The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Teacher broadens her horizons through a fellowship in Korea

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It’s fitting Karen Coss teaches AP Human Geography and World Cultural Geography at Land O’ Lakes High School.

After all, she has visited 16 countries on six continents.

“I like to travel,” said Coss, who also teaches psychology at the high school.
Her most recent international stop came this past summer, in South Korea. The trip was part of a teaching fellowship through the Korean War Legacy Foundation.

 Land O’ Lakes High School geography teacher Karen Coss was among teachers selected to be a Korean War Legacy Foundation fellow over the summer. She spent the last week in July in the Republic of Korea researching Korean history and culture. She is shown here at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 160-mile border that has divided North and South Korea for more than 60 years since the end of the Korean War. (Courtesy of Karen Coss)

Coss was one of just 30 teachers selected for the fellowship, which took place the last week of July.

According to the foundation, the fellowship “focused on building a deeper understanding of the Korean Peninsula’s rich history, its simultaneous achievements of rapid economic development and democratization, and close friendship with the United States” through visits to key historical sites, museums, and conversations with Korean teachers and students.

The trip marked the teacher’s first visit to Asia, and her first fellowship.

“It was a whirlwind, but absolutely amazing, to be able to go,” she said. “They really did get to show us so much of Korea. To do as much as we did in five days was amazing.”

The trip’s high point, for Coss, was visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 160-mile border that has divided North and South Korea for more than 60 years since the end of the Korean War.

Fellows were allowed special access to the border area and were able to stand feet away from North Korea near where inter-Korean summits take place.

Coss quipped she actually stepped foot in North Korea — for about 10 minutes. Of course, she and other fellows were safely secured by South Korean guards in the zone’s joint security area.

“It certainly didn’t disappoint,” Coss said, of visiting the border.

“The DMZ was amazing,” she said, adding she’s sure her visit there will figure into future lessons she delivers to her students.

As an educator, Coss also valued the opportunity to meet with Korean teachers and gain some insight into the country’s education system. Her group visited Seoul Digitech High School, a school for gifted students known for its technology and graphic design programs.

While there, fellows tested out a virtual reality video game built by students. They were also given a comic book that students made.

Korean War Legacy Foundation fellows pose for a picture outside the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The fellowship for social studies teachers also included visits to other key historical sites and museums. (Courtesy of Korean War Legacy Foundation)

“We knew we were going to meet some teachers in Korea, but we did not know that we were actually going to visit a school, so that was real cool,” Coss said.

During the visit, the Land O’ Lakes teacher discovered school days in South Korea are much longer than in the States, oftentimes from 8 a.m. until as late as 10 p.m., five days a week.

Coss learned that classes in South Korea finish around dinnertime, but most students typically remain at school through the evening to work on various assignments and projects, or get help from teachers.

Fellows, too, were introduced to Korean history and culture across the weeklong trip.

That portion included stops at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul and the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty built in 1395.

They also stayed at a Buddhist temple on Gangwha Island near Incheon — the trip’s “unexpected highlight, by far,” Coss said.

At the temple, fellows learned about a monk’s daily life, practiced meditation and had a special question-and-answer session with the head monk of the monastery.

They dressed in traditional monk garb and made prayer bead bracelets during the stay.

Coss recalled waking at 4 a.m., for morning prayers.

The Buddhist prayers entailed performing prostrations, or bows, 108 consecutive times to show reverence to the Triple Gem (comprising the Buddha, his teachings, and the spiritual community) and other objects of veneration.

Of the prostrations, the teacher proudly noted she “did them all.”

“I did all 108. It was a little rough. I didn’t exactly do them correctly,” she said, with a chuckle.

Another memorable part of the trip: Fellows visited the War Memorial of Korea and were special guests at the United Nations Armistice Day celebration, which was attended by Korean War veterans from several nations and the Prime Minister of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon.

Coss said she found the citizens to be very welcoming to Americans and “anyone who had anything to do with the war.”

“We were like celebrities everywhere we went,” Coss said. “Everything is very pro-U.S. Like, they’re very, ‘Oh, Americans!’ It’s not like going to Europe.”

The entire experience will surely have lasting effects for the high school teacher.

She plans to share what she learned with her students, highlighting some of the cultural differences she observed in South Korea and detailing how the country has developed into the world’s eighth-largest economy since the end of the Korean War.

The fellowship experience also has prompted Coss to help initiate a student club, called ‘Time for Diversity.’

Through some of the teacher’s newfound Korean connections, Land O’ Lakes students in the club will get to Skype and communicate with an all-girls school in southern South Korea every month or so.

Meantime, Coss said she’s going to apply for more teaching fellowships to other countries.

She, too, has several international trips on the docket over the next several years.

She’ll visit the Dominican Republic over winter break and might visit Spain next summer.

She also is organizing student trips in 2020 and 2021, to Ecuador and Japan, respectively.

“There’s so many places to see in the world,” she said.

Published September 26, 2018

Hearing on Ballantrae rezoning delayed until Oct. 9

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The Pasco County Commission has continued a request to rezone the Ballantrae Professional Center until Oct. 9, to provide additional time for county staff to research the issue.

The request has raised issues relating to the center’s current uses, the proposed zoning and who has authority to request the proposed zoning.

The center, on the south side of State Road 54 at the intersection of Hunting Bow Circle, in Lutz, is currently zoned as a PO-1 Professional Office District.

The request, by the Ballantrae Center Owners Association, is to change the designation to a PO-2 Professional Office District, which allows a wider array of uses.

The county planning department and the Planning Commission have recommended approval of the rezoning.

However, during the County Commission’s public hearing on Aug. 21, an owner of a condo office building within the development objected to the proposed rezoning.

That objection prompted a discussion during which questions were raised about who has the authority to request the rezoning and how a failure to rezone would affect uses that are in the office park that are not allowed under PO-1 zoning.

At one point, a portion of the office park had been temporarily zoned PO-2 to permit Imagine School to operate there.

However, the PO2 zoning was always limited to the school and expired when the school left the office park, according to county staff.

The applicant’s representative also noted that the county appraiser’s website lists the property’s zoning as PO-2 and said there currently are businesses operating at the location which require PO-2 zoning.

The County Commission’s meeting on Oct. 9 will be at the Historic Pasco Courthouse, at 37919 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Commissioners consider rezoning issues during their afternoon session, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

Published September 26, 2018

Local business gives hope to ‘special needs’ employee

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When April Dean was only 6 months old, her mother Amy noticed she wasn’t sitting upright.

Two months later, doctors told Amy and her husband, Rick, that April had cerebral palsy, with little chance of ever walking.

It was also discovered that she had a developmental disability that would affect her speech and learning.

April Dean (left) at home with her brother, Eric, and mother, Amy. (Brian Fernandes)

“He told us she would never drive a car or go to college,” said Amy, recalling the doctor’s diagnosis. “That was the real devastating news.”

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder which affects the movement, muscle tone and posture of over 500,000 people in the U.S.

Muscles are either too floppy or stiff, resulting in delayed motor skills, and can be accompanied by occasional seizures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the most common motor disability among children, and there is no known cure.

Amy and Rick would need to take cautious measures to ensure their daughter’s needs would be met.

Growing and adjusting
While receiving government assistance to accommodate her needs, April attended unique classes in school to learn and socialize with other children.

By fourth grade, she was being home-schooled, and received both speech and occupational therapy.

In these formative years, she would thrive in playing sports, such as basketball and baseball, as well as contending in a chess club — accomplishments exceeding the grim outlook doctors had initially predicted.

“It’s not about what the child can’t do,” said Amy, who tried to raise her daughter with a sense of independence. “More importantly is what are they able to do.”

April attended Gaither High School where she continued to receive therapy.

While there, she joined ‘Best Buddies,’ a nonprofit organization, which paired her with other students to find common interests and develop friendships.

The organization has a chant, which April still recites to this day — followed with hand claps and a cheer at the end.

A new transition
As April was finishing her senior year of high school, she became involved in the Community-Based Training (CBT) program. This organization helped her find employment and to build good work ethic.

For the next three years, April worked at a nursing home dining room, a Publix bakery and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.

However, the CBT program had a cutoff point and was only able to support April until she turned 22.

Amy knew that employment was a valuable asset to her daughter and wanted her to continue working in some capacity.

By chance, Amy frequented the local Taco Bell in her Lutz neighborhood that had an employee with a disability.

Without Amy making a request, the manager reached out and offered a position for April.

It came as a surprise to Amy who admitted she never considered the idea.

“When I heard that they were willing to try to accommodate, that made me feel good about that place [Taco Bell],” she said.

Gainfully employed
Now at 25, April is about to celebrate her third year at Taco Bell.

“The second I started Taco Bell, I loved it,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

She works two days a week wiping tables and trays, as well as keeping the drink area in top-notch shape.

Her hard work has earned her an Employee of the Month award, which she proudly displays at home.

“You could just see the pride in being able to work,” Amy said, referring to the job’s impact on her daughter. “It was really evident.”

April is an approachable employee, socializing with the customers and greeting her co-workers with hugs.

While Amy has seen the social growth that the job has given April, she believes it can be beneficial for others, as well.

Amy said it’s important for those without special needs to engage with those who do, as it builds patience and understanding.

Amy and Rick have to work their respective jobs and cannot always be home. However, Taco Bell management has been generous in working April’s schedule around theirs.

When not at work, April involves herself in various activities.

“I like to rock out in my room with the music loud,” she said. “I have lots of music CDs.”

Aside from playing video games and sports, she spends time with her best friend, Anne Marie, and older brother, Eric.

She also serves as an usher at her church, where she has formed many relationships with members.

“Her giftedness is being a butterfly,” said Amy of her daughter’s effect on others. “She goes from flower to flower, pollinating love and joy.”

When April was younger, Amy joined a support group where she could express her thoughts among those who resonated with her situation. She encourages other parents with disabled children to do the same and to not give up hope.

“Just know that there’s value in their life,” Amy said. “They still have gifts to offer.”

Published September 26, 2018

Building a game plan for business success

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When it comes to running a business, there’s always more to learn — and a recent half-day conference presented by Pasco-Hernando Score aimed to give business operators more tools to help them succeed.

The free conference, “Game-Changing Tactics for Small Businesses,” featured speakers tackling such topics as “Keeping Your Eye on the Money is a Winning Strategy,” “The Best Defense is a Good Offense,” “Score a Touchdown Using YouTube,” and “Set Your Goals and Objectives to Win.”

Jim Hammond, a mentor and executive board member for Chapter 439 of SCORE, offered practical advice to help businesses lay the foundation for continued growth.

“The key items in a business of any size are not the product and not the service,” Hammond told those gathered at the Residence Inn Marriott, in Lutz. “The key items are the people, the capital, and most importantly, the vision of the CEO. If the owner/CEO does not have the vision of where this business is going, it’s not going to grow.

“It’s not the products or services. Why do I say that? Because over some extended period of time, I guarantee you, all of the products and all of the services are going to change,” said Hammond, who was the CEO of a software business for 20 years.

“We went through five complete product changes,” he said, noting his company had to write new software from scratch. “The old stuff wasn’t any good.”

Being able to navigate change is critical, and it’s important to be thinking ahead, he said.

“All businesses run out of growth. You hit a plateau.

“If you don’t do something, if you don’t have a vision, it will start to tail off. It doesn’t matter what the business is,” Hammond said.

Cash flow and good personnel are key
“In my world, the No. 1 financial statement is: Cash flow forecast,” Hammond said.

“If you’re out of cash, you’re out of business. That’s how important it is,” he emphasized.

Maintaining a revenue stream is critical.

“You, as the CEO, are the No. 1 person in charge of sales, marketing and planning,” Hammond said.

“What did you sell today? How much revenue did you generate today? We don’t have time to be fooling with things that aren’t generating revenue. Prime time, you’ve got to generate revenue,” he said.

It’s also essential to be thinking of new ways to increase the amount of money the business brings in, he said. That could be achieved by adding a product line or service, bringing in a new employee, acquiring equity partners or through business acquisitions, he said.

As CEO of the software company, he met annually with his top staff, and they reviewed each department asking: “What were they going to do to help generate additional revenue for the company, provide services and so forth.”

Besides creating new revenue streams, companies need to keep a close eye on costs, he said.

“Businesses need actionable information. If I don’t have a budget, these numbers (profit and loss) mean nothing,” he said.

For example, if a company’s budget is $2 million and its revenues are just $700,000, the result would be a disaster, he said.

“Every business needs not just financial statements, but a budget.

“We need a budget for the month, for the quarter, for the year.

“And then, we can start measuring: How are we doing?

“We don’t want surprises.

“The only time I like surprises? Christmas and my birthday,” Hammond said.

He also urged businesses to work hard to reduce costs: It makes it easier to share profits with employees.

“If you can find a way to buy the same widget, for half the price, 20 percent off or whatever, go do it,” he said. “Sometimes we get sloppy on the expense side.

“A dollar’s worth of cost reduction can be worth $2 or more of income. It’s hard to get another $100,000 in income. It might be a whole lot easier to reduce $50,000 in expenses,” he said.

Stay on top of finances
“You need by the 10th of the month, your previous month’s financials.

“Why? Because they’re fresh.

“Why? Because on the last day of the month, when someone has entered in all of the cash receipts, paid all the bills — nothing changes.

“By the 10th of month, there’s no reason they can’t print up a report. Here’s your financials for the month,” he said.

Businesses have good months and bad months, that’s how business goes, he said. But, it’s important to always have a pulse on current conditions.

“I run a business. I want to at least weekly log into my bank account, know how to do it, and run down the list of what’s in the bank account. If something big pops out that I don’t recognize, I can start asking questions.

“I’m big on internal controls. Why is that? Because the more you bulk up your business, the more issues and more security you need to think about.

“Make sure that all of your checks and all of your invoices that you send out are numbered and stored somewhere safe,” he said.

It’s also important to have cash available, in case of emergencies or an unexpected downturn.

“A reasonably healthy business, the minimum should be three to four months’ worth of all expenses, cash in the bank, plus any one big-time item,” Hammond said. “That, to me, is a pretty comfortable place to be.”

After cash flow, the next most important thing is having good people, Hammond said.

“Getting and keeping good employees is very important. It’s important for all businesses. It’s especially important for small businesses because you don’t have extras,” he said.

If a company wants to grow, it generally needs to add employees, he said, noting it’s difficult for a company with just a couple of employees to hit the $1 million mark.

When adding staff, however, “revenue per employee is a key metric,” he said.

“You’re not going to grow unless you can increase your revenue per FTE (full-time employee),” Hammond said.

Pasco-Hernando Score offers a wide variety of free workshops and mentoring services to small businesses. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Published September 26, 2018

Dade City forum inspires wordsmiths

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Marjorie Nanian sits at the end of a long table, offering her experience and advice to others in the room during a recent meeting of the East Pasco Writers Forum.

As she speaks, the others listen intently.

The forum, part of the Florida Writers Association, meets at the Country Aire Manor clubhouse in Dade City, on the second Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The writers forum aims to encourage authors and budding wordsmiths to share their work, and learn from each other.

East Pasco Writers Forum participants for the Sept. 13 meeting were, seated from left: Eugene Bozeman, Kim Fleming, Tammy Kennedy and Kara Teresi; and, standing from left: Jack Olson, Marjorie Nanian, Bonnie Nye and Marilyn Miller. (Brian Fernandes)

The meeting is broken into two segments.

The first segment focuses on offering advice, sharing thoughts and providing information about local opportunities and events that may be of interest to forum members.

The second segment focuses on writing.

Forum participants play an interactive role — with each author sharing copies of his or her work and reading for the group.

Between readings, group members offer suggestions to help the author enhance his or her skills.

Tammy Kennedy was a first-time visitor to the writers forum.

“I had to go through something so awful,” she told the group, referring to some difficult childhood experiences.

Kennedy, who wrote the books, “From Rubble to Royalty” and “Jingles Lost Her Jingle,” said she has used writing as an outlet for dealing with domestic abuse she experienced as a child.

She hopes her work will inspire others who have had similar experiences.

She recently self-published “Lil’ J Lost His Jam.” She said it has been difficult to get exposure for the book because of its subject matter on child abuse.

Nanian, who is an author herself and has attended several writing forums, had a wealth of information to share.

She told the writers it’s important to identify the genre of literature they’re creating and to be aware of the audience they’re seeking to reach.

When it comes to social issues, she said, “colleges are a great place to approach.”

Nanian also advised beginners to “build credibility” by sending short stories or poems to magazines for publication. Doing this puts one in direct contact with an editor, without the use of an agent.

Forum member Jack Olson is a photographer, who has experience sailing overseas.

He said he intends to publish his writings as a keepsake for his family.

Olson said he doesn’t feel qualified to offer feedback.

But, those taking part in the forum are encouraged to kindly point out errors or ways to polish up each other’s work, to foster better writing.

So, as forum members shared their work, they exchanged suggestions, such as avoiding too much detail, steering clear of repetition, using precise language and creating more emotional depth in characters.

“Whenever you introduce it [author’s work] to the group, you actually get criticism and learn from it,” said Eugene Bozeman, who shared his poem about a newborn baby’s perception of birth.

The topics that writers tackle range widely.

While Bozeman wrote poetry about a newborn baby, Bonnie Nye’s story focused on a girl falsely accused of murder in the late 1970s.

The writers said their interest in writing developed at different stages in their lives.

Some said creating literature did not become appealing until later in their lives.

Others developed a love for language quite early.

Kara Teresi knew she had a passion for writing since elementary school.

“This is my destiny, this is my identity – to be a writer,” she said. “That’s why I’m here.”

The forum is open to the public. It welcomes anyone who wants to share and improve their writing — whether they are professionals, just starting out, or somewhere in between.

For more information, contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or .

East Pasco Writers Forum
Where: Country Aire Manor clubhouse, 10249 U.S. 98 in Dade City
When: The club meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to  noon.
Details: Members and visitors share their own works and offer suggestions to help each other hone writing skills
Cost: Free
Info: Contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or

Published September 26, 2018

Public workshop scheduled regarding Pierce Lake

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District is holding a public workshop on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., regarding minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake, according to a news release from the water management district.

The workshop will be at Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake in Pasco County.

Water management staff will provide information regarding the technical basis for the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake.

Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands, and the minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment, according to the news release.

The workshop allows local government, citizens and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum and guidance levels. Information will be summarized and made available to the water management district’s governing board.

At the governing board’s meeting in November, the board will decide whether to recommend adoption of the minimum levels into water management district rules.

The governing board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.

The Florida Legislature requires the water management district to set minimum flows and levels for priority water bodies within the district.

Minimum flows are established to protect streams and rivers from impacts associated with ground water and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands. Minimum flows and levels serve as guidelines for the district’s permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.

A draft report summarizing the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake will be posted before the meeting on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/MFLreports.

For more information regarding the proposed minimum levels, call David Carr at (800) 423-1476, ext. 4246.

Written comments can be submitted via mail or email to David Carr, staff environmental scientist, Water Resources Bureau, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604 or .

Published September 26, 2018

Judson was a trailblazer

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The Pasco-Hernando State College community is mourning the recent death of Dr. Robert Judson Jr., the college’s second president.

The educator began his career at Pasco-Hernando State College in 1972, when the college was a community college — known as the college without walls — and was in the process of opening its doors to Pasco and Hernando county communities, according to a news release from the state college.

Dr. Robert Judson Jr., was a trailblazer at the college now known as Pasco-Hernando State College. When he was there, it was Pasco-Hernando Community College, and Judson made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System. (Courtesy of PHSC)

Judson was hired as the college’s first instructor and counselor/recruiter, subsequently teaching the first course the college ever offered.

The following year, Judson moved into a role as the college’s first coordinator of financial aid, where he wrote grants for student aid programs and was responsible for veterans’ affairs.

He received his doctoral degree in education in 1976, and in 1977 became dean at East Campus. In 1983, he took on the role of East Campus provost, followed by college vice president and executive vice president, according to the release.

In 1994, Judson succeeded Dr. Milton O. Jones — the man who had hired him — and made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System.

Under Judson’s leadership, the college experienced exponential growth.

“Bob Judson was a remarkable leader,” Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., current PHSC president, said in the release. “He worked his way up the ladder, knew every inch of the college, understood our students, and helped realize the college’s potential.  He was admired and respected for his vision and his authenticity.”

Judson opened a three-story health building, housing state-of-the-art equipment on the college’s West Campus. He also helped establish radiography, and drafting and design programs still popular today.

Judson also led the building of a child care center on West Campus.

He opened the Public Service Technology building on East Campus in Dade City, where aviation, law enforcement and corrections, and fire academy programs are currently housed.

He remodeled North Campus in Brooksville.

And, he purchased the land for a permanent Spring Hill Campus, which was erected in 2010.

Judson also facilitated a partnership with the University of South Florida to offer formal four-year degree programs on PHSC campuses.

In an interview for the College’s 30-year anniversary commemorative book, he said: “I want to be known as a president who intelligently expands the college for the good of all concerned.”

He added: “I hope I’m remembered as a president who was sensitive to the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Most of all, I hope I’ve distinguished myself as a president who helped make PHSC a great college, and a wonderful place to learn and work.”

Beard, who now holds the same role as Judson once held, put it like this: “The college community will remember his leadership. He will always have a place in college history, and in the hearts and minds of the many PHSC faculty, staff and students he influenced.”

A funeral service is planned for Judson on Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m., at Hopewell Baptist Church, at 890 N.W. 15th St., in  Pompano Beach.

PHSC is planning a memorial service to honor Judson on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center on its West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Published September 26, 2018

Plan for your pet, too, during a disaster

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Taking precautions for your pets in the event of a disaster doesn’t have to be difficult.

The Pet Resource Center in Hillsborough County offers these key pointers:

  • Make sure your pet’s county registration tag is up to date, and take a trip to the vet to update all vaccinations, get a microchip and extra medications.
  • Create a disaster kit and ID packet for your pet. The kit should include a seven-day supply of food and water per pet, waste disposal items, pet medication, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. The (waterproof) ID packet should contain your contact information and family veterinarian information, the microchip and county pet registration tag numbers, and information regarding medical needs.
  • Arrange for a place for your pet to stay, like a family member’s or friend’s house, or pet-friendly hotel (Visit PetFriendlyTravel.com). Be sure they are on your evacuation route and not in a flood zone.
  • Get a cage or carrier that is easy to transport, and large enough for your pet to stand up in and move around in.
  • Public pet-friendly shelters should only be used as a last resort.

If a pet-friendly shelter is necessary, take note: Only domesticated pets are allowed in pet-friendly shelters. Livestock like horses, cows, chickens and pigs are not allowed. To learn how to prepare larger animals for disaster, visit the UF/IFAS Extension website at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu.

Published September 26, 2018

Honoring the anniversary of September 11

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Flag-wavers held their flags high, as drivers passing by on U.S. 41 honked their horns in support.

The red, white and blue draped with stars has always symbolized America, but on this particular Tuesday, it held a much more significant meaning. It was 17 years to the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Local members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and other members of the community, stood outside the Old Lutz School, flags in hand, to commemorate the lives lost that horrific day.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, among others, came out front of the Old Lutz School to hold American flags high in remembrance of 9/11. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

They, like others in the country, paused to reflect and show gratitude to heroes past, and those still present.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the way of life in America.

On that morning, 19 men hijacked four U.S. commercial airplanes, crashing them into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, according to national reports.

The aftermath left many with long-term effects, both physical and emotional.

“In 2002, we started this because we wanted to remember,” said Pat Serio, coordinator of the event. “We wanted to share our patriotism and support.”

Serio, like others, knows exactly where she was when she first heard of the attacks.

She was at home watching the news when regular broadcasting was interrupted by the flowing smoke from the World Trade Center.

Her initial reaction was: ““It has to be an aviation problem,” she recalled.

Not long after, Serio came to find out that the country was under attack.

“As a (native) New Yorker, I felt the impact,” Serio added.

Dee Knerr, who also took part in the flag-waving tribute, said she was scheduled to fly back to Florida on Sept.11, after visiting family in Ohio.

“I was scheduled to fly home that afternoon, getting ready to go to the airport,” said Knerr. “Of course, all the flights were cancelled.”

After working 40 years at the Lutz Post Office, Knerr is now retired and dedicates her time to the woman’s club.

Besides remembering the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, the tribute was also intended to honor American troops, law enforcement and firefighters.

“They put their lives out there every day for us,” said Knerr. “I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

Ben Nevel, a member of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, also took part in the tribute.

“We all need to stand together,” said Nevel, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Another member of the crowd was Linda Mitchell, a Lutz native and retired teacher.

She recalled being conflicted, as the news broke about the terrorist attacks.

She decided not to show the news coverage in her class.

“It was hard being a teacher during that day,” she said. “We wanted to know as citizens what was going on, but we were protecting our students.”

Before retirement, she had the opportunity to teach children who were born after 9/11.

She said there was a stark contrast between how students who lived during the incident perceived it, and those who came after.

The memorial also came as something personal for Mitchell, as both her husband and son serve as Hillsborough County firefighters.

In waving their flags, the men and women gathered in front of the Old Lutz School were reminding those passing by about the need to remember the fallen, and to express gratitude for the men and women who continue to put themselves in harm’s way, whether they are wearing military uniforms, or serving as first responders.

Published September 19, 2018

Lutz musician keeps busy with multiple instruments, bands

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Fred Chandler relishes a good musical challenge.

It is why he’s seemingly always working on the craft — whether it be playing in solo and band shows, tinkering with a new instrument, or laying down new tracks in a recording studio.

Sometimes, when he wakes up, he has locked, bloody fingers and a hoarse voice — following a busy week of performances.

Chandler regularly performs at venues all throughout Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, including Ukulele Brand’s, Craft Life Brewing, Whiskey Willy’s and In the Loop Brewing. One of his bands, The Band 4X, will compete in the Battle of the Bands at Harley Davidson New Port Richey on Sept. 29. (Courtesy of Randy Underhill)

His creativity, however, is never the worse for wear.

“If my imagination gets burnt out, then you may as well just throw me to the coroner, because, that’s the most enduring part,” Chandler said.

Music means just about everything to the 58-year-old Lutz resident.

He’s been playing guitar and writing songs for more than 40 years, dating back to when he was living in Bennington, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, New York.

And, he has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“I’ll probably be like Tiny Tim — die twice doing your show,” Chandler jokingly says, referencing the multiple heart attacks the well-known ukulele player suffered during live performances that led to his passing in 1996.

Since moving to Florida 17 years ago, Chandler has become a familiar name in the local music scene— primarily as a rock-and-roll guitar player who’s also gained popularity as a violinist.

He regularly performs at venues all throughout Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, such as Ukulele Brand’s, Craft Life Brewing, Whiskey Willy’s and In the Loop Brewing.

He also hosts a weekly open mic night each Wednesday at Uncle Fats 2, in Tampa.

Over the years, he has opened for such acts as Foreigner, Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Blue Oyster Cult, Phish, and many others.

Career highlights include working on stage with Buddy Cage, the pedal-steel player for the country rock band New Riders of the Purple Sage; playing violin for the Woodstock 25th Reunion in New York’s Catskill Mountains; and, performing on stage at Nashville’s famous 3rd & Lindsley venue.

Now  a member of two bands — Magnum Opus and The Band 4X — Chandler can be seen at venues throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including Jannus Live and Skipper’s Smokehouse. And, they play everywhere in between Englewood and Crystal River.

Chandler, pictured far left, is the bandleader of The Band 4X, one of six Florida-based bands invited to compete in the Battle of the Bands at Harley Davidson New Port Richey on Sept. 29. Other 4X band members pictured are Kevin McNary, Leah Ordetx and Doug Cecil.

Chandler’s groups perform a wide range of original tunes, as well as covers of hit classic and alternative rock songs, plus some modern pop.

Basically, their repertoire includes everything from Kansas to Queen to 21 Pilots.

Often, he performs five or six gigs a week, and no two shows are alike, Chandler said.

He said he tries to put a twist on each performance, with his improvisational skills and deep catalog of songs.

“I like to keep it fresh. That’s why I constantly learn new material,” the musician explained. “I’m not one to just learn a solo from a record and play it at you. I want to play to you. I want you to go, ‘Wow, he was totally on that night. He had something going on.’ The people that come to see our shows get that because they know we’re all just going to kind of play from the hip, from the heart a bit and change it up,” he said.

Chandler’s knack for learning a wide array of instruments has also made him a local fixture.

In fact, it takes two hands to list them all —viola, cello, mandolin, dobro, lap steel, banjo, bass, ukulele and most recently, the saxophone.

“If I own it, I can play it, at least to some degree,” Chandler said.

“String instruments are fast for me because I understand the mechanism. I understand the geometry that goes along with them,” he explained. “Every stringed instrument is a hall of mirrors because of the way they’re tuned.”

A rock-and-roll guitarist by trade, Lutz’s Fred Chandler has also gained local popularity as a violinist. In total, he plays about a dozen other instruments.

Chandler also takes pride in his lyrics and songwriting. His subject matter spans everything from love to nature.

“I really want them to say something,” Chandler said of the songs he composes. “I don’t just want to jot down something, just because the music’s good. If I’m going to put lyrics, then it’s got to be dead on.”

Chandler, curiously, draws much of his musical inspiration from his Maltese dog, Olivia Marie, whom he describes as “the best listener in the world.”

He put it this way: “She doesn’t care if it’s disco or it’s a pop tune or if it’s country, she just likes whatever I’m doing. I love that.”

Meanwhile, Chandler’s next big performance is happening later this month.

On Sept. 29, The Band 4X will compete in the Battle of the Bands at Harley Davidson New Port Richey.

It was one of just six bands to earn an invitation. The winner goes on to perform at the Cotee River Bike Fest in October.

For information on Chandler’s music and future shows, visit FredChandlerMusic.com.

Published September 19, 2018