Operation Christmas Child

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 2, 2007

High Fives

Dr. Judith Reese, local audiologist with JC Audiology and Hearing Aids in Lutz, was one of the co-authors of an article on wireless communications for the hearing-impaired in the November 2007 issue of The Hearing Journal, a national publication used by audiologists and other hearing professionals. The journal reports the latest developments in hearing products and services.

Reese's research is a part of the article, "Connecting the Hearing-impaired in a Wireless World." She and her co-authors, audiologists with the VA Hospital system, focused on new wireless technology issues such as Bluetooth connectivity to cell phones and FM systems, which are devices that can help hearing-impaired individuals hear better in lecture-like settings. The authors encourage dispensers of hearing products to become more knowledgeable about wireless hearing technologies and to explore methods for improving understanding and use of this technology for their patients.

In 2006, The Hearing Journal also recognized Reese's research among the "Best in the Nation."

The state-of-the-art wireless hearing technology discussed in The Hearing Journal article is available at Reese's clinic, JC Audiology and Hearing Aids in the North Fork Professional Center, 1541 Dale Mabry, Suite 201, Lutz.

Reese opened her clinic more than two years ago as the first private practice audiologist serving central Pasco County and the Lutz and Odessa areas of Hillsborough County. Prior to opening her clinic, she worked for 15 years in various health care settings throughout the Tampa Bay area, serving thousands of hearing-impaired patients. She has served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida, teaching future audiologists, and she also performs audiological consultations at the Florida Hospital in Zephyrhills.

What's Happening

Raised in Dade City, sisters Jessie Riley and Kim Tate have fond memories of when downtown was a busy place full of department stores and locally-owned specialty stores. Riley and Tate remember the good times of shopping for school clothes and Christmas gifts with their mother. Those joyful memories set the foundation for their path to become Dade City business owners. For 15 years they held onto their dream of a downtown business, and on Nov. 2 their dream came true when they opened a bath and body shop.

The new spot is Oasis Body Essentials, 14106 Seventh St. The shop sellsbody lotion, bath oils, body washes, candles and more. The shop also makes custom gift baskets for all occasions.

"Dade City has never had a store like this. When we were kids, and even now, we have to travel all the way into Tampa to get specialty bath and body products. Now, Dade City residents can shop right here at home," said Riley.

Riley and Tate are raising their children in the same area they grew up in and are hopeful that they can build a business that their children will be proud to take over.

Shoppers can visit Oasis Body Essentials from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. For more information on Oasis Body Essentials, call (352)523-2543.

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The Historic Dade City Courthouse lawn recently became a classroom for students in Leslie Platt's art classes from Centennial Middle School. The annual event allows students to experience working outside, drawing surrounding buildings and scenery.

Prior to the trip, Platt instructs the students in drawing in depth and from one and two point perspectives. Students then take what they have learned in the classroom and apply that in an outside environment.

"Students must balance what they think they can draw with creating an artwork that not only shows their understanding of creating depth but also balance and unique approach in their own artwork. No matter their skill level, they can create an art work that is interesting and shows depth," explains Platt.

For those who do not complete their work from the courthouse lawn, Platt takes photographs for the students and brings them back to the classroom so they can refer to them when needed.

Student work from the outdoor experience will be on display at the school and during Spring Fest in March in downtown Dade City. Some art pieces were selected to show at Holiday Joy on Dec.1 in Sims Park, New Port Richey, and others will be selected to show at the Pasco County Fair in Dade City in February.

"The students really enjoy this activity and we could not have picked a more perfect day. The weather cooperated in spite of the increased wind as the day waned on. The wind gusts made for some difficulties but overall the day was absolutely the best," said Platt.

Reaching Out

Recently about 20 members of All Creatures 4-H Club met at a regular meeting with the task of completing boxed gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Club members, under the leadership of president Kyra Rookey, 17, and with the help of adult leader Leslie Rookey and assistant co-leaders Virginia Lamb and Tracey Paul, complete about 10 boxes each year. The students keep in mind the goal of 4-H, being of service to their club, community, country and world. The boxes go to needy children, with many boxes sent to children in other countries.

Kyra Rookey had tables set up and loaded with supplies: ball caps, memo books, crayons, playing cards, small dolls, combs, toothbrushes, soap, bags of candy and more. Items were organized so that five boxes would be filled with items for boys and five would be filled with items for girls.

Club members paired up and moms helped with filling and wrapping the boxes.

The youngsters efforts started much earlier in the fall when they manned a drink booth at the annual Rattlesnake Festival. That work brought in $100, some of which was used to purchase items for the Christmas boxes. Retailers donated other items, some offering reduced prices.

"These children work so hard to earn money for the project and then are so excited to give it away," said Leslie Rookey, expressing her pride in the children's compassion.

Officers for All Creatures 4-H, including president Kyra Rookey, are Aylla Thornton, vice president; Katie Kuffel secretary; Jarid Perry, treasurer; Jonah Kaaa, historian, assisted by Emily Baker; Caleb Musgrave, reporter, assisted by Ries Lamb; Pierson Lamb, photographer; Matthew Baker, sergeant-at-arms; Katie Rookey and Austin Paul, recreation officers; and Jeneva Perry, Kyrstin Lamb and Ries Lamb, council delegates.

[Last modified December 1, 2007, 20:15:51]