Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

2010 seems to be the year of anniversary celebrations in east Pasco County. First, Zephyrhills turned 100 in March, and now the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th birthday.

“It’s so exciting to see how far the chamber has come in the last 50 years,” said chamber executive Nita Beckwith.

To celebrate, the chamber will host an event from 5 to 10 p.m. April 10 at its location, 14112 Eighth St. in Dade City. The event is open to the public and free except for food and drinks.

The event will begin with “Taste of Greater Dade City” from 5 to 7 p.m. A variety of area restaurants will offer samples of their food, which includes The Garden Café, Angel Tea Room, Del Carmen and Manolo’s.

“I’m looking forward to everything, but I’m really interested in the taste of Dade City,” Beckwith said. “It’s the first time the chamber has done something like this and I can’t wait to try some of the food.”

A visual presentation with photos from the last 50 years will be shown to celebrate the chamber’s history.

“It was so exciting to discover all the historical information and realize that the chamber is responsible for so much of the development and growth in Pasco County, not just Dade City,” said Jodi Pendrotti who put together the visual presentation. “During the past 50 years many businesses have come and gone, but the character of Dade City has remained essentially the same.”

Pendrotti said she joined the chamber as an individual because of the positive influence she has as a member in east Pasco.

The celebration will also include a contest at 8 p.m. to find the custom that best represents the last 50 years. Music from the last 50 years will be played throughout the celebration.

“We’ve been planning the celebration for several months and we are very excited that it is so close,” said Jill Evans, chairwoman of the chamber’s planning committee.

The event sponsor is Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, a chamber member since 1998.

“As an integral part of the community for 25 years, we feel it is very important to support these kind of community events,” said Ali Geib, assistant vice president of practice operations for Medical Group of Tampa Bay, a doctors group affiliated with the hospital. “We feel it’s part of our mission to be out in the community.”

Geib is also a member of the chamber’s board of director and will be at the celebration’s welcome booth.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has helped offset some of the costs to put on the event.

Records at the Dade City chamber show that the organization started at least as far back as 1923, but was not incorporated until April 11, 1960. It was originally called the Pasco County Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s the oldest chamber of commerce in the county,” Beckwith said. “I know that for sure because I called all the others…We didn’t realize it went back as far as it does until we started researching the history in preparation for the celebration.”

Representatives from the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce said they had records for as far back as 1926, but believed it was started in 1923 as well.

No records were kept on how many members the Dade City chamber had 50 years ago, but it currently has 350 from Dade City, Zephyrhills, St. Leo, San Antonio and the surrounding area.

“I think it’s great that the chamber has been around for so long,” Evans said. “So many organizations don’t last but a couple years. Plus the chamber helps with other organizations and events in Dade City, so it makes a positive impact on the area.”

For more information on the celebration, call the chamber at (352) 567-3769.

If you go

• What: Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s 50th anniversary
• When: April 10 from 5 to 10 p.m.
• Where: 14112 Eighth St. in Dade City
• Admission: free
• (352) 567-3769
• www.dadecitychamber.org

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

Lutz artist Joan Garcia remembers the smell of new crayons at Christmas time.

“I’ve always loved art,” Garcia said. “My grandma used to get me new paper, pencils and crayons every Christmas. I still love that smell.”

These days, Garcia uses oil paints to capture the beauty of Florida’s wildlife. She also paints with acrylics and is an accomplished color-pencil portrait artist.

“I am inspired by the light and the colors of Florida,” she said. “I love to paint nature, the birds and the fish, and the landscapes.”

Garcia has an art studio at her home, where she spends hours painting. She can spend weeks or months on one artwork. She recently painted a mural for a baby’s room featuring swimming manatees and pelicans. The work was created using acrylics on canvas.

“I started in January and finished in March,” she said. “I’d paint at night until one or two in the morning, with big studio lights all around.”

Garcia studied fashion design and illustration in Miami, but never went to work in the industry. She married her husband Al and had a son, Alex. Soon after Alex was born, she decided to pursue fine art as a profession.

“I started doing shows and murals,” she said. “It steamrolled from there. It’s been up and down, but I’ve done a lot through the years.”

Before the family moved to Tampa, they lived in Texas, Miami and Costa Rica. Garcia said, for an artist, Florida is definitely the best place to live.

“Even when I was living somewhere else, I could see something on TV and without anyone saying where it was, I’d know it was Florida because of the light,” she said. “It’s beautiful here.”

One of her favorite places to paint is Anna Maria Island.

“We have a beach house there and I love the environment,” she said. “I bring my paints and I capture the scenery.”

She said she loves the way the sunshine bounces off the blues and the greens.

“Since childhood, I’ve always been fascinated with color,” she said. Painting with oils is amazing because of the warmth and intensity of the colors.”

Garcia is a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, Oil Painters of America and the North Tampa Arts League.

To learn more about artworks by Joan Garcia visit, www.jlgarcia-artist.com.

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

Menopause is a common term for when women’s hormones begin to change, usually around middle age.

Andropause is less known.

“Andropause is the medical term for the changes men go through when they experience a decrease in their sex hormones,” said Dr. Stephanie Bien, aging specialist. “It’s a subtle process that can result in anything from a loss of energy to low sex drive. It can start as early as age 40.”

Bien, whose office is in Wesley Chapel, works with men going through the change. She offers a comprehensive exam to determine the best treatment.

“I take blood tests, then look at medical and family history before making a diagnosis,” she said. “I look at all the information and determine what I can do to help.”

Everything from diet and exercise to testosterone shots can treat the symptoms of andropause.

Dave Newton, 42, of Land O’ Lakes, began seeing Bien two years ago.

“I felt run down all the time,” Newton said. “Dr. Bien found that my testosterone levels were low. She put me on injections and altered my diet. Within 45 minutes of my first shot, I could already feel my energy increasing.”

Bien said more and more men are seeking out treatment for andropause. Still, not all men are willing to be open about the symptoms.

“Andropause is a real condition and men shouldn’t be uncomfortable talking about it,” she said. “An estimated 13 million men suffer from testosterone deficiency but only 10% receive treatment.”

Netwon wasn’t afraid to approach Bien for help.

“My daughter was two-years-old at the time and I wanted to find out what was wrong so I could feel better and be there for her,” Newton said. “I was researching online and found Dr. Bien’s website. The symptoms sounded like what I was experiencing, so I made an appointment. The benefits have been great.”
Bien said diet and lifestyle play a major role in the aging process. Eating high fat and processed foods can worsen the symptoms of andropause.

Newton was eating too many sweets.

“The tests showed my insulin levels were really low, which was because of how much sugar I was eating,” he said. “Since seeing Dr. Bien, I’ve definitely changed my eating habits and I’m on a vitamin regimen. It’s worked out really well.”

Bien works with patients to formulate individual-based nutrition plans.

“The benefits of nutrition and supplements often gets overlooked in the medical profession,” she said. “The body works best when it gets the nutrients needed to support it.”

Newton now has the energy to work out at the gym.

“My wife and I both go,” he said. “My daughter even loves to go with us.”

Dr. Bien is currently accepting new patients. The initial comprehensive exam takes five hours and includes physical and psychological tests.

Dr. Stephanie Bien’s office is located at 2718 Windguard Circle, suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. For information or to set up an appointment, call (813) 388-6865.

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

When Roy Naccour bought J.Joseph’s Salon three years ago, he had a dream of bringing fantastic hair to Land O’ Lakes. Now, he’s ready to make beauty his business from head to toe.

J.Joseph’s has expanded to include the space next to its original location, 5132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The salon now offers facials, body wraps, massage and more in a full-service spa.

Other departments, such as hair, nails and make-up are also new and improved.

“We’ve grown so much and so fast since opening, we had to expand,” Naccour said. “It’s a dream come true.”

J.Joseph’s expert staff now has more room to work. The new space is decorated with J.Joseph’s signature European flair. One side of the room is set up for cut, color and style, the other for manicures and pedicures.

Behind a frosted glass door are two comfortable spa rooms, designed to help clients relax while the stresses of the day fade.

Five trained technicians will work the new spa using GM Collin products. Clients can enjoy a warm body wrap; then rinse the mud off in a luxurious shower.

Debbie Richy, of Land O’ Lakes, is a J.Joseph’s regular.

“I’m definitely going to use the spa,” she said. “I’m most interested in getting a facial and massage.”

Richy said she frequents J.Joseph’s because of the atmosphere.

“I like J.Joseph’s because they’re professional and current with everything they do,” she said.

Nail technician Rosetta Bell thinks clients will continue to respond enthusiastically to the changes.

“I think a spa like this is something Land O’ Lakes needed,” she said. “It’s an escape from everyday life. When you’re here, you can forget where you are. I think it’s going to make a big impact and be really busy soon. I’m excited.”

Ashley Ballard is J.Joseph’s resident make-up artist. She said the expansion is good news for everyone.

“By expanding we have more room to accommodate clients,” Ballard said. “We’re also making advancements. In make-up we’re using a whole new line, Mirabella.”

Naccour doesn’t take the credit for J.Joseph’s success. He said it is the result of a well-educated staff working together to deliver excellent customer service. He only hires trained professionals who are outgoing and personable.

“A lot us travel oversees to continue our education,” he said. “We went to Paris for a hair show last year and next year we’re going to Italy.”

Naccour was born in Lebanon and studied in Sweden before moving to Florida. He chose Land O’ Lakes because he liked the area and the people.

“We care a lot about the community,” he said. “We participate in a lot of fundraisers and events.”

When asked what clients can expect from the newly expanded J.Joseph’s Salon & Spa, Naccour doesn’t hesitate.

“It’s an experience,” he said. “That’s all I have to say.”

For information on J.Joseph’s Salon or to make an appointment, call (813) 235-6848. For pricing and services offered visit, www.jjosephsalon.com.

Multiple reasons cause budget shortfall

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

In an economic climate where people are trying to save every penny, Tampa Bay Water is proposing an 8 percent rate increase for water.

The possible increase, which would not take effect until October, would equate to a $1.52 a month for a typical family, or $18.24 a year.

“We use that as an estimation because the average family of four uses about 8,000 gallons each month,” said Michelle Rapp, Tampa Bay Water spokeswoman. “The increase is still being discussed and will be presented to our board of directors on April 19. They will evaluate our budget and then vote on it June 21.”

The nine-member board consists of politicians from Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. One of those members is Pasco Commissioner Ted Schrader.

“I’m reluctant to approve the raise in price,” Schrader said. “As we’ve become more efficient with our spending in the county, so should they. I’d want to see them cut as much as they can before raising prices, so I’m not ready to commit to the increase now.”

Schrader is from Pasco District 1, which covers all of Zephyrhills, Dade City, much of Wesley Chapel and some of northern Land O’ Lakes. He has been on the board since 2000.

“In the past we’d used 100 percent ground water to provide water for the Tampa Bay area, which is our cheapest form or water,” said Koni Cassini, Tampa Bay Water director of finance and administration. “Now we are expanding our surface water use and our budget is being cut by about 7 percent. We’ve cut our expenditures by about $500,000, but that hasn’t made enough difference.”

Cassini said the budget for 2010-11 dropped from $176 million to $163 million. Tampa Bay Water responded by eliminating three staff positions for the next fiscal year.

The switch from mainly ground water to surface water and desalination has increased the regional utility’s costs at a time when its budget is shrinking. But the main reason for the potential budget shortfall is the decreased demand for water, the agency reports.

“People’s conservation has been part of the case, but it’s not all because of that,” Cassini said. “We have also seen a decrease because of the very wet winter. People don’t need to water their lawns or plants because of the recent weather. On top of that the down economy has unfortunately led to many foreclosures and obviously those houses aren’t using any water either.”

Both Schrader and Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director Dave Moore agreed with Cassini reasons as to why the demand for water has decreased.

Tampa Bay Water was formed in 1998 to provide water for the three counties and also for the cities of New Port Richey, Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The agency’s six members buy water together, fund the development of new supplies, share in environmental stewardship and pay the same wholesale water rates, reports the utility’s Web site, www.tampabaywater.org. It provides about 186 million gallons of water each day.

“We are an extension of the member government and are a nonprofit,” Rapp said. “We only pass along our costs to the consumer. We don’t make money beyond what it takes to fund our facilities.”

The increase in price would likely cause people to conserve water even more.

“We know that about half the water used in Florida is used outside,” said Pasco County Extension director B.J. Jarvis. “It comes down to choosing the right plants for the right locations…It’s also important to turn off automatic sprinkler systems after it rains because that not only wastes water, but can also kill the plants.”