The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Murillo

WRESTLING CAMP AT STEINBRENNER

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Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, will have multiple sessions of its wrestling camp this summer. The camp is designed to teach amateur wrestling for athletes at all levels ages 5 to17. The first session is June 9 to June 11, the second session is June 15 to June 18, and the third is July 27 to July 30. All sessions will meet at the school’s cafeteria and will run from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The first session costs $45, and the second and third sessions cost $60 each. For information, contact Paul Noble at (813) 478-1148 or .

GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR BELIEVING TAMPA FOUNDATION

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The Believing Tampa Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy and other neurological impairments, will host its first charity golf tournament June 6. The event will take place at Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive in Tampa. Registration begins at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $100 per golfer or $380 per foursome and includes lunch, prizes, awards and entertainment. Sponsorships are also available. For information and to register, visit WestChaseGC.com/believing.

Lutz Guv’na hopefuls clash in fun-filled debate

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This past Saturday, three residents went to the Old Lutz School and lied to their neighbors.

One pledged to ban homework for all children.

Another promised to build a giant rainbow.

A third guaranteed everyone beautiful waterfront property.

From left, Cheryl Ayers, KarenSue Molis and Jennifer Rankin faced some silly questions at the Lutz Guv'na debate May 16, and they responded with equally silly answers. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
From left, Cheryl Ayers, KarenSue Molis and Jennifer Rankin faced some silly questions at the Lutz Guv’na debate May 16, and they responded with equally silly answers.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Then they tried to hit everyone up for money. And, they’re going to keep doing it all the way up until July 4.

It sounds like a shameless way to treat your neighbors, but that’s what Lutz expects out of their Guv’na candidates.

Those wanting the ceremonial title must prove they’re silly enough to deserve it. And the winner must raise the most money, which goes to local organizations after a new Guv’na is declared.

So, Jennifer Rankin, KarenSue Molis and Cheryl Ayers gathered at the school on May 16 to answer questions, show off unusual talents and prove they have what it takes to claim the coveted winner’s sash.

Their performances impressed the current Guv’na.

“They were good. They were funny. This is something that you don’t take too seriously,” said Dr. Cindy Perkins, who won a close race last year by raising just a little bit more than the other candidates. Together, last year’s candidates raised about $9,000, which went to around 20 different groups.

Perkins has fulfilled her Guv’na duties, which included activities like being a judge at a fair, throwing out a first pitch at a softball game and attending a Boys Scouts’ event.

As outgoing Guv’na, she was able to enjoy the festivities on the other side of the table, and watch the candidates get put through their paces.

The candidates faced such questions as what to do if there’s an alligator infestation (eat them) and how to avoid an invasion from Russia (a giant dome should keep them out).

Then things got a little strange.

Ayers started a conga line while wearing a toilet seat around her neck. The candidates took part in a golf competition where they tried to aim large balls at targets (really toilet seats again). Rankin won, but there was some cheating involved from emcee Paul Vahue. All three put on some crazy costumes in a quick-change competition. And Molis won an award for Biggest Liar at the debate.

While it was a light-hearted event, there was time for a more serious moment. Ayers showed off her singing talent by performing “The Star Spangled Banner,” and everyone spontaneously stood to sing along with her.

Throw in some food and conversation, and it was a complete event for the candidates, their family and other attendees. That included some former Guv’nas, who came by to show support and help out with the event.

Karin D’Amico, who ran two Guv’na campaigns herself and won the sash in 2012, got to experience a debate for the first time.

“Both of my years I did not get to attend,” she said. “It’s very interesting.” As a member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, D’Amico supports their candidate, Molis. The group has been supporting Guv’na hopefuls for years, and she believes they have another winner this time around.

The key, D’Amico said, is to schedule a lot of events and let people have so much fun that they start donating to the cause.

“People get to having a good time, and they just give you money,” she said.

Suzin Carr, the only two-time Guv’na, agrees. When it comes to the race, it’s all about raising money for good causes.

“Just keep begging for money,” she advised the candidates. “Keep begging and spreading the word. When I ran, I wore a sign on my back everywhere I went to get people to give me money, and it worked.”

Whichever candidate ends up begging enough to put them over the top, Saturday was a day of embracing absurdity and enjoying the eccentric qualities of the Guv’na race. As someone who’s won the sash twice, Carr knew what she was seeing.

She summed up the annual event this way: “Totally tacky in a classy sort of way, and all in whole-hearted fun.”

Published May 20, 2015

Arts in Motion’s new musical is ‘Seussical’

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When Arts in Motion presents “Seussical” at Pasco Middle School this weekend, the audience will recognize Dr. Seuss’ famous characters and stories that have entertained children for decades.

And they’ll also experience something that sets the play apart from many musicals: A lot more music.

“It is honestly, let’s say, 97 percent music,” said director Craig Hartfield. “There’s very few lines, and even those lines are in verse, because it is Seuss.”

The cast of ‘Seussical’ has been rehearsing at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, but performers will bring the production to Pasco Middle School this weekend. From left to right are Josh Corjay, Melanie Kender, Roman Ricardo and Rhett Ricardo. (Courtesy of Arts in Motion)
The cast of ‘Seussical’ has been rehearsing at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, but performers will bring the production to Pasco Middle School this weekend. From left to right are Josh Corjay, Melanie Kender, Roman Ricardo and Rhett Ricardo.
(Courtesy of Arts in Motion)

Having that many musical numbers presents challenges from a production standpoint.

But Hartfield brings extensive experience to the job.

He has been directing acting for decades and has directed “Seussical” before, but this is his first play with Arts in Motion.

And, as a play for Arts In Motion — a local nonprofit dedicated to cultivating arts education and youth theater — all the characters are played by actors ranging in age between 5 and 18 years.

In “Seussical,” the age of the average performer is just over 10.

The actors also have a little extra work, too.

“Seussical” is double-casted, meaning the major roles are played by more than one actor. Most actors also perform in more than one role.

That format requires a tight production with actors knowing what role to play and where to be at any given moment,

Hartfield isn’t worried.

He’s happy with his cast and the support he’s received from Arts in Motion.

“They’re very organized. It’s very important to them that there’s a strong level of support for me and the kids in the show,” Hartfield said about Arts in Motion.

Having multiple roles gives the cast a chance to get in a lot of work, rather than learning one character’s lines and waiting around for their speaking role.

Some actors will be speaking or singing as one character and then dancing as another.

When it comes to “Seussical,” there are many moving parts.

The play has nearly 50 cast members playing more than two dozen important roles.

It’s reassuring that the children are all interested in theater and really want to be there, Hartfield said.

The training they get by being in Arts in Motion productions also makes his job easier, he added.

“They’re well-trained. They know what they’re supposed to be doing,” Hartfield said.

Melanie Kender, a senior at Pasco High School, definitely knows what she’s doing. In six years with Arts in Motion, she’s performed in around a dozen productions, and now she’s a Cat In The Hat and a Wickersham Brother in “Seussical.”

As an experienced performer, Kender helps the younger actors get comfortable with the ins and outs of community theater.

“The training that we get through Arts in Motion, we carry on with it, and we grow with it,” Kender said.

That includes beyond high school.

Kender plans to pursue theater opportunities at Pasco-Hernando State College.

For now, she’s getting into her roles.

For the Cat In The Hat, that meant reading the books and watching clips of Mike Myers’ take on the character in the 2003 film.

Kender also spends hours each week rehearsing with the cast at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, and will start five-hour days as the show draws near.

The end result should be a unique take on the character, especially if people are expecting a male in the role.

“It’s a whole other level of trying to accomplish this character,” Kender said. “I’m going to be the best Cat I can be.”

Hartfield is expecting all the actors to be at their best, and for the audience to enjoy the unusual take on stories they already know.

Instead of a simple retelling, “Seussical” blends several stories together, providing familiarity and something fresh for those who already love Dr. Seuss.

“The storylines are all in there, but no entire story is told. It’s not about telling one story. It’s about taking all these stories and mixing them into this one musical,” Hartfield said.

Showtimes are May 22 and May 23 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on May 23 and May 24 at 3 p.m. Pasco Middle School is located at 13925 14th St., in Dade City. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students.

For more information, visit ArtsInMotionPasco.org.

Published May 20, 2015

Steinbrenner adds on another district title

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The Steinbrenner High School baseball team had a great season, winning many games and establishing themselves as a force in their district.

But really, that’s not news.

They’ve done that every year since the school opened in 2009.

The Warriors didn't always score a lot, but they usually got what they needed by manufacturing runs and getting smart play from players like Andrew Lindsay. (Courtesy of Evan Abramson)
The Warriors didn’t always score a lot, but they usually got what they needed by manufacturing runs and getting smart play from players like Andrew Lindsay.
(Courtesy of Evan Abramson)

What is news is how the high school team — which loses players every year to graduation and turns over its entire roster every few seasons — continues to operate at a high level of success.

All signs for that achievement point to head coach John Crumbley.

He’s been a constant presence since the Warriors began playing baseball.

But Crumbley isn’t taking the credit for the team’s consistent success.

“We’ve got good kids at our school, and we have coaches who feel we have a formula that works,” Crumbley said.

Still, what has worked at Steinbrenner the past six years also worked at Jesuit High School, where Crumbley coached baseball for 22 years and was athletic director for three years.

The coach’s resume at Jesuit includes 11 trips to the state final four, two runner-up finishes and three championships.

Now, with two district titles in six years, Crumbley wants the Warriors to experience the same kind of success as Jesuit’s team achieved.

“I kind of want these kids to feel that experience of what I’ve been fortunate enough to succeed at in my career,” he said.

At first, it didn’t look like this season would be like the others.

The team struggled when the year began.

The Warriors lost their first two games and were still struggling a quarter of the way through their campaign. But they righted the ship, at one point winning 10 out of 11 games in a row. In one three-game span during that run, they outscored their opponents 56-2.

But most of their games were closer, and Steinbrenner came out on top most of the time with good defense and pitching. They held their opponent to one run or less 15 times, and went 13-2 in those games.

Unfortunately, one of those two low-scoring losses came in the regional semifinals, when Durant High School beat the Warriors 1-0 in extra innings. Steinbrenner finished the year with a 19-7 record, a Class 7A-8 district title and matched the school’s farthest journey into the playoffs to date.

Crumbley credits the team with sticking with the game plan, even when the wins weren’t coming early on, and following the path to success they’ve built at Steinbrenner.

“The kids and teams that buy into our system, our philosophies and our techniques — those teams are able to do a little better,” he said.

According to senior pitcher Ryan Fatzinger, part of those philosophies and techniques involve limiting mistakes and finding ways to manufacture runs.

“We’ve had a lot of success with discipline at the plate. We don’t strike out much, and we minimize the errors on defense,” Fatzinger said.

Knowing that he has a strong defense behind him gives him confidence on the mound, since the pressure isn’t solely on him to perform.

Fatzinger will carry the confidence he gained at Steinbrenner to Pasco-Hernando State College, where he’ll be part of the Conquistadors’ potent baseball program.

He feels prepared to join a successful college program after being a part of a successful program at Steinbrenner, which he attributes in part to Crumbley’s straightforward attitude with his players.

The coach’s successes — at Jesuit and now at Steinbrenner — are widely known, and motivate his players to not let him down, Fatzinger said.

“People don’t want to lose, especially with him as the coach,” he said.

The Warriors haven’t done much losing with Crumbley at the helm, regardless of who’s on the field in any particular year.

Next season will definitely include some new faces: Steinbrenner will lose 10 seniors, although not all of them were starters.

There were effective pitchers, like Fatzinger, that they’ll have to replace, but Crumbley is confident his developmental team has the players necessary to provide a roster that will enable Steinbrenner to continue its pursuit of excellence.

For now, Crumbley can reflect on the year, appreciate the team’s accomplishments and recognize this year’s performance as a successful continuation of Steinbrenner baseball’s already-strong pedigree.

“Winning the district title is huge,” Crumbley said. “and being that we’re six years old, and we’ve got two of them already, that’s pretty quick for a lot of places.”

Published May 20, 2015

JUNE CHEER CAMP AT BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN

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Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill, will host a cheer camp for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. The camp will be June 8 through June 11, from 9 a.m. until noon. Campers will perform at a special presentation for family and friends on June 11 at 11 a.m. They’ll also get to attend and cheer at a home football game later in the year. The cost is $100 and includes a T-shirt. For information and to reserve a spot, contact coach Adriana Brown at (813) 892-5548 or .

SOCCER TRYOUTS STARTING MAY 26

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The Wesley Chapel Soccer Club will host competitive tryouts May 26 through May 31 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. The tryouts are for players ages 8 through 18. The club has professional, licensed coaches. Qualified players will participate in local and regional leagues and tournaments. They also will have competitive tryouts for boys and girls U6 on May 26 and May 28. For information and the complete tryout schedule, visit WesleyChapelSC.com.

SOCCER LEAGUE REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 29

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NewAPSL, a recreational adult soccer league with what they describe as “a touch of competitiveness,” will begin its summer season on May 31. They have men’s, women’s and coed teams, with games on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Registration for teams and players is open until May 29. Players must be at least 18 years old. For information and to register, call (747) 999-5425, or visit NewAPSL.com.

People and pets gather for dog park opening

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When residents (and their dogs) showed up to commemorate the grand opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2, they admired the new facility located at 17302 Commerce Park Blvd.

But they might not have known how much time and effort went into it.

Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn shook hands and gave dogs a friendly scratch or two at the opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2. (Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn shook hands and gave dogs a friendly scratch or two at the opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2.
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)

“We actually started on this two years ago,” said Joyce Gunter, the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s committee chairwoman for the dog park. “It took a long time, and we’re so excited that it’s finally open.”

It took $25,000 and a couple of years of planning and coordination with the City of Tampa to bring the dog park to fruition.

The Rotary Club of New Tampa approached the city looking to start a public/private partnership on a project that would benefit the community. The city suggested the dog park, which was planned but not fully funded. If the rotary club could match their funds, the city explained, the project might get completed.

So the group set to work, obtaining sponsors to help raise the money. They also sold space at the park itself, one little block at a time. Engraved bricks in two different sizes have already been placed to outline concrete at the park. The Rotary Club of New Tampa sold more than 300 bricks at a cost of between $50 and $100.

That kind of positive response not only reinforced the idea that residents wanted a dog park in the area — there isn’t one for at least 13 miles — but showed the community’s willingness to step up and financially support the cause.

“It confirms my thought that there are a lot of great people in this community, and all you have to do is ask and talk about things you can do, and people are willing to help and join in,” Gunter said.

Now that the park is finished and open for guests, people in the community can enjoy its amenities. At just under an acre, they had room for benches and picnic tables, stations containing cleanup bags, and a water fountain with special accommodation for four-legged visitors. There’s also a large special section specifically for smaller dogs.

Shade was a big part of the design.

Some dog parks, Gunter explained, have very little shade, which can be uncomfortable when it’s hot outside.

The Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park has plenty of trees which provide an abundance of shade, which makes for a more pleasant visit.

After just a few days, they’ve already received some feedback as to potential improvements.

For instance, mud puddles can be a big attraction to dogs, but they aren’t welcome with owners. So, a dog-washing station to help everyone come home clean is one possible improvement.

In addition to plenty of canine representation at the opening, two-legged dignitaries were there as well. Lisa Pontilione from the Tampa City Council, state representative Shawn Harrison and Mayor Bob Buckhorn all came out for the event, alongside brick purchasers, Rotarians and those who were eager to use the facilities.

One guest was not able to be there, unfortunately.

Gunter’s labrador mix, Linkin, passed away before the park opened.

He would have loved it, Gunter said. She plans to frequent the park with another pet at some point in the future.

Until then, she’s happy to see others use the park and appreciate the hard work and time put in by the Rotary Club of New Tampa.

“It’s so nice to drive by there and see a lot of people utilizing the park, and seeing the dogs having a great time,” she said.

The dog park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Published May 13, 2015

Once again, the Lutz Guv’na sash is up for grabs

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Campaign season has begun again in Lutz.

Candidates for Lutz Guv’na will gather on May 16 at the Old Lutz School to lie, make promises they’ll never keep and try to grab a little cash for their campaign.

Lutz wouldn’t have it any other way.

Last year's Lutz Guv'na candidates had to show off their knitting skills to impress the community. There are new, secret challenges for this year’s crop of hopefuls. (File Photo)
Last year’s Lutz Guv’na candidates had to show off their knitting skills to impress the community. There are new, secret challenges for this year’s crop of hopefuls.
(File Photo)

The candidates aren’t running for political office. They’re vying for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na, an annual tradition that reduces the campaign to its lowest common denominator: Money.

The amount of money — raised by each candidate in creative ways — is how a winner is determined.

But the money raised by these candidates doesn’t go to slick television ads or campaign tour buses like you might see in a political election. It goes directly to local organizations and charities, making the Lutz Guv’na race an elaborate community fundraiser with some unusual traditions.

According to Suzin Carr, the ceremonial kickoff on May 16 is a fun way for the public to meet the candidates and enjoy the spectacle.

“It is a great thing to watch some small-town silliness at its finest,” she said.

Carr is quite familiar with this brand of silliness because she’s been the Guv’na — twice.

Now she gets to enjoy the festivities from the other side, playing the role of candidate recruiter and all-around Guv’na ambassador.

The candidates will be put through their paces that afternoon, taking part in a question and answer session that demands creative answers.

They’ll also have a chance to make outlandish campaign promises that defy logic, science and common sense. And they’ll be forced to play some games that remain secret so as not to give them any hints at what’s in store.

Overall, the goal is to raise money, and the Guv’na race does it well. Last year the candidates raised $9,000 in all, with less than $20 separating the winner — Dr. Cindy Perkins — from the runner-up.

But all of the candidates played a role in helping around 20 different groups, including scout troops, the Lutz Civil Air Patrol and the Old Lutz School.

The annual Guv’na’s race also fosters a sense of closeness for area residents in an era when old neighborhoods tend to lose their identity over time. Carr sees small-town events like the Guv’na race as a way for Lutz to keep its character intact.

“I think that when you have things like this, it brings to the table how important a small community is,” she said.

But a race is only as good as its candidates, and Carr said there are three good ones this year. Jennifer Rankin, Cheryl Lynn Ayres and Karen Sue Molis have thrown their hats into the ring, and Carr expects them to work hard until the race ends and the winner is announced, traditionally on Fourth of July weekend.

“We have three really solid, dynamic, fun candidates, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this year turns out,” she said.

Of course, that number is subject to change, Carr said.

Individuals with a sense of charity (and good humor) are still welcome to join the race. So, anyone looking to improve the fortunes of local Lutz groups is welcome to vie for the Guv’na sash and test their fundraising mettle against this year’s crop of hopefuls. And it wouldn’t hurt to make some wild promises that aren’t grounded in reality, Carr said.

The final tally of candidates will gather for fun and games on May 16, and they hope more of the public will show up to support them and the crazy race they’ve signed up to run over the next several weeks.

Carr will be there to make sure things stay just as crazy as ever. Even though she doesn’t don the sash anymore, it’s still a part of her commitment to the community.

“Once a Guv’na, always a Guv’na,” she said.

The free event runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The Old Lutz School is located at 18819 U.S. 41 N. For information about joining the race, contact Carr at (813) 453-5256.

Published May 13, 2015