The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

New Zephyrhills police chief has a familiar face

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Derek Brewer’s official promotion to Zephyrhills Police Chief was just weeks ago — yet he’s no stranger to the uniform, or to the community he’s tasked to serve.

The 45-year-old Brewer was appointed the city’s permanent, full-time police chief on Sept. 25. He was sworn-in two weeks later, on Oct. 9.

Brewer, however, already had months of familiarity with the position.

He served as interim chief since June, filling in the post formerly held by Police Chief David Shears, who retired after 25 years with the agency.

Derek Brewer was sworn in as Zephyrhills Police Chief on Oct. 9. He replaces David Shears, who had been chief since 2008. (File)

Brewer is a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department, who gradually worked up the ranks from patrol officer, to field training officer and lieutenant, to captain.

The test-run as chief proved valuable for Brewer.

“I think it definitely helped,” Brewer said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “I got a chance to see things there from a little different perspective, but at the same time, I’m very familiar with the agency, and the city and the community. My role may have changed a little bit, but everything was still very familiar.”

Brewer was born in Massachusetts and raised in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

After high school, he moved to Florida, searching for a better job market while escaping from blistering cold northern winters.

After a decade of “working odd jobs” in the Sunshine State, the then 29-year-old Brewer opted to become a law enforcement officer, at the encouragement of others.

After police academy training, he joined the Zephyrhills Police Department in 2002.

Being a police chief was not in his original plans.

“It’s not something I ever truly imagined I would be in, but being here for the agency I started with, there’s just an extreme amount of pride,” Brewer said.

He is the 10th police chief in Zephyrhills history.

Within the role, he’s responsible for 32 officers (33 when fully staffed) and an annual budget that exceeds $4 million.

He said the biggest adjustment so far has been overseeing additional personnel — from the entire police force, to its civilian employees in administration.

It means managing “a lot of different personalities” and handling “a lot of different problems.”

Brewer added: “Even though I had some experience in the administrative side when I was a lieutenant, it’s different when you have all of them together working at the same time.”

Challenges aside, Brewer still follows advice often bestowed upon him by Shears.

And, there has been plenty of that, through the years.

When Brewer was a patrolman, Shears was his sergeant. When he was a sergeant, Shears was his captain. And, when Brewer became a lieutenant and captain, Shears, of course, was his chief.

“I really did have an opportunity to learn a lot from him, particularly in police work,” Brewer said. “But, the one thing he always said that really always stuck with me was: ‘You do the right thing, and no matter how hard it is, you’ll always be OK.’ I still follow that today, and I truly do believe that.”

Since joining the department, Brewer earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, attended the senior leadership-training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and also attended the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He graduated this July from the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University, and is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this December.

In the meantime, Brewer has received numerous honors during his extensive law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

Besides regular police duties, Brewer has been a member of several committees and organizations that include the Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

His appointment to chief was recommended to the Zephyrhills City Council by city manager Steve Spina, who was part of a six-person interview committee.

Of the six applicants interviewed for police chief, Spina told the council Brewer was “without a doubt” the top candidate.

The council later approved Brewer’s hiring in a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Ken Burgess dissenting.

At the Sept. 25 meeting, numerous speakers offered support for Brewer’s appointment, including police officers and members of the community.

They praised his leadership and management style, his work ethic, his compassion and humility, and his ability to handle high-risk situations, such as Hurricane Irma.

One of those speakers was Amy Chappell, vice president and residential loan officer at CenterState Bank.

She characterized Brewer this way: “You have an individual that cares, and that’s something you won’t find really on the resume.”

Published October 25, 2017

Gallery exhibit showcases Mexican artist Frida Kahlo

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Frida Kahlo is a Mexican artist whose face, with her riveting dark eyes and unibrow, is instantly recognizable — even to people who know little about her life and art.

Yet, more than 80 years after her first New York exhibition, Kahlo still fascinates as a woman, an artist and an iconic figure to feminists and political activists.

A nearly life-size photo of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo seems to peer over the shoulder of a visitor at the Kahlo exhibit, now on display at the Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery on the west campus of Pasco-Hernando State College in New Port Richey. (Fred Bellet)

Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery is hosting a Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit to highlight Kahlo and her work.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The gallery, located in a wing of the college’s library at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Friday. The exhibit ends on Dec. 12.

“She was a revolutionary,” said Connie LaMarca-Frankel, a humanities professor at PHSC, and a founder of the Tampa Repertory Theatre. “She was engaged in the politics of her day and at the same time was an artist.”

LeMarca-Frankel brought her students to the exhibit to introduce them to Kahlo.

“Now maybe they’ll start to think about her,” the humanities professor said.

The exhibit includes large banners that feature Kahlo and recreations of her paintings.

Luz Himelhoch, a foreign language professor, added Latin rhythms to an exhibit on Mexican artist Frida Kahlo by teaching students the dance and music of meringue and salsa.

Books on Kahlo are there, too, for study or a quiet moment to sit in a chair and browse their pages.

There’s also an interactive video that gallery visitors can use to view La Casa Azul, Kahlo’s house and garden in Coyoacan, outside Mexico City.

Kahlo was born in 1907 and died in 1954, at age 47.

Her short life was filled with debilitating pain from childhood polio and a bus accident that crushed and wounded her body. She spent nearly two years in a body cast. Lying on her back, looking into a mirror, she painted what she saw – Frida Kahlo.

She met Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, a much older man than she, and already wildly famous. They had a tumultuous marriage, a divorce, and a remarriage. Both had love affairs.

For many years, she was known more for being Rivera’s wife than as an artist in her own right.

Books on the artistry of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo abound, and are part of an exhibit at the Rao Musunuru M. D. Art Gallery at the Pasco- Hernando State College West Campus in New Port Richey.

She is known for her self-portraits, and for a folk-art style of painting that captured Mexican culture and challenged people’s concepts of gender, race, class and the history of colonialism.

Two of her most known paintings are “The Two Fridas” and “Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.”

In “The Two Fridas,” Kahlo did a double self-portrait. Both Kahlos are sitting down. One is garbed in European-style dress, the other in traditional Mexican dress.

In the other painting, Kahlo is wearing a thorn necklace, with a hummingbird pendant. On her right shoulder, a monkey pulls at the necklace, drawing blood. A black panther, with blue eyes, looks over her left shoulder.

“She was such a great personality. Her artwork is amazing,” said Blythe Sanschagrin, who attended the exhibit’s opening reception. “I love the story of how strong of a woman she was.”

Maria Rhew, (standing) a Pasco-Hernando State College library senior staff assistant, and Natalie Danwing, 21, a PHSC senior, look over pictures of the work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Kahlo’s Mexican heritage seemed right for a celebration of multiculturalism during Hispanic Heritage Month, which was from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The exhibit also serves a mission of the college to promote interactive events for students, said Ray Calvert, the college’s director of libraries.

“The main thing is to generate awareness for students and create themes around which they can interact,” he said.

Luz Himelhoch brought her own form of interaction to the opening reception.

She had about 30 students swaying and sashaying to Latin rhythms, as she taught them to dance the salsa and meringue.

She is a Kahlo admirer.

“Frida Kahlo is my hero,” Himelhoch said. “This is a woman who had to endure so much at a young age. She still continued to forge on. She never gave up.”

Published October 25, 2017

Planning underway for new Wesley Chapel charter school

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the charter application for Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, a charter school that plans to open in that community.

Now that the school board has approved the application, work is underway to develop a contract with the charter school applicant, said Jeff Yungmann, coordinator for charter schools in Pasco County Schools.

The new charter school is expected to open in 2018-19, or 2019-2020, Yungmann said.

The application identifies that the school would open with a maximum of 652 kindergarten through sixth grade students, Yungmann said. In the second year, it would add seventh grade and would have a total enrollment of 900; in Year 3, it would add eighth grade and would have 1,134 students; in Year 4 and thereafter, it would have 1,200 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

“The mission of Pinecrest Academy Inc., is to provide individualized instruction, in a nurturing environment ensuring college and career success, using rigor, relevance, and relationships to empower students to become tomorrow’s global leaders,” according to a school board document.

The Charter Application Review Committee conducted a rigorous evaluation process utilizing the Florida Charter School Application Evaluation Instrument, including the capacity interview on August 17, 2017. In its comprehensive evaluation, the Committee concluded that 21 of the 22 sections of the Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel’s application “met the standard of review.” One of the 22 sections of the application “partially met the standard of review.” There were no sections rated as “did not meet the standard of review,” according to the backup material for the board agenda item.

The applicant has not yet identified a specific location for the school, other than indicating it will be in Wesley Chapel, Yungmann said.

Yungmann characterized the applicant’s submittal as an “outstanding application” and called it one of the best he’s reviewed. “They had a good solid plan,” he said.

The charter school operators have locations in other parts of the state, but this would be their first location in Pasco County.

Yungmann said the charter has a strong governing board and a good track record.

“We hope they’re going to do well,” he said.

Published October 25, 2017

Land O’ Lakes library is open on Mondays again

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Pasco County is experiencing rosier days for its 2018 budget, which began Oct. 1.

So, the good old days when Pasco County libraries were open on Mondays are on the way back.

Two libraries, including the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, had ribbon cuttings on Oct. 16 to celebrate a return to the tradition of Monday library hours.

“We’ve been advocating and advocating,” said Elayne Bassinger, who serves on the library board. “We cannot tell you how grateful we are. This is exciting.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore cut the ribbon to celebrate the restoration of Monday hours at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. He was joined by Pasco County library officials, volunteers and library staff members. (Kathy Steele)

In addition to the restored hours, the Land O’ Lakes library will add five additional full-time staff members, and more activities to its monthly calendar.

Budget cuts in past years axed Monday from all library schedules.

The situation was so dire, county commissioners in 2013 considered closing two libraries: the New River Branch Library in Zephyrhills and the Centennial Park Branch Library in Holiday.

All libraries still remain closed on Sundays.

However, over the next three years, all of the county’s libraries are expected to open again on Mondays, as the county’s budget allows.

The goal is to restore library hours to the 2008 level of 40 hours a week for each library.

Land O’ Lakes restored hours on Mondays are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

It’s an extra day of the week to be open, but also adds a second day of evening hours. The library also is open the same hours on Tuesday.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore joined Bassinger, Library Administrator Nancy Fredericks, Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles and library staff members for the ribbon cutting.

After years of deep cuts to library budgets, county commissioners approved a budget for fiscal year 2018 that added in more money for libraries, and also for parks.

Libraries are valuable to communities, Moore said. In addition to books, they also provide innovative technology, including Land O’ Lakes makerspace, to help people learn.

Plus, they facilitate connections between people.

“It’s a great meeting place,” Moore said.

In addition to the Land O’ Lakes library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, the county restored Monday hours to the Regency Park Branch Library, in New Port Richey. That library also will get new staff members.

“Those are the county’s busiest libraries,” Fredericks said.

To celebrate the restored hours, Land O’ Lakes library patrons were treated to special activities, including pen turning, a silly dance party, a visit from “creepy” reptiles and invertebrates, yoga and Tai Chi.

Looking ahead, Mondays now can be filled with additional activities on a regular basis on the library’s monthly calendar, said Kathleen Rothstein, Land O’ Lakes branch manager.

Yoga and Tai Chi will be offered on alternating Monday nights. There will be a Monday Movie Matinee. The library’s Foundry, or makerspace, will be open at various times on Monday.

The Foundry has a variety of new technology including 3-D printers, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) equipment, an Oculus Rift virtual reality system, and an audio recording studio.

It also offers opportunities to work with traditional hand and power tools, as well as crafting tools and supplies, including yarn and thread.

Other programs scheduled on Mondays include an introduction to knitting, Autumn Candle Holder, Essential Oils, woodworking and Pumpkin Planter.

For more information on dates and times for scheduled library events at Land O’ Lakes and other branch libraries, visit PascoCountyLibraries.org.

Published October 25, 2017

Gearing up for Cypress Creek Middle School

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A new middle school is expected to open next to Cypress Creek Middle High School, allowing the existing school to focus on high school only.

The new middle school will accommodate 1,675 students on a 15-acre site, just north of the current school, which opened in August at 8701 Old Pasco Road, for students in grades six through 11.

The estimated construction budget is $43.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2018, with opening planned for August 2020.

The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with architects Harvard Jolly, to reuse the design of the 1,400-student station Innovation Middle School in Orange County, for the new middle school, according to school board documents.

Pasco school district staff members recently toured Innovation Middle School and found that the school “to be cost effective, attractive and extremely safe and a school that will successfully meet the educational needs” of the district, according to district documents.

“Many of the preferred features of this school are already found in a number of our educational facilities,” the document added. “Our version of the school will be expanded to approximately 1,600 student stations to accommodate future growth in this region of the district.”

Cypress Creek Middle High is slated to add a senior class next school year.

When the school opened, it affected boundaries for Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

The district initially had hoped to open Cypress Creek as a high school only, but was forced to use it for more grades because it lacked sufficient construction funds.

Published October 25, 2017

Pasco County looks at costs to fix Lake Padgett sinkhole

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Restoring the site of a sinkhole within the Lake Padgett Estates subdivision to “pristine” condition would cost as much as $12 million. That idea was a non-starter for the Pasco County commissioners who reviewed a list of options on what to do next.

They also rejected a suggestion for a $4 million bridge to span the sinkhole, and keep traffic flowing along Ocean Pines Drive.

The cleanup of a sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive in Lake Padgett Estates is completed, including removing contaminants from the water. Pasco County officials say the sinkhole’s water quality is now better than Lake Saxon’s water. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned.

The county approved $1.3 million for an initial cleanup of debris, and stabilization of the site. That work has been completed.

County commissioners reviewed future options at a workshop on Oct. 17 in Dade City.

The least expensive choice was to “do nothing” and install decorative fencing, with warning signs, around the sinkhole for about $50,000.

But, options in between $12 million and $50,000 are on the table.

Pasco County officials plan to meet with residents of Lake Padgett for their input before making a final recommendation to county commissioners.

One option is to connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon, which is about 90 feet away. That would cost about $800,000.

“Any connection to the lake would not go over well with the community,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who has heard from some residents in Lake Padgett regarding concerns about potential contamination from the sinkhole.

The University of South Florida is recommending that a survey be completed to determine how the sinkhole interacts with underground surrounding areas. The cost would be about $15,000.  Before that, county officials say an additional geological survey should be done at a cost of about $100,000.

Ceres Environmental Services has completed its work to remove and dispose of floating debris from the sinkhole, pump and remove contaminated water, and stabilize the southeast portion of the sinkhole with granular fill.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrator for public safety, said linking the sinkhole to the lake could be a “low-cost, long-term, permanent solution.”

The sinkhole, which went as deep as 50 feet, is now 10 feet deep, said Guthrie. And, he said, “The water quality in the sinkhole is better than in the lake.”

Major portions of the two houses, the motorcycle and the boat remain in the sinkhole, but that’s not unusual in such instances, Guthrie said.

“We have cars in sinkholes in just about every sinkhole in Pasco County,” he said.

The lake connection is an idea worth exploring, said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“To me, when I was out walking, it made great sense to connect it to the lake,” she said.

Historically, Pasco County officials say the lake’s shoreline at one time extended beyond the sinkhole and included lots where homes now exist.

Along with the lake connection, cul-de-sacs on Ocean Pines also could be built on either side of the sinkhole. That would cost about $1.7 million, bringing the total cost to about $2.5 million.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley suggested that if cul-de-sacs are built, different names would be needed for the disconnected segments of Ocean Pines.

“It doesn’t need to be confusing for emergency (responders),” Oakley said.

Another choice would be to reconnect Ocean Pines at the sinkhole and build up the road with sheet piles on either side. That would work as a dam to contain the sinkhole. The cost would be about $800,000.

Whatever the final decision, there are financial implications for the county and residents.

Pasco County officials have said they want to get reimbursement for as much of its costs as possible. They view sinkhole damage largely as a private matter between insurance companies and the injured parties.

To that end, the county mailed demand letters and notice of financial responsibility to homeowners, renters and companies that have done remediation work in the past.

Left open is how much liability could rest with Lake Padgett residents. Moore said residents are concerned about taking on maintenance costs of the sinkhole.

The subdivision has a special taxing district, created by Florida statute.

However, those funds are collected solely for the operation and maintenance of recreational facilities in the subdivision, including five lake parks, three boat ramps and a horse stable.

For fiscal year 2018, the per unit fee collected by the taxing district is about $500, according to documents on Lake Padgett’s website.

In describing the taxing district, website documents specifically state that it doesn’t serve or have authority to serve as a Community Development District, civic association or a homeowner association.

Published October 25, 2017

The Laker/Lutz News wins ‘Best of Show’

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The Laker/Lutz News received Best of Show distinction at the 2017 Awards for Excellence competition sponsored by Community Papers of Florida trade association. This top award was presented to Publisher Diane Kortus at the group’s annual meeting held Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at Hutchinson Island.

The Best of Show was awarded for a full-page ad, “Fun on 41 – Discover the Wonders,” that uses a hand-drawn map illustrating shopping destinations and restaurants along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

The map’s illustrator is Laura Bloomer, a Land O’ Lakes resident and owner of The Blooming House. The Laker/Lutz News Graphic Designer Stefanie Burlingame and Account Manager Cheryl Michel were recognized for their work on this campaign.

Judges described the entry this way: “Creative and engaging. Fresh approach to display an advertising community.” Another judge added: “A wonderfully illustrated and colorful map referencing area businesses promoting result-oriented offers is sure to catch the reader’s eye.”

In addition to the Best of Show award, The Laker/Lutz News received six additional advertising design awards, and five editorial awards for stories and photographs.

“To have our work chosen as Best of Show is quite an honor, especially when considering there were over 400 entries in this statewide newspaper competition,” said Publisher Diane Kortus.

The newspaper received these awards in advertising categories:

  • First place: Theme Promotion: Fun on 41 Map and Business Legend, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Real Estate: Tapestry Lake Park Apartments, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Spot Color: Pete the Painter directory ad, Matt Mistretta and Rachel Thompson
  • Second place: Full Color Ad: Oasis Pregnancy Center, Stefanie Burlingame and Diane Kortus
  • Third place: Self Promotion: Outside Sales Rep Recruitment, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • Third place: Best Special Section Cover Design: Congratulations Class of 2017, Matt Mistretta

The newspaper received these awards in editorial categories:

  • First place: Personal Column, “My Father Loved This Newspaper,” Diane Kortus
  • First place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Rattlesnake Fest hits half-century mark,” Richard Riley
  • Second place: Best Original Photograph: “Zoe Deimling just can’t stop looking,” Fred Bellet
  • Second place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Cueing up for a good time,” Fred Bellet
  • Third place: Best Original Writing: “‘Dear World’ gives storytellers a voice,” Kathy Steele

Community Papers of Florida represents 86 publishers of free-circulation community papers that reach 3.5 million homes weekly. Members range from independently-owned publications such as The Laker/Lutz News to free paper/shopping guide divisions of major communications companies.

Published October 25, 2017

There’s no tricks here, only healthy Halloween treats

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The thought of fall may bring to mind bright orange pumpkins, and when Halloween arrives, those pumpkins take on a personality of their own, as jack-o-lanterns.

All you need is a permanent black marker to create whimsical no-carve tangerine jack-o-lanterns, Friendly Frankenstein green grapes and Spooky low-fat mozzarella cheese stick ghosts.
(Betsy Crisp)

It’s also a season when candy reigns supreme in the eyes of young witches, ghosts and other costumed characters who go door-to-door in search of treats.

But, for parents, nutrition and safety, are the top concern.

So, here are a few tips to help keep your Halloween happy, healthy and safe.

Trick-or-Treating
If taking to the streets, young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Set curfews for your older children and make sure they know to stay with their group and stay on the sidewalks.

Make sure that children understand that they can only go to homes of neighbors they know.

Check your lawn and walkways for any obstacles and be sure to leave your lights on.

Keep pets inside or confined to an area of the home. This will keep your pet from being frightened and from frightening others.

To be even safer, consider planning a neighborhood, community or school party.

Treats
Let the children have fun collecting treats, but be sure they know that they must bring all home to be inspected before they can eat any.

Throw away any opened/unwrapped candy, and reject any homemade goods.

If your child has any allergies, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully.

Limit the amount they consume. Let them choose a few pieces a day, for a few days.

And remember, there are ways to give children delicious treats that will help control calories and won’t promote cavities.

Here is a recipe to help
Spicy Apple Bars
Ingredients
1 cup light brown sugar, packed

¼ cup canola oil

½ cup low-fat milk

2 egg whites (1/2 cup egg substitute or 1 whole egg)

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 ½ cups cooking apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 small)

1 cup walnuts, chopped

¼-½ cup powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spray 13-inch by 9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oil, milk and egg.

Stir in flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Mix in apples and walnuts.

Pour into the pan and spread evenly.

Bake 20 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean.

Cool for 30 minutes.

Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar (they can be frosted or glazed, but those are less healthy options)

Cool completely and cut into 2-inch by 1 1/2-inch bars.

This recipe makes 36 bars, which have 95 calories each and just 3 grams of fat.

Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N, is a Professor Emeritus of UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.

Published October 25, 2017

Toast of Tampa brings home honors

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The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus placed fourth at the Sweet Adelines International 71st annual Convention & Competition, which wrapped up on Oct. 14, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

This was the 13th time the group has competed on the international stage, and the group’s success is consistent with its past performances.

The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus once again demonstrated its consistent excellence by capturing fourth place at the Sweet Adelines International 71st annual Convention and Competition in Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Toast of Tampa)

In 2015 and in 2013, it took third-place at the international level, in 1993 it won the top prize, and in between it had a number of top-10 finishes.

“We took 108 ladies on stage,” Beth Bosserman Curts said, via email.

“All choruses sing a 6-minute semifinals compulsory ballad and uptune,” she said. This year, there were 33 choruses representing the best of regions in 15 countries in the competition.

Those who finished in the top 10 proceeded to the finals, Curts added.

In the finals, competing choruses present a 15-minute show package.

Of the 10, the winner and second place choruses were from opposite sides of Canada, Curts said. The ninth-place winner was from Stockholm, Sweden, and the other top finishers were from Chicago, Florida, Ohio, Baltimore, California and New Jersey.

“The top five choruses sang at very, very high levels,” Curts said.

“Of the quartets, four chapter and one regional quartets sang,” Curts added.

They, too, turned in excellent performances. Windsor placed third and GQ placed fifth.

Toast of Tampa is a group of female a cappella singers that performs in four-part harmony. Its members range from age 10 to 85.

They sing under the direction of internationally recognized Tony De Rosa, performing modern, complex arrangements.

Chorus members come from throughout Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida, including Jacksonville, The Villages, Sarasota, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Orlando, Melbourne and Crystal River.

Toast of Tampa draws members from all walks of life, including military veterans, new moms, grandmothers, real estate agents, accountants and others.

Members audition to join the group and are expected to meet high expectations.

Toast of Tampa practices on Tuesdays, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional weeks off. The sessions are at the TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa.

Those interested are welcome to come to a rehearsal to see if joining the chorus is something they wish to pursue.

Anyone wanting to know more about the group should call Toast of Tampa Show Chorus at (813) 963-7464, or email .

Toast of Tampa Show Chorus presents Standing Room Only, featuring special guest Voctive
Where: University of South Florida Music Concert Hall, 3755 Holly Drive in Tampa
When: Nov. 4, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 patron; $25 regular
Details: The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus is an internationally recognized female chorus that performs four-part a cappella singing. As they perform, they sing and move with emotion and precision.

Published October 25, 2017

‘He had lots of ideas and wanted to do things’

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Seventy-three-year-old Ray Mason died suddenly after a medical emergency during a vacation.

From left, Ray Mason, Elaine Stoots, Jim Evans, Lyle Watson and Fred Wilsky, members of American Legion Post 108 gathered earlier this year to talk about the post’s 80th birthday. (File)

Mason’s death was “a terrible shock,” said Lyle Watson, who came to know Mason during their time together as members of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108.

“He bought into the Legion 150 percent,” Watson said.

“He very quickly made a name for himself and made everybody take notice,” Watson added.

Mason served in the Navy, from 1962 to 1968, as a commissary store keeper. More recently, he served as adjutant of Post 108, assisting commanders and then later became a commander himself.

Watson served as Mason’s adjutant.

Bill Garrison, a former post commander, said Mason’s death “was definitely a loss” for Post 108.

Garrison described Mason as “the glue that held Post 108 together.

“He went above and beyond, both as commander and adjutant. He loved veterans,” Garrison said.

Ray Mason, of American Legion Post 108, helps place flags at gravestones of veterans at Lutz Cemetery, to honor their service to the country. (File)

Richard Fernandez, another former commander, said Mason accomplished a great deal during his tenure with Post 108, perhaps more than any other commander in recent years.

“He loved being involved in it,” said Mason’s wife, Mary.

The Land O’ Lakes couple was married for 48 years and had four children. Their sons are Brian and Tim, and their daughters are Terry Aurie and Karen Kulzer.

Before moving to the area in 1984, Mason lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he owned a meat shop. When he moved here, he worked in the meat department at several different Publix stores, serving as an assistant manager, his wife said.

“He was very helpful. He was everybody’s go-to person,” said his daughter, Karen. “He was a great father, a great husband.”

His wife added: “He was a great friend.”

“If someone had a problem, or something they needed, they’d call him,” she said.

If they wanted to borrow something, he was always willing to help — although sometimes it could take a day or two for him to find the requested item.

When Mason joined Post 108 he was determined to get things done, said Watson, noting he’ll miss his friend. “He was a great guy.”

Over the years, Post 108’s membership has waxed and waned.

Mason was always looking for ways to expand its membership.

During an interview about Post 108’s 80th anniversary earlier this year, Mason talked about the increasing losses suffered by the post, as aging members died.

Now, he too, has joined those ranks.

He died during a vacation, after visiting Gettysburg, a place he always wanted to see, his wife said.

Arrangements are pending, but the family plans to hold a ceremony with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Published Oct. 18, 2017