Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

The Pasco County Commission won’t adopt a budget until September, but commissioners already are taking issue with a proposal by Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco to staff the third floor of the jail in New Port Richey, at a cost of about $1.6 million.

“That’s a huge expenditure,” Commissioner Jack Mariano said at the June 4 commission budget workshop. “If there’s a way to avoid this jail expansion, I think we need to do that.”

Mariano said he’s concerned not only about initial costs, but ongoing expenses.

Nocco, on the other hand, said the expenditures are necessary.

“We’re beyond optional. We have to move forward. We don’t have as many beds as we have inmates,” Nocco said in an interview on Monday.

April jail figures show that on average there were 1,475 inmates in Pasco County Detention Center, which is 13.1 percent over capacity.

Nocco said he has used part of the third floor to accommodate inmate overflow. “We’re using overtime for people to work it,” he said.

If the situation doesn’t change, the county will be forced to send inmates to another county.

“If we start sending people out of the county, we’re hostage to whatever bill you send us,” Nocco said.

To minimize the costs of his proposal, Nocco wants to hire 27 civilian employees in the control room and shift sworn deputies to the third floor. Doing that lowers the impact of the expansion by about $600,000, he said.

On another front, commissioners raised questions about the potential of Tax Collector Mike Olson using excess funds to construct a new building, rather than returning them to the county.

Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said he’s heard that Olson wants to locate a building in the Wesley Chapel area.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wondered if the tax collector’s new building wouldn’t be something that would be better addressed as part of a facilities master plan for the county.

“Would this be jumping the gun?” Starkey asked.

Olson said it is too early to say how much money is involved and the last thing he wants to do is have a fight with commissioners.

He noted that his budget, which is approved by the state Department of Revenue, not the Pasco County Commission, is not due until Aug. 1. He also noted that none of his budget comes from property taxes.

Olson said he hasn’t had a capital budget request for 10 years, and he needs to replace his department’s office at 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“The facility (Land O’ Lakes) has outgrown itself,” Olson said. “The parking lot is unsafe.”

The new Central Pasco location would include an area where applicants could take their driver’s license test on a course, Olson said, noting that design is the prototype of the future.

He also wants to add a regional office to serve the Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel areas. That, too, would have a course where driver license applicants could take their driving test.

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is seeking a new executive director.

Mary Adele Cluck, the former executive director, resigned on June 7, effective immediately.

Cluck said her mother has Alzheimer’s and now she will have more time to help make the living arrangements her mother needs. She said she also is a wedding officiant and plans to spend more time in her business, Marry Me Mary.

She said she will also be looking to continue to use her skills in the Wesley Chapel area and especially enjoys the marketing and event planning skills she has developed as the chamber’s executive director.

Jeff Novotny, the president of the chamber’s board of directors, said as the search is conducted for a permanent replacement, the board has named Hope Allen, the current sales and marketing manager, as the chamber’s interim executive director.

Allen has more than seven years of membership experience, according to a chamber news release. She previously was vice president of membership at the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, where she spearheaded strategic marketing plans to stimulate new membership and maintain existing members. She also worked for the Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of the Capital Area, both in Jackson, Miss.

Cluck served the chamber for many years and was a member of the chamber’s board before being appointed as the interim operations director in October 2011 and then as executive director in May 2012.

“Mary Adele brought us stability as the tough economy hit the entire Tampa Bay area and our local business community. We truly appreciate her past work and tireless dedication to our organization. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.  Her passion for the chamber and the greater Wesley Chapel community will be missed in our daily activities,” Novotny said, in a prepared statement, announcing Cluck’s resignation.

“The chamber, supported by our two staff members, committees and board, will continue to deliver quality programs and events.  Although we will be in transition, everything is business as usual for our members and the community,” he added.

The chamber has some time to conduct its search because it doesn’t have a large event planned in the immediate future, Novotny said.

“Our goal is to find someone that can take the momentum we have put into place over the last few years and help guide us into our near-term and long-range future,” Novotny said.

The chamber’s members include more than 460 businesses and organizations.

 

Center Academy Lutz graduates

Center Academy Lutz had 11 members in its Class of 2013.

Valedictorian Miles Glaser, with a grade point average of 3.79, has been accepted to Saint Leo University. Salutatorian Matthew Sorrentino, with a grade point average of 3.53 will be attending Keiser University.

Center Academy Lutz, is at 1520 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Suite D, in Lutz.

Its other graduates were: Frank Bly, Wagner Cedeno, Marina Flynn, Timothy Gilboy, Sean Infante, Joel Morales, Krystian Morales, Kathryn Stanina and Tyler Trybus.

 

Students win bikes

Eleven-year-old Kendrick Roberts and 9-year-old Kayvion Roberts each are the proud owners of 18-speed bicycles and bike helmets that they received after being named the two “most improved” students at West Zephyrhills Elementary for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Zephyrhills Elks Lodge donated the bicycles and helmets for the award ceremony. Exalted Ruler Carol Boyd, Leading Knight Lee Crosier and Lodge Trustee Earnie Boyd presented the bikes to the students and congratulated them for their achievements.

 

Pasco test score results

Pasco County public school students outperformed students from across the state on the biology, geometry and U.S. history end-of-course exams. They also matched the state passing rate in algebra.

The school district’s students also improved in performing at or above a satisfactory level on all but fourth- and seventh-grade reading and fifth-grade FCAT 2.0 science.

Overall, fewer students in elementary and middle school math, reading and science scored at the lowest level, and more students achieved higher proficiency ratings in science and reading.

Eleven of the district’s 14 high schools improved on 10th grade FCAT 2.0 reading, and nine of the 14 showed improvement or held steady in 9th grade.

Sixty-five percent of schools increased fourth grade reading proficiency percentages, and 61 percent of schools increased fifth grade reading proficiency percentages.

Fifth-graders showed the most improvement on FCAT 2.0 math, improving by 3 percentage points, followed by sixth-graders, who had a 2 percent increase.

 

Hillsborough FCAT scores

Reading and math scores at the state level, and in Hillsborough County, were largely unchanged this year.

The state also released science scores. The percentage of Hillsborough County fifth graders meeting or exceeding the proficiency standard in science increased by 4 percent, while the eighth grade science scores did not change.

The state also released end of course exam scores. Hillsborough County students saw a 4 percent increase in the number of students meeting or exceeding the proficiency level compared to last year. To get more information about FCAT scores and end-of-course exams, visit http://fcat.fldoe.org/resultsFCAT2/default.asp.

 

Lutz student on Dean’s List

Taylor Valley achieved the Spring 2013 Dean’s List at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga. Valley, an economics major, is from Lutz.

 

New program at 11 Hillsborough high schools

Eleven public high schools in Hillsborough County have been selected to take part in the College Board’s new Advanced Placement STEM Access program, an initiative created to increase the number of traditionally under-represented minority and female high school students that participate in AP STEM courses.

Gaither, Steinbrenner and Wharton high schools are among the schools selected to participate.

The schools were chosen based on the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses assigned to their school, as well as the AP Potential data from 2011 PSAT scores identifying under-represented students with a 70 percent likelihood of scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on the AP STEM exam.

 

PHCC starts innovative leadership program

The Pasco-Hernando Community College’s corporate training department is launching a new innovative leadership certificate program in Dade City.

The certificate program is designed to develop midlevel professionals for greater leadership roles.

The program will be on Tuesdays, from July 9 through Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. to noon at the college’s East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road.

The 32-hour, eight-week, noncredit program was developed to assist midlevel professionals who have several years of management experience to become master communicators, strategic planners and talent developers. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Leadership Certificate Program certificate of completion from the PHCC Corporate Training department.

Applications for the program are located at www.phcc.edu/leadership. For more information call (727) 816-3123, or email .

 

Biology honor society inducts Lutz college student

Sara Maurer, a senior psychology major from Lutz, is among 27 Saint Vincent College students and two staff members who have been inducted into the college chapter of Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Biological Honor Society at the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion on April 29.

TriBeta is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

 

Elizabeth Earley achieves Dean’s List

Elizabeth Earley of Lutz received the Dean’s List Award at Clearwater Christian College for scholastic achievement during the 2013 spring semester.

Earley is a junior majoring in music and is a graduate of Sickles High.

 

 

 

Brooke Cooley earns associate’s degree

Brooke Colley, of Lutz, has received an associate’s degree in agricultural education from the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

 

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills honored by Wesley Chapel High

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has received the CATSPY award recognizing Community Involvement from Wesley Chapel High for its support of the school’s sports programs.

The hospital supports both Wesley Chapel High and Zephyrhills High to provide medical care to the athletic teams for these schools.

Wesley Chapel High recognizes athletes, coaches, teams, community members, individuals and companies that help support the athletic program annual end-of-the-year ceremony called the CATSPY’s.

 

Kathleen Biladeau makes dean’s list

Kathleen Calvert Biladeau of Lutz has achieved the Dean’s List at Clemson University for the spring 2013 semester. She is majoring in marketing.

 

Area residents make dean’s list at Mercer University

Two area students have achieved the dean’s list at Mercer University. Alexis Setteducato, a junior from Lutz, was named to the dean’s list of the Townsend School of Music. Monica Kasson, a senior from Odessa, was named to the dean’s list of the College of Liberal Arts.

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

When Allison Fairbanks heard that her church was organizing a missionary youth trip to Nicaragua, she was eager to join the group.

The 16-year-old from Land O’ Lakes, said she wanted to go on the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church mission trip because she’s thinking about becoming a missionary, and this would give her a taste of that life.

Her twin sister, Ashley, is also making the trip. “I just want to put smiles on the little kids’ faces,” the young woman said.

She also expects the experience to lead to personal growth. “I think I’m not as thankful as I should be, for the things I have. I think it will help me realize how fortunate we are,” Ashley Fairbanks said.

Other youths making the trip said they are motivated by the opportunity to see life in a different culture, to contribute their help to make a difference and to help the children living at Hogar Belen Managua, an orphanage for 30 children with various disabilities and health conditions, ranging from six months to 16 years old.

The orphanage is run by Mustard Seed Communities, an organization whose tagline is “Caring for the most vulnerable.”

The Our Lady of the Rosary group, which will be helping to build a kitchen at the orphanage, includes 16 youths and seven adults. Those making the trip represent Land O’ Lakes, Wiregrass Ranch, Sunlake and Bishop McLaughlin high schools, and Paideia School and Saint Leo University.

Each person making the trip has to raise $950 to give to Mustard Seed Communities and $829 to cover their airfare.

The group still needs to raise about $10,000, said Kathy DeSanto, who has been on previous mission trips and is leading this one for the group. She’s the coordinator of youth and young adult ministry at Our Lady of the Rosary, off Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Those traveling have been raising funds individually and have been hosting some group fundraisers, DeSanto said.

When they get to Nicaragua, part of the experience includes going to a city dump, where thousands of families live, DeSanto said.

They’ll be distributing provisions to those in need, DeSanto said. The group is also collecting donations of food, toiletries, over-the-counter medications and items that can be used for developmental play.

“We will be helping to distribute food, rice, clothing, whatever supplies we bring,” DeSanto said.  “Every one of us is going to take a checked bag. Twenty-three people. It’s free to check a bag,” she said.

“Those traveling will also take a carry-on bag,” DeSanto, containing the bare necessities. To conserve space, they’ll be sharing some items, such as shampoo, sunscreen and a hair dryer, she said.

The youths know they’ll be encountering temperatures reaching 95 degrees a day and will be busy working, but they are eager to pitch in.

Adults making the trip are enthused, as well.

Shelly Kraning, who lives in the Connerton development of Land O’ Lakes, is making the trip with her daughter, Nikki.

She’s thrilled to be able to go, and thanks her company – Communications Concepts – for sponsoring her and enabling her to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Kraning said her parents adopted a teenager girl, who was a friend of hers, and she has never forgotten their selfless and kind act.

She and her daughter “want to directly help and positively touch the lives of those we encounter during our mission trip.”

The group is departing on June 28 and will return on July 6.

When the announcement went out about the trip, parents had many questions, DeSanto said.

“Parents were very concerned, but they are also very supportive,” DeSanto said. “They wanted to know the details. The specifics.”

Once they had their answers, they rolled up their sleeves and pitched in, she said.

At one fundraiser, she said, “the parents helped washed cars,” DeSanto said.

The trip helps dispel the stereotype that teenagers are self-centered, DeSanto said.

“I think often times people think that teenagers are spoiled brats, and they don’t give back, and they just want, want, want.

“But, I’ve been working in ministry with teenagers for a long time, and I don’t see that at all, especially this generation. They’re very global and they’re very service oriented and they really, really like giving back,” DeSanto said.

“I think we’d probably have 100 kids go, if it was free,” she said. “I think there would be a whole lot more that would want to participate. I think sometimes money does stand in the way.”

DeSanto also addressed a criticism she sometimes hears.

“A lot of people say, ‘Why aren’t you helping our country?’ The thing is that we do help our country. I think almost every kid that’s here has gone to food pantries, to homeless shelters, those kinds of things and helped our country.

“They feel connected to our country first, and they do help our country. So, people need to know that.

Reaching out to people in need, wherever they happen to be, is consistent with living out the message of Christ, DeSanto said.

“From our Christian perspective, we have to see Christ in everyone. Those marginalized kids that are over there need love, just like our kids need love.”

Extending oneself to help others is a rewarding experience, DeSanto said.

“Mission trips are life changing,” DeSanto said.

 

 

You can help

Items needed by Mustard Seed Communities to distribute in Nicaragua:

–Small medical items such as vitamins, Triple Antibiotic ointments, diaper rash cream, cotton balls, gauze, heating pads, massage oils, disinfectant spray and disinfecting wipes, hydrogen peroxide, disposable gloves

–Toiletries such as clippers, body lotion, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, toothbrush containers, bath soap, baby powder

–Food items such as protein or nutritional bars, baby formula and baby food, peanut butter, meal supplements, high protein powdered drink mix

–Over-the-counter pharmacy items such as flu and cold medications, antibiotic cream, stool softener, mosquito repellent, baby wipes, deodorant, adult diapers, plastic spoons, cups and bowls, underwear

–Miscellaneous items such as garbage bags, electric kettles, shower curtains and hooks, crib sheets, single bed sheets, disposable napkins

–Developmental play items such as glitter, markers, crayons, face paint, washable finger paints, footballs, balls and beads for jewelry making.

–Spiritual department items such as slow burning white candles, heavy-duty indoor/outdoor extension cord, CD player, 8-by-10 photo frames and a power strip

 

 

 

School closes for massive renovation

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Children streamed off of the yellow buses toward the entry of Quail Hollow Elementary, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., heading to class.

Along the way, they stopped to pick up free pencils to celebrate the last day of school.

Gwen Schulman, an intervention specialist, stood at the school’s entrance doling out the pencils and greeting the youngsters as they streamed in.

“Happy last day,” she said brightly.

“That’s awesome. Free stuff,” one boy said, as he clutched his new pencil and headed into school.

As children flowed into the main corridor, they were greeted by an office staff that was jamming out to a remix of “Dynamite,” by Kidz Bop.

Their dance moves inspired the kids, who – in a scene reminiscent of an episode of ‘Glee” – began making a few moves of their own.

Next, the school’s morning program came on, with a student leading the rest of the school in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Quail Hollow pledge.

The school pledge, which conveys the school’s expected code of behavior, goes like this:

“We will: Quietly listen to others. Use respect with our words and actions. Always be prepared. Insist on excellence. Learn and do our best.”

The words are emblazoned on a wall near the school’s office, and Principal Michelle Berger said they remind everyone in the school how to treat others.

The final day of classes at Quail Hollow is always an emotional day, the principal said, but this year it was particularly poignant because the school is expected to be closed for two years while the building is reconstructed.

The neighborhood elementary school, which has served generations of families, is being closed after this school year to accommodate a massive makeover.

The changes will provide walls, windows and doors in a school designed with an open environment, at a time when such an arrangement was thought would benefit children.

Closing the school means adjustments for children, families and school staff.

“Half of our kids are going to Watergrass (Elementary) and half are going to Wesley Chapel (Elementary),” Berger said.

The school’s staff is being split up, too, but everyone has a job for next school year, the principal said.

Berger, who has been at Quail Hollow since March of 2007, said learning in February that the school would be closing at the end of the year was a jolt.

“We’re all very sad to leave Quail Hollow. We’re a family,” Schulman said. “It’s always sad to split up a family. Change is always hard. It’s hard for the adults, and it’s hard for the kids.”

Nora Neuber, a school volunteer, said many people found the news hard to accept.

“It’s hard to see all of the people scattered,” Neuber said. “That’s the hard part.”

She thinks there are also concerns that the school’s atmosphere will change permanently, if a new principal comes.

If that happens, she said, “the traditions can change. I think that’s one of the things that has parents worried.”

Marina Lofley, a student from Land O’ Lakes High who works in the school office, said some families who have a long history with the school find it sad to see it go.

“We’ve had a lot of parents come and they want to be toured around the school just to see it one last time,” Lofley said.

“We’ve heard some parents say their kids are being separated from all their friends, and it’s going to be hard,” Lofley said.

Samantha White’s son, Justin, will be entering fourth grade next year, so he won’t be back at Quail Hollow, she said. Her other son, Jacob, is entering kindergarten. He’ll be returning to Quail Hollow when it reopens.

While children are being moved to new schools temporarily, there is an upside, she said. “We’ll be getting a new school.”

Berger said when she met with her staff to talk about the school’s temporary closing, she said: “Raise your hand, if you wish we had windows, walls and doors.”

“The only way to get them is to empty the building,” Berger said, because the school is so open that it’s impossible to work in one part without disrupting everyone else.

Lofley thinks there’s also an upside for the kids who will be attending new schools next year. “They’ll be able to make new friends,” the office worker said. “Everything happens for a reason.”

Just the same, despite the upbeat attitude on display at Quail Hollow on the final day of classes June 4,  there was an undercurrent of sadness for the loss of community and camaraderie that will be felt, at least temporaily until the school reopens.

One woman, dropping off a child at school on that last day, paused and told the office staff: “Thank you for a good school year.”

“Enjoy your next school,” an office worker replied, with a broad smile.

“I know,” the woman said. “We’re going to miss coming here.”