The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Ace Hardware in Lutz scores two national honors

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The Ace Hardware store in Lutz is not exactly your mom and pop hardware shop.

At one end of the business, patrons can stop in at a service desk for Sunshine Pool Service & Repair to get their pool needs met. They also can peruse shelves in that area featuring chlorine stabilizer, alkalinity increaser and other pool chemicals and supplies.

Scott Andrews, left, and his brother Todd Andrews are proud of the achievements of Ace Hardware store in Lutz. The store has captured two national honors during recent months. (Photo by B.C. Manion)
Scott Andrews, left, and his brother Todd Andrews are proud of the achievements of Ace Hardware store in Lutz. The store has captured two national honors during recent months. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

At the other end of the store, customers can find angels, snowmen, Santas and other holiday decorations at ELLA Boutique, a shop that’s dressed up for the season and well stocked with home décor and gift items.

The midsection of the store is chock full of washers, screws, garage door openers, motor oil, fasteners, paint and other stuff that’s typically found in hardware stores.

The store’s eclectic mix appeals to a broad range of customers, and it has helped the store distinguish itself as being one to watch in the industry.

Recently, the store snagged one of six national honors bestowed by Ace Hardware. It was named a 2013 “Coolest Hardware Store,” and the honor was delivered during Ace’s Platinum Conference in Las Vegas.

The store also recently received a Beacon Award for being the best new store of less than 25,000 square feet. Beacons are bestowed as part of a national industry awards program developed by The Hardware Connection magazine and The Hardware Conference. Just five hardware retailers received Beacons.

Scott Andrews and his brother Todd own the store, which is at 18469 U.S. 41 in Lutz. Scott oversees the hardware store and Todd takes care of the pool service.

Their wives, Tina and Andrea, work together to run ELLA Boutique.

ELLA draws its name from the couple’s children. E and L stand for Elaina and Lilyanna, who are Todd and Andrea’s girls. L and A stand for Luke and Alexander, who are Scott and Tina’s boys.

Even Tina’s mom, Alice McClain, gets into the act. She helps in the boutique.

The two trophies the store recently received are on proud display on a shelf at the front of the store. Directly behind this is a portrait of the two families and historic photos of Lutz.

Andrea Andrews, left, and Tina Andrews manage ELLA Boutique, a gift shop that changes merchandise seasonally to offer timely gift and décor items. Andrea is married to Todd Andrews, and Tina is married to Scott Andrews.
Andrea Andrews, left, and Tina Andrews manage ELLA Boutique, a gift shop that changes merchandise seasonally to offer timely gift and décor items. Andrea is married to Todd Andrews, and Tina is married to Scott Andrews.

Tina’s family has deep roots in Lutz, Scott said. Her great-grandparents were early settlers, and her grandmother was one of the first children born in the community, which dates back a century.

Scott said the idea for opening their Ace store came to him while he and Tina were driving past the shopping center to attend Tina’s grandmother’s funeral.

Before they took over the space, it was occupied by a Walgreens store. He and Todd already owned the pool store and were looking for a new location, so they decided to move it to the former Walgreens site and add the Ace Hardware. The boutique came a little later.

Besides placing great value on their family, the couples also believe in community involvement, Scott said.

“I think that is how we were raised,” Todd said.

Recently, they took part in a chili cook-off and classic car show to celebrate Lutz’s 100th birthday. They also support various organizations and charities, such as Lutz Little League, local Girl Scouts and Toys for Tots.

And, it’s not a bit unusual for a club or organization to drop by the boutique to ask them to donate an item to include in a gift basket, Tina said.

“We applaud the team at Lutz Ace Hardware for their commitment to providing a consistently amazing shopping experience for the local community,” said Kane Calamari, vice president of retail operations and new business at Ace Hardware Corporation, in announcing the award, in a news release.

It was a huge honor, the brothers said, noting their district manager, Tom Parman, nominated them for the highly coveted Ace award.

Of 4,700 Ace Hardware stores nationwide, just six were honored.

 

Chance billboard introduces fitness studio to new home

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The ink was barely dry on the sales agreement, and Samantha Taylor was already moving into her new Pure Health and Fitness Studios location on Knight Road in Land O’ Lakes.

That’s because the longtime local trainer doesn’t like to waste time, whether it’s helping to get a body in shape, or to provide a new 3,700-square-foot facility for her clients. Yet, Taylor hasn’t always enjoyed that level of discipline.

Customers to Pure Health and Fitness Studios will now be welcomed by a grand staircase when they walk into Samantha Taylor’s 3,700-square-foot facility on Knight Road in Land O’ Lakes. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
Customers to Pure Health and Fitness Studios will now be welcomed by a grand staircase when they walk into Samantha Taylor’s 3,700-square-foot facility on Knight Road in Land O’ Lakes. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“I used to be a major binger,” Taylor said. “I would binge on thousands of calories at a time, and that progressed for quite a few years, all in the middle of my professional training career.”

At the time, Taylor was a physical trainer at Lifestyle Family Fitness Center. And while she was one of the top trainers in the company, Taylor had a nickname she didn’t really much care for: “the chunky trainer.”

“I had gained about 20 pounds,” she said. “I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but for a personal trainer, that is like gaining 50 or 60.”

But that all changed a decade ago when she discovered the Bible.

“I really started to get the revelation that the Bible talks about that your body is a temple of God,” Taylor said. “For me, it was life-changing. It was just like a light switch went on inside my head, and I suddenly understood that my body was a gift, and I really didn’t have the right to abuse it.”

It was also that same time Taylor decided to strike out on her own, starting Pure Health, and working with women to build their bodily temples as well.

Taylor admits that because it helped her, spirituality is a part of her program. But it doesn’t mean she attracts only Christian clients.

“We don’t force it on people, but those who want it, it’s in there,” she said. “That is a reason why people seek me out. They want to work with someone who works with not just the body, but they like the mind, spirit and the body all together.”

Since starting Pure Health, Taylor has hosted clients in a few smaller locations she rented out. And she was happy doing that, until one day last summer she saw a billboard while on her way to Busch Gardens.

“Something in me knew I had to turn around and get that phone number,” Taylor said. “And when I finally saw the building, it was everything I had dreamed about. We now have rooms for seminars, and eventually even a cooking class. We are lakeside on an acre of land. I get teared up every time I think about it.”

The two-story building is off State Road 54, not far from its intersection with Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, but a bit hidden behind trees and a small lake. Taylor said she is turning it into a place where women can come and get fit without feeling intimidated by the bigger box gyms.

Construction is already underway inside the building, which Taylor expects to have done by the end of the year. And right now, only her six trainers even know about the new location. They got their first look just last week, welcomed by hundreds of rose petals sprinkled up the main walkway.

The boot camp portion of her program will open at the new location by Thanksgiving, set up in what is an air-conditioned former garage. The big doors opening up to it are still there, which Taylor says can be opened in cooler weather to let in some fresh air.

Taylor’s program is straightforward: “If you don’t eat certain foods, you will not have cravings.”

“I think that is the trap that so many people find themselves in,” she said. “They’re trapped in cravings and impulses and desires that seem to overtake them. And they don’t know how to rein it in.”

The new location for Pure Health opens Jan. 1 at 2206 Knight Road in Land O’ Lakes. In the meantime, to reach Taylor, call (813) 909-4939, or visit her website at PureHealthStudios.com.

Young woman encourages others to gaze at stars

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Melanie Crowson set up her telescope in the side yard of the New River Branch Library on an evening in October and welcomed anyone with an interest to come take a peek at the stars.

In a sense, the young woman from Wesley Chapel was coming full circle.

Melanie Crowson’s interest in astronomy began when she was very young. She now offers free community viewings, using the telescope she and her father made when she was in high school. (Photo by B.C. Manion)
Melanie Crowson’s interest in astronomy began when she was very young. She now offers free community viewings, using the telescope she and her father made when she was in high school. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

“We actually used to go up to the New River Library when we were kids, and I would check out all of the astronomy books,” said the 23-year-old who aspires to become a professional astronomer.

Crowson enjoys sharing her love for astronomy at the occasional community viewing nights that she offers.

“It’s fun,” she said. As the viewing night approaches, she’s excited about sharing astronomy. When it’s over, it’s nice to relax.

She loves introducing others to the world of stars, planets and galaxies. She also enjoys talking with people who share her fascination with celestial bodies.

“You end up discussing some interesting theories,” Crowson said.

The astronomy student eventually wants to work at a planetarium or an observatory, and is taking online courses to pursue those aims through American Public University.

Crowson, who is a Christian, also hopes to use astronomy in connection with her spiritual life, too. She said she is getting to know God in a new light through her interest in astronomy. It’s driven her to learn more and hopes one day to help develop new scientific evidence of the existence of God.

People talk about loving God with their whole heart, Crowson said. She wants to make full use of her intellectual capabilities to love God with her whole mind, too.

Her fascination with celestial bodies began quite early in life.

“I think I’ve always been interested, since I was a real small kid,” Crowson said.

She recalls going on occasional rides during the dark early morning hours with her dad, who was delivering his newspaper route.

“It was really cool. We could see all of the stars,” Crowson said.

As she learned more about stars and planets, her fascination grew.

Crowson, who was home-schooled, said her parents encouraged her to pursue her curiosity about the heavens.

During her high school years, she and her dad ran across a book that provided instructions for building a telescope. They decided to take on the challenge.

She chronicled the project in a manual she titled, “Closer To The Stars: Detailed Instructions for Building Your Own Telescope.”

It took about two years to build the telescope and it cost about $1,000. It would have been cheaper to buy a telescope, but then she would have missed out on valuable lessons, Crowson said.

Building the telescope helped her better understand how it works, she said. It also gave her a chance to apply math in real life.

“We used math to figure out sizes, distances, making sure the corners lined up,” Crowson said.

If something goes wrong with her telescope, she also knows how to fix it.

“We built it so that we know where everything is. I know exactly what every screw is there for and what it does, what it’s holding together,” Crowson said. “I know which parts I can take apart. If I need to replace anything, I know everything about it.”

Having community viewing nights gives Crowson a way to share what she loves and offers an opportunity to inspire others. She hopes people who come to peer through her telescope will enjoy what they see.

She also hopes it piques their curiosity.

“Maybe it will make them wonder: What’s out there? How was it made? Was it really a Big Bang? Make them question it a little bit more,” she said.

Maybe gazing through the telescope, the experience “will bring them closer to God,” she said.

If you would like to know more about Melanie Crowson’s community viewings, email her at .

 

Smaller gas tax hike could return next year

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Without new funding sources, roads in Pasco County could be in trouble. And while county officials have brought several options to the table, commissioners chose to revive one debate that created quite a ruckus last fall: the gas tax.

“I’ve heard enough from the citizens before that I am not going to support a gas tax,” said Commissioner Henry Wilson, who joined fellow commissioner Jack Mariano to defeat an earlier proposed 5-cent gas tax hike in September.

Moments later, however, Wilson softened his stance, saying he might consider a compromise that would bring a proposed increase to just 3 cents.

That could make a big difference in what is now a $5 million gap in the county’s capital transportation fund. A 3-cent increase could raise that much money, and cost drivers 6 cents a day, assuming gas stations passed that tax on to drivers.

However, to fund all of the county’s transportation needs beginning next year, Pasco would need to raise $8.5 million. And that’s where a new option can come into play — raising property taxes.

That option, mixed with a gas tax, had the commission buzzing last week. With a 3-cent gas tax increase, the county would only have to raise taxes 0.1905 mills, equal to an annual increase of less than $10 for a $100,000 home that claims $50,000 in exemptions.

Raising property taxes for road and bridge projects would affect homes in all parts of the county, including incorporated areas. But the county would not be required to share those revenues with the individual cities, like it would for other options.

Commissioners won’t have to decide on a new plan until next year, but giving county administrator Michele Baker and her staff some direction in which way they’re leaning could help with the planning process, Baker said.

“We have years of decisions to deal with, but going forward, we have very limited revenue, and we have to come up with a plan on moving forward,” she said.

By moving money intended to build new roads into accounts that would maintain existing roads, more than a dozen projects as part of an overall 15-year plan would be affected, officials said, totaling $151 million, with $55 million earmarked from gas tax revenue.

Projects like Bell Lake Road from U.S. 41 to Alpine Road would be pushed from 2015 to 2017. It also delays other projects like County Road 54 from State Road 54/56 to Progress Parkway, as well as Starkey Boulevard from River Crossing Boulevard to DeCubellis Road to the next decade.

Other projects would be moved off the schedule completely, like the third phase of Collier Parkway to Ehren Cutoff, as well as Twenty Mile Level Road from State Road 54 to Collier Parkway.

Commissioners did indicate they would likely reject other options brought to the table, including creating a new municipal service taxing unit and tolling options.

Another funding possibility could come in the form of a real estate transfer tax, a documentary stamp tax that could raise 45 cents for every $100 value when real estate is sold. The county would only have to tax 28 cents for every $100 value for the full $8.5 million. Such a move there, however, would require approval by the state legislature.

Business Digest 11-20-13

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North Tampa Behavioral Health has grand opening
Nearly 150 people were on-hand from Pasco County and surrounding communities as North Tampa Behavioral Health marked its grand opening on Oct. 24. The ceremony featured speeches from retired Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry in substance abuse recovery, as well as Pat Scimone-Almasy, board member of the local Pasco chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The center is at 29910 State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

Food for a good cause
To celebrate its five-year anniversary, The Hound’s Meow — located at 16311 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz — will donate 2 pounds of pet food for every purchase, up to 300 pounds, to local rescue groups on Nov. 23.

As part of its anniversary, the store is also offering various other discounts, as well as giveaways, treat and food samples, and raffles.

For more information, visit HoundsMeow.com, or call (813) 960-6111.

Ribbon cutting at Fancy Frock
The Fancy Frock, 1045 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting Nov. 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will include both the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce as well as the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (813) 973-1999, or email .

Whole Foods teams up with local farms
Whole Foods Market Tampa is partnering with Sweetwater Organic Community Farm that will allow local farmers to use the store as a drop-off and pick-up point for their subscribing customers, free of charge. It’s part of a statewide effort by Whole Foods through its community-supported agriculture program.

Traditionally, farm customers had to go to the farm itself or a regional drop point to get their weekly shares. Through the new program, Whole Foods is not only looking to provide convenience, but also educate customers about community-supported agriculture, and increase support for local family farms.

In October, Sweetwater was the recipient of the store’s 5 percent day program where 5 percent of the day’s net sales were donated to the local nonprofit. On Oct. 29, Sweetwater raised $3,229 for the program.
Sweetwater is located in Tampa where community members come together to grow fresh organic food, acquire sustainable living skills and support local agriculture.

Pickups will take place at Whole Foods, 1548 N. Dale Mabry Highway, every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 874-9435.

Ryland Home’s Fontana is Builder of the Year
Joe Fontana, Tampa division president for Ryland Homes, was named the 2013 Builder of the Year by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

The ceremony also swore in officers Willy Nunn of Homes by WestBay as president, Jason Starling of Suarez Housing as president-elect, Laurie Stewart-Woodroffe of Heritage Drywall as associate vice president, Bob Gibbons of Ryland Homes as vice president and treasurer, and Keith Appenzeller of King Engineering as vice president and secretary.

Also winning awards were Stewart-Woodroffe from Heritage Drywall as Associate Member of the Year, and Bob Nixon of Nixon Construction as Remodeler Member of the Year.

 

Dade City Chamber membership orientation
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have a member orientation for seasoned, new and prospective members Nov. 21 beginning at noon at the chamber office, 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City.
The chamber will provide lunch.
For more information, call (352) 567-3769.

 

City Grill takes over in Wesley Chapel
City Grill has opened in the former location of Winners Grill, 5429 Village Market, in Wesley Chapel.
Founder Gerry Malynowsky originally sold the restaurant, as Winners, in 2008. He repossessed it, however, in 2013, according to a release.
Keeping his ownership, Malynowsky decided to relaunch the restaurant under a new name, maintaining an upscale mix of sports bar and grill, pub, and family restaurant.
For more information, visit www.CityGrill.us.

Longtime makeup specialist opens Wesley Chapel location
A permanent makeup specialist with decades of experience is bringing her skills to Wesley Chapel.
Valerie S. Rudmin, a longtime registered cosmetologist who has specialized in permanent makeup for 26 years, has opened an Everlasting Beauty location at 3854 Flatiron Loop, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. It’s her third location in Florida, following Pinellas and Hernando counties, where she’s worked for more than 20 years.

Rudmin also travels to Des Moines, Iowa, five times a year by invitation to work in the Midwest.
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic form of tattooing in which pigment is implanted within the skin, which Rudmin says looks more natural than makeup.

For more information on Rudmin’s new location, call her at (727) 460-3847.

SmartStart gears up for monthly roundtables
The SmartStart Dade City Incubator will soon have monthly small business roundtables to help small business owners talk about their opportunities and challenges in a closed-door environment.

“The roundtables will be beneficial to any small business owner wanting to vet ideas with other entrepreneurs, and talk about challenges they might be facing,” said John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in a release. “We are thrilled to be involved with SmartStart, and helping small businesses flourish here in Dade City.”

A schedule has yet to be released for the sessions, but they will take place at the incubator, located at the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 103, in Dade City.

Those interested in participating can contact Krista Covey at (352) 437-4861, or email her at .

Networking group schedules Christmas party
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its annual Christmas mixer Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Village Inn, 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The event, which will feature family members speaking — not business owners — will be “Dutch treat,” but does require an RSVP deposit of $10 per person or family.

For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or email .

Airport chief wins Boss of the Year
The International Association of Administration Professionals-City Center Chapter named Tampa International Airport chief executive Joe Lopano its 2013 Boss of the Year.

Boss of the Year is given each year to a manager, supervisor or executive who has been nominated by their administrative professional. The award is based on experience, achievements, civic work, involvement in the chapter, and other factors. They are presented in an essay that keeps the nominee’s name anonymous.

Both Kim Humphrey and Carol Marino, who work in the executive offices of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, entered Lopano in September, citing his impactful leadership, his focus on employee wellness, and his support of the administrative professionals group.

The IAAP is a nonprofit professional association for office professionals with a mission to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunity for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

Top tennis player Isner headlines Avila fundraiser

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At one time, he led a restaurant company with more than 96,000 employees and nearly 1,500 locations. But when he wasn’t working to grow Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants that were part of Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Paul Avery’s focus was on his family.

In particular, his daughters, who both suffer from a rare nerve degenerative disease called Friedreich’s ataxia.

John Isner, currently the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, takes a break on the Avila Golf & Country Club tennis courts while getting ready for the Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser on Nov. 24 that will benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
John Isner, currently the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, takes a break on the Avila Golf & Country Club tennis courts while getting ready for the Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser on Nov. 24 that will benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“Before we knew what they had, I never heard of Friedreich’s ataxia,” Avery said. “I didn’t even know how to pronounce it. Like many people in life, you hear of these types of diseases and challenges, and it happens to somebody else. It hit home for us with both of our kids.”

Avery, who is now president and chief executive of the World of Beer chain, is sharing the story of his daughters ahead of this weekend’s Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser hosted by Avila Golf & Country Club. It will feature Avila resident John Isner, the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, and No. 14 in the world.

Isner, who grew up in North Carolina, has been friends with Avery and his family since he first started to attend fundraisers benefiting Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance in Tampa. And he has seen firsthand what the condition can do.

“The Averys are the absolutely nicest people, and they’ve worked really hard to conquer this disease,” Isner said. “Before I met them, I didn’t even know about Friedreich’s ataxia at all. But I’ve really gotten to know the ins and outs, and Paul and (wife) Suzanne are right on top of it.”

Only 6,000 people in America have been diagnosed with the condition, but 1 in 100 people are carriers of the gene that can cause it, Avery said. The disease itself typically attacks the spinal cord, especially those nerves that direct muscle movement in the arms and legs.

It can lead to muscle weakness, vision and hearing impairment, spine curvature, diabetes and heart problems.

While pharmaceutical companies and research centers have been working on treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia because of how it relates to other diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, there is still a long way to go.

“Today, we have several drugs that are in advanced clinical trials,” Avery said. “They are showing to be very promising, so we’re excited about that. And the awareness of the condition continues to grow.”

While the tennis event itself is on Sunday, the entire weekend actually kicks off Nov. 21 with a meet and greet and autograph session with Isner. Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., Avila tennis director Roger Cypriano and his team will conduct a tennis Teach-A-Thon with half-hour lessons available for $25.

The Spin-A-Thon begins at 9 a.m. with one-hour spin classes starting at $50, and additional hours at $25. The Mind Body-A-Thon begins at 11 a.m. with Pilates and yoga.

Tennis round robin takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., for sponsors who spend $1,000 or more.

Sunday is the tennis exhibition match featuring Isner, where gates open at 11:30 a.m. at Avila. Tickets to that match, which includes lunch, are $80 each.

“I’ve always had a good time playing, and it’s convenient for me, because it’s all right here in the neighborhood,” Isner said. “And it’s for a great cause, and I’m glad that I can really help out.”

Avery’s daughters are looking forward to some of the treatments for Friedreich’s ataxia making their way through clinical trials. In the meantime, however, they’re living normal lives. One is in college, and the other is finishing her senior year of high school.

“They’re super kids in their attitudes and expectations, and they have a great outlook,” Avery said. “They’re not defined by the disease, and just want to get ahead in life like everyone else.”

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit tinyurl.com/AceCure. For more information on the event, call Roger Cypriano at (813) 968-6792, or email him at .

If you go
WHAT: Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser featuring John Isner
WHO: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance
WHEN: Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Avila Golf & Country Club, 943 Guisando De Avila, Tampa
COST: $80
INFO: tinyurl.com/AceCure

Dade City teams with Saint Leo for downtown’s future

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Dade City has traveled a path of success from dilapidated downtown of the 1980s, to one that pulls in people from all over the region today.

Yet, there is still more that can be done.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has hired Pride Consulting, a student-run organization at Saint Leo University, to steal a glimpse of what Dade City’s downtown might — and should — look like in the future.

“Dade City has this iconic downtown where we have these wonderful antique shops and eclectic restaurants, and it’s really one of a kind,” said John Moors, the Dade City chamber’s executive director.

But as the people change, so may Dade City’s downtown. And Moors said he wants to be ready.

That’s where Pride comes in. Led by John Lax, the marketing instructor at Saint Leo’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business, this group of juniors and seniors from a variety of the school’s business programs provides marketing services to business.

For Dade City, they’ll be working to identify potential models for the district based on research of the community and businesses. They’ll also explore each of those models, and see if there are other towns across the country that Dade City could emulate.

“They’re going to be touring the downtown, teams of like 15 or 20 of them,” Moors said. “They’ll interview some of our merchants, and get in touch with some of our property owners, and get their input.”

That would include what they would like to see, what could help improve Dade City’s downtown, and what might be holding it back.

Pride will continue to work through the winter, and then look to present their findings during a public meeting in March.

Moors also hopes to tackle another issue for Dade City, which he describes as “brain drain.” With both Saint Leo and Pasco-Hernando Community College nearby, there is a lot of academics, but not a lot to hold those students to Dade City when they graduate.

“We don’t know if we’ll find the answers to those questions, but looking at some models might help,” Moors said. “One example might be to have a more artistic type of community, which is extremely important to families, and important to tourism.”

The Dade City chamber has taken the lead on downtown, especially after its former advocacy group — Dade City Main Street — shut down last spring. At the time, Moors said he was confident in downtown’s ability to keep the area vibrant.

“We have a great group of merchants in Dade City,” Moors told The Laker/Lutz News in April. “They’re engaged. They’re active. They’re really committed to the betterment of our downtown, and I think it shows when you look at our downtown.”

New charter school aims to help children with autism

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Children with autism often are unable to say what they need or want, said Carrie Walker.

She’s the director of Florida Autism Center of Excellence, a Pasco County charter school that opened this year in Zephyrhills.

“They’re hungry. They’re sleepy. They can’t express when they’re hurting,” Walker said.

Carrie Walker is the director of Florida Autism Center of Excellence, which is located at 39375 Chancey Road. (Photo by B.C. Manion)
Carrie Walker is the director of Florida Autism Center of Excellence, which is located at 39375 Chancey Road. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

That inability to communicate can cause frustrations, which boil over into behavior problems, Walker added. So, it’s essential to help them learn that their voice is a tool to help them get what they need or want.

“You want to focus on the language first,” said Claire Stanford, a board-certified behavior analyst who works with children at the charter school for prekindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Although public awareness about autism has improved, stereotypes about it still exist, both women said.

Some people lump all children with autism into the same group, failing to distinguish their individual differences. Others assume that children with autism must have low IQs because of their inability to verbalize. Others brand children with autism as being bad kids.

“Autism is a spectrum,” Walker said. Each child faces individual challenges.

By helping children develop and use language skills, problems with behavior often are resolved, Stanford said.

The Florida Autism Center of Excellence aims to help students gain academic, social and behavioral skills needed to be independent in later life. The center uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis — a research-based strategy that has been proven to be effective for teaching students with autism.

“We break the goals down into small, discrete, observable steps,” Stanford said. Students are given praise and reinforcement for exhibiting those steps.

While many schools use a stoplight system to regulate behavior, the charter school does not. At those schools, all of the kids will start on green, Stanford said.

“There’s nothing they can do but go down,” she said.

The charter school teaches children to substitute unacceptable behaviors with acceptable choices, Stanford said.

“We do not use punishment,” Walker said.

The school uses individual language assessments to pinpoint gaps. Stanford then helps teachers write a teaching plan, and a data sheet is used to monitor how a student is faring. Parents receive monthly progress reports.

The idea is to tailor instruction to meet an individual child’s needs.

The charter school, on Chancey Road, operates out of a number of portable classroom buildings. It has an enrollment of 18, and is continuing to accept new students until it reaches this year’s cap of 38. Once that happens, new students will be admitted through a lottery system.

Next year, the school hopes to add middle school classes. Ultimately, it would like to have 110 students, Walker said.

To be eligible, students must have a diagnosis of autism by a medical doctor or an Individual Education Plan issued by a school that states the student has autism, Walker said.

She encourages families to take quick action if they believe their son or daughter has autism. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the sooner he or she can get help.

“You want to get them enrolled as early as possible,” Walker said. “Early intervention is the key.”

The charter school also wants to give parents support and help. Parents often feel they are being blamed for their child’s behavior, Walker said.

“For some of them, they feel they’re being pointed at, they’re the cause,” she said. “This is a safe environment for them. They don’t feel judged.”

Walker said the work she does is rewarding.

“I like to see the gains,” Walker said, referring to the progress that students make. “I like to give hope to the parents, because there is hope.”

What: Florida Autism Center of Excellence is a Pasco County Schools charter school providing services for children with autism. It serve prekindergarten through fifth grade, and hopes to add middle school classes next year.
Where: 39735 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills
Web: www.FACEProgram.org
Phone: (813) 395-5952

About autism
As a spectrum disorder, children and adults with autism can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity.
Some examples of behaviors a person with autism may display are:
• Communication: Children may have difficulty in verbal and nonverbal communication. There may be a lack of language development. Speech may be limited or disordered, or they may engage in one-sided conversations. They may have challenges with body language, facial expressions, gestures and signs.
• Social Interactions: Children may exhibit highly inappropriate behaviors and may show indifference to others. They may avoid affection, eye contact, and may play by themselves.
•
Imagination: Play may be limited to one or two activities, involving repetitive actions.
• Playing: Children may use toys inappropriately and not for their intended purpose.
• Repetitive Behaviors: Children may develop ritualistic behaviors and obsessions.
Autistic behaviors may include rocking, spinning, flicking hands or fingers in front of their eyes, tapping objects and mouthing objects.
Source: www.FACEProgram.com

My son becomes a husband

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It was just two months ago that I wrote about my son’s engagement over Labor Day weekend. I shared with you that Andy and Erin were planning to marry next November after Andy returned from his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Well, a lot has happened since then. As you can see by the accompanying photo, Andy and Erin decided not to wait until 2014, and were wed earlier this month in a chapel on the base at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

It was a lovely wedding on a beautiful autumn day, with fallen leaves carpeting the walk from the church, and branches laden with red, orange and yellow foliage perfectly framing their photos.

Diane 1113The bride was gorgeous in a classic satin dress, and the groom stunning in his formal officer uniform. Andy proudly wore his white cover (as U.S. Marines call their hats) and playfully plopped it on his bride’s head after the ceremony — a bit like Richard Gere and Debra Winger in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”

Witnessing this joyous event was immediate family only — mothers, fathers, sisters, brother, sister-in-law and one first cousin. Between both families there were just nine of us — 11 including the bride and groom.

The wedding was intimate and deeply personal, with Andy and Erin focusing 100 percent on each other and their vows. There was none of the stress usually associated with getting married because there were no guests to greet and no reception to worry about.

Andy and Erin shared their commitment with their closest family members, those who have loved them since the day they were born, or younger siblings who never knew life without them.

Everyone else — grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends — will have to wait until Nov. 8, 2014. That’s when Andy and Erin will renew their vows in the church where Erin grew up in Appleton, Wis. Together we will celebrate their union with a traditional Midwestern reception in a spacious hall overlooking the Fox River.

I’m still not sure exactly how this accelerated wedding came to be. Shortly after becoming engaged, Andy left for a month of training in southern California. While still out West, he called to tell me that he and Erin had decided to get married before he deployed instead of waiting another year.

So with the blessings of their priest and their parents, Andy and Erin began planning their wedding, and were married four weeks later. It was surreal how the wedding details fell into place so easily and beautifully. Even the weather was perfect.

As I write this column, I’ve been back in Land O’ Lakes for three days and am still getting used to the idea of a married son and a new daughter-in-law. Of course I am thrilled, but it is an adjustment — one of those transitional times most parents experience as their child embarks on a new life path quite separate from their own.

And, of course, this is the way it is meant to be: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh,” Ephesians 5:31-33

I never gave much thought to this Biblical verse until Andy’s wedding. But now it resonates loudly, as it does undoubtedly for all parents who have witnessed their son become a husband, or their daughter become a wife.

Fun Feeds Pasco festival kicks off annual food drive

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Adrienne Castens signs her emails with a phrase of inspiration from Metropolitan Ministries: “Hope starts with a meal.”

Castens’ church, Keystone Community Church on State Road 54 near Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, provided a lot of hope already with its annual holiday food drive for Metropolitan Ministries. But Castens and other members of Keystone knew they could do more.

Gaynor Dietz poses with some of the turkeys donated during last year’s food drives that helps Metropolitan Ministries feed hungry families during the holiday through Keystone Community Church. (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Castens)
Gaynor Dietz poses with some of the turkeys donated during last year’s food drives that helps Metropolitan Ministries feed hungry families during the holiday through Keystone Community Church. (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Castens)

Last year, Castens and her team started Fun Feeds Pasco, a food drive kickoff event that turned making a donation into a festival. And thanks to the success of that event, Keystone will do it again this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

“I don’t have the exact number in front of me, but we brought in three times as much food as we normally do during the festival last year,” said Castens, who has attended Keystone with her family for the last six years. “So we decided to do it again this year, and this time we’ve got even more activities for children, vendors, and some great entertainment lined up.”

Castens works by day as a substitute teacher, and sees firsthand more often than not what hunger can do, especially with young minds wanting to learn.

“Hunger is one of the things that breaks my heart,” she said. “I see children who come in and say their tummy hurts because they hadn’t eaten. But at least in school, they can get lunch and maybe even breakfast. But it’s during the breaks, like holidays, where they can really go hungry. Where they don’t have breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Metropolitan Ministries looks to serve just under 590,000 meals during the holiday season in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. To achieve that, the organization is going to need literally tons of food, and every drive — including the one at Keystone — is essential to make that happen.

The tent for Keystone’s food drive will go up this weekend, and it will accept donations through Thanksgiving week, primarily of frozen or nonperishable, nonexpired food items.

But those not wanting to clean out the pantry or hit the grocery store on the way can also bring other donations like gift cards, personal checks, new toys and new clothes. One popular donation is frozen turkeys, which could help make a needy family’s holiday truly special.

“It’s about bringing the community together, and helping those in need,” Castens said. “This isn’t just a Metropolitan Ministry thing. It’s not just a Keystone Community Church thing. This is a community event to bring awareness of the needs in our community, and to help our neighbors when they need us the most.”

The event will also include live music, face painting, clowns, inflatable bounce houses, free hot dogs and cotton candy, and even a Florida Blood Bank Bloodmobile unit.

If you go
WHAT: Fun Feeds Pasco
WHERE: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
WHEN: Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: Free, with suggested donation of nonperishable food, new toys or monetary donations
INFO: FunFeedsPasco.org