Doctors team up for kids

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Nov. 15-21, 2012 | SeminoleChronicle.com

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Doctors team up for kids

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YOUR COMMUNITY

By Marisa Ramiccio THE CHRONICLE

Taking a child to the dentist can be a challenge for some parents. Knowing this, Lach Orthodontic Specialists of Oviedo has teamed up with Kidz Dental Specialists to provide pediatric specialty services that benefit both children and their parents. Lach Orthodontics now shares its office with Kidz Dental Specialists, which means that busy parents can coordinate all of their child’s dental service appointments through the same office. Dr. Nestor D’Alessandria, also known as Dr. D, has also moved into the office and will be the leading provider of pediatric dental services. To accommodate working parents and to ensure that children don’t have to miss school for a dental appointment, he has extended his hours to 7

Ed Ruping | The Chronicle

BIG SMILES: The staff at Lach Orthodontic Specialists in Oviedo.

p.m. during the weekdays and is also available on Saturdays. D’Alessandria is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine and completed the Pediatric Denistry Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico. He is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has received certification in oral sedation training. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and encourages parents to

engage in one-on-one talks with him about his services and treatments. Other new services include spa treatments for parents who are waiting for their children and the Fintastic Smiles Rewards club, which rewards children for their good behavior, academic performance and special achievements. These specialty services are only available to active Lach Orthodontic patients or to those who do not have a dentist. For information on Lach Orthodontics, visit www.lach-ortho.com.

COOL PURCHASE: Jess St. Peter carries a cooler that his sister bought at Great Day in the Country.

Photos by Ed Ruping | The Chronicle

TALKING TURKEY: Susan Schmidt of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Optimist Club calls attention to the turkey legs they were selling at Great Day in the Country.

Lawsuit over ballot language still ongoing From MILLAGE | A1 receive after the legislative session and after the property tax and all that comes in, how much of that one mill that I will be recommending to the board,” Griffin said. “And then, of course, they will have to make a decision because they can levy — it resets every year anywhere from zero to one each year individually for four years.” Griffin said the approval comes at a very pivotal time for SCPS as the system was projected to face a $19.4 million shortfall. Cutting programs, activities and even schools were options brought to the table in the past months to alleviate the spending, but the votes passing will directly aid SCPS’s operating budget. “It’s going to help us preserve the quality programs that we already have in Seminole County,” he said. “It’s going to assist with our vocational programs, arts programs and, you know, just help us with facility issues. I have buildings with aging roofs. I have air conditioners that are bandaged together, so it’s going to help. The nice part is it’s operating costs, so we can use it for our needs.” School Board Chairwoman Tina Calderone said that the vote not only showed the value that is seen in public education, but a long road of work ahead for the board. “The work has just begun. A mandate is just giving the school board the option each year over four years,” she said. “We need

to look at everything. We need to look at how we’re funded from the federal government, from the state government and here locally. We have to look at the economy. We have to be fiscally conservative and good stewards of the investment that the community has entrusted us with, and we need to make sure that we’re making choices of what’s right for the students and what’s right for the community.” Calderone said it is of utmost important to stay fiscally conservative and listen to the community before any decisions are made. “That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to do a whole lot of listening, so we can learn, so we can effectively lead,” she said. But school officials weren’t the only voices speaking out in favor of the millage. As seen in the results a majority of the county sided with the effort, including many parents. Winter Springs resident Tracie Hamilton, whose daughter graduated from Winter Springs High School in 2001 and whose son still attends the school, said she voted in favor of the millage increase because it benefits both residents and students. “I voted yes because I believe education should be a high priority, and it seems that is one of the first programs that is cut,” she said. “I was saddened when the sales tax was struck down last election. I hope the board continues to build the top-rated Seminole County schools programs, especially math, science and technology.

This not only benefits the students, but citizens through increased property value.” Becki O’Brien, an Oviedo resident with two children in the school system, agreed but said she has certain expectations of the school board now that the item is underway. “I chose yes, because there is nothing worth investing more in than our children’s education,” she said. “I expect the school board to maintain programs in the arts and physical fitness. An investment in technology would be great, too. I attended Sarasota County public schools, and their investments in technology gave me an advantage in college and the workforce.” PTAs across the county appear to be pleased as well. “Seminole County PTA is thankful for the tremendous support of the millage referendum on Election Day,” Tammy Potosky, Seminole County PTA president, said. “The passage of this referendum shows how concerned the residents of Seminole County are about the education of our children.” Griffin said that residents will not see the effects of this immediately, but clearer distinctions will be made in the spring. As for the opposing side, Becky Erwin, a leader in the Citizens for Accountable Schools antitax group, said she is still pursuing a lawsuit that challenges the ballot language. “I am following up with the attorney regarding the validity of the ballot language,” she said.

TREE HUGGER: Kelli Johnson gets her picture taken by Mary Bozzacco at Great Day in the Country in Oviedo.

HELPING HANDS: Wyatt Mello from pack 58 hands bags of food to Randy Deavers, scoutmaster for Troop 837 in Geneva.

MEALS ON WHEELS: Adam Mooney of Boy Scout Troop 631 uses his skateboard to carry food donations.

FOOD SCOUTS: Area scouts and local volunteers pack up donated food during the annual Scouting for Food project. The food will go to local food pantries.

BAGGED: Connor McNamara and Laura Braun from Troop 837 in Geneva unload food donations.