The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Students help ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’

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The Skype call from Salva Dut, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” is likely something the sixth-graders at Pine View Middle School will never forget.

Social media for 15 minutes linked two worlds – the one of privilege in America and the other of poverty in South Sudan.

Jackson Hilborn, left, McKenzie Lee, Hannah O’Conner, Destini Randall, and on the front row, Aimee Fuss, all age 12, were among Pine View Middle students who collected money to help the nonprofit Water for South Sudan. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Jackson Hilborn, left, McKenzie Lee, Hannah O’Conner, Destini Randall, and on the front row, Aimee Fuss, all age 12, were among Pine View Middle students who collected money to help the nonprofit Water for South Sudan.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

About 40 students filled the seats in the media center to listen to Dut and ask him questions about his life and his nonprofit, Water for South Sudan.

Pine View Middle was among more than 80 schools worldwide to accept the Iron Giraffe Challenge. The students collected more than $1,300 in donations to aid in drilling wells that deliver safe drinking water to villages in South Sudan.

As one of the top donors, the school was placed in a drawing. The prize was the Skype call from Dut.

Their funds are part of nearly $75,000 collected in total from all schools. The Iron Giraffe is the nickname, given by Sudanese children, to a drill used to bore wells.

“It kind of made me feel good to help people who aren’t as privileged as we are,” said 12-year-old Jackson Hilborn. “I didn’t know much about Sudan. It really helped me learn about other cultures and how they live.”

Hilborn and others in sixth grade language arts classes had read “The Long Walk to Water, “ a book by Linda Park that includes a biography of Dut as well as a fictional story of a young Sudanese girl. They also studied water issues, viewed a documentary on the Sudan and the Lost Boys, and saw the movie, “The Good Lie”, starring Reese Witherspoon.

“We were super psyched about the Skype,” said sixth-grade language arts teacher Chrissy Arrington.

Students delved into a culture they never knew existed.

“They are so in a bubble here,” Arrington said. “It’s opened their eyes where they see how much water they use and what other countries have.”

The fundraising by the students will help many people, Dut said. “You should be proud of yourselves,” he told the students.

He also spoke briefly about his experiences as a “lost boy” and answered questions posed by students.

The “lost boys” were orphans who fled the fighting that overtook their villages during Sudan’s second civil war from 1983 to 2005. Some were as young as age 5. They endured violence and years of hardships at refugee camps.

His story was inspirational to the students.

“He had a rough start to life, but he has changed things to where he’s doing something great,” said 12-year-old Hannah O’Conner.

Dut fled to Ethiopia, then led 1,500 lost boys to a Kenya refugee camp. In 1996, he was among 3,000 lost boys chosen to relocate to the United States. He went to school, found work and became an American citizen.

“The United States was different,” Dut said. “It was a cultural shock for me.”

Adjusting to cold weather was a particular challenge. But the abundance in America also was revealing. “Just going to a grocery store where you can see all the food and eat three times a day was awesome,” he said.

Dut thought all his family had died. But nearly 20 years after he escaped from the war, he learned his father was alive in South Sudan but ill from a water-borne disease. Dut returned home and started his nonprofit to bring clean, drinking water to people who had no access to water.

“I drilled one well. That was that,” said Dut who now has dual citizenship. But “good people” pushed him to do more.

Now more than 257 wells are pumping water to serve about 500,000 people.

“He doesn’t want other people to go through the same thing,” said 11-year-old Destini Randall. “It made us happy that we got to help out and saved people so that they can get healthy.

Published June 10, 2015

Troop 12 needs growing room

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The Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 is known in Lutz for its many good deeds.

Every year, troop members are highly visible at the Fourth of July parade in Lutz, an event that draws thousands of spectators.

But well before the parade begins, troop members are doing work behind the scenes.

Troop 12 often does community projects, including this cleanup at Lutz Elementary School. (Courtesy of Mike Ritchie)
Troop 12 often does community projects, including this cleanup at Lutz Elementary School.
(Courtesy of Mike Ritchie)

They stay overnight on the eve of the parade, near the Lutz Branch Library, so they can keep an eye on the vendor and exhibitor displays.

And, hours before the parade begins, the scouts help the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club prepare for the festivities.

They also post dozens of American flags to help celebrate the nation’s Independence Day.

Pitching in for the Fourth of July celebration is just one example of the helpful nature of this group.

The troop’s community roots go deep. Founded in 1933, the troop is one of the oldest in the country.

“From its inception (the troop) has been involved in the community in many ways,” said Scoutmaster Jeff Potvin.

In recent years, the troop has experienced a spurt in membership and has outgrown its scout “hut,” near Lutz Lake Fern Road, off U.S. 41.

“If you’re having a regular meeting, it fits everything. But when they have ceremonies where parents come, it doesn’t,” said Bill Anderson, whose 14-year-old son, Jackson, is a member of Troop 12.

The troop has 57 members, including about 25 who joined just this year.

Part of the troop’s growth is due to Cub Scouts moving up. But the membership ranks exceeded expectations, said Anderson, a former Cub Scout master.

To address the space shortage, the scouts hope to add a new room to the existing structure that was built in 1997.

The expansion would provide additional storage space and a meeting room for troop leaders. It also would free up space for activities in the main room.

The estimated cost of the addition is $12,000 to $14,000, Anderson said.

The boys are working to raise money.

They have collected more than $1,000 from a “buy a brick” program and sales of popcorn at community events. Those efforts will continue. This year the troop also will sell food at the July 4 celebration, Anderson said.

To help raise more money, Anderson has launched a “Give ‘Em Room to Grow” fundraising campaign.

He started things off with a $250 personal donation.

The hope is that local residents and businesses will join the effort, Anderson said. Those who want to contribute can do so at DonationTo.com/Troop12.

The fundraising campaign’s goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year, Anderson said.

The scouts aren’t the only ones who would benefit from a larger facility.

“They also have other (groups) that meet there,” Anderson said.

“We try to use it for a community type facility without going overboard,” said Potvin, the scoutmaster.

For instance, volunteers meet there to plan for the Fourth of July celebration. The woman’s club and an art teacher instructing home-schooled children use the space, too.

Anderson sees the fundraising effort as a way to give back to a group that has been involved in many worthwhile projects.

Those projects have included planting about 4,000 trees on behalf of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Lions Club, doing a service project at the Veterans Memorial Park, and helping with the setup and tear down at the annual Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival, to name just a few examples.

“They are just very active in the community. And, they are very generous in letting people use their building,” said Phyllis Hoedt, a volunteer who has played a pivotal role for decades in many community projects and events.

Published June 10, 2015

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