Local News

Experiencing the sites and sounds of Georgia

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Lee Heffelfinger

We have certainly survived the summer heat and the daily summer rains. It really made the flowers beautiful and the grass cutting was a weekly job, or I should say every five days a clipping was due.

Russ and I, along with Joe and Ann Casey, motored to the Oktoberfest festivities in Helen, Ga. We did a lot of visiting local landmarks such as Babyland General, home of the original, and still going strong, Cabbage Patch Dolls and all their accessories. We got to see firsthand how the Cabbage Babies are born. Everyone should see this at least once, and I think it’s about the 14th time we have seen it.

We visited the gourd place where they grow all the different kinds and shapes of gourds, clean and dry them, and design everything imaginable, from dessert dishes to candle holders to musical instruments.

The day we spent in Dahlonega, Ga., was great. We ate our noon meal at the Smith House, a Gold Rush-days boardinghouse, and saw the gold mine shaft that started the gold rush craze way back before the gold rush in California of 1850.

We tramped through at least 15 antique shops, and Ann did find a few missing pieces to a set of dishes she had.

On the way back to Helen, we stopped at three different wineries, and by the time we got to the Oktoberfest, where we unwound with a beer garden brewski and tried our version of the chicken dance, listened to the genuine German polkas, and smelled the fresh wurst and sauerkraut. We were glad to get out in the fresh air and walk back to our motel.

What a wonderful vacation that was. If only Helen was not so far from Zephyrhills.

The attendance for our coffee and doughnut social was strong all summer, certainly not back to full capacity, but picking up. Hosts for October were Janet Clarks, Richard and Dea-Ann Burgess, Al and Deanie Bennett, Sy and Mabel Budzinski, John Raab, and Russ and myself.

We’ve had our share of bad luck. Madeline Macomber had a bad fall with surgeries and bruising to her face. John Phillips had surgery on his legs. And his daughter, Judy, has been here from Belfast, Maine, to help take care of him.

John’s son, John Jr., also is spending some time with his father. Vernita Perdue is struggling with chemo for multiple myeloma and kidney problems. Hopefully she will be able to come to her home here for the winter since we are so much closer to medical facilities here.

We lost several of our members: Sally Cavanaugh, Rosemary Leibrook and Harold Palmer. Our sincere sympathy to their spouses and families.

Harold Palmer’s family had a memorial service at the Faith Baptist Church for him, and his wife Bessie was brought from the rehab center where she is recuperating. Also in attendance were his four children: Denise, Roy, Mary and Kathy, all from western New York. A luncheon was served at our clubhouse for those that wanted to honor his memory.

Harold was a helper with so many projects during his 20-plus years as a resident of our park. He helped with shuffleboard, card games, coffee and doughnuts, and served on the board of directors. We are going to miss seeing him riding his lawn tractor down the street as he was heading to mow the many lawns, during the heat of the summer for the people from the north, even though he was having health problems and advancing age.

Our bus trips are once again on the go. We’re looking forward to our trip to Branson, Mo., for nine days of music, shows and entertainment. We will be there at the time you are reading this.

On Dec. 7, we go to the Early Bird Dinner Theater in Clearwater to enjoy “Boeing Boeing,” and Dec. 17-18, we go to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the Christmas lights along the Jungle Queen Cruise route. Plus we can’t miss going to a casino, or two.

What a great way to participate in the holiday excitement. If you want to go along, call me at (813) 780-1012.

Good hauntings at Grand Horizons for Halloween week

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Helene Rubenstein

As more and more people return to Grand Horizons, so many activities seem to start up once again.

We just returned from Connecticut, and we find more new neighbors to get to know and to socialize with. Yes, our community is certainly growing in leaps and bounds.

On Oct. 26, there was a pancake breakfast in the community center hosted by Terry and Mim Gardner. I spoke to Mim and she mentioned that about 65 people attended this breakfast, which had good food, much laughter and loads of friendship.

Mim also went on to say that Paul and Norma Oi, David and Joyce Billig, and Rosemary Semian helped out with the serving and cooking. They did have a drawing and there were two winners who went home with a smile.

In addition to this, Chuck Carlson volunteered to help out in future pancake breakfasts.

So you see, there are always people to help out in any way that they are asked for. There is a definite pride within our community.

Bob and Sandi Blais portrayed a German couple and earned honors as the best-dressed couple at a Halloween potluck on Oct. 31. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

On Oct. 31, we had a Halloween potluck party at the community center hosted by Robbie Lockard. She had loads of help but “special” thanks go out to Ken and Barb Holzapfel, and Ron and Joyce Bell.

There were many more helpers who pitched in to make this party a success and there were about 90-95 people. There was a variety of music by Gary Wilcox.

It was difficult to pick out the best costume as all the witches, goblins, ghosts, and a variety of other costumes, were out in full force. A prize was awarded for the best costume and, let me tell you, it was one tough decision. I didn’t envy the judges.

Best costume for a woman was Marie Paolantonio who was dressed as the merry widow, while Ernie Rice won for best male costume as he dressed as Columbo. Finally, the best-dressed couple was Bob and Sandi Blais dressed as a German Oktoberfest man and woman.

On Nov. 1, there were 77 people who filled the community center for the first “egg n’ bag” of the season. We all had a fun time, and like last year, the eggs were fantastic and the potatoes were delicious.

Then, on Nov. 2, there was a fashion show sponsored by Bon Worth and hosted by Kathy Cribbs. I can just see Kathy, along with a group of women, getting ready to model their clothes. Behind the stage, I am sure you would find hectic moments and so much talking.

I spoke to Kathy and she told me that she got six models and they donned three outfits each. A terrific job was done by one and all. They also had door prizes won by some lucky people. After the show, they served some cookies and coffee.

Let us not forget the Nov. 16 yard sale at each individual house. In addition to this, there will be a book sale, bake sale, and lunch will be served at the community center. Who knows, you may be able to find the exact trinket that you have been looking for, so please circle the date on your calendar and come and see.

Young girls keep smiling … through pain of arthritis

November 13, 2013 By B.C. Manion

At first blush, Lindsey and Ashley Valenti look like typical preteenage girls.

They enjoy doing typical preteen things: Going to Disney theme parks, attending birthday parties and playing.

But doing even these simple things is difficult for the Wesley Chapel girls, as they both suffer from juvenile arthritis.

Ashley Valenti, left, and her sister Lindsey have been selected as the child honorees for the Tampa Bay Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Walk/Run event in December. Both girls have had to curtail many of the activities they enjoy because of the pain they suffer from juvenile arthritis. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

Still, they keep an upbeat attitude, which their mom, Mary Valenti, said is probably one of the reasons they’ve been chosen as the child honorees for Tampa’s Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk. The event is set for Dec. 21 at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough County Community College. Besides a 5-kilometer and one-mile run, there also will be activities for kids, a silent auction and awards.

Valenti is pleased that her daughters were selected for the honor because she thinks it’s important to spread the word about juvenile arthritis, a condition she believes is often misunderstood. Both girls — who also require a monthly infusion of antibodies because of an immune system condition called specific antibody deficiency — were diagnosed in 2010, but Valenti suspects that they had the condition much longer.

Lindsey, 12, said she began noticing problems with her knees about two years before she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. She was taking a dance class and one part of a routine required dancers to spring up from the floor.

“All of the girls were able to get off the floor with ease,” Lindsey said. All except for her. She had to push herself up.

When Valenti reported that Lindsey’s knees were swollen, it was explained away as “growing pains,” she said. Lindsey had back pain, which doctors said could be kidney infection. She had severe fatigue that was chalked up to her immune system condition.

“It took us a very long time to come to this diagnosis,” Valenti said.

But it didn’t take as long to recognize Ashley’s condition, her mom said. When Ashley complained that her foot hurt, they initially thought she had turned her ankle.

When that wasn’t the problem, Valenti wondered if Ashley also might have juvenile arthritis. A rheumatologist confirmed her suspicion.

Many people have never even heard of juvenile arthritis, Valenti said. Often, they trivialize the condition, saying things like their grandmother or grandfather has arthritis.

“They don’t get it. They don’t understand it. This is a life-altering diagnosis,” Valenti said. “They look so normal and healthy, that’s why we have trouble getting across to people how serious this is.”

The arthritis they have is aggressive and lifelong. It affects organs. It affects their heart. It causes blindness.

“These are things we constantly having to get checked,” she said. “We have a team of about seven specialists.”

Lindsey remembers that recently she saw her neighbors playing outside.

“We used to be out there with them, and now we can’t,” she said. “It hurts to run. We’d go and play tag. We live in a lot of pain.”

When Lindsey wakes up in the morning, she has at least an hour of stiffness “with every joint, my neck, my knees, everything.”

The arthritis has prompted Lindsey to be home-schooled, taking classes through Florida Virtual School. But it can be hard, because Lindsey is at an age where having a social life is important. Being out of sight means being out of mind, she said, noting she doesn’t attend many birthday parties because she’s not invited.

“I have a wheelchair that I use off and on during flares, and sometimes I think kids are almost scared of what to say, so I’m avoided,” Lindsey said. “Ashley will go and play with the Barbies and she’ll need help getting up. And, I’ll sit down on the floor, and I’m pulling on the chair to try to get myself up. Even getting up from a chair is sometimes hard.”

Ashley attends Wesley Chapel Elementary School, but is frequently out of school to attend doctor’s appointments and get treatments.

Valenti and her husband Tony try to keep things as normal as possible for her girls. When Ashley’s school had a Halloween parade, for instance, Valenti pushed her daughter around in a wheelchair so Ashley could take part.

“She’s fifth grade, it’s her last one. We’re fighting to make it memorable for her because fifth grade is a big deal,” Valenti said. “I don’t know how much more schooling she’s going to be able to attend. We have some decisions to make for next year. We’re probably going to have to do the virtual school as well. But it’s a tough choice. She’s a very social kid.”

Besides robbing her children of their childhood, the disease has posed challenges for the entire family, Valenti said, especially when it comes to finances. There’s the cost of medical treatment, doctor visits and medication. There’s also the cost of just driving the girls to their medical appointments, which include trips to St. Petersburg and Gainesville.

“We bought a brand new car in May just because we travel so much, and I already have 12,000 miles on it,” Valenti said.

They’ve formed a fundraising team they call the Valient Valentis, and they’ve had some local events to raise money to help battle arthritis. They’re determined to do what they can to help their daughters and others who suffer from juvenile arthritis.

WHAT: Jingle Bell Run/Walk
WHO: Tampa Bay Arthritis Foundation
WHEN: Dec. 21, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough Community College, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

New Lutz water line will close two wells

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

One more Lutz subdivision is coming off well water with a new pipeline set to connect the Crystal Lakes Manors with Hillsborough County’s water distribution system.

The 4.5 miles of pipeline will take a year to build, beginning next year, and may disrupt traffic on U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road. But in the end, the $4.8 million project will not only improve water for Crystal Lake residents, but could set up the rest of Lutz for connection to the main water system in the near future.

“I’m happy with what’s being proposed,” said Kim Foster, a resident of Crystal Lakes Manors who attended a recent informational meeting at the Lutz Community Center. “The water we have now is adequate and good, but we live right next to the chlorination facility, so we’ve always had concern with having high-chlorinated water.”

Whether that’s an issue or not will be eliminated with the new pipeline, which will mean the closure of the chlorination facility and two wells, which currently serve the nearly 200 homes in the community.

The project will be constructed in three phases, first beginning on the west side of U.S. 41 from West Chapman Road past Lake Drive. Then it’s Crenshaw Lake Road along the west side of U.S. 41 to Crystal Lake Road. Finally, the project will end once the county connects from just south of Fourth Avenue Southeast on the east side of U.S. 41 to First Avenue Southeast.

A lot of the project will coincide with a resurfacing project planned by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2014, allowing the two projects to piggyback, said Charles Cullen from the engineering design firm behind the project, CDM Smith.

“With the resurfacing of U.S. 41, that impact would’ve been felt regardless of the pipeline project,” he said.

That could mean some lane closures along U.S. 41, but Lutz Lake Fern Road should remain mostly clear since work there would take place in the right of way. Most of the construction will take place during the day beginning at 7 a.m., with some overnight work when needed.

The only communities and homes being connected to the new line right now are those immediately adjacent to the construction site. That left some unanswered questions for one resident.

“They didn’t explain anything that would happen to the existing water lines, or if other people would be able to connect to it,” said Tom De St. Jean, who also lives on Crystal Grove Boulevard. “It doesn’t make sense to bring that water line out there, and not let people connect. If you are not adjacent to the line itself, you cannot connect.”

That’s because the county’s comprehensive plan for the area only allows for connection by communities that are immediately adjacent to it, county water officials said during the meeting.

Construction is set to begin in March, and wrap up sometime during the spring of 2015.

Nurse earns national accolades creating new approach to care

November 13, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Susan Scherer — one of four finalists for a national nursing honor — wants to help patients understand their medical conditions and to obtain the most appropriate care.

Scherer will find out Friday if she received the 2013 Oncology Nurse Excellence award from the Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators when they meet in Memphis, Tenn.

Susan Scherer, a nurse who lives in Land O’ Lakes, has created a business called RN Cancer Guides. It pairs an oncology nurse with a patient to help the patient gain a clearer understanding of complex medical issues as well as the complicated medical system. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

Scherer is gratified to be recognized as being among the nation’s leading oncology nurses, but she is even more excited about a business she has launched that will serve patients in a new way: RN Cancer Guides.

It pairs oncology nurses with cancer patients to help the patients gain a better understanding of their medical condition, and to be better equipped to manage their care. It’s a unique approach, Scherer said, noting “it’s never been done.”

The company is in its infancy, but the Land O’ Lakes nurse foresees vast potential for expansion, as there is no shortage of a need for the services her company provides.

In a nutshell, RN Cancer Guides provides a nursing expert to review a patient’s medical records and medications, and to accompany a patient on important doctor visits when patients are at a decision point in their care. They also help patients become aware of resources that may be available to help them reduce medication and medical service charges, or to help cover those costs.

Prior to launching her business this summer, Scherer worked as a nurse at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Before that, she was a nurse in Minnesota where she suffered a stroke. That gave her a greater affinity for working with patients with neurological conditions.

Scherer’s goal is to help patients learn enough to handle their health care issues on their own, but she said most people are not equipped to deal with the complex issues that confront cancer patients. On top of that, patients generally are grappling with emotional and financial pressures, as well as impacts their conditions have on their work and family lives.

She believes oncology nurses are in a unique position to help cancer patients understand their condition, become more aware of their options, and pursue appropriate care.

“Nurses seem to be the point of contact. Patients really open up to nursing,” Scherer said.

She also is a staunch advocate for patient rights.

“People are having to take more responsibility for their own health care,” Scherer said. “I believe people have the right to hear what’s going on, honestly, with them.”

Unfortunately, many people find doctors to be intimidating, she said. “There’s a whole generation of, ‘Well, the doctor said …’”

Finding appropriate care is essential, but that doesn’t always happen. “People will shop for cars more than they will their own physician,” she said.

Scherer’s service helps people gain greater insight about their options and resources that may be available to help them. It also helps patients realize they need to advocate for their health care.

“I give them a voice. I say, ‘You have every right to say what you have to say. You have every right to be heard. This is your life,’” she said.

She believes patients want to be informed about their condition, — even when the news is bad.

“If you arm people with education and you tell them the truth, they can handle it a lot better than if you blindside them,” Scherer said.

She believes her new venture is particularly timely.

“Right now, we have this health care system and nobody knows what’s happening. It’s mass chaos. Looking at how fragmented that things are right now, now is the time to help out,” she said.

RN Cancer Guides serves patients at any stage of their diagnosis, she said.

Costs for the service vary. For newly diagnosed patients with no complications, the service is $750, which includes 10 hours of service and a doctor’s visit.

The cost increases to $1,000 for 15 hours of service and a doctor’s visit, for more complicated cases, and $2,000 for up to 20 hours of service and a doctor’s visit for even more complex cases.

There’s also an hourly consulting service available at $149 an hour. And, there are corporate programs available, too, for businesses that want to provide a cancer assistance program for their employees.

When the patient is facing an important decision, the oncology nurse will accompany them on that doctor visit, Scherer said.

“When I go into physicians’ offices, I have to not be adversarial. I’m supposed to be an extension of everybody, to make sure they’re all talking,” Scherer said.

If she wins the award on Friday, it won’t be Scherer’s first honor. In 2005, she received a Florida Hospital Heroes Award after she and her husband, Nick, traveled to Mississippi twice in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The couple hauled a trailer full of food and supplies to dispense to storm victims. She also provided medical assistance, administering tetanus shots and helping in other ways.

Anyone who would like to know more about RN Cancer Guides can call (813) 360-1145, can email , or can visit the company’s website at www.RNCancerGuides.com.

Porter Campus aims to become hub of academic activity

November 13, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Deja Ventura couldn’t be more excited about the January opening of Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

The new campus — PHCC’s fifth — will make life much easier for Ventura, a student at the college.

“I can’t wait,” she said.

Ventura and others attended an information session last week in a conference room at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. There, faculty and administration for the new campus gave the crowd a virtual tour of the new facility, and shared their aspirations for the quality of education it will bring to its students.

Having a campus in Wesley Chapel will reduce Ventura’s commuting time for school by two hours, she said. It takes the 20-year-old an hour to drive each way to her classes now at PHCC’s New Port Richey campus.

Ventura’s also pleased that the new campus is near Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, where Ventura eventually wants to work.

The Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate said she was a patient at the hospital, and the positive experience she had there helped seal her decision to pursue a nursing degree.

Julio Rivera, an employee in the hospital’s cafeteria, is also looking forward to the opening of the new campus, as he pursues classes in information technology.

“I live 5 to 10 minutes from here,” he said. “I drive by here all of the time.” Rivera said.

Stan Giannet, provost of Porter Campus, was enthusiastic about what the school intends to offer its students.

“We’re very fired up,” Giannet said, noting that PHCC expects to branch into four-year degree programs next year, with bachelor’s degrees in nursing as well as supervision and management.

Stan Giannet, provost at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, looks forward to creating a sense of community on campus and connections with the community it serves. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The community college has received approvals from the state for the programs and is awaiting approval on its application for accreditation for the programs.

Once that clears, PHCC plans to change its name to Pasco-Hernando State College.

The four-year programs are slated to begin in fall of 2014.

Porter Campus also plans to be the only PHCC location to offer two new certification programs that the college will launch in 2014. Those certification programs are for surgical and pharmacy technicians, both fields where workers are in high demand.

One of the college’s missions is to help address workplace needs. “We want to be at the table to offer some solutions,” Giannet said.

The new campus is well equipped to serve student needs, Giannet said. It has a seven-story building, which includes four stories of classrooms on top of a three-story parking deck.

Beyond traditional classrooms, it also has nursing, computer and science labs as well as a two-story library. The nursing labs are so current that the mannequins used there can breathe and talk.

The campus also features two outdoor plaza areas, which Giannet believes will be popular places for people to congregate, for academic discussions and social gatherings.

He aspires to make the new campus an intellectual, cultural and community hub.

“We want to make it a vibrant campus for this community,” Giannet said.

The campus doesn’t have a cafeteria, but Giannet said students, staff and faculty members have many dining opportunities nearby.

“It’s so ideally situated in the heart of Wesley Chapel. There are restaurants that are peppering this entire area,” he said, adding that the library will have a coffee shop.

Besides offering a wide variety of programs, the college is committed to helping its students succeed, Giannet said.

“You are not a number. You are known. This is the kind of climate we are going to have at Porter Campus at Wiregrass,” Giannet said.

Courses will be offered in a variety of ways. Some will be taught in the traditional mode of a teacher delivering face-to-face instruction. Some will be offered online. Some will be a combination of both.

Pam Medley, the assistant dean of student development, said the college wants to help students get the classes they need.

Those transferring in must be sure to get their transcripts, to help them during the enrollment process, she said. Unofficial records can be used during the registration process, but official records are needed to release financial aid.

It’s also important for high school graduates to be aware that they can enroll as early as May for classes that begin in August.

The college will work closely with high schools for dual enrollment, where high school students can earn college credits, Medley said. She expects those relationships to be especially close between the college and Wiregrass Ranch High School, which is across the street from the new campus, and with Wesley Chapel High School, which is nearby.

The college also has a Teaching-Learning Center, which is committed to helping students achieve their potential. The idea is to help students engage in learning, whether they are tackling a complex research project or struggling to stay on pace, said Natalie Epo, coordinator of the Teaching-Learning Center.

Classes at Porter Campus are set to begin Jan. 13.

For more information, go to www.PHCC.edu.

They fly the friendly skies to help those in need

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Sherri Lonon

Two local residents were nominated for pilot of the year honors for their dedication to the nonprofit that flies missions of mercy throughout the Southeast.

John Hanselman and David Trilling are on a mission to give back to others in need.

As pilots for Angel Flight Southeast, Trilling of Lutz and Hanselman of Odessa, give their time and donate their personal aircraft and fuel to take patients in need of medical care to appointments. Whether it’s transporting a child to another state for cancer treatments or flying a transplant organ from a donor hospital to a patient in need, Hanselman and Trilling stand ready to answer calls for help when they arise.

For their efforts, Angel Flight Southeast has nominated both Hanselman and Trilling for its pilot of the year award. The award is the highest honor Angel Flight bestows on its volunteer pilots.

Angel Flight Southeast is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that serves Florida. Through a network of about 650 volunteer pilots, the agency helps those who are unable to take commercial flights — whether for financial or medical reasons — get to their appointments within the state, or in other states. It’s part of the Air Charity Network, which logs more than 22,000 missions annually, according to Angel Flight’s website.

Trilling won pilot of the year during a ceremony Sunday night, while Hanselman received the “Above & Beyond” award, given to pilots who not only volunteer their time, planes and fuel for Angel Flight missions, but also work to raise awareness for the charity, and will often help with fundraising.

Hanselman and Trilling both say they are honored by the nominations and wins, but admit they don’t take to the skies in hopes of earning awards.

“Most pilots just absolutely love to fly, and they love to fly with purpose,” said Hanselman, who has been flying for Angel Flight for about a year.

Hanselman first learned about the organization in the 1980s while he was working on his pilot’s license. He promised himself if he was ever in a position to take part, he would.

When Hanselman retired and sold his stake in a business, he bought a Cessna 206h and kept that promise to himself. His first flight for the nonprofit was a year ago.

For Hanselman, being a part of such a “noble enterprise” is reward enough.

“I enjoy flying, and at the same time, it’s giving back,” he said.

Trilling’s motivations are similar.

“After five years of flying, earning ratings and certificates, I wanted to use the acquired flying skills to do interesting flying as well as give back to the community,” he said.

Trilling learned how to fly after working 35 years in the food research and development arena.

“After retiring, I consulted and learned how to fly, always having been interested in planes and the magic of flight,” he said.

Now a flight instructor and volunteer with Angel Flight, Trilling uses his personal plane, a Mooney, to conduct missions of mercy.

As for the nomination, Trilling is honored, but says that “all of the pilots who contribute their time and planes for this purpose are pilots of the year.”

For more information about Angel Flight, visit the nonprofit online at www.AngelFlightSE.org.

Business Digest 11-13-13

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Rockwell receives Women’s Choice Award
Brian Rockwell of the Rockwell Financial Group of Raymond James, has received the Women’s Choice Award for Financial Advisors from WomenCertified Inc.
Rockwell, of the Trinity-based firm, was chosen based on rigorous research, 17 objective criteria including a client survey to obtain feedback regarding service and practices.
The Women’s Choice Award is the only recognition program for well-qualified advisors who are committed to the women’s market and serving their female clients. Achieving the award reaffirms the commitment Rockwell has to extraordinary service in addressing the financial needs of women and their families, according to a release.
The award allows Rockwell to now showcase his commitment to the women’s market, giving potential clients a starting point for entrusting their finances to an advisor.
For more information on Rockwell’s firm, call him at (727) 372-2530.

It’s a new car!
Tina Pyles Johnson was the winner of a 2013 Fiat 500L from Parks Fiat of Wesley Chapel, part of the Win My Ride contest from the dealership group and WFLA-Channel 8. Johnson was able to choose from six participating dealerships in the contest, and chose the four-door Fiat.

Florida Design Consultants expands into downtown Tampa
Florida Design Consultants Inc., a full-service engineering firm in Trinity, has expanded with new offices in downtown Tampa.
Located on the sixth floor of 707 N. Franklin St., Florida Design will now be centrally located for clients in Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties.
“At this point, expanding our physical presence in the center of our market area was essential to meet the increased demand for our services, as well as convenience for our clients,” said Stuart Rogers, president of Florida Design Consultants, in a release. “We also think it is a great opportunity to be located in the iconic Tampa Theatre building.”
The company will continue to service clients from Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties from its Trinity office.

LifeChoices hires Connelly
Susan Connelly is the new director of advancement for LifeChoices Women’s care in Lutz.
Connelly brings with her more than 12 years of marketing and public relations experience. She will be responsible for furthering the center’s mission, which offers free pregnancy testing, counseling, and educational services to women of all ages.
LifeChoices is funded entirely by private donations, and is not affiliated with any particular church.
For more information, call (813) 948-7734.

Computers Etc., Computer Basic Training, merge
Computers Etc., of Dade City, has merged with Computer Basic Training of Wesley Chapel, pointed to provide its customer base a range of services surrounding the computer.
The new company will be known as Computers Etc., and will include Computer Basic Training owner Kristin Pelletier, leading the company’s training division, that will provide individual tutoring in a customer’s home, office or remotely.
“We are thrilled to have Kristin join our team,” said Ken Buzzie, chief executive of Computers Etc., in a release. “She has built a great reputation for her training skills both in the classroom and in-home. Adding computer training to our list of services (complements) our business.”
For more than six years, Computers Etc. has offered in-home or in-office computer repair, laptop repair, data recovery, managed services and full-service technology hardware and software replacement and upgrade. It also offers cloud services, voice-over Internet protocol, points of service and remote support.
For more information, visit www.Computer-Etc.com, or call (352) 424-1079.

FACE has ribbon-cutting
The Florida Autism Center of Excellence had a ribbon cutting Nov. 5 at its location at 39735 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills.
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce conducted the event.
For more information on FACE, visit FACEProgram.org.

Taylor Morrison opens Arbor Woods with barbecue
Homebuilder Taylor Morrison recently celebrated the opening of its latest neighborhood, Arbor Woods, with an old-fashioned backyard barbecue.
The community turned out for food, refreshments and music, as well as to tour model homes Taylor Morrison set up for the Wesley Chapel community.
Arbor Woods has 423 wooded acres with preserve areas, mature trees, ponds and natural wetlands. When complete, it is expected to have more than 220 single-family residences, with prices beginning above $200,000.

For more information, visit www.TaylorMorrison.com.

Young Virginia cancer patient inspired Plantation Palms fundraiser

November 6, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Christina Jenks recently had her head shaved for a cause. She’s trying to help put an end to pediatric cancer.

Jenks and her husband Eric are behind a fundraiser planned for Nov. 9 at Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes. The event combines a golf tournament, head shavings and fun activities for kids and adults, aimed at raising money for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation to support pediatric cancer research.

Christina Jenks shaved her head to battle pediatric cancer. Will you? There are other ways to help, as well, of course. A fundraiser is set for Saturday at Plantation Palms to help fight pediatric cancer. (Photo courtesy of Christina Jenks)

The Jenks, who are the founders of Big Heroes 4 Little Warriors, began their crusade against childhood cancer a couple of years ago. It began when Christina Jenks read about a 6-year-old boy in Virginia who was fighting for his life.

One of the things that the little boy, Nathan Norman, said he most wanted for Christmas was cards from his heroes — police officers, firefighters and rescue personnel.

The young boy’s plea touched Jenks’ heart.

She approached her husband, a firefighter with Pasco Fire Rescue, and suggested they get the boy a card and ask firefighters at various stations to sign it.

The simple gesture snowballed into an avalanche of love as word spread. Fire and rescue folks from Orlando to Pinellas County began calling, expressing their desire to get involved.

“The response ended up being overwhelming,” Jenks said. “They wanted to donate helmets, they wanted to donate uniforms. They were making gifts for him. We had stuff coming from everywhere.”

They got so much, in fact, they wound up loading up their Chevy pickup and driving 700 miles to the Normans’ home in Lynchburg, Va., to deliver the loot to the young boy.

That was in December 2012.

When they arrived, the boy’s parents talked to them about the need to help children who have cancer. The Normans had launched their own fundraising organization and wound up giving the Jenks 110 gift bags to bring back to children at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and All Children’s Hospital.

The Jenks later decided to create Big Heroes 4 Little Warriors to help children in the Tampa Bay area who, like Nathan, are fighting for their lives.

The couple said they felt called to get involved.

“For me, I’ve been in fire rescue for more than 20 years, and helping people is something I love to do,” Eric Jenks said.

“All you have to do is meet one of these children and that’s all it takes – to see the battle they’re fighting, you just want to fight it for them,” his wife added. “That’s what we’re doing, we’re fighting for a need that needs to be filled. These kids need someone to fight for them. That’s what we’re doing.”

If you go
When: Saturday, Nov. 9; Opening ceremony 11:30 a.m., shot gun start for the golf tournament as well as head shaving and family event at noon.
Where; Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
What: Golf tournament, chance drawings, face painting, bounce houses, head shaving, games, arts and crafts, DJs and other activities.
Plantation Palms will donate 10 percent of all restaurant proceeds.
For more information, call Eric or Christina Jenks at (727) 641-6075.

Businesses can make it or break it at BizGrow 2.0

November 6, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Last year, Kellye Dash sat in the audience of BizGrow and soaked in all the advice from small business owners like herself making their way in this technology-based economy. Now, the president and chief executive of The Busy Buddy is ready to share some of her own experiences as the Pasco Economic Development Council’s annual conference gets under way.

“I started my business in 2009 while working for an IT company,” Dash said. “I wasn’t sure when I was going to pull the trigger and head out on my own, but I knew I would have to do it at some point.”

The one-day BizGrow 2.0 conference at Pasco-Hernando Community College is designed to show business owners they are not alone in the trials and tribulations of running their own business. (Photo courtesy of Summer Martin)

Dash designed her Wesley Chapel-based Busy Buddy to add an extra hand or two to businesses when they needed it most, providing everything from administrative work to data research and beyond.

She comes to BizGrow 2.0 at Pasco-Hernando Community College on Friday no longer attached to her old job, and now Dash hopes to share that confidence with others.

“I was working full-time, and I didn’t want to let that paycheck go,” she said. “But if you step out on your own, you really can do it, as long as you put people around you who are supportive. You may just surprise yourself.”

These are the kinds of stories BizGrow is expected to inspire once again, said organizer John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco EDC.

“The idea is to bring inspirational stories to the group so that people who are going through challenges right now of starting their own business and growing it know that other people are out there that went through it as well,” Walsh said. “But we also want to get people to network. This is a chance for like-minded people to get together, to create some strong relationships in the county, and make that happen.”

Networking can be just as important as anything else, especially when it comes to drumming up business, or even collaboration, said Amy Gleason.

As the chief operating officer of CareSync, Gleason is working to get the word out about her company’s new online application that brings a patient’s medical records together into one spot.

“It was inspired in part by my daughter who was diagnosed with a rare disease,” Gleason said. “We had a hard time managing all her health information, because it wasn’t all in one spot. There’s just no one that teaches you to be a patient, and no guidebook on how to navigate the health care system — and that’s something we really need out there.”

Many of the best product ideas come from a personal need to have them, Gleason said. But what a large number of would-be entrepreneurs suffer from are missteps in execution.

And that means paying attention to the ever-changing business world that’s out there.

“I hear a lot of people who are afraid of Twitter and don’t really understand it,” Gleason said, citing an example of tools not being properly used. “But it can be one of the most amazing sources of information. You can put one thing out there, and someone from a completely different walk of life can respond and offer you something to think about.”

It’s the ups and downs, and finding the right tools for the right job that makes BizGrow a popular destination for budding entrepreneurs, Walsh said. Especially the trials and tribulations involved in owning a business, because it’s not always easy.

“It’s not easy,” Walsh said. “It’s a commitment that will cost you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it might not be for everybody. If it’s not, this is the time to figure it out, before you spend a lot of time and money on the effort. Otherwise, there are opportunities here for those who are ready to embark on this path.”

If you go
BizGrow 2.0 is a conference designed to help businesses navigate in the new economy.
It takes place Nov. 8, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the New Port Richey campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College, Building R.
Admission is $30 in advance, or $35 the day of the event.
Information: PascoEDC.com/events