Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Ashley Dunn
News Editor
WESLEY CHAPEL — On Oct. 31, children of all ages will don costumes and ask for treats. But kids aren’t the only ones who will be having all the fun this month.
The Shops at Wiregrass is inviting dogs and their owners to participate in Dogtoberfest, which will take place at the mall, located at SR 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on Oct. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“It’s one of those things — I think it’s going to be pretty big,” said Chad Doritan, the mall’s marketing director.
Dogs are allowed to stroll on the sidewalks of the outdoor mall, and Doritan said many pet owners bring their furry friends to the shopping center with them.
During the mall’s concert series from March to May, “the dogs were everywhere,” Doritan said, and many were dressed up. On a beach-themed night, one pooch wore a doggie wetsuit, flippers and had its own surfboard.
That’s how the idea for Dogtoberfest came about. People seemed to enjoy bringing their costumed pets to the mall, so mall officials figured why not have an event for that in October when temperatures are a bit cooler, Doritan said.
There will be a Doggie Costume Contest, during which more than $300 in prizes will be awarded. Costumes aren’t limited to a Halloween theme; dogs can be dressed in any outfit. All dogs in costumes will receive a medal courtesy of 365 Caffe Italiano. There will also be a live concert by The Rhythm Hounds, a professional photographer to take photos of the dogs, and dog adoption organizations. So far, The Shops at Wiregrass has teamed up with No More Homeless Pets, an all-volunteer adoption coalition based in Hillsborough County. Doritan said he is still trying to find dog-related vendors.
“It’s just a fun thing,” he said of the event. “Come out with your dog and listen to music.”
For more information about Dogtoberfest, visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com.

Eddie is a 3-year-old Rat Terrier. He loves running obstacle courses, peanut butter and riding on the boat with his family. Eddie’s proud owner is Nataley Riggs of Land O’ Lakes.

Daisy is a 7-year-old Shih Tzu, Fox Terrier mix. She goes crazy when she sees her owner put on her bathing suit because Daisy loves to float in her boat in the pool. She loves to chase squirrels and play ball. Daisy’s proud owner is Cheryl Ware, of Zephyrhills.

By Gary S. Hatrick

Laker Correspondent

ZEPHYRHILLS — Jerry Sterner received a Key to the City from Zephyrhills Mayor Cliff McDuffie during a Sept. 24 retirement party at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

McDuffie joked that Sterner got “the key to go out the back door, but if you want to come back again you can get back in.”

A long line of well-wishers congratulated Sterner, who for 19 years in public relations was the face of East Pasco Medical Center, then Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

“You’re looking at the end of an era,” said John Harding, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “To be able to go anywhere and hear Jerry’s name, you feel like you’re in the presence of a rock star. “It’s not often that one gets to associate with someone that has done as much as he’s done in this community.

Sterner was recently awarded the 2009 Alice Hall Community Award by the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce for his many accomplishments and spirit of volunteerism.

The most recent award highlights an extensive list of service for a man who also has been a member of chambers in Dade City and Wesley Chapel; along with rotary clubs in Zephyrhills and Dade City.

Sterner also has served with the American Heart Association, East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Pasco, Main Street Zephyrhills, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School Advisory Council, Sunrise of Pasco Domestic and Spouse Abuse Shelter, and the San Antonio Boys Village Board of Directors, among other groups.

Additionally, he has worked with the Pasco Planning 20/20 Committee, Pasco County School Board’s Business & Industry Council, Pasco Economic Development Council and United Way of Pasco County.

Some lesser-known facts are that Sterner served for two U.S. Army tours in Vietnam, earning the bronze star, and was a missionary in Nairobi for six years.

Some community members may not know that Sterner has been the organizer behind the city’s annual tree lighting and Easter sunrise service.

“I’m sorry I won’t be putting the tree lighting together as I have in the past,” Sterner said. “This will be the 25th anniversary of the tree lighting and it should be a very fine event again.”

Sterner said that the past 19 years have been an incredible ride and explained why he became so involved in the community.

“I have such an incredible love for this community,” Sterner said. “When you spend almost 20 years in a community you just grow to enjoy and appreciate, and have a high respect for the people of the community. It’s people that make the community as great as it is.

Sterner and his wife, Martha, plan to move to Chattanooga, Tenn., as soon as their home sells. Once there, Sterner said he will join the rotary and chamber to begin serving that community.

His greatest involvement, though, will be serving as grandpa to his grandson, Luke.

“The joy I’ll have is watching Luke,” he said.

Soldier thanks Lutz Patriots for kindness to military

“To all at Lutz Patriots,

Received your letters from the children and the care package today and I wanted you to know how grateful I am for the thoughtfulness you have shown to me and all in the military. You truly are special people and yes, you have brightened my day.

“The package was received today, September 4th …again, thank you. I only wish I had time to write a personal letter back to you and all the children, hope email is OK. I am currently on a PSD (protective security detail) team that protects Major General Joseph Reynes, Air Force, director of FSEC (Force Strategic Engagement Cell). We work 15 hour days, 7 days a week in the IZ green zone area for now, so not much time.

“I am married with three children, Brittany (18), TJ (15) and Haley (8). All have birthdays coming up in November and December and I will miss them all, but we stay in touch through email and web cam. It works out really great when we can see each other.

“I live in Corbin, Kentucky and am a part of the Kentucky National Guard, and will return hopefully in May…Yea!! Might get to see the Kentucky Derby…and please send a cool ocean breeze my way from Florida.

“Anyway, it has been a very hot month here in Baghdad, Iraq, like 122 degrees average, so hopefully it will start to cool down a bit.

“Again, thank you and share this e-mail with all the little ones if possible.

God bless you,

SPC Tim Miniard”

By Eileen Kanter

Q: What qualities should I look for in a tutor?

A: Many tutors are certified teachers who are supplementing their salary. They may also be college students earning their teaching degree. The key to finding the right person for your child is to look for an individual whose training, personality, energy level, educational philosophy and proven success record meet the needs and goals you have for your child.

Q: What do tutoring services cost?

A: Tutoring rates vary and are based on one or more of the following reasons:

— The number of times per week your child is tutored and the length of each session

— The subject area being tutored. A tutor working with your child on chemistry will usually charge more than someone teaching a child the concept of addition.

— If the tutor comes to your home instead of taking your child to their place of business

— If you hire a tutoring center or have your son/daughter taught by a private tutor

— If your child is tutored in a small group setting verses a one-on-one setting

— Some tutoring centers and private instructors charge an assessment fee. This payment is in addition to your regular tutoring fee and a one-time assessment in most cases.

Q: When hiring a tutor, can I ask for references?

A: Absolutely! It is one of the best ways to find out if the educator or tutoring center you are considering is the right fit for your child.

Q: When should I see results from my child’s tutoring?

A: Seeing tangible results can vary, but will probably not occur immediately. All children learn at different rates. Once their learning style is targeted, a qualified tutor will customize lessons to meet your child’s needs. They can also give parents helpful tips in working with their son/daughter each day to solidify a deeper level of learning. Tutoring more than once a week, can expedite results, but there is still no guarantee.

Q: If I hire a tutor to work with my child, will I still need to help my child with their homework?

A: Yes, tutors and parents need to work together to encourage success. A tutor can provide strategies to use when working with your child.

Q: Is it better to have my child tutored at our house or outside of our home?

A: The No. 1 reason parents hire tutors to come to their homes is convenience. However, convenience does not increase your child’s learning potential. A child that is easily distracted will have trouble focusing during a learning session in their home. Parents cannot always control the phone ringing, siblings arguing, family members and pets wandering, etc. The more distractions, the less likely your son/daughter will be able to focus and receive the maximum benefit of working with a tutor in a one-on-one setting. If you know your child is not easily distracted and/or you can control the atmosphere in the house, home tutoring might be an option.

Q: When do I know that my child is ready to discontinue tutoring?

A:  That decision should be made between the parent, tutor and classroom teacher. A student should be showing consistent progress in the classroom that can be measured by the tutor and the classroom teacher before ending teaching sessions.