The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

A chance to see stars, and moon craters

By

Kevin Manning knows a thing or two about astronomy.

And, the former NASA consultant and college instructor shared his knowledge in a 90-minute presentation about the solar system at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City on Jan. 20.

Manning’s “Look Up to the Stars” presentation provided a virtual journey through the sun, the planets and their moons, and debris left over from the earliest times of the solar system’s formation.

Manning, who’s given workshops at the Hugh Embry Library on four other occasions, gave viewers of all ages an in-depth, yet understandable, history lesson on outer space and the eight planets.

People who attended the presentation were able to use Manning’s homemade telescope to gaze at stars and look at craters on the moon. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
People who attended the presentation were able to use Manning’s homemade telescope to gaze at stars and look at craters on the moon.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

“I like how he was able to condense everything into an hour-and-a-half presentation,” said Karyn Moses, who teaches science at R.B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills. “It’s something that would take months to try to teach.”

Moses, who also operates an astronomy club at the school, plans on passing along a few of Manning’s factoids to her class.

“I’ve never been able to figure out the difference between a meteoroid and an asteroid,” she remarked. “I’m very thankful that he cleared that up, because I’ve searched and searched for that.

“Also, the exoplanets that we’re looking for around red dwarf stars is interesting to me — about how we’re finding them and why they’re easiest to find,” she said.

Jennifer Croteau of Dade City particularly enjoyed the visual aspect of Manning’s interactive presentation.

“I really enjoyed the photographs; just making it real,” Croteau said. “The actual 3-D and 360-degree views — I just found it awe-inspiring.

“It was just incredible how much has been going on for so long. It was a really neat opportunity to have someone at his level speak to where everyone could understand,” Croteau said.

With news of the possibility of a ninth planet existing, Manning was firm in in his assertion that Pluto never should have lost its planetary status in 2006. He believes Pluto should currently be the ninth planet.

“It’s really a captivating world because it has five moons; that’s four more than we have (on Earth),” Manning explained.

“There was concern about (Pluto) not sweeping out the area around it of the loose debris — that is one of the things that defines planets today. It was found that if Earth was where Pluto is, it wouldn’t have successfully sweeped the area around it either, so does that mean we should can Earth as a planet?

“I wish people would reconsider putting it back as a planet, and grandfather it in,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that “Planet Nine” is located in the Kuiper Belt, which was another case made dismissing Pluto as a planet.

“The irony of the thing is that the guy who pushed originally for Pluto’s demotion as a planet,  (Caltech professor) Mike Brown, is also the same guy who is purporting the presence of “Planet Nine” which is way out in the Kuiper Belt,” Manning said. “For this very distant object…to be even provisional called “Planet Nine” puzzles me, because of the argument against Pluto.”

Manning said that it’s “way too soon” to determine whether or not the so-called “Planet Nine” should be deserving of planetary status.

“We’re always being surprised, we’re always finding differences, so that’s why we need to keep an open mind about what is and what is not a planet,” he said.

Manning, who presents workshops at libraries, schools, universities and conventions throughout the United States, became interested in astronomy as a youth, when he used a childhood friend’s telescope to see the craters on the moon and Saturn’s plane of rings.

“I love the universe, and I love exploring the universe,” said Manning, who lives in New York, but refers to Tampa as his second home.

“There’s so much more out there that we don’t know. …Four percent of the entire universe is what we really know. Ninety-six percent is yet unknown…comprised of dark matter and dark energy.”

Despite the vast majority of the universe being unknown, Manning believes that may change over the next few decades, due to recent technological advances.

“There’s detectors aboard the ISS (International Space Station) that are getting a lot of data about dark matter and dark energy,” Manning said. “There’s different probes that are acquiring data, but it’s still a little nebulous.”

Published January 27, 2016 

Band has big dreams and bold ambitions

By

They haven’t had many big gigs yet, but the band that calls itself Beyond Chaotic hopes that will change soon.

In fact, the six-member band is planning to travel to Orlando next month to audition for “America’s Got Talent.”

Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Band members say they know it’s a big stage, and they admit they’re a bit nervous, but they want to go for it.

After all, they’re trying to build their fan base.

That sounds like a lot of the acts that appear on the popular television program.

But, Beyond Chaotic is not exactly a typical band.

It’s a rock group, and its six members are all age 12 or younger.

The members are Max Karafilis and his sister, Alex; Colin Mendoza and his sister, Kayla; Devon Bilek and Dominic Fusco.

They live in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Two are homeschooled, two go to Seven Oaks Elementary, one attends Lutz Preparatory School, and the other attends John Long Middle School.

All of them love music, and they’re willing to work hard to improve their musical chops.

Max is the band’s lead singer. Alex plays violin and keyboard, and sings, mostly backup, too. Devon is the bass player. Dominic plays leader guitar. Colin is the drummer, and Kayla is on keyboard.

Five of the band members met during the Bigel Music Rock Band Camp last summer.

They’ve all been playing instruments longer, and they practice together two to three times a week — in addition to their private lessons.

Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.
Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.

Like many bands, they’ve already had one player drop out. She had a conflict with church and Sunday school.

Colin’s sister stepped up to fill the gap, because the 8-year-old has been playing keyboard since she was around 4.

So far, their biggest crowd was during shows they played at The Shops at Wiregrass during the holidays.

They played three sets, of 40 minutes each, to hundreds of people, according to Cindy Karafilis, Max and Alex’s mom.

They have a play list of roughly 20 songs, ranging from “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragon to “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes.

They’re also beginning to write their own music.

Being in a band has its demands and its rewards, they said.

“It’s hard, but it’s fun,” said Alex, who handles the vocals.

Twelve-year-old Devon put it like this: “It makes me feel accomplished that I can play music really well, when I hear the crowd getting excited when we’re playing.”

They may be young, but they have big dreams.

Alex wants to go on tour and wouldn’t mind getting a record deal.

Devon wants to build the band’s fan base.

Max wants to play a bigger venue, so more people can see them and spread the word about the band.

They have some gigs lined up.

Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.
Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.

They’re on the schedule for Feb. 5 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, they’ll do a few numbers at the Valentine’s Dance at Seven Oaks Elementary School, and they’re scheduled to play April 16 at Journey for a Cure 5k at Al Lopez Park to benefit St. Joseph’s Children Hospital.

They’re also open to playing for private parties, Cindy Karafilis said.

But, they’re so new to the game that they haven’t quite figured out what to charge when they do get a paying gig, she said.

Regardless of the venue, the kids seem to love it.

“It’s hard work, of course. It’s really fun,” Colin said. “I think it’s pretty exciting.”

Dominic agreed: “It’s really fun to perform. Once you get over that little hump of being afraid to go onstage, it’s a blast.”

Some day, fame may come. But, for now, they’re just working hard — and turning up the volume.

Published January 27, 2016

In a disaster, she’ll know what to do

By

Vicki Buchanan is a woman who likes to be prepared.

In fact, her inherent interest in being one step ahead led the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills nurse supervisor and emergency responder to take part in training offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.

The center, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction training facility in the nation.

Buchanan, an employee at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills for 23 years, said the experience was amazing.

“People from all across the world came there for training,” Buchanan said.

The interactive training allowed her to use skills she had, and to acquire new ones, she said.

It helped her to “gain a new appreciation for how multiple organizations work together during a mass casualty incident,” she said.

Vicki Buchanan participates in an emergency training drill for first responders at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)
Vicki Buchanan participates in an emergency training drill for first responders at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

During the training, she and 40 others were placed in realistic scenarios that simulated a wide range of emergencies or disasters, forcing the trainees to effectively handle stressful situations for hours on end.

One exercise focused on what to do when a bomb is attached to someone’s body.

“While we knew it was an exercise in training, you kept thinking in your mind, ‘Is it? Is it really?’” she said. “The pressure was on, and it was absolutely intense.”

Before transitioning into the nursing field, Buchanan was the director of the Pasco County Sheriff’s communication office for 15 years. Prior to that, she spent time in the U.S. Air Force.

As the daughter of a family practice physician, Buchanan decided to seek a new challenge and obtained her nursing degree.

Over the years, she worked her way up from being a registered nurse to becoming a nurse supervisor.

“It’s the best job in the hospital,” Buchanan said. “I’m in every area of the hospital all day long, making rounds. In case of an emergency, or if something were to happen, it would be no problem if I had to get things in order.”

During her time at the Weapons of Mass Destruction Training Center, Buchanan gained a comprehensive understanding of how chemical and biological agents are used as weapons of mass destruction, and how to handle a disastrous situation, if one arises.

With a heightened focus and concern about terrorism nationally and abroad, Buchanan said it’s critical to always be prepared, even in a smaller city like Zephyrhills.

She pointed out the hospital is just 3 miles away from a railroad track that consistently is loaded with trains carrying hydrous ammonia and chlorine gas —two chemicals that can cause a lot of damage if exposed to the public.

Buchanan said it’s impossible to predict if a terror attack would occur in or near Zephyrhills.

“You never know,” she said. “It behooves us all to be ready in a calm, predetermined manner. You have to be cognizant of what (chemical) agents can do and how quickly they act, and how many people are affected.”

If a calamity occurs nearby, Buchanan would lead the hospital’s eight-member Emergency Response Team (ERT) and would be in charge of setting up a triage point outside the 139-bed regional medical center.

“The whole purpose for the hospital ERT is to ‘protect the house.’ That’s the big mantra,” Buchanan said about the hospital. “While it’s a hospital, we have to take care of everybody who comes to the doors, and we have to be prepared to screen the people who show up — ones that are scared or exposed or not exposed. ERT gives us a way to set up a triage point before people get into the building; if someone’s contaminated, we’d do some decontamination before it spreads.”

When tasked with choosing people to serve on her response team, Buchanan said she looked for certain qualities and personality traits suited for dealing with a catastrophe.

“We needed people that I felt were calm in a crisis,” she stated. “Underneath that veneer, they may be going, ‘Oh my gosh, now what?’ but, at least they can maintain their composure and say, ‘OK, this is what’s going on, and this is what we have to do.’

“People I’ve selected on my team in the hospital are people who are amongst their peers viewed as leaders, because you tend to listen to your peers and emulate the actions that they do,” she said.

While the specialized training was grueling and stressful, Buchanan said it was a great learning experience. She thinks more agencies should take advantage of the opportunity.

“Homeland Security provides everything — the training, the housing and the meals. …I would encourage everybody from law enforcement, first responders, health care officials, anybody, to check it out,” she said.

Published January 20, 2016

Development is heating up in Land O’ Lakes

By

Recent rezoning applications suggest that Land O’ Lakes is on the radar for new development.

Potential projects on tap are a craft brewery, new retail and townhomes —all along a single stretch of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, north of State Road 54.

Each project received a recommendation of approval on Jan. 13, from the Pasco County Planning Commission, a voluntary group that advises the Pasco County Commission, after reviewing recommendations from the county’s planning staff.

The Pasco County Commission is scheduled to consider the three proposals at its Jan. 26 meeting.

Imperial Buffet is applying for a license to sell beer and wine at its location in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
Imperial Buffet is applying for a license to sell beer and wine at its location in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Representatives of Interior Elegance Inc., and In the Loop Brewing have applied for a beer and wine license at a building located at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

County records show plans call for a 540-square-foot brewery, a 2,800-square-foot tap and tasting room, and an outdoor beer garden of nearly 6,800 square feet.

Just south of the proposed brewery, owners of E List Properties are proposing to build about 7,500 square feet of retail, and five townhomes with a boat dock fronting Lake Padgett.

That nearly two-acre site is at 3300 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., north of Stiverson Road.

Real estate broker Jim O’ Brien represented E List Properties at the planning commission meeting.

O’ Brien told planning commissioners that no decisions had been made yet on the type of retail the project would include.

E List Properties is seeking to rezone a vacant lot on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard for townhomes and retail development.
E List Properties is seeking to rezone a vacant lot on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard for townhomes and retail development.

After the meeting, O’ Brien said it is not surprising to see new interest in the Land O’ Lakes area based on residential development on U.S. 41, given the county’s new growth spurt. “It’s going to create more opportunities,” O’ Brien said. “People want to work where they live.”

He doesn’t anticipate a quick start to construction by E List, but he said, “Everything north of State Road 54 is booming.”

Brother Investments Inc., rounded out the three proposals, with a plan to build a contractor’s office, with storage, at 3228 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The zoning, if approved, would change from residential to commercial and light manufacturing.

In other rezoning requests in Land O’ Lakes, Imperial Buffet in the Village Lakes Shopping Center, off State Road 54, is seeking a beer and wine license. The restaurant opened Jan. 15 at the former location of Ichiban Buffet.

In another request, John D. Jones is seeking to rezone property at 7329 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., north of Gator Lane, from general commercial to commercial and light manufacturing. He proposes to remodel an existing building as a contractor’s office, with storage space.

Published January 20, 2016

 

Blind golfer inspires Saint Leo crowd

By

Being legally blind won’t stop 26-year-old Jeremy Poincenot from enjoying life.

Poincenot, a blind golfing champion and inspirational speaker, presented life lessons to a group of college students at Saint Leo University on Jan. 13.

Throughout his hour-long speech, Poincenot reinforced positive thinking and the importance of displaying kindness and being selfless.

The speech was well received from several attendees, who noted they weren’t sure how they would manage to go through life if they were legally blind.

“I thought it was a really good story,” said Leo Jurcak, a freshman at Saint Leo. “It was really inspiring.”

Poincenot’s advice was thought-provoking for Liam O’ Brien, another freshman at the university.

Jeremy Poincenot’s father, Lionel, serves as his caddie, helping to explain where to place shots. (Courtesy of Jeremy Poincenot)
Jeremy Poincenot’s father, Lionel, serves as his caddie, helping to explain where to place shots.
(Courtesy of Jeremy Poincenot)

“I think it opens a perspective that most people don’t see on a regular basis,” O’ Brien said. “What stood out was the idea…that someone may look perfectly fine, but you have no idea what’s going on in a person’s head. I learned to not take anything for granted and to not take life too seriously sometimes.”

Poincenot lost his central vision in 2008, then a 19-year-old college student at San Diego State University. The cause of blindness was a result of a rare genetic disorder called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which affects only about 100 people per year.

The disease is mostly prevalent among young males. It has no treatment or cure. It caused Poincenot to gradually lose his vision over a period of two months.

“I was on campus one day, and noticed I had to squint to read a sign and never had to do that before, so I was like, ‘All right, I just need glasses. Whatever. It is what it is,’” he detailed. “Then, all of a sudden it kept getting progressively worse and worse. … It started in my right eye, and then in two months went to my left eye…now I’m legally blind with no central vision.”

It was a shock for Poincenot, who was initially unsure of what he would do or how he would cope for the rest of his life.

“I had no idea what I could do,” he said. “I thought I was going to have to start playing the piano and be like Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder.

“Everything was an adjustment. It was a total adjustment to a new way of life.”

As he deliberated his next move in life, his mother Lissa, told him about the United States Blind Golf Association. The idea seemed far-fetched to Poincenot, who spent three years on his high school’s varsity golf team.

“Golf is a very visual sport, so I didn’t think golf could ever be a possibility,” said Poincenot, adding that he thought his mom was kidding when she told him. “I didn’t like slow players (in high school), so the idea to blind golf was the epitome of slow play. I was like, ‘There’s no way; even if I could play, I don’t want to slow people up.’”

After going through a period of grief and hopelessness, Poincenot opted to try the sport again after receiving support from his family and friends.

For Poincenot, the toughest part about getting back into the game he loved so much was managing his expectations.

“The first time I went out, I shot a 99, and I was happy to break 100, but was like: ‘That’s so bad.’ I would’ve curled up in a ball in high school if I shot that number,” said Poincenot, who consistently shot in the 70s in high school.

“Now that I’ve lost my sight…you’ve got to realize it’s not that bad, and just try to get better from there.”

With the help of his father, Lionel, who serves as his caddie, Poincenot regularly shoots in the low 80s, with career lows of 74 and 77. His game improved so much that he became the 2013 U.S. National Blind Golf Champion in the B-2 (visually impaired golfers, but not fully blind) category.

“My dad is my eyes, my guide, my caddie on the course,” said Poincenot, deflecting the credit for his accomplishments. “He does all the work, and I just execute the shots.”

While golf is a “glorified hobby” for Poincenot, he consistently uses it as a frame of reference for his speaking engagements, which he does in front of both university and corporate audiences across the country.

“He’s turned his adversity into something that can help people change their perspective whenever they face whatever trials or tribulations that they have,” said Patrick Gallagher, a college friend of Poincenot’s since they were both in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at San Diego State University. “I think he really spends a lot of time to intentionally care about people and get to know them. It’s a lot easier to pick up life lessons when you have somebody that puts in the effort to build a relationship.”

For those going through personal struggles, Poincenot said the key to overcoming those problems is to be surrounded by people who are “dreamers and believers.”

“Surround yourself with good people,” Poincenot said. “Like, I didn’t think I could play golf, but my mom, dad and family pushed me into it. …It’s about just getting out and trying things and being resourceful, because I really do think we set our own limitations. I didn’t let anyone else tell me what I could or could not do for a living.

“If a blind guy can go out and play golf, and get his way out to Florida on his own, anybody can do whatever they put their mind to for sure,” he said.

Published January 20, 2016

Local students vie for $10,000 video prize

By

The fifth-grade media club at Veterans Elementary School is vying for the $10,000 grand prize in the annual Trees Rock video contest sponsored by Scotties Tissues.

The club’s video has been deemed a top 10 finalist in a national competition.

The contest calls for videos that explain the importance of trees. The $10,000 prize is intended for use in a sustainable project, such as tree plantings, outdoor classrooms, greenhouses, gardens and so on.

Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf. (Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School)
Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf.
(Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School)

Students led by club co-advisers Susan Forgas and Mario Pineo worked on the video for weeks.

The students came up with the ideas for the segments, wrote the scripts, created costumes, filmed the segments and edited the three-minute video.

The video is based on the concept of someone flipping through the channels at night, landing on commercials or previews of shows.

“The kids kind of brought their own ideas,” Pineo said. “They sort of had an audition. Then we brainstormed how we would put those together and which ones we would include, and which ones made sense,” he said.

One segment is a portion of a mock sportscast hosted by Jack Carbone, playing the role of Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent, playing the role of Alyssa Leaf.

Carbone also wrote the script for the segment, and Gadiel Ramirez shot the video.

Bollent also wrote the script for “Jennie the Genie,” with assistance from Caitlan Jamison and Julia Rosenberg.

Caitlan Jamison plays the role of Jennie the Genie, and Siena Bracciale plays the role of Sarah, in a segment called “Jennie the Genie.”
Caitlan Jamison plays the role of Jennie the Genie, and Siena Bracciale plays the role of Sarah, in a segment called “Jennie the Genie.”

Jamison played the role of Jennie, Siena Bracciale played Sarah, and Yasmin Fajardo worked the camera.

Isaac Machado played the role of Slash and also wrote the script for “Slash vs Arbor Girl.” Rosenberg played Arbor Girl, Joie Goletz was Woodchuck, and Ava Shortt shot the segment.

Alyssa Forgas, who is Susan Forgas’ niece, handled the camera for the “All Spice” advertisement, which also featured Ella Jennette and Lauren Rossman as rock stars and Lauren Carulli as a makeup artist. Carulli and Jennette co-wrote the ad.

Griffin Roberts played the role of Daniel Wood in one segment. He also created a Twitter page @VoteVes, to help attract votes for the video.

Isaac Machado plays Slash, a villain in a segment called “Slash vs. Arbor Girl.”
Isaac Machado plays Slash, a villain in a segment called “Slash vs. Arbor Girl.”

Throughout the process, students handled a variety of chores, shooting video, editing, writing scripts and coming up with costumes.

If the school wins, the students want to spend the money on the butterfly garden, an edible garden and a sensory garden, featuring plants that have scents.

This isn’t the first time Veterans Elementary has had success with the contest.

In 2013, Ryan and Rachel Mish, a brother-and-sister team from the school, placed in the top four.

During the next phase of the contest, which runs through Feb. 7, the public will have a chance to view the videos and vote to determine who wins the grand prize.

To view and vote for Veterans Elementary School’s video, go to ScottiesTreesRock.com.

Published January 20, 2016

 

Former Lutz Guv’na is now Saucy Queen

By

It all began with a carrot.

Well, a basket of carrots, actually.

Carrots were the vegetable of the week at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, and everyone was encouraged to come up with an idea to make vegetables more enticing for kids.

Michele Northrup poses near her gourmet hot sauces, now available on the shelves of some Winn-Dixie stores in Florida. (Photos courtesy of Michele Northrup)
Michele Northrup poses near her gourmet hot sauces, now available on the shelves of some Winn-Dixie stores in Florida.
(Photos courtesy of Michele Northrup)

Michele Northrup, who works at the charter school, decided to combine the sweetness of carrots with the heat of peppers to concoct a gourmet hot sauce.

People said the sauce tasted so good, she should bottle it.

So, she did.

Since then, she launched a business named Intensity Academy and has branched out to have a product line including sauces, dry rubs and dips.

Her company’s gourmet sauces also have garnered 57 national awards.

Last year, Northrup and her husband, Tom Was, joined forces with a partner to open their own bottling plant, The Sauceology Group, in Clearwater.

Intensity Academy also was selected by Winn-Dixie to stock its product in about 150 Winn-Dixie stores across Florida.

“In the middle of the summer, Winn-Dixie did a really big, grassroots search for local, quality products,” Northrup said. “They put the word out through all festivals and markets that they were looking for products to showcase their Winn-Local program.

“So, we did a pitch, very similar to a ‘Shark Tank’ pitch,” Northrup said, referring to the television program which gives product inventors a chance to win backing from potential investors.

“We did samples of foods with all of our sauces, and we presented it to them, and we had little cheat sheets, so they knew what sauces they were eating with what foods.

“We had to talk about our fan bases and our social media, and how we built our businesses from the ground up.

“From that selection process, they narrowed it down to a few key products for the state of Florida,” Northrup said.

The rollout began around Thanksgiving and is occurring gradually.

The fun part, Northrup said, is finding out from fans where her sauces are showing up in other parts of the state. They’ll pose in front of a shelf and take a “Saucy Selfie” to send to her, Northrup said.

One of the five artisanal hot sauce developed by Intensity Academy for The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.
One of the five artisanal hot sauce developed by Intensity Academy for The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

Northrup was also notified last week that she is one of five finalists in the first annual “That Business Show Awards” selected by Jamie Meloni, host of the iheartradio show.

Northrup is thrilled by the achievement of a business she has built from, literally, the ground up.

She launched Intensity Academy in 2007, the same year she was making her run for Lutz Guv’na.

The honorary title is won by raising the most cash, and proceeds from the race go to local organizations and charities.

Northrup raised $16,912, setting a record for the race.

Throughout her bid, she was introducing her sauce and using proceeds from their sales to fill her campaign coffers.

Her Guv’na bid helped groups in Lutz, but also helped Northrup get her fledgling business off the ground.

People who had tasted her sauces during the campaign wanted to buy more, she said.

Now, Northrup’s sauces are sold at specialty markets, and dozens of festivals and fresh markets each year.

She also delivers. She tools around the area, making stops in Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, Citrus Park, Carrollwood and other spots to drop off orders.

Now, she’s transitioning the business. Her sons Christian, Sebastian and Tommy, and their girlfriends, now handle the events and markets.

She’s focusing on product development and marketing, and her husband is in charge of the Clearwater warehouse.

“I do all of the artwork for the labels. I draw all of the designs.”

She’s still developing new sauce flavors, too.

“Our newest sauce is a mustard. It’s MustThai. MustThai is a must try. It’s a spicy mustard,” she said.

The bottling plant provides services for 11 brands on a regular basis and about 20 others, periodically, she said.

At Sauceology, she helps new companies get their grassroots marketing going.

“Really, for me, the marketing and the branding, and the social media — I love that.  I love the connection side of it, too,” she said, noting she has about 10,000 combined followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The common question she gets is: “How did you get started?”

Another popular query is: “How do you take an idea and actually make it into something? That’s why I ended up branching off into Sauceology, because I was giving everybody advice all of the time,” she said.

When she meets someone who has an idea and a passion for it, she tells them: “Take the chance. Take the leap. That’s the difference right there.”

It’s not necessary to know all the answers, or how it will all play out, she said.

Just get started and don’t be intimidated, she advised.

“The first step makes all of the difference,” she said.

“You don’t always have to know how you’re going to finish it, or how you’re going to do the whole thing,” Northrup said.

“I would have never thought that I’d have my own manufacturing plant — from just that little idea from a carrot in a garden,” she said.

To learn more about her business, search Intensity Academy on Facebook or visit www.intensityacademy.com.

Published January 20, 2016

4,000 singers make music together in Rome

By

Singers from a choir from San Antonio were among 4,000 to join voices in Rome in a New Year’s Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis.

“It was beautiful to hear all of the singing together,” said 14-year-old Catherine Beard, who belongs to the Saint Anthony Choristers from Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

“We were in one place. We were all singing for God, together, from everywhere around the world,” she said.

This shot, of the entire choir, was taken near the Coliseum, in Rome.Top, from left: Blaise Carson, Sarah Balling, Valeria Merkt, Clare Hernandez, Claudia Vitale, Catherine Beard, Maria Hernandez, Emily Balling, Tierra Carson and Esteban Merkt. Middle, from left: Michael Beard, Donnie Beard and Sandra Lau. Bottom: Lexi Rosario and Adriana Schiereck. (Courtesy of Jackie Rosario)
This shot, of the entire choir, was taken near the Coliseum, in Rome.Top, from left: Blaise Carson, Sarah Balling, Valeria Merkt, Clare Hernandez, Claudia Vitale, Catherine Beard, Maria Hernandez, Emily Balling, Tierra Carson and Esteban Merkt. Middle, from left: Michael Beard, Donnie Beard and Sandra Lau. Bottom: Lexi Rosario and Adriana Schiereck.
(Courtesy of Jackie Rosario)

The singers came from 18 countries, and they learned songs in several languages, including French, Latin, English and Portuguese, said Kristin Beard, Catherine’s mom.

“When they were in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Day, they all sang the same music, which was beautiful,” she said.

“There were several mini-concerts around Rome, where maybe four or five choirs would sing. They’d perform for their families, friends and people,” she said.

Before the choirs joined at St. Peter’s Basilica, they had a rehearsal at an auditorium behind the basilica, she said.

That’s when they had a private audience with Pope Francis, she added.

“He came to greet the children. There was a main aisle, and he went down the aisle. He was shaking children’s hands, as he walking down. He sat down and talked to the kids. And then, he walked back up the aisle, and that’s when he was shaking hands.”

“We knew that he was going to be there. We knew he’d be going up and down the aisle, however we didn’t know where we’d be seated. Our choir was fortunate enough to be seated right on the aisle,” she said.

Her sons, Michael and Donald, Jr., both shook hands with Pope Francis.

Michael shook both of his hands with Pope Francis and Donald shook one.

Both boys were delighted.

“They were pretty excited. They said they were never going to wash hands again,” Kristin Beard said, laughing at the thought.

Michael Beard, left, shook both of his hands with Pope Francis. Donald Beard Jr., shook one hand with Pope Francis. It was an experience their mom, Kristin Beard, said the boys will never forget. (Courtesy of Kristin Beard)
Michael Beard, left, shook both of his hands with Pope Francis. Donald Beard Jr., shook one hand with Pope Francis. It was an experience their mom, Kristin Beard, said the boys will never forget.
(Courtesy of Kristin Beard)

“It’s something they’re going to remember forever,” she added.

Besides enjoying the music, Catherine Beard, was impressed by the historic landmarks, including the Coliseum and the catacombs.

“I’m a big fan of Roman architecture,” she said.

Fifteen-year-old Lexi Rosario was also duly impressed.

“Going to Rome was such an amazing experience in so many ways,” she said, via email.

“Making a trip like this is on so many people’s bucket lists, and being able to go at such a young age was such a blessing, not to mention meeting and singing for the Pope himself.  “I am truly blessed and grateful for all who helped make this happen for us,” she said.

Choir Director Sandra Lau echoed those sentiments.

“I would just like to say ‘Thank you’ to the many generous people who contributed financially to make this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible for our youth choir,” she said, via email.

Published January 20, 2016

Rebecca’s at City Market offers new fare

By

The phone call came unexpectedly in October.

In passing, Curtis Beebe had told the owners of City Market Bistro that if they ever wanted to sell, he and his wife Rebecca might be interested.

Within days of the call, Rebecca’s at City Market was signed, sealed and delivered.

Rebecca and Curtis Beebe recently opened their third restaurant, and their first in downtown Dade City – Rebecca’s at City Market. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Rebecca and Curtis Beebe recently opened their third restaurant, and their first in downtown Dade City – Rebecca’s at City Market.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

By November, the Beebe’s were off and running with their third restaurant in four years. And, they were betting on a bright future for downtown Dade City, which is experiencing a renaissance of restaurants and shops.

“It’s exciting, and I’m investing in it, obviously,” Curtis Beebe said.

Taking chances is nothing new for this couple.

They opened their first restaurant – The Pearl in the Grove – on rural St. Joe Road in Saint Joseph, amid kumquats, horses, cows and hayfields.

The restaurant recently earned a Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine, which praised the originality of its farm-to-table cuisine.

LOCAL Public House and Provisions is a gastro-pub in San Antonio with New Orleans flavored comfort food and craft beers.

Rebecca’s at City Market, at 14148 Eighth St., in Dade City, is starting with the former City Market Bistro’s menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, and slowly introducing new dishes.

Each of the couple’s ventures shares the same philosophy. And, as Curtis Beebe put it: “Local is better.”

What goes on the plate comes as much a possible from freshly grown and produced locally, including pasture-fed beef.

Fish is from a local vendor, bread from an Ybor City bakery, and vegetables from local growers.

“It is all custom made,” he said.

If Curtis Beebe stands out as the prime chef in the family-owned restaurants, Rebecca Beebe is just as hands-on behind the scenes.

“Rebecca has the ability to taste food and know exactly what it needs,” her husband said. And, she’s been known to toss out recipes that don’t meet her standards.

The restaurant that bears her name is no different.

She spends her days teaching at Pasco Middle School and her nights overseeing the details of running three restaurants.

That includes menu selections, the menu design, and pitching in to help with food preparations.

In the next semester, she plans to take a sabbatical from teaching to focus more on the newest restaurant acquisition.

Downtown Dade City is an opportunity to broaden the customer base.

Pearl in the Grove is an off-the-beaten path kind of restaurant.

In downtown Dade City, though, “We get way more walk-in traffic. We have the ability to serve a broader range of food. There is something for everyone,” Curtis Beebe said.

The restaurant attracts a family crowd.

“It’s classic and comfortable,” said Rebecca Beebe.

The Beebes both grew up in foodie families.

“My mother cooked everything from scratch,” said Rebecca Beebe. “We both cooked with our mothers.”

And, wherever they lived, the Beebes picked up new flavors and recipes from Tex-Mex to Native American.

Curtis Beebe had a long-time career in the corporate world of information technology, but the economy’s downturn in 2007 left him jobless. And then, set him on a different path.

He began catering dinners, parties and special events, and getting positive feedback on his menus.

Members of the Dade City Woman’s Club were among his first taste testers.

“That’s how we validated all this and thought we could make a living,” he said.

He doesn’t miss his past working life.

“This is much more fulfilling,” he said.

It has been a right-time, right-place experience in eastern Pasco County. New families, including millennials, are moving to the area, he said.

“They are all looking for authentic experiences,” Curtis Beebe said. “You can get it in towns like San Antonio, St. Joe and Dade City. There is a lot of cool stuff happening, which makes more opportunities,” he said.

Could there be a fourth restaurant in their future?

“We’re not looking, but we weren’t looking when we found this (Rebecca’s),” he said.

If there is another restaurant, Rebecca Beebe said, “We’ll have to call it Serendipity.”

Published January 20, 2016

Porter campus provost is promoted

By

Dr. Stan Giannet, the founding provost at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, has been promoted to a vice president’s post at the college.

Giannet wrapped up his last day at the Porter Campus on Jan. 15. He assumed his new role, based at the college’s West Campus in New Port Richey, on Jan. 19.

Stan Giannet, the founding provost of Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has been promoted to a vice president for Pasco-Hernando State College. His last day at the campus was Jan. 15. His new role began Jan. 19. (File Photo)
Stan Giannet, the founding provost of Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has been promoted to a vice president for Pasco-Hernando State College. His last day at the campus was Jan. 15. His new role began Jan. 19.
(File Photo)

The new vice president is eager to embrace the challenges of his new role, but said he will miss the staff, students and community at the campus he has led since its beginning.

Previously the provost at the college’s North Campus in Brooksville, he took over the leadership role at the Porter Campus in July of 2013.

Giannet selected the campus’ inaugural staff, and directed the school’s opening and subsequent growth.

“For this term, our full-time enrollment, we are up 4.5 percent,” he said.

“We continue to have strong programs. We continue to have classes from 8 o’clock in the morning until 9:40 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and a vigorous selection of classes on Fridays, from 8 (a.m.) to 4:30 (p.m.),” he said. “Almost all of those classes are full.”

Giannet has been named the college’s new vice president of academic affairs and faculty development/college provost.

“This will give me an opportunity to work closely with the president and the faculty to strengthen our existing programs and academic activities,” he said.

The role involves strengthening communication and collaboration among the departments, and developing the faculty, he said.

Previously, the provosts reported to the president, but now they will report to Giannet. Academic deans also will report to Giannet.

The new structure will foster opportunities for closer collaboration, Giannet said.

He said he will be striving for consistency across the college’s campuses.

He also wants to be sure the college is listening to students, supporting the faculty and serving the community.

“There’s going to be a heavy focus on community initiatives,” said Giannet, who was deeply involved in that type of work at the Porter Campus.

“What makes this a truly extraordinary place of learning and work is the family, the people we have here,” Giannet said.

He said he knows the campus is positioned well to continue to thrive.

“I’m leaving behind a solid foundation of people, who do outstanding work,” Giannet said.

He also expects continued partnerships, as the community grows.

The campus gave Giannet a send-off, which he characterized as “deeply touching, deeply moving.”

Dr. Bonnie Clark, who has been named vice president of distance learning and provost of Porter Campus, is Giannet’s successor.

Published January 20, 2016