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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Great American Teach-in exposes students to careers

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An animal service worker and an attorney were among nearly two dozen guests who dropped into Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 14 to talk about their careers as part in the Great American Teach-In.

The goal is to give students an idea of the broad array of career choices they have, and to allow people from the community a chance to share their knowledge about what students need to know to thrive in their line of work.

Clementine Conde, left, an attorney, and Sarah Sukhram, an associate at Pasco County Animal Services, took part in the Great American Teach-in at Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 14. (Brian Fernandes)

Schools across Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties took part in the Great American Teach-In on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Speakers talked about what they do for a living, what inspired them to pursue that line of work, and what skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

The event gives students a chance to hear directly from professionals. It also can introduce them to career choices they may not know about, and can be a source of inspiration to pursue additional education.

Teach-In speakers at Wesley Chapel High ranged from nurses and marketing administrators to radio personalities and aviation technicians.

When one student mentioned she’d heard that law is a boring major, criminal defense attorney Clementine Conde responded: “It depends on the type of law that you do. Once you get out there and practice, it’s a lot more interesting.”

Conde told students that studying law can be daunting, but the reward outweighs the work.

Since receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, then a law degree from Western New England University, she has been practicing legal work for 26 years.

During her class visit, she broke down the difference between the federal and state court system, and she emphasized how a police record can hinder someone’s effort to land a particular job, or get into the school of one’s choice.

She said it’s important that students know their Miranda rights, to avoid self-incrimination.

“A lot of them [students] don’t know they have the right to remain silent if an officer is asking them questions,” said Conde. “It’s important for them to know.”

As she left the class, she offered a piece of advice that she gives her own 16-year-old son. She told them to set a long-term goal, a vision which is obtainable.

Kymone Hinds, another guest speaker, said he hopes to help others to “see past the limits that others have put on them and the limits they’ve placed on themselves.”

Hinds shared his experiences as an author, podcaster, and the owner of a business called Ideas to Life.

His business revolves around coaching and consulting inspiring entrepreneurs, while collaborating with other companies for projects and events.

A native of Tennessee, Hinds is a recent Wesley Chapel transplant and has been using his podcast for the past two years to promote his business.

Like Conde, Hinds, who has a daughter at Wesley Chapel High, wanted students to take away the message that it is important to have some agenda set in place, even if things don’t pan out the way they were intended.

“I wanted them to understand that it’s important to have a vision for your life,” he explained. “A vision is something that carries us beyond our present circumstance. When we face obstacles, our vision is what keeps us motivated,” he said.

Sarah Sukhram, an animal service worker, told students that no matter what skills they possess, they may find themselves in a field they never imagined.

With an education in corporate risk analysis, Sukhram had no idea that she would one day find herself dealing with the issue of stray animals. But since January, she has worked for the Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes as a volunteer and foster care coordinator.

Although she has always had a love for animals, she never thought her skills in corporate risk analysis would be transferrable into caring for animals.

She encouraged students who were at least 16 to consider becoming volunteers.

She also asked how many of the students own pets, followed by a question regarding how many of the pets wear tags or have been micro-chipped. More hands went up for the first question than for the second.

Many pets, she said, end up in shelters because of a lack of identification.

Besides working directly with animals, other opportunities exist at Animal Services, including social media work, graphic design and customer service, she said.

Sukhram said that students shouldn’t have to feel boxed in to higher education, but instead should focus on what they are passionate about doing.

“I think that education is always important, but I do think there are a lot of opportunities out there for those that may not want to go the college route, and that’s OK,” she said.

Published November 21, 2018

District park to get recreational center

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Back when plans were originally developed for the Wesley Chapel District Park, the intention was to build an indoor recreation center as part of the complex, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“Over time, with the downturn and people were saving money — cutting budget, it never happened,” Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is pleased that the county is pursuing plans to build an indoor recreation center at the county’s Wesley Chapel District Park. He’s excited about the new opportunities it will create for area residents. (B.C. Manion)

Now, plans for the indoor center are again proceeding for the district park at 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel.

“I asked it to be put in last year’s budget,” Moore said, noting he expects the county to soon select a design firm to design the building.

A county staff committee reviews the qualifications of those seeking to do the design work, Moore said.

“Once they choose the firm that meets the qualifications, they bring their choice to us,” Moore said. Generally, that’s approved by the board without debate, he said.

He expects the indoor recreation center to be similar to the building at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, and the budget for the project is approximately $3 million, Moore said.

He knows the indoor center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I’ve been very involved at Wesley Chapel District Park for a number of years,” he said, noting he’s coached baseball, soccer and flag football.

“There’s a lot of people out there on a daily basis,” Moore said.

“Right now, they’re playing basketball outside. The leagues are playing outside, plus, just the general public is playing outside.

“Well, the downfall, it’s hot in the summer — and then, rain,” Moore said. “You figure if it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s 120 (degrees) on that court.”

An indoor facility can be used year-round, he noted. And, “it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside. It doesn’t matter how hot it is.”

Plus, he said, “it’s just a safer environment for the kids.”

The new center also will give the community a chance to offer volleyball leagues, Moore said.

“I know for a fact, a lot of the girls and guys who are playing in volleyball are going to other places, whether it be Collier Parkway or New Tampa,” Moore said.

But, sports-minded people aren’t the only ones who will benefit, he said.

It also will create a new gathering space for the community.

He envisions a wide range of people using the center, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, aerobics classes, yoga classes, and various other classes and organizations.

“Think about those things they’re doing at Collier (Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), we could do them here,” Moore said. “I think about some of our retirees, our seniors, during the day — people could have Bridge Club or knitting.”

Right now, there are about 500 boys and girls in the basketball league each year, ranging from age 7 to 17, and there are no volleyball leagues at the park.

“My assumption is that you would see the leagues increase.

“I think it’s a deterrent for people to join when you play outdoors, because of the heat and everything,” he said.

There will be more parking, too.

“When you expand capacity, obviously you need additional parking,” Moore said.

He hopes the center is completed in time to open in early 2020.

Published November 21, 2018

Artistic couple opens home gallery in Wesley Chapel

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Upon entering the front door, various colors seem to emanate from all directions.

The living room and dining room walls are covered with diverse paintings.

The tables are decked with sculptures of different shapes and proportions.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks have opened their Wesley Chapel home to the public as an art gallery. (Brian Fernandes)

More artworks can be found in the bedrooms, too.

This is the Wesley Chapel home of Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks, who moved to the area a year ago from Washington D.C., to live closer to their family.

Their residence doubles as their art gallery.

The artists have dedicated their lives to teaching and exposing the world to their craft.

Each grew up around art.

Gwendolyn’s father, a painter, was a curator at Howard University for 33 years before retiring.

She grew up painting and also developed a love for music through the piano.

Although a passionate artist and musician, she felt a stronger calling to creating art.

“I realized that art as well as music are disciplines that require a lot of time and energy,” she said, reflecting on the competing desires. “I couldn’t do both, so I chose art.”

She pursued her education, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Education/Counseling from Trinity College.

She spent her career as an art teacher in Washington D.C., and in Gambia, Africa.

In this painting, Bernard Brooks pays homage to legendary blues musician, B.B. King.

Bernard recalled that his uncle was an artist who was quite “comfortable” in his line of work.

His uncle was an art instructor and helped establish the art department at Carver Vocational High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Bernard noticed and admired his uncle’s contentment, which, in turn, influenced Bernard to pursue a life in the arts.

Bernard received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Howard University, where he remained as the chief medical illustrator for more than 26 years.

It was during this time that he would design the interior of local dentist offices throughout the Washington D.C., area.

His artwork — known for its cotton fabric, metallic mediums and watercolors — began to gain notoriety.

“I was attracting people early on that had influence,” Bernard said, of his art’s growing popularity. “I always had a captive audience.”

His pieces would go on to be featured on national television shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “The Parkers.”

Gwendolyn Brooks was inspired to create this piece after taking a trip to Cuba.

After becoming established, Bernard continued to be an advocate for up-and-coming young artists in the nation’s capital.

He often opened his home, giving many a place to stay and hiring some, as interns.

The couple said their art has been inspired by international influences, noting they’ve lived in the Caribbean islands and visited numerous countries.

Recently, a trip to Cuba inspired each of them to create pieces reflecting life on the island.

Hoping to gain a local following
Both feel compelled to create, but their approaches differ.

“I consider myself an intuitive artist,” Gwendolyn said, noting she never plans her work, but instead lets her feelings guide the work.

Bernard, on the other hand, said he needs to set an agenda for himself before putting paint to canvas.

The concept of their work is also what distinguishes their paintings.

Bernard tends to focus on artistry that conveys political or social issues in the world.

This portrait by Bernard Brooks is both a painting and collage of real images paying homage to U.S. Troops.

He doesn’t concern himself with what message viewers takes away, as long as they get a message.

Gwendolyn, on the other hand, avoids controversial issues — focusing instead on positive aspects of humanity.

“I like to brighten the person’s life – take them away from what’s happening in the world,” Gwendolyn said.

In addition to painting, she enjoys creating dolls and handmade quilts.

Stitching quilts by hand can be a tedious process, but it makes her work feel more personal, she said.

The couple has had art shows around the world, and they continue to do so. In some cases, their works go on display even when they can’t be present.

At home, they have two separate rooms they use as galleries for their respective works.

In addition to creating art, they also appreciate work created by other artists.

Their house is a showcase of ethnic diversity, with paintings and sculptures from French, Haitian, Japanese and Jamaican artists among others.

For every piece, the couple can name the creator, and tell the story behind it.

Some works hold a more significant meaning to Gwendolyn because they were painted by her father. He passed on much of his work to her, and those pieces tend to focus on African-American culture and identity.

When they were in Washington D.C., the Brooks had home shows with a cook-out in the back for visitors.

They’re hoping to gain a similar following here, and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Tampa Bay art scene.

Their home gallery in Wesley Chapel is open to the public, with pieces available for purchase.

To find out more, call Bernard or Gwendolyn at (813) 618-0916.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks Home Art Show
Where: 5242 Riva Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 10, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks will open their home gallery to the public with paintings for sale.
Info: To RSVP, call the Brooks at (813) 618-0916 or email .

Published November 7, 2018

Fighting child hunger in Pasco, one backpack at a time

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When Amber Chancey and her husband, Paul, moved to Wesley Chapel in 2016, the couple had no idea the impact they would have on their new community.

They did know that they wanted the best education for their children, and they also knew that a healthy, balanced meal played a vital role in this.

Since its founding in 2018, Full Circle Food Outreach has found an advocate in NYE Commercial Advisors — which allows food donations to be dropped off at the company’s office. (Courtesy of Amber Chancey)

Meanwhile, Susan Coffey, a third-grade teacher, and several colleagues at Double Branch Elementary School noticed there were children in classes who were constantly tired, hungry or asking to be allowed to take their school food home.

Double Branch already was collecting food donations to send home to families on a month-to-month basis.

And, when the Chanceys learned about the situation, they began brainstorming on how to better address the needs of hungry children.

That led to the creation of the Full Circle Food Outreach program, which began in February 2018.

“We thought this was an easier, more consistent way to get the food to the kids,” said Amber Chancey, who is the program’s president.

The food outreach works like this: Students either openly express a need, or school staff notices signs — such as a student falling behind academically, or not concentrating in class.

In collaboration with Full Circle Food Outreach, New Tampa Chiropractic was able to collect 80 backpacks worth of nonperishable foods this year. These items are distributed to students in Wesley Chapel schools on Fridays, so they have enough to eat over the weekend.

Once a need is determined, parents must agree to be part of the program, in order to receive a supply of food intended to last through the weekend.

After school on Fridays, each student that is participating receives a food bag with 13 nonperishable items, consisting of two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks.

“We wanted these students to have the same opportunity to benefit from their education,” Chancey said, regarding the intent of Full Circle Food Outreach. “They’re not coming to school hungry, and they’re able to focus.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an estimated 6.5 million children live in households with an insufficient food supply, and roughly 16 percent of those homes have children under the age of 6.

Full Circle’s efforts have helped fill that gap at two Wesley Chapel schools, with Double Branch Elementary currently serving 21 students through the program, and Quail Hollow Elementary with 47 students.

One event that helped make this possible was a collaboration between Full Circle and the All Pro Dad organization, in which students’ fathers helped collect food donations on May 4.

The outreach also has received help from the community, when Full Circle hosted a “Stock-the-Pantry” food drive for the entire month of July.

Carmel Friendship Church, which partners with Full Circle Food Outreach, has stacks of nonperishable goodies so Wesley Chapel students won’t go hungry over the weekend while not in school.

Several local businesses volunteered themselves as drop-off locations for food donations, including NYE Commercial Advisors, New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center, Carmel Friendship Church, My Gym New Tampa, Faith Baptist Church and Premier Gymnastics.

The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club also has contributed food and money.

A Stock-the-Pantry party was held at the Country Walk Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel on July 28 to showcase the collected food donations, amounting to a value of more than $2,000.

Open to the public with refreshments, the function also raised an additional $250 from raffle tickets for items such as two Chuy’s Dinner certificates, a girl’s cruiser bike and a two-night stay at a Northwest Florida condo.

According to the foundation, $5 is enough to feed one student for a weekend, and it is striving for the goal of collecting $17,000 for the 2018-2019 school year, allocating some 2,720 food bags.

Chancey wants to provide services to more schools in Pasco County, but because Full Circle is a nonprofit organization, it must depend on community and business contributions to expand its work.

Her objective is not only to ensure that students are well-nourished, but that they learn the importance of charitable work and, eventually, will give back to others.

“Potentially, they’re going to make better grades, that’s going to help them progress and end up in a better place as an adult,” she said.

To enroll a student in the program or to make a donation online, visit FullCircleFoodOutreach.org.

For additional information on the foundation, call Full Circle Food Outreach at (813) 619-8009, or email .

Published November 7, 2018

Sharing joy through Operation Christmas Child

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Jennifer Hernandez is in the business of spreading love – not just locally, but globally.

For the past two years, she and Bridgeway Church, where she attends in Wesley Chapel, have been coordinating their efforts to help kids worldwide in what is known as “Operation Christmas Child.”

The nondenominational Christian project was first established in 1993 and is based in North Carolina under the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

Children within Fiji are elated as they receive special Christmas gifts from their friends in the U.S. (Courtesy of SamaritansPurse.org)

Samaritan’s Purse is headed by evangelist Franklin Graham who had a vision to help underprivileged youth gain something beneficial from the holidays. Thus was the beginning of Operation Christmas Child.

Since its inception 25 years ago, more than 157 million children across 160 countries have received shoeboxes with school supplies, personal hygiene items and toys.

This year, thousands of other volunteers nationwide are trying to reach 11 million children in need.

From Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, a National Collection Week will take place throughout the U.S., where donations can be handed in at various drop-off locations.

Hernandez, a drop-off team leader, recalled her reaction when a fellow church member initiated the idea to the congregation: “It looked like a worthwhile cause.”

Now in its third year, Bridgeway Church has collected more than 2,000 shoeboxes and hopes this holiday season will not be short of a success.

Bridgeway is one of seven drop-off locations for shoeboxes in Pasco County.

“The entire reason is to demonstrate God’s love through this tangible gift,” explained Dana Williams, assistant manager of media relations for Samaritan’s Purse. “This is an open door to share with a child that they’re loved and not forgotten.”

The manpower of Samaritan’s Purse is spread wide, as they train “local ministry partners” in other countries on how to receive the gifts and distribute them.

They will typically set up outreach events in a town’s church, school or community center and get the word out to parents that there’s a special surprise waiting for their children there.

Oftentimes, foreign pastors who know their communities well are granted the task of handing out shoeboxes to the children whom they know are in great need.

While adults can set up the shoeboxes themselves, youth are strongly encouraged to be involved, to help them learn how privileged they are here in the United States, Hernandez said.

Senders can include a letter in the shoebox, which enables the recipients the opportunity to respond.

“It opens up a relationship between the child that gets the box and the child here who sends the box,” she said.

An online donation of $9 will grant the donor a “follow your box” tracking label. By attaching the label to the shoebox, the donor can track which country it has been sent to.

To make a donation or to look up drop-off locations in your community, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week
Bring donations to help fill shoeboxes to these drop-off locations, from Nov. 12 through Nov. 19 (hours vary by location):

Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 907-1313.

East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road, Dade City. For information, call (352) 567-3646.

Fair Haven Baptist Church, 34927 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills. For information, call: (813) 782-7115.

Details: Various regions of Pasco County and the U.S. will be collecting and  packaging shoeboxes with gifts to send out to less fortunate children. For other drop-off locations and more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Published November 7, 2018

Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church makes ‘house calls’

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When the Rev. Adrienne Hymes was considering ways to reach out into the community surrounding the new Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, she hit upon an idea that literally involves making house calls.

The Rev. Adrienne Hymes sprinkles holy water in Pete and Sharon Soto’s Wesley Chapel home as part of a home blessing. (B.C. Manion)

She has made herself available, by appointment, to visit a house or apartment — or business or other gathering space, for that matter, to lead a ceremony to bless the space.

Recently, she visited the home of Pete and Sharon Soto, of Wesley Chapel, and read from scriptural text, as she and those gathered took part in a rite aimed at welcoming and acknowledging God’s presence, and asking for blessing and protection.

The couple, their daughter, and some friends and neighbors joined in reading passages, at certain points in the rite.

Hymes used salt and a blessing, seeking to turn ordinary tap water into holy water — used to bless every room in the home.

Salt is used for purification, she explained.

And, near the home’s front door, Hymes recited a pray, which said in part: “Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home, the grace of your presence, that you may be known to be the inhabitant of this dwelling and a defender of this household.”

As she and the others made their way throughout the home, she sought blessings for each room.

In the bedroom, for instance, Hymes prayed: “Guide us, waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep, we may rest in peace.”

Family and friends gather to join in a sacramental ritual to bless Pete and Sharon Soto’s home in Wesley Chapel.

Others attending the ceremony were Jeri Jeffries, Maggie Thomas, Christine O’Donnell, Karen Bauer and Michelle Flemming, the Sotos’ daughter.

“As we go on our spiritual journey, and our deeper relationship with God, we started to realize that we need extra protection,” Sharon Soto said.

“We lived 30 years in the other house and we didn’t get it done, so when the opportunity came up for this house, we couldn’t pass it up,” Pete Soto said. “That was just like a God-sent message.”

The Sotos moved to Wesley Chapel a couple of years ago.

“We were ready to downsize to a smaller home, and we have a daughter, a son-in-law and two grandsons that live in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s not that we don’t feel the presence of God here, we already do. It just is kind of an affirmation, I guess,” Sharon Soto said.

Hymes said besides blessing homes, she’s available — by appointment — to bless other spaces, too.

“More and more, as people are pushed into very determined sacred and secular spaces, I think it’s important to remind people that showing up where they live, work and play, and saying, ‘You know what, all of it is sacred,’ ” she said.

“Ritual is so important for us to memorialize different milestones in our lives. One of those would be that now, we have a new home, or we have a home that we now want to make sure that is adequately blessed, particularly if you’re a religious person,” Hymes said.

“It’s one way for the church to say, ‘We’re new here,’ but we also want to be able to bless you in whatever way that we can. Interacting with people, not just on the street corner, or the place where we’re shopping — but to be able to go into their home, is a very intimate space. And, I think that connects with people on a very different level.”

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, email Hymes at .

New church begins Sunday services
What: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church is beginning to offer a Sunday morning service
Where: 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. (This will be the new church’s first Sunday service, which it plans to offer each week at 8 a.m.)
Details: Besides offering a Sunday service, the church also offers home blessings and other activities aimed at promoting spiritual development.
Info: Visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org, or call (813) 418-1281.

Published October 31, 2018

Festival offers Halloween fun for all ages in Wesley Chapel

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The Wesley Chapel Fall Festival is back again for its 14th year, ready to offer festival-goers a variety of ways to have seasonal fun.

Festivities will include a Glow Party, where participants wear glow bracelets and necklaces, while dancing to a live DJ performance.

Pet owners can claim bragging rights if their favorite four-legged friend wins the costume contest during the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, Oct. 26 to Oct. 28. The pet costume contest is on Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. (Courtesy of Shaunte Langley Photography)

On Oct. 27 at 4 p.m., children are encouraged to come out with their Halloween costumes for Trunk-or-Treat, where they can collect candy from vehicle trunks at the festival.

Other offerings include a Bounce House with a $5 play-all-day fee; a $30 wristband will grant unlimited access to 12 to 14 rides at the carnival, including a Ferris wheel and Gravitron. On Oct. 26 only, there’s a buy-one, get-one free deal for the carnival.

Visitors can buy a variety of items from food trucks, and there will be pumpkin-painting, a petting zoo and a business expo, too.

There’s a pet costume contest on Oct. 27 at 11 a.m., with a $5 entry fee. The following day, there’s a pumpkin pageant for kids at 11 a.m.

Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes to the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival. They also can collect lots of candy from vehicles during Trunk-or-Treat at the event.

There also will be live band and community performances on two stages at the event.

Some of the acts include Kris Pierce, George Pennington III and Jessica Rose Powell.

Proceeds will help K-9 Heroes 4 Our Heroes, Relay for Life of East Pasco and The Stano Foundation.

The fest will be outdoors at The Grove at Wesley Chapel plaza, on Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and, on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. The Suncoast Credit Union is hosting the event.

For additional information, contact Drew Cecere at (727) 674-1464 or .

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival
Where: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
When: Oct. 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy a glow party, carnival rides, contests and live performances.
Info: Contact Drew Cecere at (727) 674-1464 or .

Published October 24, 2018

Ten-year-old uses home décor business to pursue Olympic dreams

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In the age of GoFundMe campaigns and other fundraisers — where someone is always seemingly always asking for a handout — 10-year-old Hailey Henderson is using her own hands to try to make her dreams come true.

The Wesley Chapel youth has launched a home decor business — Hailey Brooke Designs  — stamping personalized books for nearly every occasion.

Ten-year-old Hailey Henderson helps pay for her figure skating lessons through her home décor business, Hailey Brooke Designs, where she stamps personalized books. The business started in August after Henderson discovered her talent for crafting with her grandmother. (Courtesy of Melissa Nordholm)

Each sale helps pay for her figure skating lessons at Florida Hospital Center Ice, with her ultimate goal to compete in the Olympics.

Though she’s only been skating for a year, Henderson has experienced almost immediate success.

This past skating season, the Weightman Middle School sixth-grader won two competitions in her division — the 16th annual Labor Day Invitational, in Fort Myers; and, the 2018 Southwest Florida Fall Classic, in Ellenton.

She also earned a second place finish at the 2018 Orange Blossom Open, in Oldsmar.

The rink is Henderson’s happy place.

As she gracefully skates across the ice, she doesn’t have a care in the world.

“You don’t have to think about school, you don’t have to think about homework, you don’t have to think about anything else,” said Henderson, who skates for Champions’ Edge Skating Club, based out of Florida Hospital Center Ice.

“I like doing my jumps because you get a certain feeling where like you’re in the air and it just feels so cool,” she said. “I just love it.”

Hailey Henderson, 10, of Wesley Chapel, last month won first place in the 16th annual Labor Day Invitational, in Fort Myers. She also recently won the 2018 Southwest Florida Fall Classic, in Ellenton. She dreams of competing in the Olympics.

Henderson, however, understands figure skating is an expensive sport.

So, with some help from her mother, Melissa Nordholm, Henderson upcycles books and gathers other materials for the chic creations.

Her items are available on Etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies.

The business started in August after Henderson discovered her talent for crafting with her grandmother.

Nordholm said her daughter does most of the manual labor.

“She gets to sit there and stamp them all,” Nordholm explained. “The actual design of the books is pretty much independently her.”

The personalized book sets can be customized with family and pet names, as well as favorite quotes and song lyrics.

Henderson has also branched out to specific themes, for occasions such as Halloween and Christmas.

For example, her “Trick or Treat” handmade set comes wrapped with Halloween-colored raffia and a creepy-crawly spider detail.

Henderson’s catalog of items includes a wide assortment of handmade sets, including those themed for all branches of military and law enforcement and firefighters.

Her “Protect and Serve” handmade set, for instance, comes wrapped with natural jute and adorned with a resin police ornament on top.

“It’s just so much fun. It’s like another hobby,” she said.

Her favorite design is the Breast Cancer Awareness themed set.

It’s decorated with a pink awareness ribbon and wrapped in pink raffia, with quotes such as ‘Hope, Courage, Strength,’ ‘Stronger than Cancer’ and ‘I Can and I Will.’

The disease hits close to home to Henderson. Her great-aunt has been battling it for eight years now.

“She’s been fighting breast cancer for quite a long time, so it’s pretty meaningful,” Henderson said, also adding “and I like pink, so it goes together.”

The Wesley Chapel youth continues brainstorming to come up with other book set ideas for the future.

“We’re thinking about doing a Teacher Appreciation one for the teachers and some baking ones, like ‘Bakers Gonna Bake’ or ‘Watch Me Whip,’ because it’s funny,” Henderson said.

Nordholm smiles broadly, as she considers the sacrifices her 10-year-old daughter is making to run her own business. “It’s definitely very heartwarming,” she said.

Watching her daughter in skates, makes her proud, too.

“I love that she’s got that childlike wonder and her dream is to go to the Olympics. I love that she thinks she can achieve it. It definitely makes us feel pretty amazing as parents,” Nordholm said.

So far, most of the book set orders have come from Wesley Chapel and Pasco County, but a handful of orders have come in from other states.

With each order, Henderson writes every customer a handwritten ‘thank-you’ note.

“You are the reasons my dreams are coming true, XOXO Hailey,” each note reads.

To order one of Henderson’s designs, visit Etsy.com, and search for HaileyBrookeDesigns, or visit tinyurl.com/y9wqwjpc.

Published October 10, 2018

New fire district a first in Pasco in nearly a decade

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Pasco County firefighters, county officials and first responders gathered on Sept. 17 to mark the beginning of construction for a new Wesley Chapel fire station.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Station 38, which began at 8 a.m., was held at the fire station’s future location on Overpass Road.

Chief Scott Cassin gave opening remarks on Sept. 17 at the development site for the future Fire Station 38 in Wesley Chapel. Cassin oversees all Pasco County fire stations. (Brian Fernandes)

The ceremony marked the first addition of a new fire coverage area in Pasco County since 2009.

The fire station is situated within the Watergrass community, a residential area, which also includes a local elementary school.

The project comes in response to an increasing need for shorter wait times in that growing region of Wesley Chapel.

In his remarks, Fire Chief Scott Cassin talked about the amenities and advancements the new station will have.

The new 10,843-square-foot station will have a four-bay garage for trucks and supplies. It will have a kitchen and residential area, and a sheriff’s substation will be housed there, too.

The station will have a new call alert system that will be implemented to simultaneously dispatch numerous calls at the same time.

The installation of a Plymovent Diesel Exhaust Capture System will set Station 38 apart from other Pasco fire stations. The feature will lessen exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.

This is a customary image of the groundbreaking, taken at the Sept. 17 event, to mark the beginning of construction for Fire Station 38. From left: Erik Breitenbach, Manny Long, Michael Cassano, Scott Cassin, Andrew Fossa, Ron Oakley, Gary Joiner, Tait Sanborn and Todd Wyne.

“Station 38 will have atmospheric conditioning that will protect our firefighters from that gas,” said Deputy Chief Michael Cassano.

Going forward, existing and future stations in the county are planned to be equipped with the system.

Cassin has been visiting Pasco fire stations to get feedback on what improvements could be incorporated into Station 38.

“We’re trying to think long-term,” the chief said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley offered a few words, too, before a customary snapshot was taken of shovels flinging dirt.

Station 38 has been four years in the making and will cost an estimated $3.6 million to build. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2019.

Published September 26, 2018

Wesley Chapel schools earn national PTA distinction

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Wesley Chapel’s Double Branch Elementary School and Dr. John Long Middle School each have been named a 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence.

The National PTA organization has a program with specific criteria, allowing schools around the country to be acknowledged for their service to students.

The year-long process includes choosing one of three areas of focus: education, health and safety, or arts. Once that is selected, a PTA can choose a more specific topic to work on.

Dr. John Long Middle School is one of two Wesley Chapel schools to be recognized with the 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence award. (Brian Fernandes)

Local officials were gratified by the recognition for programs and actions taken on their campuses last school year.

“We have a great school,” said Jennifer Kanyok, PTSA member at John Long Middle School. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for what our PTA does. It’s a great honor.”

“It really is about the community coming together to support the needs of the students,” said Vaughnette Chandler, principal of Double Branch Elementary School.

As a middle school, John Long offers a Parent-Teacher-Student Association(PTSA) program.

The association gives students the opportunity to act as liaisons on behalf of the school, by attending PTSA meetings and offering their input. Each grade level has four to five student representatives.

“That’s really the purpose behind PTSA, to bring students’ voice[s] to the forefront,” said John Long’s principal Christine Wolff.

Various speakers have been brought to John Long Middle, as well, to address issues such as bullying, and cyber safety when using the internet and cellphones.

Double Branch Elementary chose to focus on health and safety — zeroing in on the issue of bullying.

The school would set out for the next year identifying what bullying is, addressing it and helping to eliminate it.

As part of its program, Double Branch implemented a “kindness initiative,” which involved different departments, including the student council, said Double Branch’s PTA president Courtney Wine.

The school selected a ‘Rancher of the Quarter’ to acknowledge students who exemplified kindness.

The title was bestowed for exceptional acts in class, in the cafeteria and on the bus.

Over the summer, Double Branch also hosted the Fifth-Grade Leadership Academy, designed to help the older students develop into responsible leaders for the younger ones.

“The message there is, kind acts lead to kinder acts,” Chandler said.

The school used its television show, called The News Show, to recognize student acts of generosity.

Double Branch’s agenda for kindness is not exclusive to just parents, students and administration.

“We welcome community partners to come in,” said Wine, who has witnessed an outpouring of support from outside the school. “The more people we have together, the stronger our voice is for what our kids need.”

Kid-friendly businesses have partnered with the PTA in its efforts. Local dentists and tutoring services, including Mathnasium and Life Skills in Action, have taken part.

The John Long PTSA has also partnered with the community, offering a number of fundraisers throughout the academic year.

In addition to working with Toys for Tots, it had a jeans drive, as well as collecting personal hygiene items to contribute to another community school.

“Those are all positive messages that kids learn,” Wolff said. “If you have the opportunity to give to somebody else, you should do that as well.”

Working with the school’s English department has also been important for the PTSA.

Together, they have hosted a summer reading program to better engage children in literature. Upon completion, students are rewarded with an ice cream party.

Both schools also engage their students in the National PTA Reflections Art Program, which offers singing, dance choreography and literature to name a few options.

Kanyok, a six-year PTSA member, has a daughter with a love for drawing. She motivates her to use Reflections as a way of presenting her art to the public.

Leaders at both schools agree that parents do not need to join the PTA to be effective advocates for their children — they just need to lend their voices to issues that matter to them.

The school encourages not only parents, but other family members and members of the community to volunteer.

“We encourage grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Kanyok. “The more parent involvement we have, the better we run, the better our school runs.”

While being grateful for the recognition, leaders at both schools said the focus remains on serving students.

“The purpose wasn’t to get the award,” said Wolff. “The purpose was to do what was behind the purpose of the award, which was to make sure there were good processes in place for kids.”

Published September 19, 2018