The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Buzzing bees, bromeliads and beauty

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It’s summertime, so that means the kids are out of school and out-of-town guests are flocking to Florida to take advantage of the state’s world-famous theme parks and its gorgeous beaches.

But here’s a place, just off the beaten track, that’s truly one of Tampa Bay’s gems.

Ingredients derived from the purple coneflower have been widely used in folk remedies for generations and are still used for medicinal purposes today. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Ingredients derived from the purple coneflower have been widely used in folk remedies for generations and are still used for medicinal purposes today.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The Florida Botanical Gardens offers visitors a chance to experience beauty, learn about nature, get some exercise and find a nice shady spot for a picnic lunch.

The attraction, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, has another huge plus: It’s free.

You don’t have to go to Disney World or Busch Gardens to see topiary. You can visit the Wedding Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens to see a Cupid topiary take aim at a leafy green heart.

If palm trees are your thing, you’ll enjoy the collection here, including a date palm, a ribbon palm, a European fan palm, a Zombie palm, a Sugar palm, a cardboard palm, a triangle palm — well, you get the idea.

In other spots, guests can get closeup looks at spiky “crown of thorns” plants, gorgeous water lily blooms, exotic bird of paradise plants and clusters of bananas.

There are trails especially designed for children.

There are areas likely to interest gardeners.

There’s wildlife, too, including wading birds and turtles.

There’s also something else that visitors need to know about. There are alligators.

They typically lurk below the water — but sometimes they surface to make an appearance.

The key is to be aware of them, stay away from them and take seriously the warning signs that are posted around the property.

While the Florida Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit, it’s a good idea to go early in the day before Florida’s brutal heat and humidity take hold.

Slather on plenty of sunscreen. Spray on insect repellent. Drink plenty of water.

Bring a camera.

And, enjoy.

Florida Botanical Gardens: It’s a place to experience beauty, learn about nature, reflect and relax.
Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33774
How much: Admission is free
Check website for hours of operation: PinellasCounty.org.

Published June 10, 2015

Pasco opens new Utilities Administration Building

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Pasco County is on the move.

With the slice of ceremonial scissors, county officials cut the ribbon on the new 50,000-square-foot Utilities Administration Building, located at 19420 Central Boulevard, off U.S. 41.

On June 19, more than 200 employees in the utilities department will move from New Port Richey to Land O’ Lakes. And, the facility is scheduled to open to the public on June 23. The hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chairman Ted Schrader, holding scissors, slices through the ribbon, as he and other dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Utilities Administration Building. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Chairman Ted Schrader, holding scissors, slices through the ribbon, as he and other dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Utilities Administration Building.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The cross-county move recognizes the accelerating growth in the northern and eastern areas of Pasco, with State Road 54 and State Road 56 prime targets for residential and commercial development.

New housing construction is also heating up on U.S. 41, in the vicinity of the new utilities building.

“We’re trying to get closer to the new customers,” said County Administrator Michele Baker. “We have got to move more of our services. This building is the beginning of trying to provide more services closer to where people are.”

The county utility department provides water and sewer services and reclaimed water as well as solid waste, recycling and hazardous waste disposal.

About 30 people attended the ribbon cutting including Baker, Chairman Ted Schrader, Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Mike Moore and former County Administrator John Gallagher. Representatives of the architectural firm FleischmanGarcia and contractors Construction Technology Group also attended.

The two-story building has a soaring atrium in the lobby, a customer service center on the first floor, a drive-thru window, conference rooms, a training room and offices for the utilities service staff members.

The facility will be a backup location for the county’s emergency operations center.

A national review panel also certified that the building meets Silver LEED standards based on its energy efficiency and environmental design.

Schrader described the grand opening as a historic occasion.

“Pasco is typically a thrifty county,” he said.

But more than a decade ago, it was clear to some in Pasco government that change was on the way.

“They knew Pasco was going to be exploding,” he said. “It’s an outwardly beautiful building that will stand the test of time and be here for a long time.”

Business owners and residents in Land O’ Lakes see long-range benefits to the area.

“We’re obviously very proud of our community,” said Mary Lynn Gorsline, incoming president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “It will help spur growth we’re looking for, positive growth.”

New restaurants or gift shops are potential new businesses that could come to the northern end of State Road 54.

“It will start to change the northern area of Land O’ Lakes,” she said.

There also are other business-related benefits as well.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Terri Dusek, the honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes. “As a Realtor, it’s going to make it more convenient for buyers and sellers to change over utilities. The centralized part of it is exceptional.”

The vision for the facility emerged in 2003 and was ready to go five years later. But, by then, construction costs were off the chart, said Bruce Kennedy, assistant county administrator for the Utilities Service Branch.

That coincided with a flattened economy and a slow recovery.

It wasn’t until 2012, when the Pasco County Commission could set aside about $9 million for construction.

A groundbreaking happened in 2014.

While most employees will transfer to the Land O’ Lakes office, Kennedy said a small number of customer service representatives will remain in New Port Richey. They will serve mainly walk-in customers, he said.

An office also is maintained in Dade City.

It’s not clear how many walk-in customers will frequent the new facility.

“It’s going to be interesting what that demand is,” said Kennedy.

The county is encouraging more customers to conduct business online. Kennedy said that would include signing up for new service or disconnecting existing service. “We’re trying to automate these things.”

For about 20 to 30 employees who live in and around New Port Richey, the longer distance to work is an issue. But Kennedy said the county is exploring options to provide some kind of carpooling or ride share.

And, he said some employees transferred to job openings in other departments closer to home.

The department essentially ran out of room nearly a decade ago due to staff growth, Kennedy said. Some employees were deployed to different locations, but he said, “This allows us to get our group of people back together to work on a day-to-day basis. This gives us a central location. It’s a big benefit.”

Published June 10, 2015

 

Renovations wrapping up at Land O’ Lakes Community Park

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The $2.4 million renovation project at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is just about completed. It features new fields, a playground, a concession stand and restrooms. There’s even a walking trail for walkers and joggers that goes around the park.

But there’s another improvement that gets Mike Walcott, a recreation supervisor for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, really excited.

The parking.

A proposed stage where special events can be held would cost $150,000 or more, but would create a permanent platform for community productions and performances. (Image courtesy of Heritage Park Foundation)
A proposed stage where special events can be held would cost $150,000 or more, but would create a permanent platform for community productions and performances.
(Image courtesy of Heritage Park Foundation)

“I think the thing a lot of people are going to like is the paved parking,” Walcott said. “Because when you park in a dirt lot in the middle of July and you have those storms come rolling though, it creates a mess.”

Walcott has endured the mess associated with dirt lots long enough to know how bad it can be. He’s been with the county parks department for 15 years, with about eight of them at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

Small improvements can make a big difference, and they can enhance the experience of visiting the park.

And, with all the bigger improvements ready to be unveiled to the public, he expects a lot more visitors in the future.

The improved fields are good for the park’s existing users like their adult softball league and Police Athletic League youth football. The latter will now have their home games at the park, instead of just using it as a practice facility.

In addition, the park now has a special event area that will be a gathering place for a variety of community events. Walcott sees movies in the park, a farmer’s market and company picnics as just some of the possible uses.

The annual Swampfest event, which was canceled last year due to a conflict with the park’s renovation schedule, is also back on for this November.

And with a potential addition in the future, the possibilities are even greater.

“We’re looking forward to possibly a stage being put out into the park, so we’ll be able to do concerts,” Walcott said.

That project is being spearheaded by the Heritage Park Foundation. And the group’s president, Sandy Graves, believes it would be an artistic feather in the park’s cap.

“I think it will complete that park,” Graves said.

The plan includes a structure that takes up around 2,000 square feet with a back room, electrical hookup and wide steps for people to bring up instruments or other bulky equipment.

The foundation would like to collaborate with local government to help raise funds for the project, which could exceed $150,000. For now, foundation members are raising money on their own, as they try to find a government partnership that works for everybody.

While the park will continue to thrive as a destination for local teams, Graves sees more opportunities for the park as a local hub of community activity.

“Sports is just one facet,” she said. “I think it’s good for the community to have a central gathering space where it can have the festivals that bring a community together.”

Meanwhile, the Land O’ Lakes Community Park is taking advantage of another construction project to enhance users’ experience. When Sanders Memorial Elementary School reopens later this year as the county’s first STEAM magnet school, its proximity to the park invites a natural sharing of facilities. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

They’ll be able to share event space, parking, basketball courts and other facilities.

That collaboration, as well as the existing renovations and potential future improvements, means the park will continue to maximize its resources. At just 16 acres, it’s not a large park, but the new layout will use the area efficiently.

“I think they came up with a great multi-use community park,” Walcott said. “As far as the size that we have here, I think everyone’s going to get something out of it.”

For now, it seems like everyone wants to hear about its progress. Walcott gets residents coming by every day asking about project updates and wanting to see how things are going. And he’s pleased to report that some facets of the park will be available within the next couple of weeks, and the fields are being prepared for use in the coming months. Soon residents will be able to enjoy the new amenities, like the walking trail, concession stand and event area.

And the parking, of course.

“It sounds ridiculous that I keep going back to the paved parking. But oh my goodness, that was the biggest thing. Just getting stuck in the mud,” Walcott said. “I know when people come out here and get a good look at the place, they’re really going to like it. They’re really going to enjoy being out here.”

Published June 10, 2015

Goodbye, Mrs. Fernandez

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In her 38 years as an educator, Mary Fernandez relied on this simple guiding principle: Is it what’s best for children?

In sorting through the myriad issues and competing interests that a principal faces in the day-to-day work of running a school, that principle provided clarity when making decisions, Fernandez said.

Fernandez joined Lutz Elementary School’s staff in 1993, as an assistant principal.

Mary Fernandez, principal at Lutz Elementary for the past 11 years, retired this week. She was an educator for 38 years. While she’s stepping away from her full-time duties, she suspects that after giving herself some time to relax, she’ll be involved in education again, but not on a full-time basis. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Mary Fernandez, principal at Lutz Elementary for the past 11 years, retired this week. She was an educator for 38 years. While she’s stepping away from her full-time duties, she suspects that after giving herself some time to relax, she’ll be involved in education again, but not on a full-time basis.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

She took over the school’s top post 11 years ago, becoming only just the third principal to lead the school during the past 40 years.

Fernandez took the reins from Gloria Kolka, who succeeded Eulah McWilliams.

The decision to become an educator came early for Fernandez.

She vividly recalls sitting in her fourth-grade classroom at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in South Tampa, looking at her teacher Rebecca Thomas, and thinking: “I want to be her.”

She never wavered from that desire.

Fernandez attended the University of South Florida, graduating in three years, and began her teaching career at St. Lawrence Catholic School, when she was 21.

“I worked there for seven years. It is absolutely amazing the number of children, that are now adults, that I run into,” she said.

Indeed, one of those former students, Dr. Joe Lezama, of the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital, surprised her at her retirement party.

“It was really quite touching.

“He talked about when he was 9 and he came to my class, and he had just moved to the city. He was lost,” she said. But he settled in, and life moved on.

Last year, he came with his children to the school, and when he walked in the door, he asked: “Are you Mrs. Fernandez?’”

She responded: “You’re my Joey.”

“It’s full circle,” Fernandez said.

After teaching at St. Lawrence, she went on to teach at Citrus Park Elementary, under the direction of Principal Virginia Urbanek, who is now deceased.

“What a great, great mentor she was,” Fernandez said.

When Fernandez told Urbanek she was interested in becoming an administrator, she said Urbanek told her: “Just come every Monday morning and sit with me.”

Urbanek was an early riser.

“From 6:30 to 7:30, whatever she was working on, she let me watch,” Fernandez said.

As the day progressed, Urbanek would pop in to tell Fernandez how she followed through on various issues.

When Urbanek opened Essrig Elementary as its first principal, Fernandez joined the school’s inaugural staff.

She took on her first administrative role at Lutz Elementary.

She was attracted to the school because of the community’s hometown feel.

“Lutz is well known for that,” Fernandez said.

“I didn’t want just a job,” she explained. “I wanted to be part of a family and part of a community, and I never left,” she said.

Despite her many years as an administrator, Fernandez said she has never forgotten what brought her into education in the first place.

“I loved being in the classroom, and I loved the children, and to be honest with you, I miss it every single day.

“But I found that by being an administrator, you could really be involved in so many other children’s lives,” she said.

At Lutz Elementary, she said, “We treat children like our own. If this were your child, how would you want them to be treated?”

It means being caring, but she added, “It also means tough love.”

“We just need to love children and take care of them, and I wanted to share that value with other people,” Fernandez said.

During her years as an educator, she’s seen a greater degree of attention being paid to schools at every level — federal, state, local and community.

She agrees that accountability is important, but she also thinks many communities need to do more to help schools succeed.

“The best schools are in communities that support them. That doesn’t mean wealthy, it means communities that support them.

“Lutz is a unique community. Honestly, my wish would be that a lot of schools could feel the connection to their community like we do,” Fernandez said.

And, while technology and curriculum changes, there are some aspects of education that are timeless, she said.

“You have to work with every child, individually. If you don’t understand them personally, it doesn’t matter what program you give them. You’ve got to reach them individually. You have to reach their heart,” she said.

“You have to know their family. You have to know where they’ve come from. Their values. What they’re afraid of. What their goals are,” she added.

“You have to let them know that you care about them.

“And that,” Fernandez said, “has not changed.”

Published June 10, 2015

 

 

 

Ayres aims for the Lutz Guv’na sash

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Cheryl Lynn Ayres decided to pursue the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na in a very modern way.

She was on Facebook.

She is friends with previous Lutz Guv’nas on the social media website, and a few of them were discussing their efforts to recruit candidates for this year’s campaign. Ayres posted that it might be time for her to give it a shot.

And that was about all it took.

Cheryl Lynn Ayres isn't afraid of donning a costume, as she proved at a western-themed client appreciation picnic earlier this year with her husband, Kris. And if she wins the race for Lutz Guv'na, she'll have a sash to wear as well. (Courtesy of Cheryl Lynn Ayres)
Cheryl Lynn Ayres isn’t afraid of donning a costume, as she proved at a western-themed client appreciation picnic earlier this year with her husband, Kris. And if she wins the race for Lutz Guv’na, she’ll have a sash to wear as well.
(Courtesy of Cheryl Lynn Ayres)

“Within 30 minutes, I had a couple of phone calls saying yes, you should do that,” Ayres recalled. “If things happened this fast in real politics, stuff would get done.”

The Guv’na race isn’t real politics, of course. It’s a lighthearted fundraiser for local organizations. The person who raises the most money during the campaign, which runs until the Fourth of July weekend, is declared the winner and receives the coveted Guv’na sash.

And after nearly 30 years in Lutz, Ayres is finally throwing her hat in the ring.

A native of Minnesota, Ayres moved to Florida in the early ’80s, and settled in Lutz in 1987.

It didn’t take long for her to feel comfortable here.

At the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration, Ayres found herself near the library with the Boy Scouts. A few minutes later, she felt like she was home.

“As a community, we said the Pledge of Allegiance together, and then we sang the Star Spangled Banner. And at that moment, I said I am part of this community. And whatever it needs, I will do what I can to help.”

Ayres has kept her word, participating in several groups and associations, including serving on the board of directors for the Wilson Lakes Neighborhood Association. She doesn’t want to be the neighbor who sits back and waits for other people to get things done, Ayres said. She wants to be involved.

And with the Guv’na’s race, she has plenty of opportunities to be involved in raising money for Lutz.

She kicked things off at the debate at the Old Lutz School by singing– what else– the Star Spangled Banner. And she’s got a slate of fundraisers scheduled to bring in the cash.

On June 11, starting at 5 p.m., she’ll receive a portion of the sales from those who mention her name at BrewTown Burgers, 19255 N. Dale Mabry Highway. On June 18, she’ll benefit from a trivia night at Jan’s Wine & Boos II at 19233 N. Dale Mabry Highway. And on June 24, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., she’ll get a portion of the sales for those who declare their support for her campaign at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant, 18450 U.S. 41.

If those (and other) fundraising efforts get her the Guv’na title, she’s earmarked a portion of the money to two local groups: The Friends of the Lutz Branch Library and the local Boy Scouts. The latter is in honor of her grandson, Shannon Sobtzak, who is pursuing his Eagle Scout designation.

When she’s not starting a conga line with a toilet seat around her head — another highlight of the Guv’na debate — Ayres might be busy in her role providing support for a team of financial planners at Full Circle Financial in New Port Richey. Or, she might have her nose in a good book.

She started a book club a few years back.

The next book on the club’s list is “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a classic story of integrity and the fight for justice. It seems an appropriate tale for a Guv’na hopeful.

Win or lose, the important thing is that monies raised are going back to the community, Ayres said. But she wants to win, attend the ceremonial events befitting a Lutz Guv’na and don the symbol of the office.

“I absolutely want to wear that tacky little sash,” Ayres said.

For information about her events, search for Cheryl Lynn Schmolke Ayres at Facebook.com.

Published June 10, 2015

 

Central Pasco and Hispanic chambers unite

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Two chambers of commerce can be better than one.

In the next weeks, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will unite into a single organization.

“We are so excited to join forces, making our chambers and our communities stronger and more diverse,” Charlene Ierna, president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce wrote in a letter sent to chamber members in May.

The two chambers have hosted joint social mixers recently, and the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is creating a Hispanic business group, known as Hispanic Business Leaders.

“Leaders from both organizations worked hard to determine what would be best for our members,” John Jay also said in the letter to chamber members. Jay is past president of Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

A team of board members from both organizations is finalizing the transition that likely will be completed by June 26. On that date, Central Pasco will celebrate its 40th anniversary at its Annual Awards and Installation Banquet.

“We will literally become one,” said Mary Lynn Gorsline, the incoming president for Central Pasco. “We’re pretty excited about it. There’s a huge Hispanic population in this area.”

There is more strength and efficiency in joining the two organizations, she said.

“There is a lot of duplicate work,” Gorsline said.

Published June 10, 2015

Business Digest 06-10-15

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Dual mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer June 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Nissan, at 18519 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. This is a joint event with Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

For information, call Hispanic Business Leaders at (813) 435-1499 or Central Pasco chamber at (813) 909-2722.

General meeting
Join the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce for its general meeting on June 11 at 11 a.m., to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments, outstanding member awards and installation of new officers. Sign-up begins at 11 a.m., at Brunchie’s of Tampa, at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Networking is at 11:30 a.m. The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m.

The cost is $21, payable online or at the door by cash, check or credit card. For information, call the chamber office at (813) 961-2420, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com. For directions, call (813) 908-7023.

New breakfast club
The newly formed Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club will have its first meeting on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club in Wesley Chapel.

The club meets weekly and brings people together to network and to help each other generate new leads and prospects. Enjoy a customized breakfast menu. There are no dues and no club officers.

For information, call Bill Meyer at (813) 992-3370.

Networking
Business Link will meet on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, second floor of the Wellness Center in the conference room, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This monthly meeting offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen businesses. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union partners with industry experts to provide valuable information each month. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at the credit union at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members if paid by Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for all guests and members who pay after Tuesday.

Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.

For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Coffee social
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly coffee social, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at McDonald’s restaurant on State Road 54. This is a “no agenda” networking event over a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 994-8534.

Business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast June 16 at 7:45 a.m., at the Royal Oaks Nursing Center, 37300 Royal Oak Lane, in Dade City. Anyone attending must RSVP. The cost is $5 per person.

For information, call the chamber at (352) 567-3769.

Lunch N’ Learn forum
The Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will meet on June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel. Join fellow Chamber members to learn how to target your market and build your business around its most profitable audience.

The $15 cost includes lunch, and RSVP and prepayment are required. No walk-in seating is available.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 994-8534.

‘I’m always up for a challenge,’ teacher says

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As students head off for summer vacation, Becky Cicione will simply be changing her teaching venue.

The Connerton Elementary School teacher will spend her summer teaching in Pasco County Schools’ science camp for children at Title 1 schools.

“When I do my work in the summertime, it’s an outdoor science camp that’s enhanced by iPads. It’s held through district. We go to different locations.

Becky Cicione helps Alice Clark as she tries to get her electronic device to work. Meanwhile, Matthew Graves tries to work through a mathematics problem. Students at Connerton are allowed to bring their own electronic devices, with a parent’s permission, Cicione said. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Becky Cicione helps Alice Clark as she tries to get her electronic device to work. Meanwhile, Matthew Graves tries to work through a mathematics problem. Students at Connerton are allowed to bring their own electronic devices, with a parent’s permission, Cicione said.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“Every week, I have a new school. I spend four days with those kids,” she said, doing hands-on experiments.

When she’s not teaching the summer classes, though, she teaches fifth-graders at Connerton Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.

Her favorite age group is between 9 and 14, she said.

“That’s the age group where they start to develop their real personalities,” she said. She enjoys trying to teach them crucial information as they begin to exhibit “that teen attitude,” she said. “I’m always up for a challenge.”

She also enjoys using technology in her classroom to help students learn.

She doesn’t use technology every day because the school doesn’t have enough equipment to make that happen, but she sees its value.

During a recent mathematics class, for instance, Cicione posed a number of questions, which students worked out on iPads, which had been checked out for the class.

Except for some technical glitches, the students worked quickly through a series of problems.

Cicione projected the work and the answers on a board, so students could see the results.

At the same time, the computers tracked the students’ work — giving the teacher a tool she can use to help her pinpoint which students are struggling, as well as to see who is staying on pace or excelling.

She used an app called NearPod that allows her to see and save each child’s response to her questions. She can use the information she gleans to provide immediate support when students need it.

The teacher thinks that her use of technology may have contributed to her recognition by Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet during a spring meeting at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Cicione doesn’t know who nominated her for the Shine Award, but she was pleased by the recognition.

The Governor presents medals to the recipients throughout the year, to show appreciation for Florida’s exceptional teachers and for their commitment to improving the state’s education system.

Cicione said someone from the state Department of Education called Connerton Principal Aimee Boltz informing her that Cicione had been nominated and asking if the teacher was a worthy candidate.

“My principal (Aimee Boltz) goes, ‘Absolutely,’ ” Cicione said.

“She called me right away. She said, ‘You would not believe this. You have been nominated for the Shine award.’ ”

Then the principal announced it over the school intercom.

“My kids start cheering and jumping up and down.” Cicione said.

When Cicione returned to the school with the medal, her students were excited, the teacher said.

“The kids wanted to see it. They wanted to touch it. They were like, ‘Mrs. Cicione, you have to hang it up.’ ”

She told her students: “This is for you guys because I’m here, for you.”

Now in her fifth year of teaching, Cicione said the award was a shock.

“I kept thinking to myself, ‘I’m so young. I just turned 28.’ ”

Many of the other recipients, she said, had been teaching for decades.

At Connerton, she teaches mathematics and science to fifth-graders.

She thoroughly enjoys her job.

“I just love kids. I love working with them. They take you for who you are. They love you no matter what, and all they want is love,” Cicione said.

She recalls beginning to develop a love for math during second grade.

Her teacher was amazing, she said.

“He just was so kind. He made math so much fun,” she said.

One of the things she likes about teaching math is that it is a universal language.

She’s had students who were still learning English, but their eyes light up when they see that they’re facing math problems, she said.

“They’re like, ‘Ah, numbers. I get it.’ ”

Because math came easy to her, she said she’s been able to find ways to help make it easier for her students.

“I do a lot of small group. I do a lot of one-on-one,” she said.

She also pairs kids up as study buddies, to help each other.

“Kids learn well from each other. In order to learn better yourself, teaching it kind of reinforces those concepts.”

But she’s also mindful that some children are ahead of the curve and need more challenging work.

When she encounters that, she gives those students more difficult work and while they’re busy with that, she’ll use time to give struggling students additional help.

“It’s a balancing act. Every group of kids, it’s different,” she said.

As much as she enjoys teaching, there’s a job she would like even more.

She’d love to give teachers the technology support they need, she said.

“When things break down, we need it fixed right away. I’m very tech savvy. I love to fix things,” she said.

She’d also love to teach teachers how to use technology and to tap into all of the ways it can help to enrich lessons.

“If you don’t have someone to show you the way, you’re kind of lost,” she said.

At one point, Pasco County Schools had positions that were designed to do the kind of work she’d like to do, but those positions were eliminated by budget cuts.

With the increasing use of technology in schools, Cicione thinks that kind of position will one day be restored.

“That’s like my dream job. I know it will come back,” Cicione said.

Published June 3, 2015

No dodging Lutz man’s success

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Rick Moody’s career revolves around dodgeball.

But it was a game he didn’t like as a child.

“I know when I was a kid, dodgeball was scary,” the Lutz resident said. “You’d line up at the back of the wall and hope you don’t get hit, because it would knock your teeth out or break your nose.”

Children and adults can play anywhere there's room to set up the arena. Dodgeball2You has participated in more than 200 events so far. (Courtesy of Rick Moody)
Children and adults can play anywhere there’s room to set up the arena. Dodgeball2You has participated in more than 200 events so far.
(Courtesy of Rick Moody)

Moody’s bad memories were shared by other teachers when he taught physical education. They didn’t like the idea of children risking injury and bullying. And, if the gymnasium wasn’t available, there was no way to play it outside without chasing the ball most of the time.

So Moody came up with some solutions.

First, he focused on the ball.

Gone are the days of hard rubber speeding toward a player’s head.

In Moody’s system, the ball is foam, including a foam core, with a cloth-like covering on the exterior.

When this ball hits, it doesn’t hurt. And, it can’t be used as a weapon in the hands of an aggressive person.

Next, there’s the arena where children and adults can play the game.

Moody designed and built a structure with plastic walls that exceed 8 feet and includes netting.

The structure can be set up indoors or outdoors, takes around 15 minutes to put together and creates a fun atmosphere to play a popular game without the danger and risks that are normally associated with it.

Eventually, Moody realized he didn’t just have an idea. He had a business.

Since Dodgeball2You really got going last year, the company has done more than 200 events, with around 50,000 participants enjoying the new brand of dodgeball.

That includes a lot of repeat business, and it includes parties, gatherings at colleges and churches, and other special events.

For $200 to $300, depending on the season, an event or party can have a complete dodgeball setup, including equipment and a game manager who keeps things moving. Moody’s system features continuous play, so people can drop out and jump in as they like. At pay-for-play events, individuals can play as much as they want, with prices ranging from $10 to $50.

Aside from being fun, Moody sees other benefits in playing dodgeball.

As a former physical education teacher who ran his own running camps, and coached cross country and track and field at the college level, he knows the importance of physical fitness and the dangers of childhood obesity.

Some children spend their free time playing video games but can’t do a sit-up or push-up, Moody said. Getting in some exercise — hours of it at some events — is good for children.

“If we can get them out there exercising secretly, without them really knowing it, I think that’s going to be a huge thing,” he said.

Moody also uses his dodgeball system to tackle the problem of bullying. Dodgeball2You hosts a program called “Dodge Bullying” in schools, where they teach an anti-bullying lesson, discuss sportsmanship and invite the children to play dodgeball in a new, fun way.

“We’re able to get a message across about anti-bullying with a game that was synonymous with bullying back in the day,” Moody said.

While dodgeball can be a challenging game, the real challenge Moody faced was securing a patent for the arena.

Obtaining a patent can be a long, expensive process, and it’s one that Moody had gone through before.

“It was very painful, especially the first time around,” he said.

The first time he sought a patent was about five years ago for a different idea. He spent about $15,000, felt frustrated and did not succeed in that effort.

For his dodgeball arena, it took around 18 months and more than $10,000. But with the help of a patent attorney, it ended on a much happier note. His patent was approved just a few weeks ago.

That means Dodgeball2You doesn’t have to rely on a “patent pending” designation, and worry that someone will steal the concept.

“You’re kind of on pins and needles because people see your idea,” Moody said about the long wait to get approved.

Now that the patent is in place, Moody wants everyone to see it. Very few patents are issued to individuals, and just a small percentage of those go on to make money, he explained.

But his business is going strong —they’ve done as many as a dozen events in one weekend — and Moody is already looking to expand.

With 10 arenas and three trailers already in place, the next step will be franchising.

He’s also pursuing another patent to expand the arena’s concept into a multifunctional structure than can host several different types of games. Add in league play, and Moody’s company has dodgeball covered from all angles, like the arena he built to house the games.

Having a patented, popular concept makes the time and expense he invested worth it, he said.

“It’s a good feeling to have this accomplishment,” Moody said. “I tell everybody if you give up, you’re not going to make it. You have to keep trying. You have to keep pushing forward.”

For more information, call (844) 322-5528 or visit Dodgeball2You.com.

Published June 3, 2015

KarenSue Molis makes fundraising an art form in Guv’na race

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KarenSue Molis didn’t come up with the idea of running for Lutz Guv’na on her own. The seed was planted by someone who knew a little something about the ceremonial title and the fundraising race that goes with it.

She was recruited by a previous Guv’na.

KarenSue Molis can't wear the Guv'na sash unless she earns the title, but she can roll around Lutz in the family's antique Jaguar or Thunderbird. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
KarenSue Molis can’t wear the Guv’na sash unless she earns the title, but she can roll around Lutz in the family’s antique Jaguar or Thunderbird.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“Karen is enthusiastic, she is creative, and she appeals to just about everybody,” said Edwina Kraemer, who was Guv’na in 2006. “You want a winner for the club. You want a winner for the community.”

The club in question is the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, which selects and supports a candidate each year. And the community is Lutz, and the money raised by the annual Guv’na’s campaign goes specifically to community groups and service organizations.

After some coaxing, Molis decided she was up to the task, even though she had an inkling there was more to running for Guv’na than meets the eye.

“At first I declined, because I had a feeling there was a lot more work to this than I was being told,” she said with a laugh. “And believe me, there’s a lot more work to this than I was told!”

She’s having fun putting in the work necessary to compete in the race, which runs until the July 4 weekend. For Molis and the club, that means knocking on doors, drumming up some cash with raffles and planning events to raise the bulk of her war chest. Whichever candidate raises the most money earns the sash, so she’s getting creative with ways to collect as much as possible.

Being creative comes naturally for Molis, who was an art teacher for 11 years for elementary school children in her native Illinois. Her job took her to different schools, giving young students a chance to develop their skills, and also providing lessons that go beyond paintbrushes and crafts.

Art allows children to express themselves freely, Molis said. But it also teaches them that creating is a process, and there are steps each person takes as they progress. And that kind of discipline isn’t limited to art.

“It’s the same way in life. You can’t drive a car until you’ve been taught to drive the car. “You can’t bake a cake if you can’t follow the directions,” she said.

It’s not unusual that Molis referred to a car, when making her analogy.

Her husband of 46 years, Fred, is an antique car enthusiast, and they have a 1959 Jaguar and a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The Thunderbird has been in the last four Lutz Fourth of July parades.

When Molis and her husband were moving to the area from Jacksonville to live closer to their grandchildren, they didn’t originally intend to live in Lutz.

They planned to live in Wesley Chapel.

But when their real estate agent showed them something else, they made a detour.

“The realtor showed us the community of Lutz, and of all the places he showed us, this one just felt good,” Molis said.

She joined the woman’s club to make friends and, six years later, she’s their candidate for Guv’na.

While Molis is full of smiles and eager to shake hands as she campaigns, she knows it’s all about the money. And she has a full slate of events planned to raise funds. Each Thursday, the club hosts a luncheon at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave., N.W. And on June 6, she hopes to raise a lot of cash at a special car show from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Furniture Now Home & Accessories, 15445 N. Nebraska Ave. There’s a good chance the Molis antiques will make an appearance there as well.

While the club is working hard to put Molis over the top (their candidate last year just fell short in what was likely the closest race in Guv’na history), she knows that there are no losers in the race. When another Guv’na alumnus, Suzin Carr, explained that local organizations will get thousands of dollars to meet their goals and keep the local flavor of Lutz alive, Molis knew it was a good cause no matter the outcome.

“When she started telling me all the things that had been done with (the money), then I thought, well, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, because all of the money goes into the Lutz pot.”

If she does defeat the other two candidates, she’ll have some say in where a small portion of the money goes. And she’s already identified the Lutz Library, the Old Lutz School and Canine Companions, which helps provide assistance dogs to those in need, as her choices for Guv’na assistance.

With two children, three grandchildren and a lot of gardening to tend, Molis doesn’t lack for activities. But her schedule is all about the Guv’na race for the next month, and becoming even closer to the area that she joined just a few years ago.

“Of all the places we’ve lived in the United States, in the six years we’ve been here, we’re more a part of this community than we’ve been of any of the communities,” Molis said.

Published June 3, 2015