(Above, l.-r) Jeffrey Schroeder, Stephen Michelini, Zack Chandler and Mary Wharton Schroeder at the Wharton High graduation, where Zack honored the memory of Mary’s father, Paul R. Wharton, the man for whom the school was named. (All photos provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools)
Wharton High senior Zack Chandler was at a baseball game with his teammates this spring when he noticed that every one of them had the same name on the backs of their jerseys.
In fact, it was on all of the jerseys for all of the sports at his school — and on a lot of other shirts, too. They all said, “Wharton.”
Of course they did, since that’s the name of the school they all were attending.
It hit Zack that although he vaguely recalled that Wharton High was named after someone, he had no idea who that person was or why he was chosen to have a school named after him.
So when Zack, who was the school’s 2023- 24 senior class president, was given the honor of speaking at his graduation ceremony on May 25, he knew what he wanted to do.
Rather than talk about himself, Zack wanted to find out who exactly Paul R. Wharton was, and why Zack’s school was named after him.
Photos of Paul Wharton
“I did some research and found out what a cool guy Mr. Wharton was, and how he affected the community,” Zack says. “I wanted to make a metaphor out of it. Don’t take things that you have every day for granted.”
He learned that Wharton retired as the assistant superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools, after serving as principal of both Plant and Robinson high schools. He started in the county as an innovator who advocated for vocational and technical schools in the District, and also served as principal of the Brewster Vocational Technical Institute.
Wharton did all of that after starting his career teaching in a one-room school house in Springfield, KY, and then serving in the U.S. Army before moving to Tampa.
Zack found that Wharton had passed away in 2009, but Zack wanted to invite Wharton’s family members to his graduation to hear Wharton honored in front of the student body.
Mary Wharton Shroeder is Paul’s daughter, and she attended the ceremony, along with her husband Stephen Michelini and her son Jeffrey Schroeder. She says this was the first time anyone had approached her about recognizing her dad at the school.
Zack Chandler during his graduation speech
Mary and her family were seated in the graduation ceremony’s VIP area and were honored when Zack acknowledged them from the podium. “I was delighted,” she says. “I know what an amazing man Daddy was, and all the things he did for this community. It’s just a wonderful thing.”
She says that if her dad had been able to address those students at Wharton, he might have told them it’s important to choose carefully who they emulate. They should choose their role models wisely, because who they look up to will make a huge difference in who they become.
“It made me so proud of him to receive the recognition that he so deserved,” Mary says. “He never asked for the recognition, but he earned it because he helped to shape our community. He was always a leader and had a great sense of humor.”
It’s been more than 25 years since Wharton High opened on August 21, 1997, so it’s understandable that today’s graduating seniors had never before heard of the man for whom their school was named.
Click HERE ToEnter Our 2024 New Tampa Reader Dining Survey & Contest & To Win $200 In FREE Dining!
Although our 2023 Reader Dining Survey & Contest was super successful, we’re changing up the format for this year’s contest yet again.
Instead of putting up different categories every issue, we’re going back to showing you the lists of every local or small chain restaurant in a number of categories in both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa and asking you to name your favorites in each category. One difference is that unlike previous years, you can skip as many categories as you like, but we’re grouping the lists of restaurant by type. Here are those categories:
1) Your Five Favorite (overall) Restaurants in New Tampa (NT)
2) Your Favorite American Restaurant in New Tampa
3) Your Favorite Pizza Place in NT
These same categories also appear on the Wesley Chapel ballot. Both entry forms also include lists of places that ask you to pick your Favorite in New Tampa (NT) AND Wesley Chapel, often (but not always) because there aren’t enough in a certain category in just one of our distribution areas. Here are those other categories:
4) Your Favorite Mexican Place in NT/ WC
5) Your Favorite Latin (but not Mexican) Restaurant in NT/WC
6) Your Favorite Chinese Place in NT/WC
7) Your Favorite Japanese/Sushi Restaurant in NT & WC
8) Your Favorite Thai or Korean Restaurant in NT/WC
9) Your Favorite Italian Food in NT/WC
10) Your Favorite Greek or Mediterranean Restaurant in NT/WC
11) Your Favorite Indian Place in NT/WC
12) Your Favorite Breakfast Place in NT/WC
13) Your Favorite Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt or Gelato Place in NT/WC
14) Your Favorite Bakery in NT/WC
15) Your Favorite Coffee Shop in NT/WC
We’re providing the list of places, although we’ve left out the large national and regional chains (with more than 50-60 total locations), because you have to write (or type) the names of your favorites in the spaces provided and we’re pretty sure you know those if they’re your favorite in a category — and yes, you can still include them (we just wish you would focus on local).
Fill out as many categories as you like, but please don’t put the same name in every category, because those votes won’t be counted and if a restaurant is on our Wesley Chapel list, your vote won’t count if you write the name of that restaurant in any New Tampa-only spaces and vice-versa. You can submit both New Tampa & Wesley Chapel ballots without being DQed. Click HERE to fill out the Wesley Chapel Reader Dining Survey & Contest form!
We have upped the prizes for this year — the Grand Prize is now $200, plus prizes of $100 and $50, chosen at random from among all correctly-filled-out entries received by email or on our NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net website (Note-no U.S. Mail entries will be accepted for this year’s contest!) by Friday, October 18.
Every Presidential Election year, a lot of people who never vote otherwise head to the ballot box (or, these days, their mailbox) to cast a ballot for the first time in four years on the first Tuesday of November, only to never cast another vote for another four years.
And, it seems, that even though there are always candidates and state and local amendments to vote for in November, the vast majority of residents in most communities don’t bother to find out anything about those candidates or ballot measures because they have no intention of voting in a November election in a non-presidential year. Even fewer cast ballots in August Primary Elections.
And yes, even fewer City of Tampa residents cast ballots in Tampa’s Municipal Elections in March of odd-numbered years.
The thing that boggles my mind is that although those elected to serve in the White House and Congress are important, they honestly have a lot less to do with most of our day-to-day lives than those who serve in the State Legislature, County Commission, School Board and City Council. Most of us can’t call the President for any reason, nor can we regularly attend a session of Congress, but you can get your state and local elected officials on the phone to express your opinion, ask for help on an issue affecting you or your family and regularly attend County Commission, School Board and City Council meetings to have your opinions heard on roads, parks and development projects, whether in your own backyard or that affect the entire city, county or school district. And yes, a trip to Tallahassee to speak your mind to your Florida legislators is a lot easier than flying up to Washington, DC, and being anything other than a spectator.
But, even though I’ve been saying the same thing in these pages for a little more than 30 years now, all I still hear people talking about when they discuss politics are the “orange guy” who used to be president and the “doddering old man” who holds that office now. And, anytime I ask people if they plan to vote in August, when School Board members and County Commissioners facing a primary opponent but no opposition party opponent in November are elected, the familiar — and painful — refrain is, “I only vote in the big elections.” To which my only response, after three decades of the same thing being said, is now just “Yeesh.”
So, why do I even bother to keep trying? Because I still believe that if I can convince even one person who otherwise wouldn’t have cast a vote in these important local elections, the effort is still worth it.
To that end, while I don’t expect to change anyone’s mind about voting in the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 20, I do hope that some of you will take a look at the candidates and issues on the ballot and decide to take five minutes of your time — whether you vote by mail, vote early at the New Tampa Regional Library or walk into your nearby polling place on Aug. 20 — and get involved in the local political scene, rather than just complain about it.
Anyway, I’m off my soapbox, but here are some of the races that either will be determined or at least partially determined in the Primary Election:
Clerk of Circuit Court — Former County Commissioner and State Representative (and Tampa Palms resident) Victor Crist faces off against retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Melony Williams in the Republican primary to see who faces Democratic incumbent — and former School Board member — Cindy Stuart.
County Commissioner, District 2 — Incumbent Ken Hagan, who has served on the Commission since 2002, faces a Republican primary opponent in land use activist and Odessa resident Melissa Nordbeck for the right to face Democratic candidate and New Tampa resident Patricia Altagracia Alonzo in November.
County Commissioner, District 6 — Long-time New Tampa resident and activist Dr. Jim Davison faces long-time Hillsborough firefighter Chris Boles in the Republican primary for this countywide seat. In November, the winner will face the winner of Sean Shaw vs. Joseph Ryan Taylor in the Democratic primary.
School Board Member, District 3 — Incumbent and Tampa Palms resident Jessica Vaughn, a former classroom and substitute teacher, faces Myosha Powell in this non-partisan race (meaning that it is open to voters in all parties). Powell’s website says her mission “is to be the parents’ ally.”
School Board Member, District 7 — Incumbent and career educator Lynn Gray faces three challengers in middle school teacher Karen Bendorf, Johnny “Principal” Bush (who led Robinson and Plant high schools) and architectural designer Jen Flebotte in this District-wide non-partisan election.
U.S. Senator — Republican incumbent Rick Scott faces two primary opponents in August — John S. Columbus and Keith Gross. The Democratic primary includes former Congresswoman Debbie Mucasel-Powell, former Congressman Alan Grayson, Stanley Campbell, Joseph Rod and Brian Rush.
U.S. Congress, District 15 — Incumbent Republican Laurel Lee faces Jennifer Barbosa and James Judge in an August primary. The winner faces former Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Hillsborough State Attorney — Andrew Warren, who was removed from this office by Gov. DeSantis, faces off against Tampa lawyer Elizabeth Martinez for the Democratic nomination. The winner faces Warren’s DeSantis-appointed Republican replacement, former Hillsborough judge Suzy Lopez.
Also, although the race won’t be decided until November 5, incumbent Dist. 67 Democratic State Rep. and House Minority leader Fentrice Driskell faces a rematch against Republican candidate Lt. Col. Lisette Bonano, a New Tampa resident.
Here are some important dates coming up:
Deadline to Register to Vote in Primary Election or Change Party Affiliation: Monday, July 22
Early Voting Dates for the Primary Election: Monday, August 5-Sunday, August 18
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, August 20, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
If you ‘re about to turn age 65, Shaun Fagan of Insurance Opportunities can help you navigate the tricky world of which Medicare plan will be best for your needs. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Shaun Fagan has been a licensed insurance agent since 1986, growing his business in the Kansas City area, and specializing in helping people ages 65 and older navigate the ins and outs of Medicare.
In 2022, after Shaun’s wife Mary retired from Verizon following a 37-year career, the couple moved to Wesley Chapel.
Shaun says that at one point in his career, he had 500 agents working under him. But, these days, he’s looking for a simpler way of life.
Now it’s just Shaun and Mary, but he still helps people navigate the complexities of government-provided health insurance through Medicare.
“There is a lot of confusion about Medicare,” Shaun says. “I give people clarity to make their choices easier.”
This is especially needed for people who are turning 65, which is typically when they become eligible for Medicare. Shawn can make all of the choices available to you simpler to understand.
“The government doesn’t make it easy, that’s for sure,” he says.
Many people in their early 60s wonder if they should retire or keep working to stay on their company’s heath insurance plan, or stay on their spouse’s health insurance plan.
“When people get to that crossroads, sometimes they kind of hang in at work because they think it’s the cheaper way to go,” Shaun explains. “But they can often get better care at a better price, or equal coverage at a lower cost and have that opportunity to retire.”
He says if you’re nearing age 65, the time to talk with him is about three to four months before your birthday so you have time to learn about your options, decide what you want to do and start the enrollment process.
He adds that he also helps many people who are in a transition period, like if they have retired before age 65.
That’s how Sheri Stephens met Shaun.
“When I retired, I found it very overwhelming,” Sheri says. “I retired at 61, so I have a few years I have to bridge before Medicare.”
Sheri says Shaun had already helped her sister and her husband find a better plan than what they already had, and they referred her to him. “He is so knowledgeable,” she says. “In just educating me and walking me through the different carriers and different benefits, he was able to break it down to a third-grade level, which is where I needed it to be, because there are so many conditions and rules.”
Sheri liked that all of her conversations with Shaun were over the phone or via Zoom if he needed to show her something.
“He was very professional, very knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.”
Help For Businesses, Too
Shaun also has decades of experience helping small businesses looking for health insurance for their entire company.
“My niche is helping businesses with 20 to 50 employees, where they usually don’t have a human resources person,” he says. “They typically have an office manager but that person isn’t an insurance specialist. That’s where I can really help a business.”
He explains that Insurance Opportunities also can provide medical, dental and vision insurance, but his specialty is Medicare.
Shaun also says that when his business was based in Kansas City, he served clients in many states. Now, he continues to serve some of those clients, while also bringing his expertise to locals in Florida.
“We had a large operation before,” he says, “but we whittled it down to make it more simple when we moved here. Now, it’s just my wife — who helps me with customer service and organizing my monthly Medicare educational events — and me, which is the way we want it. As we get older, simpler is better.”
He says that since Covid, the workplace has changed so that he can work from anywhere, so he and Mary decided they didn’t want to spend another cold winter in Kansas City, which helped them decide to move to Wesley Chapel two years ago.
“The pandemic was the prompter,” he explains. “You can work from anywhere now, so you might as well work from someplace warm.”
They moved into the 55-and-older community of Esplanade in Wesley Chapel.
Shaun is an avid cycler and loves that he never has to check the weather before he heads out to ride his bicycle. Although he says lately, he’s sure to head out around 6:30 a.m. before it gets too hot outside.
He says that because he is a similar age to his clients now, he definitely can relate to the decisions they are facing.
“I’m of that age now,” he says, “so I understand the dilemma and what people are trying to achieve. ‘Will I have enough money to do what I want to do?’ Not only do I have experience from clients. I’m also in it, too.”
And, while he is reaching that age where some people think about retiring, he says he plans to continue working for 12 more years, so clients don’t need to worry that he won’t be available to them if they have questions in the future.
“Medicare is confusing,” he says, “But it doesn’t have to be. In 30 minutes or an hour I’ve helped a lot of people to give them clarity, so they can make a decision about whether or not to enroll in Medicare, as well as which plan to choose.”
Understanding The Differences
There are four types of Medicare insurance, known as “Parts,” that include Part A through Part D. Part A provides hospital insurance; Part B provides medical insurance; Part C comprises Medicare Advantage Plans; and Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
“Original Medicare” is managed by the federal government, while “Medicare Advantage” plans are managed through private insurance carriers and may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision and wellness.
Shaun can help you determine whether you should enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, and he works with many large insurance carriers — such as Simply Blue, Aetna, Humana, United Health Care and others — all of which offer a variety of options when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Shaun is certified through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He says that some Medicare plans vary based on the state you live in, but the plans all basically offer the same benefits and he can walk you through the specifics of all of the plans available to you.
“We start with a no-cost, no-obligation meeting, which can be in person or a phone call,” Shaun says.
He’s quick to point out that even if you sign up with him, there’s still no cost to you for his services. Insurance Opportunities doesn’t charge service, consultation or advisor fees — the carrier you sign up with is who pays Shaun.
“There’s no cost to you except the 30 minutes to an hour you spend with me — so just the time,” he says.
Shaun says for clients who want to meet face to face, he’ll come to you. He takes phone calls at all hours and typically meets with clients Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To schedule a free consultation with Shaun Fagan of Insurance Opportunities, call him at (816) 305-3337 or visit Calendly.com/shaun-185 to set a time. You also can get more information on the website at InsOppty.com.
Turner Bartels K-8 School ‘s PTSA poses with the awards they were given by Ami Marie Granger Welch (2nd from left) & Jessica Vaughn (3rd from left). (Photos by Charmaine George)
If you thought that having this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee champion would be enough for Turner Bartels K-8 School in the Live Oak Preserve area off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., you’d be wrong.
Less than two weeks before Turner Bartels seventh grader Bruhat Soma took home that coveted crown, the school itself was honored with six trophies from the Hillsborough County Council of PTAs & PTSAs, including PTSA of the Year (for the second year in a row), President of the Year (Ali Wilbur), Volunteer of the Year (Holley Townsend), “Superman” Award for Top Male Volunteer of the Year (Eric Wilbur, also for the second consecutive year), Administrator of the Year (Principal R. LaMarr Buggs) and the “At Your Service” Award for the Best Service Project (Giving Tree).
Principal R. LaMarr Buggs with Welch & Vaughn.
Hillsborough Public Schools District 3 School Board member (and New Tampa resident) Jessica Vaughn and Hillsborough County Council VP of Advocacy Ami Marie Granger Welch came to Turner Bartels on May 21 to give the school’s award winners their trophies.
“You have an amazing PTSA here at Turner Bartels,” Vaughn said. “We’re here to celebrate all of their hard work and what they give back to the community. Congratulations to Ali, to all of the other members and the work that they do and just thank you for everything you contribute. It really means a lot and it has a huge impact.”
Congratulations to the Turner Bartels PTSA Board: President Ali Wilbur, VP Nicole Reber, Treasurer Renee Krimetz, Recording Secretary Joe Kelly, VP of Fundraising Rebecca Reid, Corresponding Secretary Jenelle Bell, VP of Marketing Erin Delk Neylan, VP of Events Holley Townsend & VP of In- School Service Stephanie Rubly.
(L.-r.) PTSA VP of Events & Volunteer of the Year Holley Townsend, VP Nicole Reber & President Ali Wilbur pose with the hundreds of cereal boxes the PTSA collected for a service project..
