They got all through, and the director turned around and said, ‘Well Angus, what do you think? Would you like to join our group?’

“And, in a thick Scottish brogue, (Angus replied)‘No, I wanted to join, but after I seen what ya done to this lad, I don’t think I will.’

“He walked out, and we never saw him again.”

Critiques can be deflating, Chaplick said.

But they’re instructive and can help writers grow, Chaplick said.

“You have to get better and better each time, and the red marks get fewer and fewer,” Chaplick said.

John Chaplick appearances
Lutz author John Chaplick will be taking part in the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading on Oct. 24 in St. Petersburg. He also will be giving a book talk at 5:30 p.m., on Oct. 26, at the Lutz Branch Library. He is the author of three books, “The Rivergrass Legacy,” “Bridge of the Paper Tiger” and “Forbidden Chronicles of a Roman Centurion.”

The author is available to give talks to schools, libraries, service clubs and other groups. For more information, email him at , or visit his website at EngagingBooksBlog.com.

Published August 26, 2015

Hospital expansion ahead of schedule

August 19, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Public campaign launched to raise $17 million

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel always knew that it would be expanding, but it didn’t expect to be doing so 2 ½ years ahead of schedule.

This rendering shows what the front of the hospital will look like, after the expansion. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) — This rendering shows what the front of the hospital will look like, after the expansion.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel)

Hospital officials, local dignitaries and invited guests celebrated the beginning of a $78 million expansion project at a Aug. 12 gathering, that also marked the beginning of a public campaign to raise $17 million to support the project.

Florida Hospital and Adventist Health are committed to $61 million of the project’s cost, but the rest will come from a fundraising effort chaired by Tom Dempsey, owner of Saddlebrook Resort, which helped put Wesley Chapel on the map more than three decades ago.

Speakers praised the hospital for the quality of its care, during the event that included hors d’oeuvres, live music, muffins, parfaits, juice and coffee.

They noted the hospital’s reputation for excellence and said that, along with growth in the surrounding communities, has fueled the need to expand much sooner than initially expected.

When people talk about infrastructure, they’re usually talking about government projects, State Rep. Danny Burgess said. But he added, hospitals are perhaps the most important infrastructure a community can have. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — When people talk about infrastructure, they’re usually talking about government projects, State Rep. Danny Burgess said. But he added, hospitals are perhaps the most important infrastructure a community can have.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“Wesley Chapel and Pasco County are on the rise,” Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who lives in Wesley Chapel, told the crowd. “We’re on the rise because community partners like Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

“After only 2 ½ years, they’re moving forward with an expansion of this hospital. This was scheduled to be done in five years. That’s incredible.

“These things don’t happen by themselves, ladies and gentlemen. They only happen when you can build the trust and support of the community that surrounds you,” Moore said.

State Rep. Danny Burgess agreed.

“This is no coincidence that this is happening so quickly, only halfway through the projected five-year expansion timeline,” Burgess said.

“What we have here is nothing short of an incredible facility, an incredible hospital, an incredible team doing amazing healing, wellness and preventative work — and the community recognizes that,” he said.

“We talk a lot about infrastructure projects in my line of work, especially at the local level when I used to be mayor. We talk about projects like road expansions. We talk about public works. We talk about public safety. We talk about first responders.

“Those all tend to be government projects, government-related tasks.

Denyse Bales-Chubb, CEO and president of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, outlined the hospital’s expansion plans. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) — Denyse Bales-Chubb, CEO and president of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, outlined the hospital’s expansion plans.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel)

“But I think what gets missed in that conversation is probably the most important infrastructure project a community can have, and that is your hospital. Because you better believe that families are looking for that. They’re looking to see how that hospital ranks in that community, the treatment level, the care that they receive,” Burgess said.

The state lawmaker said he speaks from personal experience about the quality of care the hospital provides because his 19-month-old daughter, Adeline, was delivered there. And, when his son Danny Burgess III arrives — expected any day — the family plans to be back at the hospital for his delivery, too.

Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer, talked about the area’s long need for a hospital.

“Twenty-eight years ago, when I started to practice out in Land O’ Lakes, there was a lot of cow pastures and vacation homes. A lot of pickup trucks. But even back then, when I was first living here, people would ask me: ‘Doc, when are we going to have a hospital?’

“In 2007, we started a formal planning board, and we started developing the hope for this hospital. And then, on a cold windy day in December, about five years ago, we sat here and dug the first shovel of dirt,” Rosequist said.

“We planted a tree, which unfortunately didn’t make it,” he said, drawing a roar of laughter from the crowd. “But the hospital did.”

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has fine equipment, including “the best MRI in the whole state,” Rosequist said.

Tom Dempsey, owner of Saddlebrook Resort, is leading the private fundraising campaign to support the hospital’s construction. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Tom Dempsey, owner of Saddlebrook Resort, is leading the private fundraising campaign to support the hospital’s construction.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

But what sets the hospital apart, he said, is “the people and the staff — we really do care about our patients.”

A larger hospital is necessary, he added.

“We need to expand, because we can’t continue to provide that care in the existing bricks-and-mortar hospital we built just 2 ½ years ago,” Rosequist said.

Denyse Bales-Chubb, the hospital’s president and CEO, detailed the expansion plans.

The project involves 112,000 square feet of new space and nearly 11,000 square feet of renovated space. It includes 62 inpatient beds; 18 emergency rooms; five surgical suites and a Heart Catherization Lab. It also adds observation and recovery space, expanded support areas and some shelled space for future growth.

“These additions will allow us to better serve the patients coming to us for care and be prepared for the incredible growth this community is experiencing,” Bales-Chubb said.

The expansion will add three additional floors to the hospital’s center wing, and will add an additional three-story wing that will connect the south and center wings.

Robins & Morton, the construction company that built the hospital from the ground up, will be handling the expansion. Completion is expected by the end of 2016.

Dempsey, who is leading the “We Care” fundraising campaign, reminded the crowd what Wesley Chapel was like when he broke ground for Saddlebrook 35 years ago.

“When that groundbreaking was over, I took a good look around and I said, ‘There’s nothing here.’ You looked down (State Road) 54, there wasn’t a building, there wasn’t even a fruit stand. There was nothing. Absolutely zero,” Dempsey said.

Both Dempsey and Moore praised the vision demonstrated by the Porter family, owners of Wiregrass Ranch, who have sold off large chunks of their land to help shape the community of Wesley Chapel.

Don Porter and his wife, Lajuana, now both deceased, lived with children, J.D. and Quinn, on property now occupied by the hospital.

Quinn Miller said her family is gratified by the hospital’s success.

“We knew when the hospital came on board, it would be something vital to our area,” Miller said. “But, we had no idea that they would be almost three years ahead of schedule for this expansion.

“It’s wonderful to see. The facility is so impressive,” she said, adding it also is an important source of jobs.

Dempsey said he took on the leadership role in the fundraising effort because he believes in the cause.

“In just a short time, approximately three years, Florida Hospital has become an integral part of the community.

“I think they know what they’re doing. They have a great record. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hospital to anyone,” Dempsey said.

Like Burgess, Dempsey believes that a hospital is a necessary part of a community.

“The community needs a hospital,” Dempsey said.

“I think, we as people, want the peace of mind to know that there’s a top-notch hospital just around the corner, and that that hospital will have great medical services, great doctors, great nurses, great technology and great caregivers. And, we want the place to have an access to fine equipment, technology and great care giving. That’s what we want for our families and our friends,” Dempsey said.

Published August 19, 2015

Park expansion signifies big day for Land O’ Lakes

August 19, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Passersby on U.S. 41 likely didn’t notice the event taking place under a covered pavilion at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park on Aug. 14.

After all, there were no marching bands or fireworks.

Dignitaries and park supporters gathered for a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of a $2.3 million project to improve Land O’ Lakes Community Park. (Courtesy of Teri Dusek) — Dignitaries and park supporters gathered for a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of a $2.3 million project to improve Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
(Courtesy of Terri Dusek)

But the ribbon cutting for the Land O’ Lakes Community Park project marked a big day in the community’s history.

The $2.3 million park improvement project includes the installation of a Bermuda grass practice field, a Bermuda grass football field and a 300-foot Bermuda grass softball field.

It also includes a concession building with restrooms and a meeting room, a maintenance building, open space, two shelters, new parking lots, a new playground and a remodeled patio area. And, there’s also a four-tenths-of-a-mile walking trail.

“This is an exciting time for Land O’ Lakes. I know the community is going to enjoy this park for years to come,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, a speaker at the ribbon cutting.

Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation, has been a driving force in securing funds for a stage to be built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation, has been a driving force in securing funds for a stage to be built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“This celebrates progress. Not just the progress of Pasco County, but for Land O’ Lakes and the community that surrounds this park. It’s an effort, in my mind, for the revitalization of this great community,” Moore said.

“This isn’t the end of it,” Moore added. “You look around and you say, ‘Wow, what an amazing facility.’ But this isn’t the end. Thanks to the efforts of the Heritage Park Foundation, Sandy Graves and her team, there’s going to be a bandstand here that’s going to have concerts and other performances. That’s going to be another great thing for this park that the community has needed for so many years.”

The stage, to be constructed next year, is being funded through a $250,000 grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

It’s taken a long time to get the funding for the stage, noted Sandy Graves, who has pushed relentlessly for the project.

It took three governors to finally get the state’s support, Graves said. Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov. Charlie Crist rejected the request, but Gov. Rick Scott said yes.

Kurt Conover, a longtime supporter of the project, said it didn’t hurt to have support from members of the local legislative delegation.

Conover thinks the stage will add a new dimension to happenings in Land O’ Lakes.

“I envision it to be a very busy place,” he said.

Graves sees the stage as a way to foster the kind of community life she enjoyed when she was young.

Improvements at Land O’ Lakes Community Park include a 300-foot softball field. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Improvements at Land O’ Lakes Community Park include a 300-foot softball field.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“So many of you see it as a new park today, but I see good memories,” Graves said, during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I remember the brand new park, back in the ’60s. I remember dance events. And coming to the community center for the Miss Land O’ Lakes pageant,” she said. “I remember my brother playing Little League games here.”

She said she’s grateful for the people of Land O’ Lakes who saw a need for a community center and park way back then, and for their support of “a place that added to the quality of life and to the wonder of their children’s memories.”

The quest for a stage at the park has been nearly 20 years in the making, Graves said, during an interview.

She noted that over the years, the Heritage Park Foundation has had all sorts of fundraisers and events to draw attention to their cause.

Foundation members sold turkey legs at the community’s Flapjack Festivals, sold coffee at the opening of the Suncoast Parkway, sold water at a balloon festival at Starkey Park, and sold doughnuts and coffee at the Central Pasco Chamber’s community expos.

They also had events, such as Traditions on the Green and Scarecrows ‘N Stuff, to draw attention to the cause.

Pasco County School Board member Joanne Hurley, a former member of the Heritage Park Foundation, recalled a time when the county was thinking about selling the parkland and relocating the park.

The community rallied against that.

Besides celebrating the park improvements, the ceremony also marked the beginning of a cooperative arrangement between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools, to share facilities.

Both parties have agreed to an arrangement that will allow students from Sanders to use the county’s practice fields, parkland, picnic shelter and walking trail, and visitors to the park to use the school’s basketball courts, parking and covered play area.

“Well, it took a long time,” said Rick Buckman, of the county’s parks and recreation department, but the efforts of many have paid off. “I’m just really excited.”

He thanked a long list of people who have been involved in making the project happen, expressing special gratitude for the patience of the Land O’ Lakes Police Athletic League.

“The LOL Pal Gators — they hung in there. We kept telling you, you were going to get a field. Well, you finally got it,” Buckman said.

The cooperative arrangement between the county and the school district is the first in Pasco County to become operational, Buckman added.

Lonnie Piper, of A-OK Trophies, was among those celebrating the updated park.

“This is just gorgeous, what they’ve done,” Piper said. “I can’t wait for the amphitheater to go in.”

Published August 19, 2015

Big changes in store for Pasco schools

August 19, 2015 By B.C. Manion

A lot of change is in store for Pasco County Schools during the 2015-2016 school year.

Students arriving at Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School will find not only a new campus, but a new way of learning, too.

Wiregrass Ranch High School is expecting nearly 2,500 students this year. To reduce crowding, the school will operate on a 10-period day, with some students arriving earlier and leaving earlier, and others arriving later and leaving later. All of the student body will be on campus during three periods a day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Wiregrass Ranch High School is expecting nearly 2,500 students this year. To reduce crowding, the school will operate on a 10-period day, with some students arriving earlier and leaving earlier, and others arriving later and leaving later. All of the student body will be on campus during three periods a day.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

They’ll be attending classes in the Pasco school district’s first magnet school program, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Students arriving at Quail Hollow Elementary School, will find a school that’s undergone a massive makeover — replacing the formerly “open” space with traditional classrooms, with doors and windows.

The school’s makeover isn’t entirely complete, but district officials don’t expect the work that’s yet to be done to disrupt the opening of school.

At Pine View Middle, students and staff will be embarking on a quest to become the first school in the district to be designated as a Middle Years Programme by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

It typically takes a candidate school about three years to meet the requirements to receive the designation.

Across the United States, there are 45 private and 538 public MYP programmes, including 65 in Florida and four in the Tampa area, including Carrollwood Day School and Corbett Preparatory School of IDS.

Pasco County Schools are set to begin classes on Aug. 24. (File Photo)

At Wiregrass Ranch High School, the school district is using a 10-period day to cope with soaring enrollment.

The school was built for 1,675 students, and its projected enrollment in 2015-2016 is 2,438.

To alleviate crowding, the district is having students arrive and depart from campus in two shifts.

Sophomores through seniors will begin and end the school day at the same time they do now, 7:25 a.m. and 1:56 p.m., respectively. Freshmen will begin at 10:25 a.m., and end at 4:50 p.m.

All of the school’s students will be on campus for three periods each day, but that is manageable because roughly 500 kids are at lunch at any given time, according to Robyn White, the school’s principal.

Wiregrass Ranch has had four lunch periods each day, but is adding a fifth one because of the anticipated enrollment increase.

Besides changes in facilities and programming at some schools, students also will be greeting new administrators at several Pasco schools.

Jason Petry is leading Sanders Elementary in Land O’ Lakes, and Kara Smucker is the principal at Quail Hollow in Wesley Chapel.

Angie Stone, the new leader at Zephyrhills High, is returning to the place where she began her career in Pasco County Schools.

Students attending Pasco Middle School in Dade City will be greeted by Principal Jeff Wolff, and those arriving at San Antonio Elementary School will be welcomed by Principal Kim Anderson.

In another big change, district employees will be heading into a new school year with a settled contract.

The contract, which has not yet been ratified, calls for an average 3 percent raise for district employees.

While details are still being finalized, the district’s plan is for district employees to receive their raise in their paychecks beginning Sept. 4, which is the first pay date for teachers.

The contract also calls for no increases in the employee contribution in the single employee health plan. The district is one of the few districts in Florida that offers a fully paid single employee health option.

A new benefit in this year’s contract is a Voluntary Sick Leave Donation program, set to begin in October. This program allows district employees to donate their sick leave to other district employees who are experiencing a documented major medical emergency, illness, accident or injury (or whose spouse, minor child, or dependent child under legal guardianship has a document major medical emergency, illness, accident or injury).

Helpful info
Transportation issues?
Pasco County Schools has set up a special Transportation Call Center during the first week of school.

If you have a problem, call the numbers listed below, on Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

(813) 794-2500; (727) 774-2500; or (352) 524-2500

Want to buy breakfast or lunch?
The current meal prices are:

Reduced price breakfast: 30 cents

Reduced price lunch: 40 cents

Full price breakfast: $1.35 (elementary) and $1.50 (secondary)

Full price lunch: $2.25 (elementary) and $2.60 (secondary)

Want to register?
Students entering a Florida public school for the first time need:

Current immunization records
Proof of a physical examination, dated and signed by a licensed health professional within the last 12 months
Evidence of age, such as a birth certificate
Social Security Number, if available
Proof of Florida residency, such as a water bill, electric bill, gas bill, or an executed lease agreement
A copy of the student’s last report card, if applicable
Legal guardianship records, if applicable

Note: Students entering kindergarten for the first time must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to attend kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start/Early Start programs are available to students who will not make the deadline.

Published August 19, 2015

New Catholic school opens in Lutz

August 19, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School had its first day of classes in its new home on Aug. 17.

The school is operating in a new structure on the campus of St. Timothy Catholic Church, at 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

Most Holy Redeemer, which was founded in 1954, took on its new name last year, but didn’t move to its new campus until this academic year.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School had its first day of classes in its new home on the campus of Saint Timothy Catholic Church on Aug. 17. This photo was taken just days before classes began. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School had its first day of classes in its new home on the campus of Saint Timothy Catholic Church on Aug. 17. This photo was taken just days before classes began.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The school, for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, has an enrollment of 355 students, said Principal Johnnathan Combs.

That’s up from the enrollment at the Most Holy Redeemer campus last year, which finished out last school year with 239 students.

All but two of those students are attending classes on the new campus. The two that aren’t moved away to Orlando, Combs said.

The students are coming to the school from St. Timothy, St. Paul, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Mary and Most Holy Redeemer parishes, he said.

Four classrooms at the school are still under construction, Combs said. But when they are finished, the school will have a capacity for 600 students.

Construction costs for the school are around $8 million, said Dr. Michael Tkacik, secretary for ministries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

The school will be celebrating a mass and a dedication ceremony on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m., he said.

Tkacik said enrollment in the Diocese’s Catholic schools has been holding steady for the past couple of years.

As he looks to the future, Tkacik said he is “guardedly optimistic.”

He points to projects such as Tampa Premium Outlets and other construction activity as a sign that the economy — stalled for several years — is showing new signs of life.

The school on Saint Timothy’s campus is inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and is rooted in the Catholic faith, according to its website. Its mission is “to develop young people who strive for academic excellence, recognize the dignity of each individual and foster service to others,” the website says.

Its fundamental reason for existence is to help children learn about Jesus and to develop their Catholic faith, Combs said. Of course, he added, academics are important.

The Pope John Paul II Youth Center, also on St. Timothy’s campus, has already opened.

The facility will be used by the school during the school day and also will be used for athletics.

Published August 19, 2015