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Metropolitan Ministries

Stepping up to help

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Whether it’s sewing protective masks, printing free coloring books, holding prayer services, giving away pizzas or providing pallets of food — people across The Laker/Lutz News are stepping up to help others, in response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Barbara Booth is one of seven seamstresses who is contributing her sewing skills to help make protective masks to help meet needs during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (Courtesy of GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

Linda Mitchell, of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, has organized a group of seamstresses who are using their skills to make protective masks.

Mitchell delivers the 100% cotton fabric and ¼-inch elastic needed to make the masks to the volunteer seamstresses, then beeps her horn when she drops off the materials in the volunteer’s driveways.

The staff at RP&G Printing, in Wesley Chapel, created youth activity and coloring books and adult coloring pages, as a way of giving back to the community — during these stressful times. They leave them outside for people to pick them up, and post pages to social media so people can print them, to avoid personal contact.

At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, a group of “prayer warriors” arrived by caravan, to pray for the hospital’s care team and community. There were two mobile digital boards with scriptures, and the group honked their horns and flashed their lights before parking to pray, according to a news release from the West Florida Division of AdventHealth.

Cassie Coleman, director of the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club, and Kathy Hunt, director of Restored Hope. (Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

The group’s next planned stop was on March 28, at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Meanwhile, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, donated 20,000 pounds of food on March 27, splitting the delivery between Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club and Metropolitan Ministries.

Pitching in at the Boys and Girls Club were State Rep. Randy Maggard, who represents District 38 in the Florida House of Representatives; Patrick Thornton, stake president for the church; Cassie Coleman, director of Boys & Girls Club; and Kathy Hunt, director of Restored Hope, which received 2,300 pounds of food to help people in East Pasco, according to Melonie Monson, who is involved with the church.

Life Church, in Wesley Chapel, has been providing ongoing help and remains committed to doing what it can, said Robin Granger, director of Life Community Center, which is operated by the church.

Thomas Promise Foundation board member Amanda Burns, of Dade City, left, and foundation driver Peyton Yowell, of Land O’ Lakes, watch as cars begin to pour into the parking lot of Pasco County High School, 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City. The Thomas Promise Foundation and Pasco County Schools were both distributing food, to help children who do not have access to food while schools are closed. Thomas Promise normally provides food to help feed children over the weekend, as part of its Operation Backpack program. (Christine Holtzman)

“Our pastors unequivocally said, ‘This is the time that we move forward and we press in and we don’t step back,’” said Granger, whose church is providing to-go meals instead of community lunches once a week and operating a drive-thru food pantry on another day.

It is willing to do more, she said.

“If there are folks who are sick and shut-in, I have a team of volunteers and we also have a team of folks from the church who would be willing to deliver boxes of food to them.

“If you know people who need someone to help organize donations, we have the team of people and the willing congregation to step in and be the hands and feet of who we say we are, and what we’re supposed to do,” she said. (Those needing help should call (813) 994-0685).

The church wants to help, but could use some help, too, Granger said.

It needs more food donations because grocery stores have less to give these days, Granger said.

Bubba’s 33, a restaurant in Wesley Chapel, also is stepping up. On March 27, it gave away 33 pizzas to the first 33 patrons waiting in line at 3:33 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints delivered a shipment of 20,000 pounds of food to help those in need last week. Shown here are Cassie Coleman director of Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club; State Rep. Randy Maggard, from House District 38; and Stake President Patrick Thornton, who oversees several churches. (Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

The goal was to help feed hungry families, according to a news release.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is pitching in, too.

Deputies and other agency employees are making takeout purchases at businesses across Pasco County, to offer support during these trying times.

Donations also are coming from major companies, as well as individuals.

Florida Blue, for instance, is providing $100,000 to help the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, YMCA of the Suncoast and YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.

The money is being combined with donations by YMCA members to offer all-day youth relief care for essential workers at 21 Y locations across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus and Hernando counties.

The gift is part of $2 million that Florida Blue is using to address urgent health and safety needs in communities across the state.

There’s also a group called Together in Peace that wants to reach out to seniors who normally go to community senior centers during the week, but are unable to do so because the centers are closed.

“We will be calling them to say hello, have a friendly chat, and offer some social connection during this time of social distancing,” Sharon Hall, a member of the group, said via email.

“At this time we are just waiting for response back from Pasco County Senior Services, who we understand will connect us with seniors that have signed up/indicated they would like to be contacted,” Hall said.

Also, NAMI Pasco, a mental health care organization that provides programs and support groups, has temporarily ceased its programs. But, it is offering text peer support services to those with mental health conditions, from noon to 6 p.m., each day it is closed, with the promise of responding within one hour. To use the service, text (863) 223-6799, and provide your first name. Anyone with a mental health emergency should call 911.

Published April 1, 2020

Scouts’ food campaign aims to impact hunger

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Powered by thousands of boys and girls in local Boy Scouts of America groups across West Central Florida, an initiative called Scouting for Food is seeking to collect a record-setting amount of food to fight hunger.

Boy Scouts from the Tampa Bay Area Council visit One Buc Place for a photo op with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ mascot, Captain Fear, to promote the Scouting for Food campaign. (Courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council)

Scouts ages 5 to 17 will go door-to-door on Jan. 25 in their neighborhoods to attach door hangers with program information, then return to collect nonperishable food donations left on front porches one week later, on Feb. 1.

Scouting for Food will take place on the weekends leading up to the Super Bowl, as the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council—the region’s branch of the Boy Scouts of America—is joining more than 4,000 participating groups in the Souper Bowl of Caring, a nonprofit organization that collected more than 4.5 million pounds of food in 2019.

Boy Scouts of America is a program that teaches young men and women values, leadership, adventure and, most importantly, how to lend a helping hand and assist those in need.

“Serving others is at the heart of what Scouting is all about,” said Scouting for Food event chair Melissa Snively, in a release.

“In Florida alone, more than 850,000 children struggle with hunger. Our Scouts will be energized knowing they are helping other young people,” Snively added.

More than 15,000 Scouts are members of the local branch of Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. The council and its Scouting for Food effort covers nine counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco.

Food collected in Pasco County will be benefit the food banks of Helping Hands Choice Food Pantry (Wesley Chapel), St. Vincent De Paul (Land O’ Lakes) and Metropolitan Ministries (Holiday).

To stay up to date on the progress of the food campaign, visit TampaBayScouting.org, or follow Scouting for Food on Facebook.

Published January 15, 2020

Bringing holiday cheer to those in need

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A ceremony was held at Keystone Community Church last week to bless the tent where people will be dropping off donations for the holidays.

The 9 a.m. event, on Nov. 7, was one of six tent blessings taking place simultaneously across Tampa Bay.

About three dozen people gathered at a tent blessing at Keystone Community Church in Lutz last week, to mark the kickoff of the effort to collect donations to help those in need. (B.C. Manion)

About three dozen people gathered at the Lutz event, which kicked off the joint effort of Keystone Community Church and First United Methodist Church to help bring joy to families in need, as part of Metropolitan Ministries’ annual holiday assistance program.

Pastor Kevin Grills, pastor at First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, presided over the tent blessing.

“The tent is up, so we are asking God’s blessing upon this community and what he would do through us as vehicles in bringing some of the bounty that he has blessed us with back into a community that needs it,” Grills said.

Kirsten Barton, director of corporate partnerships for Metropolitan Ministries, told those gathered that the holiday assistance program began when Rev. Morris E. Hintzman joined Metropolitan Ministries.

Families who received help throughout the year, asked if it would be possible to get a turkey for a traditional holiday meal and some toys for their children, Barton said. Metropolitan’s staff and the generosity of the community responded by providing turkey and toys for hundreds of families.

“Thirty-seven years later, we continue to do what we did back in 1982,” she said, and the ministry doesn’t just help people at the holidays, but provides year-round assistance to families in need.

“This year, with the help of our amazing partners, we will alleviate suffering and promote dignity for 18,000 families in Hillsborough, 5,000 families in Pinellas and 7,000 families here, in Pasco County,” she said.

Angela Hobson, chair of the tent effort at Keystone Community Church, talked about the history of her church’s involvement.

Pastor Kevin Grills, of First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, led a tent blessing at Keystone Community Church last week. It was one of six tent blessing events being held simultaneously across Tampa Bay.

“My first drive up to see this site that we were moving into is something I will never forget,” she said. “As I turned the corner onto (State Road) 54 and began to see the wide open lot that the church was sitting on, I clearly heard in my spirit: ‘Metropolitan Ministries tent,’” she said.

“I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew I had to move forward being obedient to that voice.

“We moved into the building in September and opened our first collection tent in November.

“The lesson I would learn from that one act of obedience has stayed with me and, over the years, it has grown my willingness to listen to God’s leading and to do what he says.

“Our obedience to him always, always, turns into a blessing for someone else.”

Debbie Gehlen, co-chair of the tent, said it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

In December of 2016, for instance, the church’s trailer — which was about three-fourths full — was stolen.

When news spread about the theft, the community responded, she said.

“People collected in the community and showed up with checks.

“St. Timothy’s Catholic Church showed up with 600 bags of toys, and they were all marked with gender and age. We received a lot of baby equipment.

“We received an anonymous check one day, for the trailer,” she said.

“We were very upset at the time, but we were really happy with the outcome. It was truly a blessing in disguise,” Gehlen said.

Barton said Metropolitan Ministries is excited to continue its partnership with Keystone Community Church as a collection site, and to “enhance our reach in the area by partnering with First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, as a distribution point for the Holiday of Hope.”

Jill Swann, a member of First United Methodist of Land O’ Lakes, said, “when this opportunity for distribution came up, we were excited and we are ready to go. Distribution will be for the Pasco clients before Thanksgiving and before Christmas, and we hope to serve 500 families at each holiday.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was at the tent blessing, as was Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Moore read a resolution approved by commissioners on Nov. 5, recognizing the efforts by the Keystone Community Church, the United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes and Metropolitan Ministries.

Others in the crowd included Summer Robertson, representing U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office, and Sandy Graves, who is involved in a number of Land O’ Lakes and Central Pasco organizations.

Pastor Grills asked those gathered to form a big circle, hold hands and observe 2 minutes of silence to pray to God.

The pastor offered this prayer: “God of mercy, would you fill this space with your spirit, and create an atmosphere of help and healing. Bless those who come asking for help that they wish they did not need. Stir in our hearts and the hearts of those with plenty to give, a desire to do all that we can to ease the burden of others during this holiday season and throughout the year. Bless the gifts of time and work, food and toys and other supplies.

“In this time together, help us to focus not on ourselves, but on the mission you have for this ministry, to alleviate suffering, to promote dignity and to instill self-sufficiency.”

Want to help?
Tent hours at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54

  • Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.

Most needed items: Frozen turkeys and hams, cereal, yams, stuffing, gift cards, teen girl and boy gifts for Christmas (ages 13 to 17), and infant educational toys and gifts.

Volunteering opportunities in Pasco County:

  • Metropolitan Ministries Pasco, 3214 U.S. 19 N., Holiday
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
  • Calvary Assembly of God, 13544 U.S. Bypass, Dade City

To sign up to volunteer at all locations, visit Metromin.org/holiday-central/volunteer.

For information on group volunteering in Pasco County, contact Stacy Wyman at .

Published November 13, 2019

Local groups help federal workers

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Organizations around the region are stepping up to help, as workers and their families struggle during the nation’s longest partial federal government shutdown.

The help has come in various forms.

“The key is to take off some of the pressure from these folks (so they can) worry less about where their food is coming from,” explained Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector of Pasco County.

Adele Richoll packs paper bags with food at Father and Son Love Ministries on Jan. 18. Her organization is one of many that are providing help to federal workers who have been furloughed, or are working without pay, during the partial federal government shutdown. (Brian Fernandes)

The federal government partially shut down on Dec. 22, in the midst of a budget battle between President Donald Trump and members of congress, over funding for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Over the past weekend, Trump offered a deal that would include money for the border wall, while granting some immigrants protection for three years. But, Democrats were not moved by Trump’s offer.

The impasse affects about 800,000 federal employees, including some who are not working during the shutdown, and others who are working without pay.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one group of federal employees who are working without pay.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano was inspired to specifically help those troops.

The five branches of the county’s tax office intends to distribute donations to the troops and their families.

“Mr. Fasano supports our men and women in uniform,” Giordano said. “He wanted to do something to show that this community is behind those individuals.”

On Day 1 of collections, Tom Kliebert was at the tax collector’s office to offer support.

“I’m always looking for things I can do to help out the military,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I really appreciate what they do to protect our country.”

The Wesley Chapel resident went directly to the grocery store to purchase donations when he learned online about the tax collector’s effort.

Debby Palmer, also of Wesley Chapel, received the notification through email and also wanted to help.

“I feel like I’ve been very blessed in my life, so I try to contribute where I can,” she said.

She brought in four bags of groceries to her local tax office.

Tom Kliebert wasted no time buying and donating food to his local tax office in Wesley Chapel. His contribution is one of many that will go toward members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. (Courtesy of Greg Giordano)

he tax collector’s five branches began collecting donations on Jan. 16 and accumulated more than $2,300 in cash, 91 bags of groceries and more than a dozen gift cards within the first two days. (For addresses of branches, go to PascoTaxes.com).

“Obviously this has touched a nerve in the community,” Giordano said. He characterized the community’s generosity as being “incredible.”

Father and Son Love Ministries, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz, also is offering a helping hand.

Pastor C.J. Johns heads the Lutz church, which has opened its doors to federal workers and their families every Friday.

Church staff and volunteers, from noon to 3 p.m. on Fridays, will give out bagged lunches, plus supplies of food for a week, for those requesting it.

The church also understands that some families won’t be able to afford to drive to the church, so it is willing to deliver food boxes to homes if they provide 48 hours’ notice, the pastor said.

Before the shutdown, the church was already operating a food drive and now has prepared for a larger turnout.

“We’re committed to helping our community,” Johns said. “It’s a need that has risen, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help ease the turmoil.”

Publix has supported the church’s efforts, Johns said, noting the grocery chain recently donated surplus items from the holidays.

Besides providing food, the church also offers free clothing and personal hygiene items.

It also understands that children need relief, too, so the church will make toys, birthday cakes and cupcakes available, the pastor said.

The church plans to keep the drive open 30 days after the government reopens to help workers get back on their feet.

Restored Hope, at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, also is committed to assisting federal workers for as long as necessary.

The nonprofit organization welcomes workers to stop by its center on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Federal employees are asked to bring identification or their last pay stub to verify their status.

The organization’s pantry room is filled with nonperishable items and clothing.

Many items were leftover donations given by Metropolitan Ministries over the holidays, said Doreen Kennard, bookkeeper of Restored Hope.

Knowing there was surplus in storage, she thought: “Perfect timing, we’ll offer it to the government employees.”

Kennard added that the organization will do what it can to help workers pay past due bills.

During the federal government shutdown, Pasco County Utilities also is working to help federal employees, who are also PCU customers, develop an action plan to ensure continuation of services.

Pasco County Utilities will waive late fees and provide extensions for utility bills due by any federal employee who is on furlough or is required to work without compensation, as long as supporting documentation is provided.

Customers in need of assistance should call (813) 235-6012 during regular business hours.

Other acts of kindness can be seen throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Tampa Bay Salvage, at 37832 Meridian Ave., in Dade City, is accepting donations of food and personal hygiene items at its Dade City and Palm Harbor offices.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering pet food to support furloughed workers who have pets. The donations are available on weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Verification is required.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is connecting federal employees of Tampa International Airport with community resources.

Feeding Tampa Bay also has set up a food bank for TSA workers, and TECO is offering payment extensions on electric bills.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will also offer a day of relaxation with one free admission to federal workers.

These organizations are providing help to federal workers who are either off the job, or not being paid during the partial federal government shutdown:

  • Pasco County Tax Collector Offices (Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey); Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Restored Hope, 13703 17th St., Dade City; Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (352) 437-4815.
  • Father and Son Love Ministries, 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz; Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Call (813) 846- 9993.
  • Tampa Bay Salvage, 37832 Meridian Ave., Dade City; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (352) 437-5231.
  • The Florida Aquarium is offering one free admission to federal workers with identification.
  • Pasco County Utilities will help customers that are federal employees who are not receiving pay, or are furloughed, to ensure continuation of services. Documentation is needed. Those needing assistance should call (813) 235-6012.

Published January 23, 2019

Neighbors object, but family housing OK’d

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The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County can move forward with plans to temporarily house homeless families in a building at the former campus of the Boys & Girls Club in Port Richey.

The coalition, with support from other social service agencies, also will open the Housing Services Center, which will administratively help families and individuals seeking permanent housing and other services.

A former Boys & Girls Club on Youth Lane in Port Richey will be renovated and opened as a temporary shelter for homeless families, and administrative offices for the Housing Services Center.
(File)

The Pasco County Commission, with Commissioner Jack Mariano dissenting, approved the coalition’s plan at its June 19 meeting in New Port Richey.

Commissioners also approved a 15-year lease agreement for $1 a year; and, a $190,000 contract to design renovations of two buildings at 8239 Youth Lane.

During the public hearing, many area residents who live near the site gave county commissioners the same unified message they’ve delivered before: They don’t want the coalition in their neighborhood, and they are voters.

Residents say they worry about crime, loss of property values, and safety.

“We deserve to be heard. We deserve to be listened to. We live and sleep here,” said Suzanne Greene Taldone, a resident in nearby Crane’s Roost. “You keep trying to put a square peg into a round hole.”

Supporters, including most county commissioners, say it’s overdue for Pasco to step up efforts to help the homeless population.

Data from the coalition puts the number of homeless people in Pasco County at about 2,500. Homeless families make up about 1,800 of those people and there are about 700 single adults.

Mary Ashcraft is pastor at Joining Hands Mission Church and opens the church to the homeless in cold weather. She supports the coalition’s project.

“There’s so many families out there,” she said. “I get phone calls, and I have nowhere to send them but Metropolitan Ministries. They go a great job, but they are full and packed.”

The county owns the land on Youth Lane and is providing at least $700,000 in grants, and other sources, to pay for building renovations.

“I think we’re going to do the right thing,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “Sometimes, we just have to take a chance.”

The lease agreement has a 90-day written notice of termination clause.

Starkey said, “If it doesn’t go right, we’ll do something about it.”

Crane’s Roost resident Valerie Schaefer said the coalition’s programs would be like a magnet — attracting more homeless people and transients into the neighborhood.

“We taxpayers and voters will hold you commissioners responsible if you vote this through,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano
(File)

Mariano shared concerns that the Housing Services Center could have people loitering in the area. He also thought spending available grants on Habitat for Humanity houses would be a better option.

“The issue is something we’re all sensitive to. It’s only primarily about location to the neighbors,” Mariano said. “I still don’t think it’s the right project.”

The programs approved by county commissioners were a change from the initial project to open a one-stop navigation center, with wrap-around services and a shelter for adult men and women.

Most supporters liked the shift in direction to help homeless families; while others still favored the original navigation center concept.

Under the amended proposal, the center will house four to eight families in the former teen center that’s on the site. They can receive services for up to 180 days, though coalition representatives say they expect most will be there about 45 days before transitioning to permanent housing.

No more than 36 people can stay there at any one time.

There also will be background checks, curfews, security cameras, and staff members onsite at the family shelter 24 hours a day.

Plus, the coalition will limit services available at the Housing Services Center, which will operate Monday through Friday office hours.

There will be no showers, emergency food or clothing, or health care services.

Those conditions convinced owners of an adjacent shopping plaza to support the coalition.

“This is not going to bring people out of the camps,” said Robert Lincoln, an attorney representing the plaza owners. “There’s not giveaways. It’s not going to be the anchor for bringing those people into the area.”

Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, also voiced Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s continued support for the program.

The coalition will provide desk space for deputies working in the area. They can stop by and fill out their paperwork, Daniels said. “They will have a presence,” he added.

Published June 27, 2018

Women’s commission sets goals

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The goals for the Commission on the Status of Women are coming into focus, after nearly a year of research, discussion and goal-setting.

The 15-member volunteer group has created committees on health and safety, education and economic prosperity.

Members of the Commission on the Status of Women presented their goals to the Pasco County Commission. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, front row center, headed up efforts to establish the commission, along with attorney Michele Hintson (not shown). (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Issues that will be pursued in coming months include domestic violence, affordable child care, and women’s entrepreneurship, financial education and literacy.

Amanda Colon, chairwoman of the woman’s commission, gave Pasco County commissioners an update on the group’s activities over the past year.

Several of the group’s members joined her at the Feb. 20 meeting of the Pasco County Commission in New Port Richey.

“I truly cannot think of a more relevant time to be talking to you about women,” said Colon. “As the status of women goes in Pasco, so goes Pasco. Having women in crisis negatively affects our schools, our courts and our commerce.”

Raising the status of women will positively affect schools, courts and the local economy, Colon said.

The women’s status commission began its work in May 2017. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson worked together to establish the group, which has five appointees by county commissioners.

Other members are from 10 area agencies, schools and nonprofits. They are African-American Club of Pasco County Inc., Hispanic Professional Women’s Association Inc., Metropolitan Ministries, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., the United Way of Pasco County Inc., Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Women Lawyers of Pasco Inc.

“I know you’re off to a great start,” Starkey said.

In the next months, the women’s commission will continue its work through goals set by each committee.

The health and safety committee members plan to distribute a community survey to complete a needs assessment. The goal is to launch an action plan within six months.

Committee members also gathered data from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Calls regarding domestic abuse were lowest in February, and the highest in September, October and November.

On April 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a free Women’s Symposium on harassment prevention at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road, in New Port Richey.

“We’d like to look forward to see what we can do to prevent harassment in business, and focus on our young girls going into business, but also raising up girls who have a voice and know how to use it,” said Suzanne Legg, a member of the women’s commission.

This will be an ongoing discussion, not a one-time event, she added. “We’d like to change #metoo to #notme,” Legg said.

The education committee members plan to focus efforts on affordable child care, as well as career guidance and training for single mothers, empty-nesters and seniors.

Seniors include grandparents who often are caregivers for their grandchildren, Colon said.

A third goal is to provide mentoring and education for at-risk youth.

“We’re focusing immediately on identifying and utilizing resources we have in Pasco,” Colon said.

The economic prosperity committee plans to help women entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on their financial education and literacy.

“Women earn less, save less and live longer, but are responsible for the same living expenses as those of men,” Colon said.

Women often pay higher interest rates on home loans, for instance. And, many divorced women don’t receive full child support payments, Colon added.

“One in five divorced women slide into the poverty line,” she said.

To register for the free women’s symposium, visit FTGIsymposium.eventbrite.com.

Published February 28, 2018

Homeless Coalition CEO understands tough times

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Don Anderson, the new chief executive officer for The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, doesn’t have to look far to understand what it’s like to experience poverty.

“I come from very humble beginnings. My dad didn’t finish eighth grade. My mom didn’t finish high school. He worked three jobs.

“We had a hard time keeping a car going, let alone pay the rent every month.

Don Anderson is the new chief executive officer for The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County. Many people are just a medical issue, a car accident, a car problem or a few paychecks away from homelessness, he said. (B.C. Manion)

“I remember sitting around the table with them at the end of every month, deciding who it is that we would not pay, so we could pay the rent every month.

“We relied on the church and food stamps, and just the generosity of others,” Anderson said.

And, he knows his experiences are far more common than people think.

For many — just a single incident such as a medical issue, a car accident, a car breaking down or the loss of a job — can push them into homelessness, he said. That’s particularly true in communities, such as Pasco County, where much of the workforce receives minimum wage earnings from service industry jobs, he added.

While Anderson’s background didn’t prevent him from landing work with technology companies, he said he experienced his share of ups and downs through the years.

At one point, at the encouragement of one of his customers, he volunteered for Metropolitan Ministries. Later, when he was in his 50s, he got a job there.

A couple of years ago, he went to work for Youth and Family Alternatives in Pasco, where he was the vice president of strategy and development.

He said he sought his current post because he wanted an opportunity to take on a greater leadership role.

Being new to that post, Anderson said he has much to learn. He plans to do a lot of listening, and a lot of reaching out.

He said he wants to make internal improvements to the organization he’s leading, but also wants to forge stronger relationships with people in the community who may have felt alienated in the past.

One of the biggest developments on the horizon is the effort to open Pasco County’s first homeless shelter as part of a comprehensive plan to help the county’s homeless population.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has estimated there are about 100 camps across Pasco County where people live.

The chosen location for what is proposed as a “one-stop navigation center” is in two county-owned buildings in west Pasco, formerly leased to the Boys & Girls Club.

A planning commission meeting is scheduled for next month, regarding the conditional use of the property, and then the issue will go to the Pasco County Commission for a vote, Anderson said.

The project has met resistance from area residents.

Anderson said he planned to attend a meeting with neighbors. He said his goal is to “understand their concerns and then address them, as best as we can.”

Many of the details for the Navigation Center have not been worked out yet — such as how many beds the center will have — so conversations will need to continue as more information becomes available, he said.

There also is a host of challenges facing the homeless in Pasco County, he said. For one thing, there needs to be designated places where the homeless can go for shelter when temperatures plummet, he said.

There is some assistance available through partner organizations, but generally that is simply helping people in need to find motel rooms, said Anderson, noting the coalition pays for those rooms.

The Homeless Coalition, established in 1988, is a network of individuals and organizations working together to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.

Published January 17, 2018

Academy at the Lakes turns 25

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The Academy at the Lakes students came striding off the yellow school bus, ready for action.

They’d just arrived at the Old Lutz School, and before long, they were yanking weeds, pushing wheelbarrows and spreading mulch at the historic schoolhouse, an icon in the community of Lutz.

They were also picking up branches and sticks, strewn about by Hurricane Irma.

From left, Hannah Church, Anisa Nanavati and Addison Pollock work to transport mulch from a huge pile across the yard from the Old Lutz School to plant beds closer to the school. The trio of eighth-graders from Academy at the Lakes was taking part in a service day the school organized to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
(B.C. Manion)

This crew was just one of many spending the day doing volunteer work at various locations — as Academy’s students and staff spent the 25th day of its 25th year, giving back to the community.

“Service has always been one of our core values, whether you’re a 3-year-old or a senior in high school. We provide age-appropriate opportunities for children to learn an ethic of service,” said Mark Heller, head of school.

“We need to make sure that all of our children know how to be net givers to the world, as opposed to takers from the world.

“They need to understand, and be taught, and experience how to do things that make a difference for others — and how good it feels to do that.

“That’s part of what we did on the 25th day, thanking the community that has nurtured us and sustained us over our first 25 years,” said Heller, who leads the school, located at 2331 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Suzin Carr, who organized the workday at the Old Lutz School, was delighted to have Academy’s help.

“Today, they’ll help clean up after the hurricane. They’ll do some mulching,” she said, pointing to a huge pile, across the schoolyard.

“That pile will be gone by the time they leave, no doubt,” Carr said.

She also appreciated the timing of the volunteer effort.

“They’ll help us get ready for our market, which is Oct. 14, the Market at the Old Lutz School,” Carr said, putting in a plug for the upcoming fundraiser.

Beth Nevel Rader and her brother, Ben Nevel, were there helping, too.

“My brother and I went to school here, one through six,” Rader said, noting her brother is the chairman of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School, a group that works to preserve the school.

“I think the kids are just awesome to come out and volunteer,” she added.

Colleen McCormick, science department chair, said Academy students routinely volunteer in the community.

“This is something that’s part of our core values,” she said.

Service is one of the core values at Academy at the Lakes, and those acts of service can be tailored to be done by the school’s pre-kindergarteners through seniors, said Mark Heller, head of school. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)

That’s important, she said, because “hopefully, it instills a spirit of giving back that they’ll continue after they leave Academy.”

Kevin Crowley, who teaches video production and is the golf coach, has been at the school for 17 years.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Crowley, whose daughter attended the school, from pre-kindergarten through high school.

While one group was at the Old Lutz School, other groups were planting sunflowers, cleaning up Collier Parkway or pitching in at Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries.

Heller attributed Academy’s staying power to its ability to create a culture that works on a scale “that takes great care of the individual.”

“I think there’s great power, in the small school, to unlock human potential,” he said.

In a school with a low student-teacher ratio, the teachers get to know each student “well enough to know how to motivate them to be their best and to inspire them to be their best,” Heller said.

With such familiarity, they can transmit “a sense of that joy in the journey, of how to walk through life finding things that are beautiful, and wonderful and meaningful,” Heller said.

Academy at the Lakes originally opened in 1982 as a preschool operated by Connie Wendlek, but evolved into Academy at the Lakes Day School in 1992, with 32 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Connie’s husband, Richard, a former Pasco County principal became the head of school.

Besides drawing students from Land O’ Lakes, the school also attracts students from Odessa, Trinity, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Tampa and other Tampa Bay communities.

The school now has more 500 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in its lower division, middle division and upper division programs.

Essentially all of its graduates pursue education beyond the secondary level, with approximately 80 percent being accepted by their first-choice colleges, according to school statistics.

Heller is gratified by the school’s accomplishments during its first quarter-century, and he’s enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

“There are tremendously exciting things on the immediate horizon for Academy at the Lakes.

“We own 47 acres of undeveloped land just on the other side of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church,” he said.

“We have our stake of the ground right here in Central Pasco, in Land O’ Lakes. As the community grows, so too, will Academy at the Lakes, just as has happened in the first 25 years of Academy of the Lakes.

For more information about the academy, call (813) 948-7600, or visit AcademyAtTheLakes.org.

Academy at the Lakes timeline
1982: Connie Wendlek opens Academy at the Lakes Preschool.

1992: Connie Wendlek’s preschool evolves into Academy at the Lakes Day School, which opens with 32 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Her husband, Richard, a former principal in Pasco County Schools, becomes the head of school. Connie is the music teacher.

1997: McCormick Campus opens to house a middle school.

1998-99 school year: The school adds ninth grade. In subsequent years it added 10th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade.

2002: The school has its first high school graduation. There are four members in the class.

2004: The new high school building opens. The structure has the same colonial touches as the middle school.

2006: Academy at the Lakes accepted into the Florida High School Athletic Association.

2008: School gymnasium opens, new sixth-grade classrooms added to the fifth-grade suite, and the school introduces its fifth- and sixth-grade program.

2012: Academy at the Lakes celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2013: Academy acquires 47 acres of land from the MacManus family.

2015: The new Lower Division playground is dedicated.

2017: Master planning for future begins.

Published September 27, 2017

UPDATED: Getting help and helping others

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Hurricane Irma is causing some people to turn to others for help, and offering others an opportunity to be of service.

Here are some places to turn for help, or to get involved.

Hurricane Irma blew down lots of trees around Pasco County, including this one, across an East Pasco road. (Richard Riley)

Free well water testing kits
The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering free, private well water testing kits for owners whose wells flooded due to Hurricane Irma. The water sampling test kits are available Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the extension office, 36702 State Road 52 in Dade City. Only 60 kits are available, and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The extension office will collect the water samples on Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon. Kits received after that date will not be accepted for testing.

 

Temporary roof replacement
If your roof was damaged by Hurricane Irma, you may be eligible for free temporary roof repairs by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Operation Blue Roof can install a temporary roof covering. For more information, call 1-888-Roof-Blu (That’s 1-888-766-3258.)

Need to file an insurance claim?

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the state’s Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier offer these tips to help consumers:

  • Have all of your insurance policies handy.
  • Document damage. Take photos or shoot video before making any temporary repairs.

A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” can help you take and store a room-by-room log of photos.

  • Contact your insurance company or agency as soon as possible to report damages.
  • Cover damaged areas that may be exposed to the elements to prevent further damage.

Your insurance company may reimburse the expense of these temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Remove water-logged and otherwise damaged items from your house to prevent the spread of mold, but document them and do not dispose of any damaged property until your insurance company adjuster has had an opportunity to survey it.

The Office of Insurance Regulation also has additional storm-related materials at www.floir.com/Office/HurricaneSeason/hurricaneresourcepage.aspx.

Trees did not fare well in front of a home near downtown Dade City. (Stefanie Burlingame)

Avoiding rip-offs

  • If you’re having work done, research a company or contractor, ask for references and get multiple quotes before signing a contract. Be sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Beware of any unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job.
  • Never pay the full amount up front, and do not make final payment until completely satisfied with the work performed.
    • If you suspect someone of price gouging, call (866) 9NO-SCAM.
  • Keep in mind that federal, state, and county government employees will have identification badges and will not approach you in your home for cash payments or banking information. There is no fee to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, or the State of Florida.

Emergency bridge loans available
Small business owners with two to 100 employees, in any of Florida’s 67 counties affected by Hurricane Irma, can apply for short-term loans up to $25,000. These interest-free loans are granted in terms of 90 or 180 days. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to Sept. 4, 2017, and must demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31. For information, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

For more information, call the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at (850) 898-3489.

Hurricane Irma left her mark on Saint Leo University, knocking over trees on campus and causing water intrusion in dozens of rooms. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Individual and household assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined that Pasco County is eligible for the Individuals and Household Assistance Program, which provides financial help or direct services for eligible residents.

Available help includes:

  • Housing assistance for renters or homeowners for temporary housing, home repairs and either semi-permanent or permanent housing construction services
  • Other needs assistance, including uninsured, disaster-related necessary expenses; serious needs, such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, repair, cleaning or replacement of personal items; and, other eligible expenses
  • Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Debris removal
Pasco County Utilities, Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department, was scheduled to begin removing debris this week.

  • In preparation for the removal, Pasco County homeowners must have all debris materials brought to the curb or roadside for pickup. Residents should be aware and be careful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes, electrical boxes or any other structures. Contractor generated debris will not be picked up.

Do not bag debris. Refrigerators should be empty, with the doors secured or removed.

Requests for debris pickup must be submitted to Pasco County Customer Service Center by emailing , providing the address where the debris is located. Residents can also call customer service at (727) 847-2411.

Debris must be separated into the following categories:

Furniture: Mattresses; couches, sofas, chairs; dressers; lumber, if not pressure treated; particle board; laminated flooring; dry insulation (if wet, pile with construction); carpet and padding

Construction: Drywall, plasterboard, ceramic tile, concrete, lumber (pressure treated), wet insulation

Vegetation: Tree cuttings (must be no more than 5 feet in length, and all branches must be bundled)

White Goods: Appliances, metal furniture, metal shelving, bicycles, items that are more than 75 percent metal

Hazardous Waste – Delayed Pick-Up: Any household chemicals; oil, gas, flammables; lawn and garden chemicals; televisions; computer monitors computer towers (CPUs)

Pasco needs volunteers for disaster assessment
Pasco County needs volunteers who are able to help with disaster assessment in the field.

If faith-based, charitable, or other organizations or civic minded individuals are available and have successfully passed recent background checks, please email your contact information to , or call the Volunteer Hotline at (727) 847-8940.

Other volunteer opportunities may become available. Additional information will be posted at PascoCountyFl.net.

Help record Hurricane Irma’s damage
Pasco County encourages residents and business owners who have been affected by the recent storm to report damages to their homes, properties and businesses by opening the MyPasco App and clicking the Report Irma Damage icon, or by completing a Damage Assessment Survey located online at PascoCountyFl.net. 

Securing accurate information will help the State of Florida and the Federal Office of Emergency Management to determine if the county has enough damages to seek a federal declaration for our residents to receive financial assistance to make necessary repairs to their properties.