The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Murillo

Pay college athletes? Saint Leo poll says no

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The topic of paying college athletes is a controversial one.

Yet a new poll by the Saint Leo Polling Institute suggests most people have already picked a side, and the answer is no.

Jerrel Harris, a guard with the Saint Leo University basketball team, attempts a free throw during a game last season. Like typical college athletes, Harris is not paid for his work, and a new survey says most people believe it should stay that way. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
Jerrel Harris, a guard with the Saint Leo University basketball team, attempts a free throw during a game last season. Like typical college athletes, Harris is not paid for his work, and a new survey says most people believe it should stay that way.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The national poll, conducted between May 28 and June 4, asked 1,016 people —including 802 likely voters — about the subject of paying athletes, specifically football and basketball players at high-profile schools, an undetermined amount of money above and beyond traditional athletic scholarships. A strong majority, 66 percent, agreed with the statement “Giving athletic scholarships and the chance to earn a college degree for free is fair compensation for college athletes, and they should not be paid.”

Just 21 percent of respondents agreed with the statement “College athletes deserve to be paid for the time they spend practicing, traveling, and playing, above and beyond the value of any scholarships they might receive.” The remaining respondents, representing 13 percent, said they didn’t know or weren’t sure.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent along with a 95 percent confidence level, which represents the degree of likelihood that the results truly fall within the stated margin of error.

While the pollsters at Saint Leo are mainly concerned with creating a scientific poll, collecting the data and reporting their findings, even they weren’t expecting such a lopsided result.

“It was definitely surprising,” said Drew Gold, executive director of the Saint Leo Polling Institute. “I don’t think anybody expected it to be that overwhelmingly against paying the athletes.”

With the Olympics now utilizing professional athletes, college sports is one of the last true high-profile amateur competitions, and people seem to want to keep it that way, he said.

While it was a local school, Saint Leo, that created the poll, the results have had global appeal. In addition to being discussed in the United States, the findings have been reported in countries such as France, Germany and India.

And even as the findings might surprise some people, Gold said the methodology is sound, and the institute stands behind the results.

Pasco-Hernando State College athletic director Steve Winterling wasn’t one of the people surveyed for the poll. But if he had been, he’d be part of the 66 percent against paying athletes.

“I’m definitely with the majority there. I just think you’re opening up a can of worms,” said Winterling, who also serves as the school’s baseball coach. “I’m in favor of them not getting paid.”

Getting a free education in exchange for athletic play is a good deal for students, he said.

And his philosophy doesn’t change when taking into account that some athletes generate a lot of revenue for their schools by playing popular sports in a big spotlight. In fact, he believes athletes seek out those opportunities knowing that an education and a big stage is their compensation.

“They know what they’re getting into with that,” Winterling said. “Athletes know going in they’re just getting the scholarship.”

Students often choose those schools so they can showcase skills at a program that gets wide media exposure and the possibility of playing for a championship, he said.

While PHSC is primarily a two-year college whose athletes play at the Division II level for the National Junior College Athletic Association, Winterling spent several years as an assistant baseball coach for Florida State University, and is familiar with its successful baseball and football programs.

Florida State’s athletes train in world class facilities, have access to top-rate medical staff, and travel in above-average accommodations, he said. In fact, baseball players from the school who went on to play professionally for Class A or Class AA Minor League Baseball teams told him how much better the school’s conditions were compared to their professional teams, from uniforms to locker rooms to equipment.

“One thing they always said when they came back was they didn’t realize they had it so good at Florida State,” Winterling said.

He believes paying players would create more disparity between bigger schools with popular programs and wealthy boosters. At the same time, however, Winterling said he understands smaller schools don’t generate as much revenue and that some athletes have trouble making ends meet while in college. He supports loosening college rules to allow students more freedom to hold jobs while they go to school and play sports.

The poll might not be used to actually affect policy, the National Collegiate Athletic Association could consider it strong evidence that most people don’t support paying players, Gold said.

In any case, the results show that while the topic generates interest and discussion, it’s not an evenly divided issue at this time.

“The public feels overwhelmingly that they should not be paid. That’s what the numbers tell you,” Gold said.

Published June 25, 2014

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Lutz to sparkle for this year’s July 4 celebration

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Nobody can say Lutz ignores the Fourth of July.

A cake decorating contest, 5-kilometer run and a new Guv’na inauguration are just some of the events scheduled for July 4.

Jake Gemmill, 8, of Lutz, enjoys an imaginary ride on a tractor during last year’s Lutz Fourth of July celebration. (File Photo)
Jake Gemmill, 8, of Lutz, enjoys an imaginary ride on a tractor during last year’s Lutz Fourth of July celebration.
(File Photo)

The Independence Day celebration also includes the annual parade, and this year’s theme is a tribute to the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association, which ceased operations last year and officially went out of business in January. Hillsborough County now handles fire rescue services.

It was important to honor the fire association, said Phyllis Hoedt, who chairs the Fourth of July events. The group served the community for more than six decades.

“They’re no longer in existence, and we wanted to honor them,” Hoedt said. “They were very good to our community.”

The Fourth of July work actually begins on July 3, when volunteers set up for the parade from 10 a.m. until noon by the train depot, located at U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road. While some people already are scheduled to be on-hand, more volunteers are needed to set up chairs, trashcans and other items for the expected crowd. Volunteers also will be needed for breakdown after the parade.

Participants in the cake and pie contest can drop off their entries on Thursday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave. N.W. The final cake registration opportunity is July 4 between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

On Friday, the 5K and one-mile runs kick off the festivities at the Lutz Community Center, 101 First Ave. N. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., with the fun run and family walk starting at 8:45 a.m.

Male and female awards will be given out for the 5K run in overall categories as well as age groups. The one-mile event will recognize overall male and female winners, and all finishers will receive a ribbon.

Following the races, a flag-raising ceremony with the Boy Scouts and the Civil Air Patrol will commence at the front of the Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.

After the flag raising is completed, the various 5K and fun run race winners across age and gender categories will receive trophies. Then the parade starts, with around 100 floats, cars and pedestrians taking part in the route, which begins near Lutz Lake Fern Road and ends on First Avenue S.W.

While participants don’t need to do anything fancy for the parade — which is free to enter — there always are a number of them who turn heads with their eye-catching floats, said Shirley Simmons, one of the parade organizers.

“I think that, for the most part, they’re very original. They spend lots of time thinking about it and putting it together,” Simmons said. “It’s just amazing to me how original some of them are.”

When the parade concludes around 11 a.m., float winners will receive their awards and the cake auction will begin. The money raised, which is usually several hundred dollars, will help fund next year’s event. The cake and pie competition is sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Finally, the new Lutz Guv’na will be inaugurated, concluding several weeks of “campaigning,” where each candidate raises money for local organizations. The candidate who raises the most money earns the ceremonial title.

Five candidates are vying to replace current Guv’na Suzin Carr: Jerome Smalls, Cindy Perkins, Susan Gulash, “Papa” Jay Muffly and Liane Caruso.

Throughout the morning, the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Boy Scouts and a variety of other vendors will sell food, arts and crafts and other items. Around 45 vendor booths are expected for the event, and will be accessible near the train depot and the dog park.

Booths will cost $20, or $25 with access to electricity.

To participate in the 5K or one-mile events, preregistration forms are available by e-mailing and placing “Lutz I-Day Run Reg Form” in the subject line. Participants also can pick up registration forms in person by visiting Big Fred’s Auto Repair, 19301 U.S. 41 in Lutz Monday through Friday during the day.

Until June 30, the cost for the 5K race is $20, the one-mile event is $10, and registration for both is $22. After June 30, the cost increases to $25, $15 and $27, respectively.

Same-day registration is available at the Lutz Community Center beginning at 6:30 a.m. All preregistered runners will receive a T-shirt, and later registrants will receive any remaining shirts on a first-come basis.

Attendees are encouraged not to park near the Lutz Community Center, as cars might not be able to leave before the end of the parade. Recommended parking areas include south of Lutz Lake Fern Road or east of U.S. 41. Those parking west of U.S. 41 are encouraged to park near the dog park instead of the community center.

For volunteer information, call Suzin Carr at (813) 453-5256. For general parade information, call Phyllis Hoedt at (813) 949-1937. For float information, call Shirley Simmons at (813) 949-7060.

For sponsorship and entry information for the 5K race, call Terry Donovan at (813) 949-6659.

For cake decorating contest information, call Terri Burgess at (813) 690-5790 or Marilyn Wannamaker at (813) 949-1482. For booth rental information, call Annie Fernandez at (813) 784-4471.

Published June 25, 2014

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‘Papa’ Jay Muffly is retired, but still eyes Guv’na title

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When the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wanted “Papa” Jay Muffly to run for Lutz Guv’na this year, he said yes. But in reality, they didn’t give him much of a choice.

“They’ve been trying to get me to run for Guv’na for what, 10 years?” Muffly said. “They called and said, ‘Well, the club already voted on it.’”

Jay Muffly has a number of items lying around his Lutz home that recalls his days with the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association. One of them is a large check — in both size and dollar amount — the organization used to create annual scholarships for local students. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Jay Muffly has a number of items lying around his Lutz home that recalls his days with the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association. One of them is a large check — in both size and dollar amount — the organization used to create annual scholarships for local students.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Muffly, 72, was clearly the one the group wanted to sponsor, and they got their wish: The longtime board member and president of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association is one of five candidates for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na. The candidate who raises the most money for local groups is declared the winner at a ceremony during the annual Fourth of July celebration.

While Muffly has never run before, he’s very familiar with the process. He’s attended several Guv’na debates, understands its purpose, and likes the idea of raising money to help local groups that need funding.

“Last year there were 20 different organizations that got funds from the Guv’na’s race. That’s the biggest thing,” he said.

“For some of these things, that’s the only money they get and that’s how they make ends meet,” said Barbara Muffly, his wife of more than 30 years. The couple lives on property once owned by her grandfather not far from the Old Lutz School.

Muffly also is familiar with helping out locals. When the fire association closed last year after the county took over fire rescue services, they set up a fund with more than $260,000, which will provide scholarships for local students for decades to come.

Muffly is from Watsontown, Pennsylvania, a borough that takes up around one square mile and 2,200 people. It was less crowded when Muffly lived there. He recalls a small-town feel where kids could play safely and everyone knew each other.

His grandfather was a local firefighter, as was his father and uncles. And after serving in the U.S. Air Force and relocating to the area, Muffly kept the idea of community service. During emergencies or times of need, it’s the local community that usually bands together and gets things done, he said.

“You see it all over America, like when there’s a flood or something, how these volunteer organizations in a local community just pour together,” he said.

Helping local organizations with Lutz Guv’na funds fits in with that philosophy.

To reach the goal of raising the most money, Muffly’s campaign has had plenty of fundraisers. Drawings, dinners and garage sales are some of the activities designed to put him over the top and claim the title of Guv’na.

The race usually includes outlandish campaign promises, and Muffly has a few ideas to undo some of the changes he’s seen over the years and bring back some favorites that aren’t around anymore.

“One of the things I told them was if I ever ran for Guv’na, I was going to tear down Winn-Dixie and build Whataburger back,” he joked.

If he does win, he won’t tear down any businesses, but he will take part in the events expected of the office. The grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of two knows, however, he’s not going to match the enthusiasm and activity of the current titleholder.

“Suzin Carr has raised the bar,” Muffly said. “She’s out there doing stuff all the time. There’s no way I can match that.”

Carr, a two-time Guv’na, has done an excellent job representing the community, he said.

Although he was almost more of a recruit than a volunteer to the race, Muffly said he likes continuing a tradition that lets surrounding areas know that Lutz has a proud, distinct identity that isn’t going away.

“The biggest thing about it is it supports all the nonprofits in Lutz and it kind of says, ‘Yeah county, we’re still us!’” he said.

Published June 25, 2014

Running for Guv’na, Gulash will try, try, try again

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If Susan Gulash seems at ease managing a business, a magazine, an Internet radio show and a Lutz Guv’na campaign at the same time, it’s because she’s done it all before.

“I actually ran last year,” Gulash said. “It was an amazing experience just to meet the different community businesses.”

Guv’na candidate Susan Gulash runs her magazine and graphics business out of a room in her Lutz home. She also uses it to broadcast a weekly Internet radio program with her husband, Brian. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Guv’na candidate Susan Gulash runs her magazine and graphics business out of a room in her Lutz home. She also uses it to broadcast a weekly Internet radio program with her husband, Brian.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Suzin Carr won last year’s event to earn the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na, given to the candidate who raises the most money for local organizations. But Gulash enjoyed the experience so much, she decided to do it again.

And she didn’t wait for another Guv’na race to stay involved in the community. She used her design and marketing talents at Gulash Graphics to design the Old Lutz School website, and her Florida Creative Living Internet radio show will broadcast the community’s Fourth of July celebration.

Gulash was born in South America but moved to the United States when she was just 2. She settled into the Tampa Bay area just a few years later. Now she lives in Lutz with her husband, Brian, and her daughters, Madison and Makayla.

She enjoys the small-town feel of the area, and was interested in another campaign to raise more money for local groups.

“That’s what really drew me to run again,” Gulash said. “It’s really helping the local community here in Lutz, from the Boys & Girls Clubs to the Old Lutz School, and all the different organizations that really do need help and funding throughout the year.”

An extra year of experience also means being better prepared for the upcoming Fourth of July parade, she explained. Last year, Gulash participated in the parade by getting the family in the car and driving the parade route. But Gulash wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic turnout. While she was impressed with the great community response, Gulash felt like they could have done more to be an active part of it.

This year, Gulash has plans that involve music and a stronger presence during the parade.

“This year we’re going to step it up a notch,” she said.

Gulash also is leveraging her existing businesses to raise money for her Guv’na campaign. By making a donation and joining her “cabinet,” individuals and businesses can get mentioned in Florida Creative Living magazine, as well as the Internet radio show that goes by the same name. She’s also planning to participate in a bowling event with other candidates and possibly a car wash.

The Guv’na’s race is also known for outlandish — and usually impossible — campaign promises, and Gulash has a special one for her contributors: Donate to her campaign, and she’ll erase your age so you don’t have to worry about celebrating birthdays or getting older.

Keeping busy is part of Gulash’s regular routine, and she enjoys having the independence that comes from running family businesses. But that wasn’t always part of her career plan.

Gulash worked in a pharmacy for several years, but was let go after suffering from epileptic seizures. While she was disappointed, Gulash used the opportunity to forge a new path and take more control over her career.

Her business ventures offer affordable advertising rates to give her fellow small business owners an opportunity to market themselves in a cost-effective way, she said.

And the Lutz Guv’na campaign gives her an opportunity to raise money for the community, which is in line with her own family philosophy.

“Growing up, my mom and my father taught me good values, to help others in need, so that’s what I try to teach my own girls,” Gulash said. “And my husband, his philosophy is the same. Help others.”

The Gulashes host their radio show together.

While Gulash has a strong game plan for her Guv’na candidacy, she already has the future in mind if she comes up short in the race for the title. Not only would she consider running a third time, but she might recruit, too.

“I may even bring some people in to run for Guv’na,” she said. “The more people who are putting the effort into raising money, the more money the community of Lutz receives.”

Florida Creative Living is available with the free iHeartRadio application for smartphones and tablets. It broadcasts Thursdays at noon.

The Gulashes also are part of a program that airs the same day at 11 a.m.

For more information about Gulash Graphics, visit GulashGraphics.com. For information about the Florida Creative Living magazine or broadcast, visit FloridaCreativeLiving.com.

Published June 18, 2014

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Pasco honors a hero that should never be forgotten

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What’s in a name, anyway?

There are names for buildings and locations we never use when referring to them. Like, we might say “the barber shop on 41,” or “the gas station near Collier Parkway,” without even thinking about the official name.

Baldomero Lopez led his troops into battle during the Korean War. The veterans nursing home in Land O’ Lakes is named in his honor. (Courtesy of Armed Forces History Museum)
Baldomero Lopez led his troops into battle during the Korean War. The veterans nursing home in Land O’ Lakes is named in his honor.
(Courtesy of Armed Forces History Museum)

Sometimes a place has a common name different than its actual name. Ever been to the Lutz Dog Park? It’s actually named Carolyn Meeker Park.

Sometimes we don’t get the name exactly right. But sometimes we should.

There’s a veterans’ nursing home at Ehren Cutoff and Parkway Boulevard. You might know that already, and you might simply call it “the veterans’ nursing home” or something similar. Not out of disrespect to veterans or anything. Maybe you just don’t know the full name and have had no reason to go there.

So let me introduce you to the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home at 6919 Parkway Blvd., named in honor of a local hero whose name is worth remembering.

“Baldomero” sounds like an unusual name, unless you were a Spanish kid growing up in Ybor City in the 1930s. After graduating high school, Lopez joined the U.S. Navy, but was eventually commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He became a platoon commander, served in China, and came back to the United States. But when the Korean War started, Lopez went there as an officer.

At the Battle of Inchon, an important military victory that led to the recapture of the South Korean capital of Seoul, Lopez was one of about 40,000 men serving under the direction of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. As a first lieutenant, he led the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines over the seawall on Red Beach.

And in the military, “led” really means “led.” It’s not a situation where you just sit and watch other people do things. In fact, there’s an iconic photo of Lopez literally leading his men over the wall and into battle on Sept. 15, 1950.

If you look at that photo, study it for a moment. It’s the kind of scene that movies try to recreate but never get quite right. Very moving.

So here’s a recap of the rest of his life, which ended on that beach just a few minutes later. Lopez pulled the pin on a grenade to hurl at the enemy, but was hit with machine-gun fire to his right shoulder and chest before he could throw it. The grenade dropped from his hand, and he tried to retrieve it. Realizing he was too hurt to grasp it, he tucked the grenade under his body so he could absorb the full impact and protect his fellow soldiers.

Lopez saved more than 30 lives by sacrificing his own. He was just 25 years old.

The following year his parents accepted his posthumous Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman. He also earned a Purple Heart, a China Service Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star, and a Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars.

His body was laid to rest at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery, which is less than 30 miles from Land O’ Lakes.

Today, there are a number of things named in Lopez’ honor: An elementary school, a swimming pool, a navy cargo ship. The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo has a special exhibit dedicated to him (Go see it. It’s not that far, really).

And there’s a certain veterans nursing home in Land O’ Lakes which bears his name, too.

Now, it would be silly if we referred to everything by its complete name. If your child is a junior at Steinbrenner, you wouldn’t tell someone “she’s a junior at George M. Steinbrenner High School,” would you? Of course not. You’d say she goes to Steinbrenner, and people will know what you meant.

Just for convenience, we give locations a nickname, shorten a name or refer to them generically.

But sometimes it’s worth the extra effort to add a little more to it. That veterans nursing home is named in honor of Baldomero Lopez, and he’s a proud part of Tampa Bay’s history and a guy worth remembering. Even though he died 7,500 miles away more than six decades ago, it’s fitting that his name lives on in a facility that cares for veterans today.

By the way, I toured the nursing home and it’s a very nice facility. They can always use volunteers, too. If you have a little spare time, give them a call at (813) 558-5000.

Published June 18, 2014

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Teen coach is all business on football gridiron

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On a rather hot day earlier this month, Zachary Cooper attended a football camp at Lutz Chiefs Stadium.

The 16-year-old did some conditioning, went through drills, and even participated in a scrimmage. Later, Cooper said it was a worthwhile event and the participants had a good time.

Zachary Cooper is a 16-year-old coach who takes his work seriously. He’s already coached at the youth football, middle school and high school levels, and has college and arena football in his sights. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Zachary Cooper is a 16-year-old coach who takes his work seriously. He’s already coached at the youth football, middle school and high school levels, and has college and arena football in his sights.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

But he wasn’t there to learn. He was there to teach. It was his camp, and he was the coach.

“I felt it went fantastic. The coaches really came out and they worked their butts off,” Cooper said. “We definitely had some kids that showed their talent and just showed that they are dedicated, and that’s what matters most is dedication. If you’re not dedicated you probably can’t play the sport.”

With some Steinbrenner High School football players to assist him, Cooper led around 50 middle school-aged attendees through a free two-hour camp, teaching them football basics as well as specific skills according to their position.

Cooper is already a recognized leader, serving as head coach for Martinez Middle School and an assistant coach for the junior varsity team at Steinbrenner. He’s also coached for the youth football Lutz Chiefs and been in touch with the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm about participating with their staff.

And Cooper is in discussions with a college in Georgia to continue his education — and his coaching career — once he graduates high school in 2015.

He might still be a couple of years away from voting, but Cooper’s already an experienced football coach who loves teaching the game.

“Being a coach, I really enjoy helping the kids out,” he said.

Cooper acknowledges it might sound strange to hear a teenager talk about “the kids,” especially considering he sometimes coaches athletes who are older than he is. But when teaching middle school players, he believes his age is an advantage.

Instead of having decades separate them, Cooper is just a few years older than they are, so the players relate to him and communicate with him easily. And while the older players might be skeptical at first, after a meeting or two, they’re on board as well.

“What I try and do is prove that I know what I’m doing and help these guys,” Cooper said. “After that, it’s full-on respect.”

That respect comes from the effort Cooper puts into his work. If he’s not guiding players on the field, he’s reviewing game film, or designing his own plays. Even though most of his coaching is for the defensive side of the ball, he has an offensive mind for the game as well. Cooper played offensive line as recently as his sophomore year.

That effort has paid off with players like Steinbrenner wide receiver Fernando Mallicote. The soon-to-be sophomore has learned a lot from Cooper from his time on the Steinbrenner junior varsity squad and the Chiefs.

Mallicote has made the jump to varsity for the fall campaign. Cooper played an instrumental role in helping him improve his game, he said.

“He cares,” Mallicote said. “He doesn’t just coach. He knows what the players are capable of.”

Mallicote helped Cooper with the football camp and said he enjoyed working with younger players, and even learned a few things himself at the event.

While he’s become friends with Cooper, Mallicote said that doesn’t mean anything when they take the field. The young coach will yell with the best of them, trying to wring the most out of his team on game day.

In fact, Cooper is as excited to participate now as he was when he was wearing a uniform.

“I’m probably just as hyped if not more,” he said. “When referees are making those bad calls like they always do, I’m definitely the first one out there to give them the what for.

“When my guys score, you’ll see me jumping up and down, hugging the guys just like I would if I was padded up.”

Cooper might still be padded up if not for a concussion that sidelined him earlier in his career. Coupled with other injuries, Cooper decided that playing the game wasn’t in his future and figured he’d give coaching a try. He didn’t expect to like it as much as he does, but coaching activities now dominate most of his time.

Due to the success of his camp on June 7, he wants to schedule another football-focused event in the future as well.

When he’s not in school or focused on his sideline duties, Cooper is producing the “Two Cents Radio Show,” a sports-related, Internet-based audio program. He also handles commentary for local wrestling shows, which are then streamed on the Internet.

But coaching is never far from his mind, and it’s something he expects will be a part of him for a long time to come.

“I tell my kids, I plan on doing it until my 60s or 70s,” Cooper said.

For more information about Cooper’s show or football camps, visit 2CentsSports.com.

Published June 18, 2014

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New Tampa Players prep Dr. Seuss musical with local talent

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The Grinch lives in Lutz.

Cameron LeVine, a freshman at Blake High School, has been cast as the iconic Christmas villain in the New Tampa Players’ musical production of “Seussical.” The play is based on the characters and stories created by popular children’s author Dr. Seuss.

From left, McKinnley Nelson, Darby Spiegel, Alicia Spiegel and Cameron LeVine go over songs at an early rehearsal of the New Tampa Players’ production of ‘Seussical.’ LeVine will play Yertle the Turtle and the Grinch in the play, which debuts in August. (Courtesy of New Tampa Players)
From left, McKinnley Nelson, Darby Spiegel, Alicia Spiegel and Cameron LeVine go over songs at an early rehearsal of the New Tampa Players’ production of ‘Seussical.’ LeVine will play Yertle the Turtle and the Grinch in the play, which debuts in August.
(Courtesy of New Tampa Players)

LeVine will play both the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle when the play gets under way this August. For now, he’s excited to tackle the roles and start rehearsing.

“I’m so honored. The Grinch is my favorite out of the Dr. Seuss stories,” LeVine said. “I love how over the top mean he is, but not in a bad way.”

LeVine is just one of 50 performers in the cast. His sister, Madison, also is part of the play as an ensemble performer. In all, “Seussical” has more than a dozen actors from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, and director Craig Hartfield said there was no lack of talent when they had auditions late last month.

“This audition process was terribly difficult, not because of (problems) finding talented people, but rather juggling them all,” he said.

Hartfield went into auditions thinking he wanted around 35 for the production, but expanded it when he saw the potential among those who auditioned. In most versions of “Seussical,” many actors take on dual roles, so it was easy to split them up to make room for more performers, he said.

Hartfield hasn’t seen any performances of the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty creation, and he prefers to keep it that way. Watching it could influence the New Tampa Players’ production, and it’s important to simply read through the script and assemble the play based on his own vision, Hartfield said.

He is, however, very familiar with the stories the musical is based on, and was attracted to the play partially due to growing up with the popular characters that will be represented on stage. Hartfield also is familiar with LeVine’s work, and chose him due to the versatility he’s displayed in previous plays.

“I’ve seen him in shows and been impressed with his ability to really change himself to take on different roles,” Hartfield said. “I saw him recently in a show where he played two different characters, and he did them so differently that I think a lot of people wouldn’t have recognized him as the same guy. He changed his whole physicality.”

LeVine is ready to do the same for this production. Even though he also hasn’t seen any versions of “Seussical,” he already has an idea of how he wants to approach the Grinch.

“I feel that, as a character, he’d be very loose so he’d walk around goofy,” LeVine said. “And he would have this very distinct, mean face that’s cringing all the time at everything.”

Yertle the Turtle is a very different character, so he plans to approach that portrayal as an older animal with a more distinguished presence.

While this is LeVine’s first play for New Tampa Players, he’s already performed in nearly 30 productions. There are many opportunities to sing and act in the area, and community theater is alive and well, with actors he’s met from nearby communities like Dade City and Fishhawk Ranch in Lithia coming here to perform, he said.

He also gets to work with actors he knows very well. Since his younger sister also is in the play, LeVine will have an opportunity to share the overall experience with Madison as he prepares for his roles.

While they don’t get to perform together on a regular basis, he appreciates having a sibling with the same mindset during the run-up to opening night.

“It makes it so much easier, because now someone in the family understands my craziness when I’m talking about stuff about ‘Seussical’ or any other show we’re in together,” he said.

While rehearsals have just begun, Hartfield said the process has gone so well that he can shape the production to his liking without any singing or acting deficits in the cast.

“Honestly, in community theater, there’s often a role or two that you are still looking to fill after you’re done with auditions because there was nobody who showed up who was exactly right for this character. That happens more often than not,” he said. “But in this case I came out of this going, ‘I should have no problem having all the right sounds I need and all the actors are really great for what they’re going to be doing.’”

“Seussical” will be performed at CrossPointe Church of the Nazarene, 919 Debuel Road in Lutz, on the weekends of Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8-10.

For more information about New Tampa Players, call (813) 386-6687, or visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

Published June 11, 2014

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Guv’na candidate Cindy Perkins makes charity work a habit

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Chiropractor Cindy Perkins hails from Browns Valley, Minnesota, a city of about 800 people. And perhaps for that reason, she feels right at home in Lutz.

“The Lutz area drew me in because it’s a nice area,” she said. “It still kind of has that small-town feel, but you still have a lot of accessibility to city things. And it’s a nice place to raise a family.”

When Chiropractor Cindy Perkins isn’t treating her patients at the Back in Health Wellness Center, she’s vying for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na. (Courtesy of Cindy Perkins)
When Chiropractor Cindy Perkins isn’t treating her patients at the Back in Health Wellness Center, she’s vying for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na.
(Courtesy of Cindy Perkins)

Perkins has a son, Lyndon, 7, who wasn’t born when Perkins first moved to Florida. That happened a decade ago, and she has spent the past five years in Lutz.

Her practice, Back in Health Wellness Center, 18942 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 102, is located in Lutz as well. And if all goes well during her campaign, she hopes to be the next Lutz Guv’na.

The ceremonial title is given to the candidate who raises the most money for charity during the “campaign,” which concludes over the Fourth of July weekend. Armed with a number of fundraisers, Perkins hopes to raise the biggest total and come away with the title. But either way, she wants to be part of an effort to help area organizations.

The money raised by all the Guv’na candidates goes to local groups.

“It really appeals to me that the money that’s raised through the Guv’na campaign goes back to local schools or local nonprofits or the library,” Perkins said.

Helping charities already is part of her regular regimen. Perkins has been a team captain and served on the executive planning committee for Carrollwood Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. She also participated as the chiropractor for the sports medicine team at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in St. Petersburg, a 60-mile trek to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Aside from chiropractic services, Perkins’ practice also provides massage therapy, exercise rehabilitation and acupuncture. She performs most of the services herself, and said she enjoys working closely with different patients, treating a variety of issues and providing them with education regarding how to live healthier and resume enjoyable activities.

And while that education often includes specific and detailed treatments, the Guv’na hopeful has a quick tip regarding back health: Don’t stay in that chair too long.

“Our bodies weren’t designed to be sitting for four, six, eight hours a day, and it leads to bad things to your neck and for your back,” Perkins explained. “Get up and move around and stretch just a little bit every hour or two.”

Perkins has decided to be active when it comes to her campaign, with plenty of events designed to draw in the dollars. She has a Bunco event scheduled for June 13, a quarter auction on June 21 and a potential bowling event with the other candidates in the works as well.

In addition, Perkins is having a drawing for a one-year massage membership and offers “flamingo flocking,” where a person can have a friend’s yard decorated with lawn flamingoes for a donation. The recipient can then donate to have them removed and order their own flocking for someone else.

But even though she’s going all out to take the title, Perkins said she’s built a strong camaraderie with the other candidates, since they’re all active participants in the community and share a common goal of raising funds for needy local causes.

“It’s all in good fun. We’re all doing it for the same reason, to try and raise money for the community and try to make a difference in the community,” she said.

For more information about the Back in Health Wellness Center, call (813) 909-0961 or visit BackinHealthWellness.com.

For information regarding Perkins’ Lutz Guv’na campaign, or visit tinyurl.com/GuvnaPerkins.

Published June 11, 2014

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Liberty eighth-grader earns ‘primer lugar’ at Spanish spelling bee

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An eighth-grader at Liberty Middle School tied for first place in a recent spelling bee. To get there, however, she had to spell words like “piel” — that’s “skin” in Spanish.

From left are students Jack Richardson, Tania Sexauer and Catherine Weng, with their teacher Katie Smith. The students vied with competitors from 16 schools at the May 15 Spanish spelling bee. Weng won in the Spanish I category for non-native speakers. (Courtesy of Liberty Middle School)
From left are students Jack Richardson, Tania Sexauer and Catherine Weng, with their teacher Katie Smith. The students vied with competitors from 16 schools at the May 15 Spanish spelling bee. Weng won in the Spanish I category for non-native speakers.
(Courtesy of Liberty Middle School)

Catherine Weng shared top honors at the Spanish spelling bee held May 15 at the Roland Park magnet school. Roland Park was one of 16 Hillsborough County schools that participated in the event, which featured categories for beginners and second-tier Spanish speakers in both native and non-native divisions.

But this isn’t the first time Weng has found success in the spelling bee. She won first place last year while taking introductory Spanish classes.

Weng competed in the Spanish I category for non-native speakers this year, and earned the tie when she and another student exhausted all the words prepared for the bee.

“It’s really great getting to go back to school and say, ‘Hey guys, I won first!’” Weng said.

Weng’s first language is English, but she also speaks a little Mandarin at home. Being familiar with another language helps her acclimate to learning a new one, she said. And because Spanish words often are spelled the way they sound, Weng found success easier in the Spanish spelling bee.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a matter of just sounding out words and collecting a trophy. To spell Spanish words in the competition correctly, Weng also had to mention a letter’s accent mark by declaring “con acento” — or “with accent” — after that particular letter. Failing to designate the proper accents meant the spelling would be considered incorrect.

And, like all languages, some words don’t follow the expected protocol. For a non-native speaker, the challenge is knowing the foreign words well enough to recognize when to go with how the word sounds, and when the spelling is somewhat different.

According to Katie Smith, one of the Spanish teachers at Liberty Middle School, the Spanish spelling bee benefits students who are trying to grasp Spanish for the first time.

“The spelling bee itself helps the kids really recognize some of the nuances of the language,” she said.

By understanding where the words have accents, for example, they can improve their pronunciation and speak the language properly.

But it also helps those students who are native speakers, Smith said. Many children who come from Spanish-speaking households don’t necessarily get to write it. They grow up learning both Spanish words and English spelling rules, which can be confusing. The competition allows them to recognize the spelling protocol for Spanish, and helps keep the rules for both languages separate.

Weng joined fellow schoolmates Tania Sexauer and Jack Richardson, who competed in the beginning Spanish category. And while they didn’t finish as high as Weng, Smith said they should be very proud to have advanced through Liberty’s difficult internal competition to compete at the final event.

“That’s the thing I kept stressing to them,” she said. “Even though you may not have made it to the top five (in the spelling bee at Roland Park), it’s really OK, because the fact that you were able to go and represent the school is a big accomplishment in and of itself.”

The beginning Spanish classes are particularly large, with Weng, who has only been learning Spanish for a couple of years, plans to continue studying the language when she enters high school. But for now she’s excited that her studying paid off with another first-place finish, and the Spanish spelling bee has helped her learn a new language.

“I had done it last year so I knew it was coming up again this year, so I really made sure I knew how to spell the words correctly when we were learning them,” Weng said. “I think it’s a great experience. I think it really helps me focus on Spanish.”

Published June 4, 2014

Smalls makes big contributions to Lutz beyond Guv’na

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What makes Jerome Smalls want to be the next Lutz Guv’na?

Part of it is encouragement from the current one.

“We went to the same high school in Philadelphia,” said Smalls of himself and the current Guv’na, Suzin Carr.

Lutz Guv’na candidate Jerome Smalls started Soccer Gemz with his wife, Marchele, to provide a sports curriculum that could be enjoyed by children like his daughter Ivoryele, 5. They have programs for children as young as 18 months, so daughter Anora, 10 months, isn’t far behind. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Lutz Guv’na candidate Jerome Smalls started Soccer Gemz with his wife, Marchele, to provide a sports curriculum that could be enjoyed by children like his daughter Ivoryele, 5. They have programs for children as young as 18 months, so daughter Anora, 10 months, isn’t far behind.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

When they met a couple of years ago in Lutz, they realized they both attended Roxborough High School in Philadelphia, albeit at different times. They struck up a friendship, and Carr encouraged him to run for the ceremonial title, given to the candidate who raises the most money during the race. The funds collected by the candidates go to local charities and civic organizations.

Smalls declined to run last year against Carr — who earned her second stint as Guv’na — but now that her term is almost over, he’s thrown his hat into the ring.

Smalls is one of five candidates vying for the position, and even though he’s lived in the Tampa area for around eight years — Smalls and his family live in Town ‘N Country and are relocating to Westchase — he’s always been struck by the friendly and welcoming nature of Lutz residents.

“The people are probably the No. 1 thing. The people are really friendly and outgoing,” he said.

Smalls first got to know the people of Lutz when he started up his family business, Soccer Gemz, which uses the fields by Lutz First Baptist Church, 18116 U.S. 41, where his family also attends church. His wife, Marchele, played soccer at the University of Tennessee, and they decided to create a soccer program for children ranging in ages from 18 months to eight years.

The inspiration came from feedback from Smalls’ daughter, Ivoryele, when she started playing soccer at a young age.

“She enjoyed the practices and was having fun. But when it came to the games, she didn’t really care too much for them,” Smalls said. “And we noticed that that’s what a lot of kids do. They’re not into it at all.”

Soccer Gemz operates under a curriculum that eliminates what they believe isn’t enjoyable, while retaining what is considered fun.

The organization’s focus is based on teaching skills through positive reinforcement, and playing games that are really just exhibitions where they don’t keep score and don’t have an actual winner. The program allows children to learn the fundamentals of soccer without competitive aspects they might not enjoy at a young age.

Soccer Gemz also touts a “mommy and me” class where a mother or father can participate in lessons with their children as early as 18 months. At that age they might just be socializing and learning to kick a ball, but it allows for a unique bonding experience for a family and provides a basic introduction to sports.

For Smalls, a successful class isn’t necessarily one where a child becomes the next soccer star or flashes superior skills. It’s when he receives feedback from parents that their child enjoys participating and has a good time on the field.

“Kids are having fun. That’s the No. 1 principle that we decided to build our business on, is making sure that the kids are having fun while they’re learning,” Smalls said.

The format seems to be working, as Soccer Gemz also has added a location in Ruskin. But Lutz is special to Smalls, so he’s making a push for Guv’na with a series of fundraisers.

Smalls recently had a pancake breakfast, he has an event planned with other candidates at Mekenita Mexican Grille on June 5, and an ice cream social at the Tampa Community of Christ June 13 at noon.

And while he hopes to raise the most money and earn the title, it’s the charitable aspect of the race that appeals to him. Smalls participates in church drives and enjoys being able to give back to Lutz groups and help raise funds for worthy organizations. He wants to win the race, but will continue participating in area events either way.

His goals? “Not only now, but after the race is over, to be able to get around and do things in the community and bring a little bit more awareness to things that are going on in the community,” Smalls said.

For more information about Soccer Gemz or to contribute to Smalls’ campaign, call (813) 421-5203, or visit SoccerGemz.com.

Published June 4, 2014