Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Ashley Dunn

News Editor

PASCO COUNTY — The Pasco School district announced Dec. 4 that its graduation rate has improved and that the district performed about the state average during the 2008-09 school year.

The state uses three different calculations to measure graduation rates: the Florida graduation rate, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) rate; and the National Governors Association (NGA) rate.

Based on the Florida graduation rate, Pasco’s rate was 83.5 percent in 2008-09, up from up from 79.5 percent in 2007-08 and 73.7 percent in 2006-07. The state average was 78.6 percent.

Based on the NCLB rate, Pasco’s rate was 79.8 percent in 2008-09, up from 75.5 percent in 2007-08 and 69.2 percent in 2006-07. The state average was 76.2 percent.

Based on the NGA rate, Pasco’s rate was 77.8 percent in 2008-09, up from 73.4 percent in 2007-08 and 67.8 percent in 2006-07. The state average was 76.3 percent.

Schools with the highest graduation rates were: Wiregrass Ranch, 91.3 percent; Pasco, 91.3 percent; and River Ridge, 88.2 percent.

Additionally, Pasco’s dropout rate for 2008-09 was 1.2 percent, down from 2.1 percent in 2007-08. The state average was 2.3 percent. All of Pasco’s schools are below the state average. Six high schools had a dropout rate under 1 percent. They were: Wiregrass Ranch, 0.4 percent; Gulf, 0.5 percent; Hudson, 0.6 percent; Sunlake, 0.6 percent; Pasco 0.8 percent; and J.W. Mitchell, 0.9 pecent.

“We are extremely proud of our entire team for their concerted efforts to ensure the success of all students,” said Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino. “As we celebrate the hard work of our students, staff and other stakeholders, we are mindful that even one child failing to graduate has negative implications for that child and our community.”

Local bank uses conservative economic policies to keep its good rating

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

ZEPHYRHILLS — Despite the banking industry suffering during the recent economic downturn, First National Bank of Pasco continues to rate highly.

“We’ve had a five-star rating for the last three years and have been in good financial shape for much longer than that,” said Kerry Westbrook, bank senior vice president and chief financial officer. “Our capital has always been good, and we are also a top-five rated bank in the state.”

Westbrook, of Zephyrhills, has worked in the banking industry for more than 30 years, the last eight with the FNB of Pasco.

The five-star rating superior was awarded by Bauer Financial Inc., an independent bank rating and research firm. Only 21 banks in Florida received a five-star rating.

“First National Bank of Pasco’s ability to earn our five-star superior rating speaks to its strength, stability and longevity,” said Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “In a banking environment that is struggling with loan quality and delinquencies, it is an honor and a pleasure to recognize First National Bank of Pasco and the values it represents.”

FNB of Pasco was founded in 1986 with two locations, one in Zephyrhills and one Dade City. A second Zephyrhills location was added in 1999.

“The real reason we’ve been able to keep the rating for three years is we are more conservative with our practices than some other banks were,” Westbrook said. “We stuck to tried and true methods of banking that have worked for hundreds of years and will continue to work in the future. It’s those basic banking principles that have worked for us…The rating shows that we run a tight, conservative ship here.”

On the negative side, 40 state banks received a zero-star rating from the research firm.

Westbrook continued to say FNB of Pasco never gave sub prime loans, such as interest-only loans, high adjustable interest rate loans or other high risk lending that got other banks into financial trouble.

“We’ve had some past dues happen, but we try to work with our customers as much as possible,” Westbrook said. “We pride ourselves on being a community bank first, and as a member of the community we want to do as much as we can to help our neighbors. I’ve worked in bigger national banks, and I can say without question community banks are much better to work for and for the community.”

To see where other local banks rank, visit www.bauerfinancial.com and click the star rating tab on the top the Web site.

For more information on FNB of Pasco, visit www.fnbpasco.com.

Other Florida banks that received a five-star rating

• American National Bank in Oakland Park
• Bank of Belle Glade in Belle Glade
• Bank of the South in Pensacola
• City National Bank of Florida in Miami
• Community State Bank in Starke
• Drummond Community Bank in Chiefland
• First Federal Bank of Florida in Lake City
• First National Bank of South Miami in South Miami
• First National Bank of Wauchula in Wauchula
• First Navy Bank in Pensacola
• Friends Bank in New Smyrna Beach
• Gulfsouth Private Bank in Destin
• Hillsboro Bank in Plant City
• Intercontinental Bank in West Miami
• Madison County Community Bank in Madison
• Peoples Bank of Graceville in Graceville
• Peoples State Bank in Lake City
• Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan in Plant City
• Valrico State Bank in Valrico
• Warrington Bank in Pensacola

PASCO COUNTY — It has been an exciting week for April “Shannon” Harrelson and her boys, 11-year-old Ethan and 8-year-old Loghan.

On Dec. 8, the family thought they were going to their future home in Lacoochee for a photo shoot with East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which was partly true. The family didn’t know that they would be greeted by television cameras and Warrick Dunn. They didn’t know they would receive their home on this day or an additional $5,000 off their mortgage, not to mention that the Warrick Dunn Foundation completely furnished the home, right down to the apple pie on the table.

The community came together to make this happen. Michael Fremlin, the construction manager for East Pasco Habitat for Humanity and many habitat volunteers worked right up to Dec. 8 to make the home perfect for the family. A continental breakfast was donated by Carlos’ Catering in Seffner for the surprise home dedication.

The Warrick Dunn Foundation had volunteers from all over the state come in and help decorate. The Greater Trilby Community Association/North East Pasco Security Patrol helped to secure the home. East Pasco Quilters donated an heirloom quality quilt. The Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee extended a free membership to the children moving in the home. Many television stations covered Warrick Dunn presenting the home to the Harrelson, and the children said now that they had a home, they wanted a puppy.

Stephanie Black, director of Family Services for Habitat, called April Harrelson to see if having a puppy was a responsibility the family wanted to undertake, recognizing owning a dog is an emotional and financial commitment. Terry Dyar in Largo had a dauchound puppy she wanted to give the family, so the staff from East Pasco Habitat drove to Largo and picked up an 8-week-old puppy.

On Dec. 10, the Warrick Dunn Foundation and East Pasco Habitat for Humanity presented the puppy to the boys as a surprise gift at Habitat’s Holiday Hope Christmas Open House with a crowd of about 150 people. Tiffany Williamson was there on behalf of Dade City Animal Clinic and donated veterinarian services, puppy shots and a gift basket with brochures, shampoo, clippers, everything you might need for a new member of the family. The boys named the dog “Bubba Dunn.” April and the boys are so grateful and amazed by the outpouring of kindness, generosity and love from the public. It has been an exciting week for the Harrelson’s and an exciting new start for a family.

East Pasco Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. Habitat builds houses with East Pasco families in need. Volunteer labor is used to build houses to keep the building costs low. Partner families invest a minimum of 400 hours of their own sweat equity into building their houses and the houses of others.

Jake is a 3-year-old Yorkie mix. He is a rescue dog and loves to play with his sisters: Kailee, a Great Dane mix; and Bean, a Collie mix. Jake loves to pretend to be a statue and wait for the squirrels in the yard so he can chase them. He has a heart of gold and always lets us know when another animal that needs help wanders into our yard. He has many “cat friends.” Jake lives with his owner, Susan Levin, in Dade City.

Patches is a 14-year-old mixed breed and is also known as Fat Boy, Walking Hairball and Mr. Independent. Patches came to his owner as a stray cat when he was about 8 weeks old. If you are into cute, cuddly lap cats, forget about this big boy. His mama has to beg for affection, attention and thank yous. Patches is about as independent as a cat can be and likes to think it is his house and you are allowed to live there. He loves to eat, lounge and get in your face when you are reading your favorite book. Patches is not “purr”fect, but he is loved by his proud owner, Carol Kocalis, of Land O’ Lakes.

By Ashley Reams Dunn

News Editor

SAN ANTONIO — Jack Boyle was always interested in art, but his fascination with pottery didn’t develop until 1973 when he was a fine arts major at the University of South Florida.

“When you declare yourself a fine arts major, you have to take different studio classes,” Boyle explained. He had “an instantaneous attraction” to ceramics.

Boyle owns San Antonio Pottery, a store and studio he opened at 11903 Curley Road in San Antonio 32 years ago. On Dec. 12 and 13, San Antonio Pottery will be one of the stops on the second annual Tour de Clay, an event that will showcase the work of 12 artists at four pottery studios. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For complete list of artists and a map of the self-guided tour, visit www.tampatourdeclay.com.

Boyle is always busy. When he isn’t in his studio, he’s at art festivals selling his creations. In the last eight weeks, he’s been at six art shows. In fact, he went to one last weekend in Tallahassee.

“One of the keys to success: Don’t turn anything down,” he said.

Although he has little time to straighten up his clay-caked workrooms, his entire studio will be Tour-de-Clay-ready by this weekend.

“The place will be majestically transformed,” he said.

San Antonio Pottery is combining Tour De Clay with a holiday open house on Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m., following a kiln opening at 4 p.m.

Entertainment will include Alen Brenia on steel guitar and roots-rock blues, a magic comedy act by Keith Fleming and vocal harmonies by Lea Thomas, Annie Waddey and Mary Epperson of The Marys.

Over the years, Boyle has honed his craft. His pieces are unique and functional and most range in price from $20 to $200. He makes his own glazes, leads classes at his studio and provides demos on his Web site, www.sanantoniopottery.com.

“Jack makes it lots of fun, and we really love it,” said Diann Ditewig, of Lutz, one of Boyle’s students who sells her work at Many Hands Gallery in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. “He is incredibly fast.”

Boyle can make a piece of artwork in just a few minutes, but he’s quick to credit his speed to his many years of experience.

“It takes me two to 10 minutes, plus 35 years,” he said.

“In order to be successful in something along these lines, you have to be very passionate,” he added. “It’s an evolutionary thing. You learn in increments. You’re always learning.”

Boyle bought his first potter’s wheel and kiln right after his ceramics class at USF. Then, he found his current space. It was near a restaurant called Cracker Barrel — not the same as the popular country-style chain — and a potter was already using it. Dennis Phillips, former ceramics professor at St. Leo University, agreed to give up the space to Boyle. Phillips and Boyle still see each other regularly. Phillips picks his grandchildren up right in front of the studio when they get off the school bus.

Boyle’s wife, Deborah Gillars, is a 2-D art teacher at Zephyrhills High. They live in San Antonio near the studio and have three children: Sarah Cobelli, 28 and married; Zander, 24 and a student at USF; and Katie, 20 and a student at the University of North Florida.

If you go:

• What: Tour de Clay
• When: Dec. 12 and 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Pottery Boys Clay Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor, (727) 504-6200, www.potteryboys.com
• Location: Clay & Paper Studio, 110 Peterson Lane, Palm Harbor, (727) 772-9570, www.claypaper.com
• Location: Rising Sun Pottery, 1112 West Carmen St., Tampa, (813) 253-6055, ">
• Location: San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley Road, San Antonio, (352) 588-4228, www.sanantoniopottery.net
• More info: www.tampatourdeclay.com

New holiday tradition in Lutz supports local businesses

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LUTZ — Every annual tradition has to start somewhere, and the Lutz Shop and Stroll will begin this year.

“I was trying to think of a way to support our Lutz businesses while celebrating the holiday season,” said Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr. “So I went and talked with a past Guv’na, Michele Northrup, and in seven minutes or less we put together the idea. It came together that quickly. We went to a number of the businesses that are anchors, and they were all extremely excited with the opportunity.”

The Shop and Stroll will take place on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eight anchor stations will be set up along US 41 just north of Lutz-Lake Fern Road to the apex of N. Florida and N. Nebraska avenues. The stations include: Felicitous; The Old Lutz Schoolhouse; Susan’s Mane Tamers; Castle Furniture; Great Gardens and Gifts; Nancy’s Good and Fast Food; Patio Ways; and Careme’s Market. Each station will have several local businesses — more than 55 in all — that will offer samples of their products and services. Nonprofit groups, such as the Boy Scouts, will also be located at each station.

“We chose to do it along (US) 41 because at one point that was the heart of Lutz and we wanted it to be manageable in its first year,” Carr said. “Doing it this way allows us to include as many businesses as we can and incorporate the Old Lutz Schoolhouse and the Santa program. Families will already be out having a great day and hopefully take a few extra moments to stop and shop at our local shops.”

Breakfast with Santa has taken place on the second Saturday of December for the last 13 years. This year, the breakfast is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, which will be decorated for Christmas beginning that night. The Lutz Women’s Club and North Tampa-Lutz Civil Air Patrol Squadron put on the breakfast, which raises money for the schoolhouse. The breakfast costs $2 for children and includes food and holiday crafts.

“We won’t be selling things to support us,” said Phyllis Hoedt, one of the directors of the Women’s Club. “We bring in a couple hundred dollars each year for the schoolhouse and help get families into the Christmas spirit. We’ve been doing the breakfast for over 10 years now and we’re happy to make it a part of the Shop and Stroll this year.”