Chalk up another consequence of Florida's budget crisis: annual report reminders for business are going all-digital. ...more

March 31, 2009

With a dictionary in hand, Avon Park Middle School reading/language arts teacher Tia Folsom moves about her sixth-grade classroom, assigning a vocabulary word to groups of four or five students. ...more

March 16, 2009

On March 7, I was a model as a cancer survivor in the Celebration of Life Fashion Show. This was sponsored by the Heartland Realtors Association to benefit the American Cancer Society. It was one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had. I formed friendships that will last the rest of my life. I watched the ladies that worked with us, teaching, prompting and encouraging us pour their hearts into making the show a success. I received e-mail and phone call reminders from a wonderful lady who is dealing with stage 4 cancer of a loved one, yet she was faithful in making contact with us. Thank you, Jessica. There is no way to mention all who helped put this show together. Just to name a few, thank you to Holly from Allure Salon for the make up tips, to her sister who came from South Florida to help, and to Chastini who freshened everyone's lipstick. Thanks to the Bradenton Beauty and Barber School for the manicures and pedicures provided by their students. Marlene, thanks for being there to make sure the music was cued at the right time during practices. Thanks also to Impressive Pix Photography for donating their time during practice and the show. Lastly thanks to Libby for her dedication to helping us with the choice of clothing, to Dayna, our drill instructor, who was not satisfied with anything less than perfection, and to Sherrie Abraham for everything. ...more

March 14, 2009

Oct. 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, which means Father Bill Swengros once again will bless the children's pets at St. Stephen Catholic School. And it's extremely important to my 11-year-old son, Ian, that his Yorkie, Cookie, be sprinkled with holy water from the aspergillum (the holy water sprinkler thingamajiggy) and be duly blessed by Father Bill. ...more

March 9, 2009

They're probably on your office phone right now. They may even be on your keyboard and mouse. And your co-worker in the cubicle next door? He might have them, too. They're germs. And this time of year, you are probably exposed to them all over the workplace. ...more

March 7, 2009

I've just lived through one of the most frustrating weeks of my life. It felt like I spent the entire seven days doing just one thing – waiting. I hate waiting. I waited for phone calls that never came, for mail that didn't arrive, and for a repairman who never showed. I waited in the doctor's office and the post office and the coffee shop. I waited in a checkout line so long I finally had to give up and go back to work without my0 lunch. On the job, it seemed every assignment I tackled could not be completed without waiting for someone else to do his part first, which, of course, he (or she) never did. I sent polite e-mail reminders, and waited some more. I made phone calls and was put on hold. Several times I waited till the phone grew permanently attached to my ear, only to be told he'd call me back. But he didn't. ...more

February 15, 2009

Regarding "Mistakes Do Happen," Letters, Feb. 4: You're joking, right? "Didn't occur to me that I was now self-employed"? "Complicated life"? Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner "may not be good at multitasking"? ...more

February 8, 2009

Back in May, Scott Szala could hardly get contractors to return his calls. Those who did didn't seem too interested in taking on the extensive remodel Szala planned for his 1926 Tampa bungalow. That has changed a lot in recent months as work has tapered off for many area contractors. ...more

February 6, 2009

It's a good time to bargain with contractors if you want remodeling work done on you house. But use caution when hiring someone to do the job. ...more

January 27, 2009

Oak Hill Hospital seemed to be hitting its stride two weeks ago. Patient volumes were at the same levels as last year. ...more

December 12, 2008