Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By B.C. Manion

Cascade DuSel sits near her computer, telephone in hand, talking to a student, while clicking away on her keyboard.
Welcome to Spanish class, eSchool-style.
The Pasco County educator teaches 120 students online, including Spanish classes for middle school, high school and Advanced Placement students.
DuSel uses a lot of technology to deliver her instruction. In addition to the curriculum delivered in online lessons, she uses instant messages, Skype, e-mails, texting, telephone calls, audio files and her cell phone to get the job done.
One of the beauties of eSchool is its flexibility, said JoAnne Glenn, an assistant principal who oversees Pasco eSchool.
It can cater to the pace of individual students. Some students need more time to learn, and they can take it. Others may be able to zoom ahead, and they’re not stymied.

“It’s not a passive learning experience,” Glenn said. There are lots of ways for students to be engaged, and teachers are able to see if students are logging on, what they are doing when they are logged on and whether they are on pace to succeed.
eSchool also offers a safety valve to the school district to enable students to take a class that has been capped at a traditional bricks and mortar school because of the state’s strict class size limits.
“Kids don’t necessarily have to settle for a second choice,” Glenn said.
This year’s eSchool enrollment is roughly 30 percent more than last year, which Glenn attributes primarily to the class size limits.
“I think we (eSchool enrollment) will continue to creep up in the next few weeks,” she added, to accommodate more students who must shift into a new class because of the state’s cap.
Enrollment for the program includes 53 full-time elementary pupils and about 160 full-time high school students. Overall, there are about 500 sixth- through 12th-grade students enrolled in at least one class. Ten district teachers are assigned to the eSchool program.
The enrollment figures also include children who are being home-schooled, or who are enrolled in private or charter schools.
eSchool gives students the option of taking a class that isn’t offered on their campus or doesn’t fit into their school day.
“Classes are available 24/7. The digital learner wants to be able to learn all of the time. They’re used to be able to access information all of the time,” Glenn said.
While students can work at all hours of the day and night, the eSchool school year complies with the school district’s calendar, Glenn said.
Students who are interested in eSchool can try it without penalty, Glenn said. There’s a 28-day grace period, so students can try eSchool without penalty. If eSchool is not for them, Pasco eSchool will work with the county’s traditional schools to work something out for the student.
eSchool gives students an avenue to complete their course work while pursuing special interests.
For instance, one of DuSel’s students wants to be a professional golfer.
“He is up 4 or 5 in the morning, he does an hour or two on the computer and then he’s out playing golf for 6 or 7 hours, then he’s back and does another 6 or 7 hours on the computer,” DuSel said.
“He’s taking Spanish 2 and he’s an eighth-grader.”
His mom told DuSel that she likes eSchool because it allows her to be involved in her son’s education.
DuSel said the mom told her: “I know everything that he’s doing. I know all of his assignments. I know when they are going to be due.”
eSchool not only encourages parental involvement; it demands it, Glenn said.
eSchool teachers must talk with their students’ parents at least once a month, said DuSel, who lives in Wesley Chapel. That’s not required of teachers at bricks and mortar schools.
eSchool also requires lots of reading, so it is not a good option for students who are lagging behind in those skills, Glenn said.
DuSel loves teaching students online.
“It really is everything that I love about teaching and none of the stuff that I don’t really love so much.
“I loved being in the classroom. I loved my kids. I loved my schools. But this is just pure subject matter. They’re not coming up to me and talking to me about other stuff.
There’s no, ‘Sit down. Put your gum away. Get that dress code appropriate. Go to the office.’  There’s none of that stuff.
“When I’m talking to a kid on the phone, I can talk to him purely about subject matter,” DuSel said.
Glenn said people frequently wonder whether the district offers physical education and driver’s education courses through eSchool.
Both classes are offered, Glenn said. Driver’s education is available, but does not include behind-the-wheel instruction. Physical education is available, too, but the students get to choose their own physical activities, which can vary widely.
Another benefit of eSchool is that lessons within a course can offer a wide variety of options, enabling students to have more choices in the work that is done to satisfy course requirements, Glenn said.
eSchool is not for everyone, DuSel said.
“This is not for kids who do not want to learn. If the parents don’t have the time, or the parents are not involved, and the kid is not motivated – that is not a good combination.”

By Kyle LoJacono

A single vote will help move Wiregrass Ranch from a cattle farm to a center of education, business and fun.
The Pasco County Commission voted unanimously Sept. 6 to approve a plan for the development of that section of Wesley Chapel.

The plan includes clearing way for the new Wesley Chapel Medical Center, Pasco-Hernando Community Hospital’s (PHCC) Wiregrass Campus and a future recreation complex. With those additions, the plan also calls for a reduction in the number of potential homes that can be built in the area by 1,205.

The details of the plan include:
Planning for a 300,000-square-foot attractions and recreation facility.
Adding an 18-hole golf course.
Officially setting aside enough land for the new $45 million PHCC campus that can accommodate 1,100 students on Mansfield Boulevard near Wiregrass Ranch High.
Allocating 200,000-square-feet needed for the Wesley Chapel Medical Center that will begin construction later this year about one half-mile north of SR 56 on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
Increasing the number of hotel rooms from 120 to 480 in the area.

Pasco Commission chairwoman and Pasco tourism council chairwoman Pat Mulieri sees the benefit of adding recreation that will bring people from other counties or states.
“The recreation center would be a big boost for the economy,” Mulieri said. “A prime example is the lacrosse tournament we have in January near Saddlebrook. It brings in more than $2 million to our economy. Pizza places, hotels and stores are jumping and the registers are all ringing. Imagine having a facility that has weekly tournaments, perhaps professional ice hockey practice, and local teams.”
“The hospital and PHCC will create a synergy that will bring more prosperity to the area and contribute positively to the quality of life in Wesley Chapel,” Mulieri continued. “The hospital and college will bring additional professionals to the area and new residents can absorb some of the housing surplus.”
Mulieri was a professor at PHCC for more than 20 years and is happy to see the expansion of education.
“Having a diverse educational environment contributes to economic development and will be a plus when recruiting new businesses to Pasco,” Mulieri said. “It will help us realize our goal; Pasco bringing opportunities home.”
The reduction of potential homes is to make room for increased development of more businesses. To compensate for the loss of residential development, the plan approved rezoning of the area around the future extension of SR 56 from where it stops at Meadow Pointe Boulevard east to Morris Bridge Road. That project will likely be paid for by developers, not the county.
The rezoning will allow more than 2,000 homes to be built on the 825.5 acres of land next to the future extension. Part of that area would be the new River Landing development, which will have about 1,200 homes, 400 multifamily homes and 300 townhouses.
Before the rezoning, the land was for agricultural purposes.
On the recreation side, the “attractions and recreation facility” could be many things, according to Eric Keaton, Pasco tourism manager.
“That land is currently available for private developers who can approach the county to build any recreational facility from hockey to racquetball or shuffleboard,” Keaton said.
Keaton said there is county land near Saddlebrook that will be used for a tennis or other relational facility. He said there is a chance the county will swap that land with the area around SR 56 and open up the property near Saddlebrook for private developers.
The 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch is owned by the Porter family. The Porters first bought 14,000 acres of land that stretched from New River down into Hillsborough County in 1941. Don Porter’s father, James, moved his family to the land in 1946.
Porter said his family still has a ranch that raises cattle and grows oranges in the Wiregrass area. He said there was a time when he envisioned an area with schools, shopping centers, recreation and a hospital decades ago. The commissioner’s vote has helped that vision has come true.
“There’s been a lot of progress and that’s needed,” Porter said. “I’m glad I’ve been able to see the area build up into what it is today.”

By Kyle LoJacono

For the second straight year Sister Stroll for a Cure will help raise awareness of breast cancer while supporting Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ effort to build a new treatment facility.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is from 8 to about 10:30 a.m. at the hospital’s fitness trail in front of the facility, 7050 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills. Participants will walk the trail from 9-10 a.m. to support anyone facing the disease or to honor those who have died from breast cancer.

“Getting awareness out about the disease is very important,” said Dr. Danielle Albritton. “With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month we get a lot more women coming in to get checked out and that’s critically important.”
Albritton said it is recommended that women start getting breast examinations from their doctor after age 20 and start getting mammograms regularly around age 40. She added anyone who has a history of breast cancer in their family, especially close relatives, should discuss it with their doctors as soon as possible.
Albritton added there are several ways to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer, which include: not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, decreasing stress, exercising regularly, keeping weight at a healthy level and reducing the amount of fat, sugar and salt in someone’s diet.
Albritton has been with Medical Group of Tampa, partners with the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, for the last seven years and is based out of Dade City. While Albritton works more to prevent breast cancer, and all diseases for that matter, Dr. Kim Apple, also with the medical group, performs surgeries to remove the tumors.
Apple has been performing the surgeries at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills for three years and will participate in the stroll this year.
“I wanted to get into treating breast cancer because I get a lot of gratification helping women with the disease,” Apple said. “It’s very emotional even to speak about breast cancer and I really enjoy being able to help women make the right decision about treatment.”
About 1 percent of men contract the disease, according to Apple, but early dedication is much less common. She said if a man discovers a lump in the chest wall he should get it checked as soon as possible.
Apple said new technology allows for minimally invasive biopsies that allow patients to heal more quickly. If a lump is cancerous she performs either a lumpectomy, which removes just the tumor and surrounding tissue, or a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast. She added the most important thing in cancer treatment is detecting it early.
“That reduces the amount of spreading that can happen,” Apple said. “Events like the Sister Stroll can help the community not only become aware of breast cancer, but it also helps those with the disease know there are people thinking of them.”
At the stroll, health practitioners will be available to answer questions about breast cancer. There will also be a raffle at 10 a.m. with refreshments.
Denotations will also be collected at the event to raise money for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ future Breast Center. The stroll raised $2,500 last year.
In addition, the hospital is offering mammograms for $49 throughout the month. The full amount must be paid for at the time of service and can be done at both the hospital and at Florida Hospital Imaging of Wesley Chapel. To schedule a mammogram, call (813) 783-8378.

By B.C. Manion

The ladies stream into the restaurant, exchanging hugs and good-natured banter — in what appears to be a gathering of old friends.
As it turns out, however, some members of the club joined just a few months ago, while others have belonged for years.
But the same friendly greeting was extended to all – and the warmth of the reception is in keeping with the spirit of Tampa Bay Newcomers, Inc., an organization for women, founded in 1952.

The women at the Daytime Bunko gathering at Amici Pizza in Wesley Chapel moved to Tampa Bay from places like Plainview, N.Y.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Grosse Ile, Mich.; Houston, Texas; and Wauwatosa, Wis., to mention just a few.
The women who join Tampa Bay Newcomers Inc., do so for different reasons.
Many are new to the area and are seeking not only potential friends, but also practical help. They want advice on finding a doctor, a dentist, a vet, a hairdresser, a handyman or a mechanic. They also want to know more about the area’s offerings, such as where to have fun or to find a good meal.
Some may join because they enjoy playing bridge, canasta or Bunco, they like to bowl or golf or they want to partake in any number of other activities the club offers.
Some are attracted because of a life change — leaving them with newfound time on their hands: They’re recent widows, newly retired or have become empty-nesters.
Club president Charlotte Sandery moved to Wesley Chapel after living in Australia for 24 years.
She moved to the area after her husband died. And, although she had visited numerous times because her daughter lives in the community, she had not formed any friendships.
“I knew I needed to get involved with some like-minded people,’’ Sandery said. So, she decided to give Tampa Bay Newcomers a try.

“All of these women just greet you with open arms. They want to know who you are and where you’re from and what you’re doing here and what you like to do,” Sandery said.
“They’re very friendly girls,” agreed 77-year-old Rose Bleich, who is originally from Long Island. Even though she considers herself to be shy by nature, the Wesley Chapel woman said she feels right at home with the group.
It’s a lot of fun, said 62-year-old Beverly Ackerman.
“I went kayaking. I never thought I would go kayaking,” said the retired revenue officer for the Internal Revenue Service. “I think next month they’re gong to be doing zip-lining.”
Like many other members of the group, Ackerman learned about it while she was exercising at Shapes. She overheard a group of women talking about a monthly gathering called TGIS, which is essentially a giant potluck for couples held at a club member’s home.
“You meet people from all over. It’s so interesting. Everybody down here comes from somewhere else,” said Ackerman, who moved to the area three years ago from Plainview, N.Y.
Sixty-one-year-old Ruth Gibney, of Land O’ Lakes, most recently lived in Las Vegas. Before she lived there, she lived near Chicago and in New York, New Jersey, Houston and Toronto. She was a member of Newcomers in each of those places, except for New York, where she couldn’t find a club.
Even before she moved to Florida, she began researching online – looking for an active Newcomers club.
The former kindergarten teacher, former clown and former tour guide, said she enjoys the club’s activities and camaraderie.
It often gives member a chance to try something new, she said.
“When I moved to Las Vegas, I had never played Scrabble and I had never bowled, and I ended up being in both.
“If there is an activity that you really enjoy and they don’t have it, you can go to a board meeting and start it,” she added.
Sixty-three-year-old Mary Joaquin, who lives in Zephyrhills, recalls how difficult it was to learn her way around the community.
She found out about Newcomers at Shapes, when a woman overheard her expressing her frustration about not being able to find her way around. She recalls saying: “I just wish somebody could point me from Point A to Point B and I could get someplace.”
In response, a woman in the locker room began telling her about Newcomers, and brought her in a newsletter about the group the next day.
Joaquin is glad she joined.
“This has been great. I’ve learned how to play mahjong. I’m learning how to play bridge. I’m going bowling,” Joaquin said.
“They’re very organized – I like that,” said 60-year-old Marlene Renaud, of Wesley Chapel. “They have so many activities. There’s something for everyone. There’s something to do almost every day.”
Fifty-three-year-old Sabrina Scott grew up in Tampa but followed her husband’s military career for stints in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and at the Pentagon, as well as other locales.
When she returned to settle in Lutz, so much of the area had changed, Scott said.
The Newcomers club helped her to get acquainted with the area’s new offerings.
Members told her about good restaurants, good doctors and other things, Scott said. “It’s like having directories for the whole city, but for different things.”
Besides being fun, members also are a source of emotional support for each other.
Sixty-five-year-old Donna Gosset, of Land O’ Lakes, said she experienced that firsthand when she found out she had breast cancer last year.
“They all reached out, sent me cards, took me to my appointments. It was a real, as I would say, sisterhood. The good Lord carried me through it and they lifted my arms.”
Gosset said she had lived in Clearwater for decades before moving to her new home to downsize.
In one sense, moving to the new community was like moving to a new state, she said. “I knew nobody.”
Gosset isn’t the only recipient of the club members’ compassion.
When another woman’s husband died suddenly, others in the group sprang to action. One went to help do laundry and do some cleaning around the house; another helped with funeral arrangements. Lots of club members got busy in their kitchens preparing food to serve after the memorial.
“If you need something, somebody is there for you,” said club member Vonda Mays, 57, who lives in New Tampa.
“We support each other,” said Ackerman. “When you think about it, we’re all kind of in the same boat.”

For more information go to www.tampabaynewcomers.com or e-mail .

By Joe Potter

If you’re looking for a good place to get away for a quick, relaxing lunch, the Scotland Yards Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill Room might be the place.
The restaurant, at 9424 US 301, is midway between Zephyrhills and Dade City.

The Lazy Susan’s Restaurant & Bar previously operated at the site before Mistie Rinaldo and her husband, David, took over the restaurant and changed its name in January 2010. David Rinaldo and his father, Bill, managed a snack bar that operated at the site prior to Lazy Susan’s being there.
Mistie Rinaldo is restaurant and banquet manager. David Rinaldo manages the golf course and helps his wife with the restaurant on an as-needed basis. Mistie Rinaldo previously worked in the medical field.
“I am a people person. I love helping and seeing that people are happy whether it has been medical or dining. I love it all,” she said.
Scotland Yards Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill Room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the nights that specials are offered – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
No regular menu item is priced above $8.
Tuesday’s special, effective all day, is buy 10 chicken wings, get 10 chicken wings free, for $7.95, dine-in only.
Wednesday’s dinner special is steak or salmon for $10.95.
Friday’s dinner special is fried haddock or shrimp. Haddock is $9.95 while the shrimp is $10.95.
Scotland Yards Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill Room offers an extensive list of sandwiches and baskets. Sandwiches include grilled or fried chicken, chicken salad, turkey, grilled ham and cheese, club sandwiches, roast beef, 1/3-pound hamburgers, 1/3- pound bacon burgers and patty melts. Sandwich prices range from $5 to $7. The restaurant occasionally offers pulled pork or fish sandwiches, Mistie Rinaldo said.
Full liquor is available from top shelf to well alcohol, The restaurant has an extensive wine list.
The restaurant seats approximately 170 people. Space may be reserved for weddings, wedding receptions, reunions, anniversaries, birthday parties and other parties or events.
Scotland Yards Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill Room is operated separately from the Scotland Yards County Club. The restaurant is open to the public. Diners do not need to be residents of Highlands at Scotland Yards or the Scotland Yards County Club.
More information about Scotland Yards Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill Room may be obtained by calling (352) 567-7600.

To get there:
From US 301, turn east onto Callaway Boulevard at the main entrance to Highlands at Scotland Yards. Take Callaway Boulevard to Pro Shop Drive. Turn south onto Pro Shop Drive. The restaurant is on the east side of the road.
From Wire Road, turn north onto Pro Shop Drive at the side entrance to Highlands at Scotland Yards. Follow Pro Shop Drive and the restaurant is on the east side of the road.