Lutz News

Acts of kindness abound, and not only at the holidays

December 4, 2013 By B.C. Manion

It’s that time of year again when efforts begin revving up to provide holiday meals and gifts for those who need help, and lots of groups and individuals are stepping up to help out.

But the season of giving expands far beyond the holidays in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

On any given day, the newspaper receives emails detailing the good works being done. Requests pour in, too, seeking help to put the word out for a wide array of charity events.

The communications are telling. They paint a picture of a community that cares.

Noah Schultz gets a look under the tire of a 1998 Honda Prelude that he’s helping to repair for Matt Feldhouse, a member of the military who was deployed at that time to Kyrgyzstan. (Photos by B.C. Manion)

Here’s a look at just a few of the dozens of charitable acts performed in recent months, by young and old residents of Central Pasco, East Pasco and Northern Hillsborough counties.

In response to Typhoon Haiyan that killed thousands in the Philippines and rendered others without food or shelter, the Rev. Federico Agnir of Wesley Chapel had a charity benefit on Nov. 24 at Atonement Lutheran Church. The concert was free, but donations were collected for the Pacific Typhoon Response Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

The Zephyrhills Historical Association also had a recent fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday in Zephyrhills. The restaurant donated 20 percent of diner proceeds for the fundraiser to support the Rosemary Trottman Scholarship Fund. The scholarship goes to a qualified Zephyrhills High School graduate.

Other examples of the community’s giving nature abound.

Nearly 600 hikers turned out for Hike for Hospice, on Nov. 10 at the Land O’ Lakes campus of Rasmussen College on State Road 54. The event raised more than $56,000 to support programs at Hospice Houses and bereavement centers from Gulfside Regional Hospice, as well as to help patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses in Pasco County, according to a news release.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club routinely stages events to raise money, which in turn, benefits groups ranging from scout troops, to domestic violence survivors, to the homeless.

Woman’s club members Joan Collins and Pat Serio recently delivered a truckload of infant and toddler clothing to Alpha House of Tampa. It helps homeless pregnant women and mothers with young children by providing a safe place to live and equipping women with tools to become self-sufficient.

Throughout the year, Gloria Dale, another woman’s club member, signs cards that are shipped during the holidays to military personnel overseas, and delivered to residents at local nursing homes.

Other groups also work all year long to show their support for the troops.

Support the Troops in Wesley Chapel ships boxes including microwaves, refrigerators, televisions, snack foods, coffee and other items to military personnel overseas. The Lutz Patriots sends care packages, including snacks, personal hygiene supplies and other items to the troops, too.

Patricia Murphy of Land O’ Lakes enlists local businesses and volunteer groups to help her organization, Books for Troops. The books are distributed to military personnel and at local nursing homes.

Members of the men’s group at Grow Life Church in Wesley Chapel performed a personal act of support for a member of the military. They decided to restore a 1998 Honda Prelude owned by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matt Feldhouse while he was deployed in Kyrgyzstan.

The car broke down before Feldhouse went overseas. While he was gone, the men’s church group rallied local businesses and others to help support the project and made the needed repairs.

They surprised Feldhouse at an event at The Shops at Wiregrass, a popular venue for many community events, which often are coupled with fundraising efforts for local charities.

In this age of tweets and texts, Gloria Dale uses an old-fashioned way to send holiday cheer to veterans and troops. She writes each of her greeting cards by hand.

For instance, this year The Shops will host a new event called The Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot, with proceeds from the Thanksgiving morning race going to Feeding America Tampa Bay and local charities through New Tampa Rotary Foundation and the New Tampa YMCA.

Local chambers of commerce also commit acts of kindness, often sponsoring student of the month celebrations and scholarships and getting involved in cleanups and other community projects.

The Lutz Civic Association drums up support for community organizations through its annual race for Lutz Guv’na. This year’s candidates raised $12,596, which was distributed to support various community organizations.

The race for honorary mayor in Wesley Chapel also raises funds, which are used to support the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and local causes.

Some networking groups also get into the act.

The Christian Business Connection, a Central Pasco group, hands out a number of checks each year. Recently, the group donated $250 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, using funds from the networking group’s membership dues.

Women-n-Charge, a women’s networking group, presents an annual fundraising tea to raise money to support two $1,000 grants to help women advance their business goals. This year’s fundraiser went so well the group raised extra money, so they also contributed $1,000 to A Woman’s Place, a ministry devoted to providing free help to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Bigger organizations get involved, too.

For example, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recently kicked off its “Connected in Times of Need” campaign. This four-week effort is aimed at raising money to provide emergency funds to help Hospital Corporation of America employees and their families when they face extreme financial hardships. Those difficulties can arise from a natural disaster, an extended illness or another kind of tragedy.

More than $15 million has gone to help more than 14,000 employees and their families since the fund was established in 2005, according to a hospital news release.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel also is involved in various community events. In August, for instance, it sponsored a seminar to help educate parents, coaches and athletes about the dangers of concussions, and steps to reduce the risks of concussion injuries.

The list of charitable acts through The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area goes on and on. Perhaps it is best represented, however, by Jack Buttafuoco, 9, who took it upon himself to conduct a summer food drive to help fight hunger locally.

The Seven Oaks resident collected canned foods, pasta, peanut butter and other items from friends, family and neighbors to help stock the pantry at Feeding America Tampa Bay-Suncoast Branch. He even pitched in $26 of his allowance.

Buttafuoco said he decided to do the food drive because it makes him feel sad when he thinks of others who are hungry.

Company shares secrets behind festive Christmas lights

December 4, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Every year, sometime around July, Melissa Christensen will start fielding inquiries from businesses seeking estimates on decking out their businesses with holiday lights.

Melissa Christensen holds a ball of holiday lights, which is easier to wrap around trees. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The Lutz woman, who calls herself “The Christmas Light Girl,” works with a crew of up to eight guys, all who have holiday light installations down to a science. The company consists of Christensen, her fiancé Jarrett Lane, his relatives and a friend. They’re busy each year from early November through mid-December.

Christensen can quote jobs ranging from small homes to mansions, from the St. Pete Museum of Fine Arts to Bartow Ford — anywhere around the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Over the years, the installers have learned the tricks of the trade. When planning a lighting display, for example, it’s important to think about the scale of the job, Christensen said. A big tree, for instance, requires more lights, decorations and extension cords.

When figuring out how many lights are needed for a roofline, it’s important to keep in mind the various setbacks on the roof, she said.

It’s also essential to have enough extension cords and timers for each job. It’s easy to underestimate the number of timers that are needed to achieve the desired effect, she said.

At a house the company decks out each year in Odessa, for instance, the job requires nine timers.

While some people use multicolored lights, others prefer clear ones. One winning look involves clear lights, combined with splashes of color for effect, Christensen said.

Her company uses that approach on palm trees. It wraps the trunks in clear lights and then uses a green band of lights at the top of trunk, just below the fronds.

The average tree requires 150 feet to 200 feet of lights. Trying to deck out the fronds can get a bit pricey, Christensen explained.

“Fronds tend to get expensive because you usually have to have a lift. So, the green band on top is a good alternative to getting your color on your palms,” she said.

It’s a good idea to shop around for lights because prices can vary widely, Christensen said. Decorating trees can go anywhere from $50 to $250, depending on the type and size of tree.

Commercial light strands are available at places like Lowe’s and Home Depot, but also can be purchased online. The strands are typically 132 feet for incandescent lights, and 67 feet for light-emitting diodes.

“LEDs are just a spot of light,” Christensen said. “They do not glow or illuminate. If you really want illumination, then you need to stick with the incandescents.”

However, the LEDs do have one big advantage: They last longer.

It’s also important to expect lights to fail.

“It’s usually one of two things: Either you’re missing a bulb, or the squirrel chewed through the wire,” she said. To help spot outages, Christensen’s company uses “stay lits.” If a light goes out, she loses half of the strand, which helps her identify the problem spot.

To help prevent failures, she recommends taping over extension cord plugs to keep water from seeping in. She also said it’s advisable to alert landscaping crews, so they turn off the sprinklers and avoid running equipment over cords.

It’s also a good idea to tape down any cords that are running across walkways, to prevent a tripping hazard.

For those decorating a tree, Christensen does offer a tip: Roll the strand of lights into a ball. Then unroll it as the tree is wrapped the tree.

“It saves a lot of time. It makes it a lot more manageable,” she said. “It allows you to keep your lines tight. It makes it easier than trying to pull the wire through each time you go around.”

Installing lights keeps the company busy for about six solid weeks, Christensen said, but she enjoys the work.

She also delights in seeing a finished job.

“Lights are awesome,” she said.

Contempo students ready to dance for Rockettes

December 4, 2013 By Michael Hinman

The Rockettes have high-kicked their way on dance stages around the world since 1925. And for the first time in seven years, they’ll bring their famous precision dance moves to Tampa’s Straz Center.

Contempo School of Dance instructor Kathleen Beach runs the dancers through the routine planned for their Rockettes performance on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Joining her are Omar Brito, Madison Blocher, Sydney Bruen, Caleigh Hayes and Kelsey Bognar. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

Before they take the stage Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, however, they’ll have an opening act filled with faces many should recognize: a team from Contempo School of Dance on State Road 54 in Lutz.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for us to dance,” said school founder Lani Gunn.

The team had just five weeks to learn their routine, which lasts a little more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, using music provided by The Rockettes. It will involve 32 dancers in all, who will not only take the stage to tease The Rockettes’ performance — but they will have front row seats for the main attraction as well.

Most, if not all, of the students performing that holiday weekend will watch The Rockettes for the first time. And that includes Gunn.

“I have their DVD. I’ve just never seen them in person,” she said.

The school caught the attention of the New York City Dance Alliance, a dance convention group founded in 1993, through its success at various competitions. The alliance will earn a portion of the ticket proceeds for its scholarship fund to help get dancers into school by anyone who purchases their ticket with the promotional code “NYCDA9.”

The teams get just one hour a week to practice together, but they’re also spending a few good hours each week practicing on their own at home.

“The steps that they are learning, they have learned over the years,” Gunn said. “It’s not like they can just learn it in five practices.”

Which means for all the dancers, this was a performance years in the making. Erika Hanzelka has danced at Contempo since 2007.

“My friend just told me to start coming here, and I loved it so much, I started to take more and more classes every year,” the 11-year-old said.

Other members of her team have been dancing even longer, like Whitney Herd, 12, who started at Contempo when she was 2 years old as part of the studios’ “Mommy and Me” program.

“I always find myself doing tap dances around my house,” Herd said. “With dance, you can express your emotions and kind of let go. And (Contempo) is a place where you can dance and have fun.”

Dancers just get addicted to it, Gunn said.

“When they are 3, they go once a week,” she said. “And then after that, they want to try some other form, and some other one after that. Many of these kids take between 8 to 10 classes a week.”

The Rockettes are performing as part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular running from Dec. 12 through Dec. 29 at the center’s Carol Morsani Hall. This is the highest-profile venue yet for Gunn’s studio, which has operated in Lutz for the last 19 years.

“We do competitions, and dance at Busch Gardens and Disney, but never at that big stage at the Straz,” Gunn said.

For more information on The Rockettes show, visit StrazCenter.org. To learn more about Contempo, visit ContempoDance.com.

‘First Friday’ food truck rally debuts this week

December 4, 2013 By B.C. Manion

People who want to grab a bite to eat can check out a new option this Friday at the Lutz First Friday Food Truck Rally.

The event will be he first Friday of every month, said Mike White, president and founder of the Lutz Citizens Coalition.

Food trucks like this will gather on the first Friday of each month at the Lutz First Friday Food Truck Rally. The idea is to provide a community gathering spot, while raising money for the Lutz Citizens Coalition and Lutz Preparatory School. (Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally)

The coalition and Lutz Preparatory have partnered to put on the event, which will raise money for the school and the citizens coalition. It runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, at Lutz Preparatory School, 17951 N. U.S. 41.

“It’s just going to be a good time,” White said. “Come enjoy some good company and relax. It’s no cooking. No dishes. No hassles.”

He thinks the food truck rally will become part of a local tradition, as families who are headed to football games, ballet recitals and other events will stop to grab a bite to eat. The money raised from the event will go to support the U.S. 41 tree project, cleanups on Sunset Lane, and other efforts by the coalition to help protect the quality of life in Lutz, White said.

The food truck rally will offer patrons plenty of choices, said Michael Blasco, chief executive officer of Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally. It will feature a dozen food trucks offering such options as gourmet hot dogs, Cajun food, flatbread, cheesesteaks, pressed sandwiches, South American and Italian fusion, and, of course, desserts.

“It’s like traveling the world,” Blasco said.

The food truck rally is just one of the events happening in Lutz this month. The community will also have its final celebration to mark its 100th year: The Lutz Centennial Christmas Card Lane.

That is set to run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 17 on the Train Depot grounds at the corner of U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Lutz and Maniscalco elementary schools will provide entertainment with Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr acting as emcee.

The evening also includes the lighting of the Christmas tree and an appearance by Santa.

Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring a blanket and lawn chairs.

Any Lutz resident, business, club or organization that wants to display a Christmas card can make one using either a quarter-inch plywood or 10mm Corex, the material that is used to make white yard sale signs.

Anyone who would like to participate should bring the card to Lutz Memorial Park, which is across the street from the Train Depot, between 8:30 a.m. and noon on Dec. 14. Boy Scout Troop 12 will set up the card.

For more information about Centennial Christmas Card Lane, call (813) 949-1937.

For more information about the food truck rally, call Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally at (813) 464-5600.

Thousands expected at arts and crafts festival at Lake Park

December 4, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Every year, for the past three decades, the Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has attracted thousands to this community north of Tampa.

Vendors display their wares at the annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival. (Photo courtesy of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

The event, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, features nearly 250 vendors offering paintings, photography, jewelry, woodcarving, ceramics, pottery, stained glass, quilts and food.

The event, co-sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, is free after a $2 per vehicle parking charge.

The art show is juried, with cash prizes awarded by the Woman’s Club.

A variety of foods will be available, with the Woman’s Club booth offering breakfast items, hot dogs and the club’s peach cobbler. Other food booths will offer barbecue, Cuban selections sausages, funnel cakes and other items.

The event gives shoppers a chance to peruse booths to find holiday gifts and décor. It also raises money for the Woman’s Club, which uses the proceeds to support many local organizations, said Phyllis Hoedt, co-chairwoman of the festival.

It’s a popular event, attracting as many as 30,000 visitors.

The show enjoys a good reputation, and vendor booths sell out shortly after applications become available each March, Hoedt said. Many of the event’s vendors come from other states to set up their tents at the festival.

Pulling off the annual event requires an army of volunteers, Hoedt said. The Civil Air Patrol, the Boy Scouts and the Woman’s Club itself provide dozens of helpers, and community volunteers pitch in, too.

For additional information, call Hoedt at (813) 949-1937, or her co-chairwoman, Shirley Simmons at (813) 949-7060.

Business Digest 12-04-13

December 4, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Sponsors sought for barbecue event
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is still seeking sponsors for January’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues event, which raises money for local youth leadership and education programs.
The event itself takes place at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave., in Zephyrhills, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It includes food, music, a car and motorcycle show, a business expo, and more.
For more information on how to sponsor by Dec. 5, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913.

Ryland Tampa named Builder of the Year
The Tampa Bay Builders Association recently honored the Tampa division of Ryland Homes with its Homebuilder of the Year award.
The award is based on sales and marketing practices, as well as year-round civic, community and charitable work. The winner is selected from the TBBA’s membership.
Ryland Homes in Tampa currently builds new homes in 15 communities around Tampa Bay.

Wesley Chapel chiropractor partners with Gainesville MC
Gainesville Medical Centers is now working with Cypress Creek Chiropractic & Wellness in Wesley Chapel, adding the local venue to other locations around the state.
The medical centers test for Florida’s top 60 environmental allergens, as well as up to 300 items, including food, chemicals, pesticides and medicines. They also offer immunotherapy, which helps desensitize patients from environmental allergens.
For more information, call (386) 283-4991, or (352) 505-9355.

Grand opening for Suncoast Schools
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union recently hosted its grand opening of what it’s describing as an environmentally friendly branch at 32745 Eiland Blvd., in Zephyrhills.
It is the second branch to focus on being environmentally friendly, including light-emitting diode lighting throughout, high-efficiency windows and insulation, geothermal air-conditioning and heating, and 40-kilowatt solar power panels to offset electricity.
The Zephyrhills branch also is expected to use half the electricity of other branches, and the exterior is outfitted with drought-resistant landscaping with drip irrigation where possible.
This is the credit union’s second branch in East Pasco County, joining the one at 12510 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Women-n-Charge meets in December
Women-n-Charge will meet Dec. 6 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa.
The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker, and networking.
Cost is $15 for members in advance, and $18 for guests and any member not buying in advance.
Register at www.Women-n-Charge.com.
For more information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

KNOW luncheon in Dade City
The Knowledgeable Network of Women from the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host its next KNOW luncheon Dec. 4 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Guest speaker is Joy Hampton, district legislative assistant to Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
The luncheon will take place at Scotland Yard Golf & Country Club, 8900 Wire Road, in Dade City. Cost is $15 for members, and $20 for guests.
For more information, call (813) 782-1913, or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group meets every other week at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.
Here’s the group’s slate of upcoming speakers:
• Dec. 10: Rev. Scott-Eric Lindner, pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel
• Jan. 14: Christopher Payne, managing partner of Ryder Payne Capital Inc.
• Jan. 28: Carol Johns, president and chief executive of GIM Associates LLC
• Feb. 11: Cheryl Pollock, business development director for Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc.
• Feb. 25: Regina Etheridge, retired IRS revenue officer

Christmas celebration at East-West Animal Hospital
East-West Animal Hospital, 1524 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, will host its Christmas celebration Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The hospital’s mascot, Barley the Opossum, will pose for photos as “Barley Claus.”
A calendar and T-shirts featuring Barley will be sold to help local animal rescue organizations. There also will be food and giveaways.
Barley was the only survivor of a car accident when he was just two weeks old. A former employee of the animal hospital rescued him, and tube-fed him until he could eat on his own.
For more information on the event, visit EastWestAnimalHospital.com, or call (813) 948-6534.

Donations earn spa time
The Planet Beat Contempo Spas in New Tampa, Seven Oaks and Westchase are celebrating the holidays by offering “12 Days of Spa” certificates to anyone who donates a toy valued at more than $10, or canned goods for families in need for Christmas.
Current members will receive a free lotion sample or spa service for their donation.
The “12 Days of Spa” certificate is valued at more than $129, and entitles the bearer to 12 consecutive days of spa services through Jan. 31. The certificates are transferable.
For more information, call (813) 971-9337, or (813) 991-4433.

Dealership helps soldiers for the holidays
Parks Ford, 28739 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, recently wrapped up its Support the Troops drive, which collected items for the military between October and November at the dealership.
Once the drive was over, a Parks Ford team delivered all the items collected, volunteered to help pack boxes, and donated $2,500. The funds help the group with its biggest challenge — paying for shipment of donated items overseas. This particular donation will allow Support the Troops to send up to 70 boxes to military personnel this holiday season.
For more information on how to support the troops during the holiday season, visit OurTroopsOnline.com.

Ace Hardware in Lutz scores two national honors

November 20, 2013 By B.C. Manion

The Ace Hardware store in Lutz is not exactly your mom and pop hardware shop.

At one end of the business, patrons can stop in at a service desk for Sunshine Pool Service & Repair to get their pool needs met. They also can peruse shelves in that area featuring chlorine stabilizer, alkalinity increaser and other pool chemicals and supplies.

Scott Andrews, left, and his brother Todd Andrews are proud of the achievements of Ace Hardware store in Lutz. The store has captured two national honors during recent months. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

At the other end of the store, customers can find angels, snowmen, Santas and other holiday decorations at ELLA Boutique, a shop that’s dressed up for the season and well stocked with home décor and gift items.

The midsection of the store is chock full of washers, screws, garage door openers, motor oil, fasteners, paint and other stuff that’s typically found in hardware stores.

The store’s eclectic mix appeals to a broad range of customers, and it has helped the store distinguish itself as being one to watch in the industry.

Recently, the store snagged one of six national honors bestowed by Ace Hardware. It was named a 2013 “Coolest Hardware Store,” and the honor was delivered during Ace’s Platinum Conference in Las Vegas.

The store also recently received a Beacon Award for being the best new store of less than 25,000 square feet. Beacons are bestowed as part of a national industry awards program developed by The Hardware Connection magazine and The Hardware Conference. Just five hardware retailers received Beacons.

Scott Andrews and his brother Todd own the store, which is at 18469 U.S. 41 in Lutz. Scott oversees the hardware store and Todd takes care of the pool service.

Their wives, Tina and Andrea, work together to run ELLA Boutique.

ELLA draws its name from the couple’s children. E and L stand for Elaina and Lilyanna, who are Todd and Andrea’s girls. L and A stand for Luke and Alexander, who are Scott and Tina’s boys.

Even Tina’s mom, Alice McClain, gets into the act. She helps in the boutique.

The two trophies the store recently received are on proud display on a shelf at the front of the store. Directly behind this is a portrait of the two families and historic photos of Lutz.

Andrea Andrews, left, and Tina Andrews manage ELLA Boutique, a gift shop that changes merchandise seasonally to offer timely gift and décor items. Andrea is married to Todd Andrews, and Tina is married to Scott Andrews.

Tina’s family has deep roots in Lutz, Scott said. Her great-grandparents were early settlers, and her grandmother was one of the first children born in the community, which dates back a century.

Scott said the idea for opening their Ace store came to him while he and Tina were driving past the shopping center to attend Tina’s grandmother’s funeral.

Before they took over the space, it was occupied by a Walgreens store. He and Todd already owned the pool store and were looking for a new location, so they decided to move it to the former Walgreens site and add the Ace Hardware. The boutique came a little later.

Besides placing great value on their family, the couples also believe in community involvement, Scott said.

“I think that is how we were raised,” Todd said.

Recently, they took part in a chili cook-off and classic car show to celebrate Lutz’s 100th birthday. They also support various organizations and charities, such as Lutz Little League, local Girl Scouts and Toys for Tots.

And, it’s not a bit unusual for a club or organization to drop by the boutique to ask them to donate an item to include in a gift basket, Tina said.

“We applaud the team at Lutz Ace Hardware for their commitment to providing a consistently amazing shopping experience for the local community,” said Kane Calamari, vice president of retail operations and new business at Ace Hardware Corporation, in announcing the award, in a news release.

It was a huge honor, the brothers said, noting their district manager, Tom Parman, nominated them for the highly coveted Ace award.

Of 4,700 Ace Hardware stores nationwide, just six were honored.

Top tennis player Isner headlines Avila fundraiser

November 20, 2013 By Michael Hinman

At one time, he led a restaurant company with more than 96,000 employees and nearly 1,500 locations. But when he wasn’t working to grow Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants that were part of Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Paul Avery’s focus was on his family.

In particular, his daughters, who both suffer from a rare nerve degenerative disease called Friedreich’s ataxia.

John Isner, currently the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, takes a break on the Avila Golf & Country Club tennis courts while getting ready for the Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser on Nov. 24 that will benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“Before we knew what they had, I never heard of Friedreich’s ataxia,” Avery said. “I didn’t even know how to pronounce it. Like many people in life, you hear of these types of diseases and challenges, and it happens to somebody else. It hit home for us with both of our kids.”

Avery, who is now president and chief executive of the World of Beer chain, is sharing the story of his daughters ahead of this weekend’s Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser hosted by Avila Golf & Country Club. It will feature Avila resident John Isner, the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, and No. 14 in the world.

Isner, who grew up in North Carolina, has been friends with Avery and his family since he first started to attend fundraisers benefiting Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance in Tampa. And he has seen firsthand what the condition can do.

“The Averys are the absolutely nicest people, and they’ve worked really hard to conquer this disease,” Isner said. “Before I met them, I didn’t even know about Friedreich’s ataxia at all. But I’ve really gotten to know the ins and outs, and Paul and (wife) Suzanne are right on top of it.”

Only 6,000 people in America have been diagnosed with the condition, but 1 in 100 people are carriers of the gene that can cause it, Avery said. The disease itself typically attacks the spinal cord, especially those nerves that direct muscle movement in the arms and legs.

It can lead to muscle weakness, vision and hearing impairment, spine curvature, diabetes and heart problems.

While pharmaceutical companies and research centers have been working on treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia because of how it relates to other diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, there is still a long way to go.

“Today, we have several drugs that are in advanced clinical trials,” Avery said. “They are showing to be very promising, so we’re excited about that. And the awareness of the condition continues to grow.”

While the tennis event itself is on Sunday, the entire weekend actually kicks off Nov. 21 with a meet and greet and autograph session with Isner. Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., Avila tennis director Roger Cypriano and his team will conduct a tennis Teach-A-Thon with half-hour lessons available for $25.

The Spin-A-Thon begins at 9 a.m. with one-hour spin classes starting at $50, and additional hours at $25. The Mind Body-A-Thon begins at 11 a.m. with Pilates and yoga.

Tennis round robin takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., for sponsors who spend $1,000 or more.

Sunday is the tennis exhibition match featuring Isner, where gates open at 11:30 a.m. at Avila. Tickets to that match, which includes lunch, are $80 each.

“I’ve always had a good time playing, and it’s convenient for me, because it’s all right here in the neighborhood,” Isner said. “And it’s for a great cause, and I’m glad that I can really help out.”

Avery’s daughters are looking forward to some of the treatments for Friedreich’s ataxia making their way through clinical trials. In the meantime, however, they’re living normal lives. One is in college, and the other is finishing her senior year of high school.

“They’re super kids in their attitudes and expectations, and they have a great outlook,” Avery said. “They’re not defined by the disease, and just want to get ahead in life like everyone else.”

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit tinyurl.com/AceCure. For more information on the event, call Roger Cypriano at (813) 968-6792, or email him at .

If you go
WHAT: Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser featuring John Isner
WHO: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance
WHEN: Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Avila Golf & Country Club, 943 Guisando De Avila, Tampa
COST: $80
INFO: tinyurl.com/AceCure

Fun Feeds Pasco festival kicks off annual food drive

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Adrienne Castens signs her emails with a phrase of inspiration from Metropolitan Ministries: “Hope starts with a meal.”

Castens’ church, Keystone Community Church on State Road 54 near Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, provided a lot of hope already with its annual holiday food drive for Metropolitan Ministries. But Castens and other members of Keystone knew they could do more.

Gaynor Dietz poses with some of the turkeys donated during last year’s food drives that helps Metropolitan Ministries feed hungry families during the holiday through Keystone Community Church. (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Castens)

Last year, Castens and her team started Fun Feeds Pasco, a food drive kickoff event that turned making a donation into a festival. And thanks to the success of that event, Keystone will do it again this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

“I don’t have the exact number in front of me, but we brought in three times as much food as we normally do during the festival last year,” said Castens, who has attended Keystone with her family for the last six years. “So we decided to do it again this year, and this time we’ve got even more activities for children, vendors, and some great entertainment lined up.”

Castens works by day as a substitute teacher, and sees firsthand more often than not what hunger can do, especially with young minds wanting to learn.

“Hunger is one of the things that breaks my heart,” she said. “I see children who come in and say their tummy hurts because they hadn’t eaten. But at least in school, they can get lunch and maybe even breakfast. But it’s during the breaks, like holidays, where they can really go hungry. Where they don’t have breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Metropolitan Ministries looks to serve just under 590,000 meals during the holiday season in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. To achieve that, the organization is going to need literally tons of food, and every drive — including the one at Keystone — is essential to make that happen.

The tent for Keystone’s food drive will go up this weekend, and it will accept donations through Thanksgiving week, primarily of frozen or nonperishable, nonexpired food items.

But those not wanting to clean out the pantry or hit the grocery store on the way can also bring other donations like gift cards, personal checks, new toys and new clothes. One popular donation is frozen turkeys, which could help make a needy family’s holiday truly special.

“It’s about bringing the community together, and helping those in need,” Castens said. “This isn’t just a Metropolitan Ministry thing. It’s not just a Keystone Community Church thing. This is a community event to bring awareness of the needs in our community, and to help our neighbors when they need us the most.”

The event will also include live music, face painting, clowns, inflatable bounce houses, free hot dogs and cotton candy, and even a Florida Blood Bank Bloodmobile unit.

If you go
WHAT: Fun Feeds Pasco
WHERE: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
WHEN: Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: Free, with suggested donation of nonperishable food, new toys or monetary donations
INFO: FunFeedsPasco.org

Old car, pay phone booth perfect for this garden

November 13, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Maryhelen Zopfi gets a kick out of finding new uses for old stuff.

The avid gardener’s green thumb is on glorious display at her North Mobile Villa Drive home in Lutz, where she grows roses, orchids, crotons, fruit trees, orchids, grapevines and all sorts of other plants.

But her enthusiasm for gardening is perhaps outdone by the funky stuff she has all over her place.

Maryhelen Zopfi has added another point of interest to her eclectic collection of yard art that embellishes her garden and koi ponds at her home in Lutz. This 1997 Buick front end makes a perfect waterfall, she said. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

Recent additions to her eclectic outdoor décor include the front end of 1997 Buick that she’s converted into a waterfall for her koi pond in her backyard. The pond, by the way, is a former swimming pool, which is partially covered by a deck.

The deck, it turns out, is the perfect cover for the koi — should a hungry bird swoop down to try to grab a quick bite to eat.

The Buick’s front end is raised up on blocks, spilling water through its grill into the pool below.

Meanwhile, out front, Zopfi has added an old-fashioned telephone booth amidst her plants, just for fun.

She also has a smaller waterfall in her front yard, which, by the way, she thinks would be a perfect candidate for the front end of a Smart car.

Zopfi, who describes herself as a “stay-at-home gardener,” always is thinking up stuff she can do to keep adding interest to her yard. Besides being full of whimsy, her yard also is environmentally friendly, too.

She won Hillsborough County’s 2012 Florida-Friendly Landscape Water-Wise Award for the many water-conserving practices she observes.

For instance, she catches rainfall in a barrel to water a portion of a garden. She diverts runoff from her rooftop and pipes it into areas of her garden. She also uses landscape beds to keep storm water from spilling out of her yard. And, she uses micro-irrigation to apply water where needed without wasteful spraying.

Zopfi gets a kick out of showing off her handiwork. She welcomes garden clubs to come take a tour of her yard. She’s also been known to set up tables in her driveway, to let garden club members have a meeting and eat lunch.

Her generosity does have its limits, though.

The garden club members have to bring their own lunch.

If your garden club would like to schedule a visit to Zopfi’s garden, you can email the request to .