B.C. Manion

Barnes & Noble offers showcase for local authors

May 8, 2014 By B.C. Manion

If you’re looking for a new recipe, want to make a quilt, are in the mood for a little dark humor or want to be inspired, a selection of books by local authors may appeal to you.

Seventeen local authors will gather at Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass May 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., to sell their books and chat with patrons. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Seventeen local authors will gather at Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass May 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., to sell their books and chat with patrons.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Seventeen local authors will gather at Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass May 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., to offer their works for sale, chat with potential patrons, and sign books.

“It’s Barnes & Noble’s way to recognize the community,” said Paul Brouillard, assistant store manager at the bookstore, which is located at 28152 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. “Our customers are readers. A lot of them aspire to be authors and have their books for sale in our store. So this is a great way to get the authors who are local to our store.”

It’s a fun event for the authors, Brouillard added. Besides having a chance to sell their work, they get to talk to customers and to network with each other.

The store will set the writers up in clusters at different locations in the store, with a sprinkling of genres at each table, Brouillard said.

“I’ll have a teen book maybe next to maybe one of the cooking books and the quilting book, something like that,” he said.

Some authors have been there before, such as Leigh Kenyon, a teenager who wrote “The Zebra Riders,” and Madonna Jervis Wise, a retired educator who has written several books, including “Wildcat Creek Kids,” “Sam & Company,” and “Juanita in Blue.” She’s also co-author of “Kachina and the Bully.”

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor, a women’s ministry leader, will be there with her book “A Woman’s Call, Living a Life of Purpose.”

Those interested in learning to quilt can pick up some pointers from Elizabeth Dackson, author of “Becoming a Confident Quilter.”

Guy Cote will offer his book “Long Live the King: Book One of the Charlemagne Saga.” Milt Harris will have three titles available, a book for young readers called “Foxy Roxy,” a self-help guide titled “Ceilings,” and the cookbook “Just Friggin’ Cook.”

Gail Yip-Chuck’s book, “The New Life Diet: A New Way of Eating and Being,” shares her message for diet and health, with the aim of helping readers transform their lives.

Jamie Elizabeth Tingen’s book, “Butterfly Messages,” is a story about second chances. It’s a particularly timely topic in this age of reconnections enabled through social media and of rekindled romance among former sweethearts who have found each other a divorce or the death of a spouse.

If you enjoy dark humor, “The Funeral Portrait” by Vincent Vinas, may be right up your alley.

Those who are drawn to history and photography may want to check out the work of R. Wayne Ayres, author of “Florida’s Grand Hotels from the Gilded Age” and “St. Petersburg: The Sunshine City.”

Other authors expected to be there are Jenice Armstead, Sarina Babb, Shelby Bender, Susan Noe Harmon, Paul Sunshine Murphy, Alison Oburia and Ria Prestia.

Readers drawn to poetry may want to pick up a copy of “Eyes Open, Listening,” by Janet Watson, at the Barnes & Noble author gathering May 17 at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Here’s a selection from her book:

The Artist
His studio was under the basement stairs,
next to shelves of canned tomatoes,
beneath the foundation window through
which he could watch leaves scuttling by.

His day-job at the factory shared space
with thoughts of going home,
of what he’d sketch or paint—
a remembered face, the valley in spring.

His assembly line labor supported us,
and although I understood that need,
when people asked me what he did,
I always said my father was an artist.
-Janet Watson

Published May 7, 2014

Public weighs in on Pasco’s future parks and rec plan

May 8, 2014 By B.C. Manion

When residents consider the future of Pasco County’s parks and recreation’s programs and facilities, they have plenty of suggestions for the county to consider.

Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan. (Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department) — Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department)

Some want to see more opportunities — such as pathways — to enjoy the beauty of natural areas owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Others want to create a “blue way,” providing water access to coastal areas.

Some think more should be done to encourage gatherings on large green spaces, to foster a greater sense of community. And, some want to do a better job of marketing the county’s gems, such as the rolling hills of Dade City.

These were just a few thoughts that popped up during a discussion last week at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, where David Barth, of AECOM Technology Corp., asked those gathered to help define what steps could be taken to help Pasco County become a premier county where people want to live, work and locate their business.

The county hired AECOM, a professional consulting firm, for $125,000 to develop a 10-year comprehensive parks and recreation system master plan. The plan must be considered in a broad sense, Barth told the crowd of about two dozen.

“It’s important to understand lifestyle and demographics,” Barth said. For instance, park planning in urban areas is different than it is in suburban or rural places. Since Pasco is a mix, different considerations must be made for different areas.

The planning also must consider existing facilities and programs — not only those which belong to the county, but also those which are part of the public realm, including schools, museums and libraries, Barth said.

“We need to understand what’s happening today,” he said. “What are the priorities in 2014?”

But it’s also important to consider whether plans made before are still relevant, and whether there are emerging forms of recreation that the county may want to consider.

The May 1 workshop was one of three public sessions, but is just a small part of the planning effort. A steering committee made up of various stakeholders also weighed in and there will be a random survey conducted to collect more information.

Gathering input from people is just one part of the process. The work also involves evaluating current conditions, using demographic information, considering trends, and looking at current and desired levels of service. The work also will include a random survey to solicit public sentiment.

One issue that didn’t even come up at the public session is the shortage of athletic fields for youth sports, a complaint that has been raised repeatedly in recent years. As the county puts together a plan, it must consider the costs of implementation and various funding options for carrying out the plan, county parks and recreation director Rick Buckman said.

Essentially, there are two payment plans. One involves using existing revenues to “pay as you go.” The other involves coming up with additional revenues, which could include additional taxes, Barth said.

Planning efforts are expected to continue for several months. As the work goes on and the vision for the plan solidifies, debates are likely to intensify over program and facility priorities and how to pay for the plan.

The Pasco County Commission will have final say over the long-range plan and decisions regarding how to pay for it, including using existing revenues or seeking additional support through new taxes, more public-private partnerships or other means.

Published May 7, 2014

AARP launches initiative to help defeat scammers

May 8, 2014 By B.C. Manion

When it comes to being scammed, virtually everyone is at risk, said Claudette Henry, the featured speaker at a recent Land O’ Lakes AARP chapter meeting.

Because identity theft and fraud are so pervasive, the AARP has launched the Fraud Watch Network to combat the problem. Last year, an estimated 12.6 million Americans were the victims of identity theft, Henry said, citing AARP materials.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network aims to help people of all ages, not only members of the AARP, Henry said.

“We’re trying to protect you against phone, email and mail scams,” Henry said. “If you receive a phone call or email from anyone saying that your checking account or bank account or credit card or PayPal, or anything that you do has been compromised, and you need to respond, do not.”

Instead, contact the company that sent the communication to make sure it is legitimate, she said.

“If it is from the bank, they’ll address you by name, not just your email account, or say, ‘Dear Member,’ or anything like that,” Henry said. “If you receive a phone call and it says, ‘To verify your account, press 1.’ Do not do it.”

Another common scam involves messages that say someone won a lottery.

“Anytime you receive information that you’ve won a lottery, you’ve won a prize — if you have to pay taxes up front, or a qualification fee, or a document fee — it’s a scam. Don’t fall for it,” Henry said.

Con artists attempt to get people emotionally involved because that makes them more vulnerable, Henry said. One common ploy involves an email or a call that claims to be from a relative needing help. It’s best to hang up the phone and verify that information from another source.

There are other scams that claim to offer investment opportunities, such as oil and gas stock options, she said. One victim lost $40,000.

“It can happen to anyone,” Henry said.

Some criminals use threats and intimidation to try to get what they want. “The latest scam involves calls or emails that claim they’re from the IRS,” she said. “They’re not going to call or email. They’re going to send you a letter. Don’t be fooled.”

A caller attempted the IRS scam on Steve Dierking of Lutz, who was at the AARP meeting.

“I had the IRS call me a month ago and they said they had audited me over the last seven years. I owed $3,400,” Dierking said. “I had one hour to give it to them. And, if I didn’t, they were sending the sheriff out to pick me up.

“So, I said, ‘I have to get back to you, because I don’t have that cash.’ I called the sheriff,” Dierking told the crowd.

There are persistent scammers, who use harassment to try to get their way.

“The best thing you can do is get on the phone with the authorities,” Henry said. “Put an answering machine on your phone or block your phone calls. If all else fails, change your phone number. Don’t let this happen to you.”

Keep your credit cards and Social Security number in a place where others can’t get to them, she added. Check your credit reports to be sure they are accurate.

“Be real careful about your mail and how you handle your mail. You don’t want to throw stuff out in the trash with information from credit card companies, offers or even your name and address,” Henry said. “Shred the information. Don’t put it out there. People go through your trash trying to get information.”

Also, be careful in returning calls when you don’t recognize the numbers, she said.

“If you don’t know who’s calling you, don’t call them,” Henry advised.

Ginny Sibley, a bank officer for American Momentum Bank, offered this advice: “When you’re traveling, please use a credit card, not your debit card.”

Scammers can do serious damage once they get someone’s checking account number, Sibley said.

“What they do, is they set up an exact time throughout the whole United States and they compromise your number,” she said. “At that moment, they use the cards, the plastic into the machine. You could have five, six transactions at the same time.”

When buying gas, be sure to click the clear button after your transaction, Sibley added.

Robert Brown took that advice a step farther.

“Any time I use my debit or credit card when I get gas, I go inside and swipe it,” said Brown, a independent associate of LegalShield. “I always go inside.”

Protect yourself with these tips from AARP
• Don’t carry your Social Security card
• Shred sensitive information
• Limit the number of credit cards you carry
• Keep copies of your credit cards, front and back, in case they are stolen
• Watch for missing bills
• Monitor your accounts carefully
• Do your homework before making investments
• Review your free credit report once a year
• Do not carry your check card codes or passwords
• Do not choose obvious passwords, such as a birthdate, phone number, consecutive numbers or the like
• If you receive a suspicious email, do not respond to it
• Avoid conducting personal or financial business on shared or public computers or over wireless hotspots
• Protect your mail
• Do not give out personal information to telemarketers
• Check out a charity before donating by going to CharityWatch.org or CharityNavigator.org

Published May 7, 2014

Lutz leader: ‘The system, this time, worked’

May 1, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Towering stands of pine trees and open fields characterize the plot of land at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway, but that property soon could have an entirely new look.

A pair of rezonings affecting 251 acres of property beginning at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway will give the area a new look. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — A pair of rezonings affecting 251 acres of property beginning at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway will give the area a new look.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The parcel is part of a 251-acre plan that calls for upscale houses, multifamily units, offices, retail and a congregate care facility.

Lutz residents are notorious for battling proposals they believe will disrupt their way of life. But in this case, they turned out en masse to support the proposed project. That’s because of all the work the applicants and community did before the public hearing took place.

“They negotiated with our community members in good faith,” said Mike White, the president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition. “The system, this time, worked. And, it worked well.”

Attorney Joel Tew and Richard Davis represent Geraci Land Acquisition LLC and Standard Pacific Homes of Florida, who presented their rezoning applications as companion requests. The companies are seeking to change the land from its current agricultural zoning to planned developments (PDs).

Land Use Hearing Officer Steve Luce had two public hearings on April 21, to listen to the evidence that he will use to recommend whether the Hillsborough County Commission should approve or deny the two requests. Much of the testimony heard during the first hearing was carried over to the second hearing, as well, at the request of those testifying.

One request incorporates the Landings at Lake Pearl, a previously approved rezoning that includes 650 multifamily units and 70,000 square feet of office.

“We agreed, at the county’s request, to essentially roll that old PD into the new PD,” Tew said. “The county preferred to have one consolidated PD that would give easier site plan control, easier enforcement of conditions, easier platting and easier development approval, so we were happy to do that.”

Besides the existing entitlements, the application calls for 240 single-family houses. Standard Pacific is planning a gated, high-end residential community. Another parcel is planned for 177 multifamily units.

The new requests total 417 dwelling units, about 25 percent of what would be allowed under the county’s long-range land-use plan, Tew noted. The retail uses requested in the companion proposal represents about one-third of what would be allowed under the long-range plan designation.

In essence, the requests are substantially less than the major activity center that was designated on the county’s long-range plan, Tew said.

The applicants also worked hard with the community and the county’s staff to work out conditions that addressed concerns and will create a quality project, Tew said.

“We have had a total of eight meetings with the major community associations that are directly affected by this project,” he said. “We’ve had very valuable, constructive input from them. We’ve listened to their concerns and we’ve made significant changes to the plan.”

The applicant also met repeatedly with members of the county staff to work out the conditions for approval, Tew said.

Both requests received favorable recommendations from the Planning Commission and the county’s land development staff.

Ethel Hammer, a professional planning expert working for the applicants, noted that the proposed developments include conditions that exceed the county’s land development code.

“There are project enhancements, such as increased setbacks from surrounding properties,” Hammer said. “There are conditions that deal with building orientation, which is somewhat unusual. There’s enhanced landscaping and there are requirements for signage that are above and beyond the normal requirements in the code.”

This application takes the land development code and applies it in a way “that is new and creative,” Davis said.

Conditions also call for a number of transportation improvements that residents want. That includes a signalized intersection at Exciting Idlewild Boulevard and North Dale Mabry Highway.

The applicants agreed to a new alignment leading into the Veterans Expressway that essentially will square up that intersection. They also agreed to a single access point off of Van Dyke Road, instead of the three they initially requested.

The limited access on Van Dyke Road was essential to gain the support of area residents and the Lutz Citizens Coalition, who were concerned about traffic impacts both on Van Dyke and nearby neighborhoods.

Pamela Jo Hatley, an attorney representing the coalition as well as some individual Lutz residents, said “the broader community has expressed its support.”

“The applicants and their representatives met with my clients and with me, and they listened to my clients’ concerns and they were very responsive,” she said. “We appreciate that.”

About 40 people turned out and waited patiently nearly three hours before the rezoning requests were heard so they could show their support.

No one spoke in opposition.

The final decision rests with the Hillsborough County Commission, which is expected to consider the rezoning requests in June.

Published April 30, 2014

Pasco Parks and Recreation wants public to help shape its future

May 1, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s Parks and Recreation department is developing its new master plan, and it wants the public’s help.

The division is hosting community meetings to gather as much input as it can to consider the county’s existing parks and recreation master plan, and make changes for the future.

The plan covers the county’s parks, trails, open space and recreational programs. It also considers parks and recreation programs provided by cities and prominent nonprofit groups, such as the YMCA, said Rick Buckman, the county’s Parks and Recreation director.

As the county moves forward in its planning, it will continue to collect information about existing conditions, population changes, trends, current and desired levels of service, maintenance, programming standards, and other issues. The goal is to produce a plan that will help determine the future role of the county’s parks and recreation services, to assess how trends affect the services it provides, and to consider how other private and public parks and recreation services fit into the picture, Buckman said.

For instance, the county needs to consider how parks and recreation affects the county’s quality of life, and to consider how that role will be carried out as redevelopment and future development occurs, he said.

The master plan also will consider all of the potential ways to achieve the level of service residents and leaders within the county want, Buckman said. That includes considering various funding mechanisms and partnerships.

Parks and recreational services offer many benefits, even to people who never set foot on a park property, Buckman said. For instance, nearby businesses can benefit from families coming and going to parks for ball games. Property values also can increase when people live near an amenity such as a large regional park or walking trails.

The county also is interested in hearing from young people. Buckman said his department wants to know what kinds of facilities and activities appeal to the younger set.

To help encourage public participation, the department has set up three public forums to solicit input. Each meeting will include a review of scope of the master planning efforts, a visioning exercise, and a discussion of priority needs and gaps.

The county wants to include everyone in this process, Buckman said. It’s not just seeking people who are advocates of parks and recreation.

Pasco Parks and Recreation community meetings

Come share your ideas as the Pasco County Parks and Recreation department prepares its new long-range plan. The department wants to hear from people of all ages as it plans for its future facilities.

Community master plan meetings are:
• May 1 at 6:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes

• May 2 at 6:30 p.m., in the Pasco County Commission Board Room

8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey

The youth workshop is May 3 at 1 p.m., a the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.

For details, call (813) 929-2760

Published April 30, 2014

Local woman revels in Boston Marathon run

May 1, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Trish Trout can scratch an item off her bucket list.

The Wesley Chapel woman completed the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, finishing the 26.2-mile course in 6 hours and 14 minutes.

It was a day that she’ll never forget.

Trish Trout is taking it all in as she runs in the 118th Boston Marathon. (Courtesy of Trish Trout) — Trish Trout is taking it all in as she runs in the 118th Boston Marathon.
(Courtesy of Trish Trout)

“I was in the center of the Boston Marathon,” Trout said. “You’re a rock star for a day. It’s like everybody’s your best friend.”

It came a year after bombings rocked the event, and security was tight, Trout said. Military police, Boston police and other law enforcement officers were stationed about every 150 yards along the route.

Helicopters hovered over the crowds. Armored trucks blocked roads. Bomb-sniffing dogs walked through the crowds, Trout added.

“My cheering section could not get to the finish line because it was lockdown. Even VIP ticket holders were kept out,” she said.

Despite the heavy security, the atmosphere was festive.

“It was a beautiful day. The energy was unreal,” Trout said. “At times, it was breathtaking, just seeing all of those people in support, and all of the runners. All ages, all shapes and sizes. It was awesome.”

Spectators lined the course, cheering on runners. People grilled on barbecues at nearby marathon parties.

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” blasted, as Trout made her way through Natick, a town on the route. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” filled the air as she ran through the suburb of Newton. All along the way, Trout high-fived little kids.

Her name was printed on the front of her shirt, and as she ran past, spectators offered encouragement.

“When I would hear my name — and I heard it a lot — I would give a thumbs up,” Trout said.

She was delighted to see her former colleague Steve Twitty, who came with his wife, to watch her run. They made a sign to cheer her on.

Her running partner, Jacqueline Pastika of Land O’ Lakes, was not able to come, so she sent a life-size cardboard cutout that Trout’s kids, Alexa and Adam, lugged around from place to place to offer Trout moral support.

“Runners along the course also encouraged each other. Literally everyone was there to finish, and we all helped each other cross the finish line,” she said.

The crowds, the signs and the flags people waved along the course inspired Trout.

“There were only a few quiet areas along the course, and that’s when I tried to regroup and clear my mind,” Trout said.

Trout had a hip injury shortly before the marathon. While her hip didn’t bother her, she had some foot problems. So, she ran when she could, but also walked for three miles.

“I wanted to run smart. Also, I wanted to take everything in,” Trout said. “I wanted to be able to remember it. It was a huge deal.”

As she made her way through the course, she drank water and Gatorade at stations along the way.

“And, probably from Mile 15 to 21, people along the route would have orange wedges, pretzels, Twizzlers, Gummy Bears, anything to keep you going. I took it all in,” Trout said. “Right before I made the final turn onto Boylston Street, I heard someone in the crowd yell to me ‘Trish, you’re going to be a Boston Marathon finisher.’”

That was nearly the same thing Trout’s daughter told her before she went to the hotel.

“She told me, ‘The next time I hug you, you will be a Boston Marathon finisher.’ Each time I heard it, I cried,” Trout said. “I knew going into it that I was going to start and I was going to finish. Nothing was going to stop me. I didn’t have to roll. I didn’t have to crawl.”

Instead, she was running at a slow jog when she hit the finish line.

Before she injured herself, Trout had hoped to complete the race in five-and-a-half hours. She gave herself another hour after her injury.

She beat that goal by16 minutes, and she made memories for a lifetime.

Still raising funds
Trish Trout took part in the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21 as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston provides cancer treatment for adults and children.

Trout pledged to raise at least $9,650 for Dana-Farber.

The race is over, but she’s still collecting funds for the cause. So far, she has raised $11,600. If she hits her goal of $13,100, she will shave her head as a sign of solidarity for people suffering from cancer, who don’t think they have anyone who cares.

Fundraising closes on May 21.

Those wishing to make a donation can visit RunDFMC.org/2014/trish.

Published April 30, 2014

Major resurfacing of U.S. 41 through Lutz expected this winter

May 1, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Motorists driving on U.S. 41 in Lutz will notice lane closures while workers complete a $5.4 million waterline project.

But even after the waterline work is done, traffic disruptions on the six-lane highway that cuts through Lutz will continue. The Florida Department of Transportation will do a resurfacing project on U.S. 41, from Linnwood Drive to north of County Line Road, through Lutz.

Plans call for resurfacing 7.4 miles of roadway. Other improvements include intersection upgrades for pedestrian improvements and bicycle lanes along the entire length of the project.

The railroad crossing south of Crystal Lakes Road will be reconstructed as well, which will require a temporary detour, according to FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.

Design for the project was completed in March. The work is expected to begin in the winter, Carson said. The design work cost $2.3 million.

The resurfacing and other improvements will cost an estimated $11.5 million, but those figures may change as the project progresses, Carson said.

Published April 30, 2014

Waterline project will slow Lutz traffic around U.S. 41

April 24, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Motorists heading south on U.S 41 through Lutz will notice that the right lane has been closed from just north of Crenshaw Lake Road to slightly south of Crystal Lake Road, as workers install a new 12-inch water pipe.

Orange-and-white construction barrels close off the right lane on a portion of U.S. 41 so work can be done to install a new 12-inch water pipe that will serve the Manors of Crystal Lake. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Orange-and-white construction barrels close off the right lane on a portion of U.S. 41 so work can be done to install a new 12-inch water pipe that will serve the Manors of Crystal Lake.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Crews have started work on a $5.4 million Hillsborough County project that calls for laying 4.5 miles of pipeline to improve water reliability and quality for the Manors of Crystal Lake. The project also lays the groundwork for future connections to the county’s water system by other Lutz customers.

Traffic will continue to flow through the community, but there will be fewer lanes while the pipeline is being installed, said Lloyd Horton, the county’s project manager.

The entire project should be completed by early 2015, Horton said.

The road will be restored to a drivable condition and then the Florida Department of Transportation will do a resurfacing project on U.S. 41, which also will cause traffic disruptions.

The state DOT’s resurfacing project on U.S. 41 is expected to begin around October. The $12 million project will involve road resurfacing, drainage work, signal improvements and CSX rebuilding the railroad track crossing on U.S. 41, said FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.

The county water project will use a looped system, giving Manors of Crystal Lake residents a backup in the event of any disruptions, said county section manager Rick Kirby.

The Manors of Crystal Lake already is a part of the county’s water system, but has been served by two wells. Those wells and a nearby chlorination plant will be shut down once the new waterline begins operation, according to the county’s website.

The water flow also will be improved with the new line, bringing it up to the current standards for fire protection.

The waterline project will be completed in three segments:

• From the west side of Florida Avenue, from West Chapman Road to approximately 250 feet north of Lake Drive.

• From approximately 1,200 feet south of Crenshaw Lake Road, along the west side of U.S. 41 to Crystal Lake Road. One branch will continue west along the north side of Crystal Lake Road to the point of connection at Clear Lake Drive.

The other branch will cross beneath the CSX railroad tracks and U.S. 41, from just north of Crystal Lake Road to the east side of U.S. 41, to the point of connection just north of Sunset Lane.

• From the connection point just south of Fourth Avenue S.E. on the east side of U.S. 41 to just south of First Avenue S.E. The pipeline will cross beneath U.S. 41 and the CSX railroad tracks to the corner of First Avenue S.W., and First Street S.W. Then, the pipeline will continue north along the east side of First Avenue S.W., to Lutz Lake Fern Road, and along the south side of Lutz Lake Fern to just east of North Dale Mabry Highway.

Flagman will direct traffic when work is done on Lutz Lake Fern, Horton said. That portion of the project will take up to four months.

Lutz residents and passersby also may have noticed that some trees have been removed from medians on U.S. 41. Four trees were removed March 24 in a median near Fifth Avenue because they failed to meet state safety standards. Two others were removed from the apex because they were dead.

Those removals kept with the county’s previous announcement that it would need to take out some trees that either posed safety problems or were diseased.

Published April 23, 2014

Phyllis Hoedt works hard to keep Lutz traditions alive

April 24, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Phyllis Hoedt quietly goes about helping to preserve a sense of community that residents cherish in Lutz.

Her activities on the evening of Dec. 17 offer a glimpse into the level of her involvement. It was then Hoedt was at the Christmas Card Lane celebration in downtown Lutz. The event featured over-sized Christmas cards made of plywood, representing local organizations and businesses. It also included a showcase of local talent.

Phyllis Hoedt uses her time and energy to help keep traditions alive in Lutz that cherishes its small-town feel. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Phyllis Hoedt uses her time and energy to help keep traditions alive in Lutz that cherishes its small-town feel.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The celebration attracted hundreds, and was the last in a series of special events the Lutz Centennial Committee planned.

After hanging out at Christmas Card Lane, Hoedt headed down U.S. 41 to Christmas House at the Old Lutz School. That free annual tradition draws friends and families to the historic school building to spend time together and enjoy the festive décor.

Long before the crowds arrive at Christmas House, Hoedt and other volunteers had spent weeks decking out the schoolhouse, inside and out, for the holidays.

On evenings the school is open to the public, Hoedt is there before spectators show up to get the coffee brewing and make sure things are in order, said Shirley Simmons, one of Hoedt’s long-time friends and another committed community volunteer.

In addition to those activities, Hoedt has been involved in the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club for 39 years.

She and Simmons are co-directors of the annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival, sponsored by the woman’s club. The event, at Lake Park each December, includes hundreds of vendors and attracts crowds topping 100,000.

The Old Lutz School is another one of Hoedt’s passions. She was involved early on in efforts to prevent the old school from being torn down or being used as a storage building. She was a leading force in ensuring the Old Lutz School remained available for community use.

The Hillsborough County School Board gave the building to the county, and The Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building Inc. leases it from them.

“We leased it for five years and that expired,” Hoedt said. “Then we leased it for 25 years and that expired. Now, we’re back again. We got a new lease, renewed. They do it five years. They kind of automatically renew it every five years.”

That building, which has become a community icon, is the setting for pioneer family reunions, Lutz Guv’na events, flea markets and other community gatherings.

Hoedt has her finger in many other pies, as well.

“She’s a close friend to the library,” said Suzin Carr, the current Lutz Guv’na. “She was right there for the centennial.”

When Hoedt pitches in — with such events as the annual Fourth of July Parade, or the Christmas House, or the Arts & Crafts Festival — she’s not looking for any personal gratification beyond the satisfaction that comes from knowing she’s helped bring friends and family together, Carr said.

“She has no expectation other than hoping that the people who come out enjoy themselves,” Carr said.

Simmons agreed. “She doesn’t want any recognitions. She doesn’t want any buttons.”

Hoedt grew up in West Virginia, but her late husband William grew up in Florida.

They both moved to Florida in 1968 so William could set up his land surveying business. Hoedt worked with her husband, handling office duties.

The couple had two children, Wally and Sarah. Over time, the family grew to include a grandson and a great-grandchild.

The Hoedts were married for 54 years before William died on Nov. 5, 2011.

Hoedt traces her community involvement back to around the time when her husband and son got involved in the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department. Her husband also was very involved in efforts to preserve the Old Lutz School.

In her younger years, Hoedt said she was more heavily involved in her church, Tims Presbyterian Church.

Hoedt is knowledgeable and hardworking, Carr said.

“She has been such an active, important part of the Lutz community. She is a walking billboard of Lutz history,” Carr said, noting she has benefited from working with Hoedt on various projects. “She has given me so much insight.”

Friends describe Hoedt as kind and generous.

“She’s got a heart that is so big, it encompasses all of Lutz,” said another friend, Marilyn Wannamaker.

When something needs to be done, Wannamaker said, Hoedt responds by rolling up her sleeves and asking, “What can I do to help?”

Simmons said Hoedt and other community volunteers like her want to preserve the small-town feel that Lutz enjoys. That’s why they continue to contribute their time and energy to community events and causes.

“That’s what small-town America is all about, doing these small projects and keeping people together,” Simmons said.

Published April 23, 2014

Teacher uses technology to open new worlds of learning

April 24, 2014 By B.C. Manion

There’s no doubt about it. Language arts teacher Aimee Nadow is tech-savvy.

Aimee Nadow uses a combination of technical skills and a personal touch to make her classes engaging. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Aimee Nadow uses a combination of technical skills and a personal touch to make her classes engaging.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

On any given day, the Academy at the Lakes teacher uses technology to help her students enhance their reading, writing and creativity. On one day, for instance, she’ll set them loose on AutoCAD computer design software to create the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet.” On another day, students use PicMonkey photo editor to design book covers for the manuscripts they’re writing.

They’re also frequent users of Pinterest to digitally “pin up” work that they’ve done, and they know how to edit digital clips.

Harnessing technical tools in her classes is all in a day’s work for Nadow, whose mother was a children’s librarian, and her father ahead of the crowd when it came to technology.

Nadow has a deep appreciation for the power of language, and a clear understanding of how traditional and modern tools can enliven lessons. She sees the value of being able to skim information, but also knows the importance of being able to delve deeply into subjects to gain knowledge.

The independent private school where she teaches has long understood the quality of Nadow’s teaching skills, middle division director John Pitcairn said. And, Academy at the Lakes is delighted that Nadow has received national recognition.

The middle division teacher recently was named a 2014 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator. It’s a distinction bestowed to just 100 educators nationwide.

As a member of that select group, the Land O’ Lakes woman will take part in a yearlong professional development program.

She is excited by the prospect of being able to learn from other educators who share her enthusiasm for using technical tools to enliven instruction. During a recent class, Nadow used a giant touch-screen television to display images and to foster discussion regarding a Holocaust art project the students will create.

They have been assigned to demonstrate their understanding of the book, “Night,” by Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor. They’ll show the teacher what the book means through an art project of their choosing, and they’ll describe their artistic intentions in accompanying text.

Besides preparing students for that assignment, Nadow also guided them through software called ETS Criterion that analyzes writing to identify grammatical and sentence structure issues that should be addressed. As students navigated through the program, Nadow moved about the classroom, responding to their questions and helping them stay on track.

She offered extra help outside of class, if anyone needed it.

Nadow clearly is in command of her technical skills, but she also has an obvious rapport with students. She said she has a secret weapon: It’s called respect.

On the first day of classes she tells her middle division students that she will treat them as adults, unless they behave as children — in which case, they’ll face the consequences.

“I try to afford them as much dignity as possible, because I remember situations when I was in middle school and I would see a student that would be treated unfairly, or would be embarrassed in front of the classroom,” Nadow said. “That is absolutely not the way to teach. You lose so much time if you’re focused on classroom management, rather than learning.”

“Seventh and eighth grade is my perfect fit,” she said. “I really enjoy their (students’) sense of humor, their creativity, their willingness.”

Nadow also appreciates their trust, and believes in using a personal touch with her students.

As they file into her classroom, she greets each student by name and shakes each hand. As the kids make their way to their places, there’s a low-level rumble as they chat.

The teacher uses a simple routine to settle them down. She counts — 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — and by the time she finishes, students are focused on her.

It’s easy to see that Nadow strives to create an environment where students are engaged and want to learn. When she poses questions, they are eager to respond and share their ideas.

While she obviously is technically competent, Nadow also possesses other important skills that equip her to be effective, Pitcairn said.

“It’s her enthusiasm, her positivity, her joy, her human qualities that are a critical part of making her the very valuable teacher that she is today,” Pitcairn said.

Posters in her classroom reveal that Nadow has high standards, but a kind heart. One sets out the class rules. Of course, it has such things as “Always tell the truth. Work hard. Listen to your parents. Keep your promises.”

But it also includes these instructions: “Laugh out loud. Be grateful. Use kind words. Try new things. Dream big.”

Another poster offers this message from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.”

Finally, a sign above the classroom door proclaims “Carpe diem,” or “seize the day.”

That seems to be Nadow’s motto, and one she wants to pass along to her students.

Published April 23, 2014