The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

‘Tis the season to be of good cheer

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If you’d like to catch a sighting of Jolly Old St. Nick, or enjoy some holiday lights, watch a parade, nibble on holiday cookies, take in a concert or two, or do a bit of shopping — you have plenty of choices around Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Here’s a look at some local events that may help make your season brighter.

These lights choreographed to music at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, were featured at least year’s Symphony in Lights. The mall will again have a nightly light show, on the hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Mary Rathman)

Symphony in Lights
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: Nightly through Dec. 31, hourly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Symphony in Lights presented by CalAtlantic Homes features a 55-foot tree trimmed top to bottom, with dazzling lights choreographed to music.

 

 

 

A Saint Leo Christmas
Where: Black Box Theatre in Benedictine Hall, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
When: Nov. 30, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (4 p.m. performances are first-come, first-served; 7 p.m. performances require a reservation by emailing )
Cost: Admission is free.
Details: “A Saint Leo Christmas” is the annual student and faculty holiday concert presented by the Saint Leo University School of Arts and Sciences. (Also note: Benedictine Hall, on the west end of campus, has its own parking lot.)

This seasonal decoration adds a bit of holiday cheer to a light post in downtown Dade City. (B.C. Manion)

Magical Night Christmas Parade
Where: Historic downtown Dade City
When: Dec. 1
Cost: Free admission
Details: Dozens of floats, entertainment, bands, seasonal displays and a visit from Santa
Information: The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, (352) 567-3769.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Where: Imagine Center, 32750 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $5 per child in advance ($20 family maximum); $10 at the door ($30 family maximum) Register at ImagineCenterFL.com.
Details: There will be cookie decorating, hot cocoa, rock painting and photos with Santa for the kids, and Dough-Mestic Confections Café, Christmas Marketplace, Silent Auction for adults.
Proceeds benefit Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.
Information: Call (813) 440-2741

Festival of Lights
Where: Downtown Zephyrhills
When: Dec. 2, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (The parade begins at 7 p.m.)
Cost: Admission is free
Details: The Main Street Zephyrhills Christmas Parade is the main feature of this event, but festivities also include entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors, and other merchandise.  Door prizes also will be given away.
Information: Call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414.

Traditions on the Green Holiday Concert
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Stage, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: Performances by the Land O’ Lakes High School Band, the Pine View Middle School Band, the Pine View Middle School Dance Team and the Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir. There also will be a tree lighting, a kids’ corner with Santa, and a basket raffle to benefit the schools.

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Keystone Prep Campus, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa
When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free; parking is $5.
Details: More than 300 vendors with metal art, wood art, Christmas décor, photography, a food court.

Christmas in the Park
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
When: Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free.
Details: The Founders Garden Club of San Antonio presents “Christmas in the Park,” which includes the lighting of the Christmas Cards and entertainment featuring The Huran family, singing hymns, harmonizing and playing several instruments. There also will be a drawing for a variety of beautiful gift baskets. Raffle tickets are $1 or six for $5. Complimentary refreshments and coffee will be served. Bring a folding chair and a flashlight.
Information: Call (352) 588-3631.  

21st annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where: 18819 U.S. 41 N., in Lutz
When: The evenings of Dec. 7, Dec. 9, Dec. 12, Dec. 14, Dec. 16, Dec. 19, Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with donations accepted. Bring a toy or nonperishable food item, which will be given to those less fortunate.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Where: American House Senior Living Communities, 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills
When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: More than 20 vendors will showcase their hand-crafted items, including jewelry, clothing, pottery and more.
Information: Call (813) 400-2263

Country Christmas Open House
Where: The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 or free admission, with the gift of an unwrapped toy
Details: Visit the museum, do some holiday shopping with vendors, which will be selling chocolates, jewelry, holiday décor, soaps, candles, honey, essential oils and other items.
The Caroling Company will be performing on the Gazebo, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with breaks, dressed in period clothing and singing Christmas songs, a capella. The Dade City Joy Ringers will play Christmas music. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There also will be food.
Information: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Holiday Pops
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Stage, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Holiday Pops with the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet (the quintet performs from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There also will be a food truck, Santa, bouncy house and other activities. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Joyful Holiday Celebration
Where: Asturia Amenity Center, 14575 Promenade Parkway, Odessa
When: Dec. 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: See Santa and his elves, enjoy refreshments, take part in games and activities for the kids. There also will be face painting, a balloon artist, a visit from a surprise holiday character and more. To RSVP, call (813) 510-3601.
Information: AsturiaFlorida.com

Kol Ami Hanukkah Party Celebration
Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road in Tampa
When: Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Hanukkah foods, fun and games, DJ music, dancing, pin the gimel on the dreidel, poi spinning, hula hooping and more at this family event.
Information: Call (813) 962-6338.

Published November 29, 2017

Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients don’t have to go it alone

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When someone learns that a loved one is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, it can seem overwhelming.

Phyllis Bross, a retired attorney from Land O’ Lakes, understands the feeling. Her mother and aunt were both Alzheimer’s patients, and she now runs the Alzheimer’s Association/Caregiver Support Group that meets monthly at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

Based on her own experiences, Bross said, generally, when a caregiver learns about the diagnosis, he or she feels lost.

Phyllis Bross, a retired attorney, runs a monthly Alzheimer’s Association support group at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. It’s a monumental challenge for caregivers, she said. In short, she recommends: ‘Try to get as much information as you can. Try to get as much support as you can. Try to get things rolling.’ (B.C. Manion)

“You’re worried about your future finances, and providing medication, and other kinds of support and help for your loved one.

“You know you don’t have a medical background, so you’re wondering: Should someone else be taking care of him or her? Or, should I do it because of the familiarity and the love for the person?” Bross said.

Because they don’t know what to do, most people begin sorting things out by turning to a support group for help.

“I think that’s a great place to start,” said Bross, who, in addition to her legal experience, has an undergraduate degree in social work. There are all kinds of support groups available, offered by the Alzheimer’s Association and other groups, she added.

There are definite steps that caregivers can take to help themselves, Bross added.

While the loved one is competent, it’s important to ask: “Do you believe you can trust me … to take care of you, to take care of your money/the family money, to take care of your health, to make end-of-life decisions for you?” Bross said.

If the answer is yes, the next question would be: “Can we go to an attorney, an elder law attorney and discuss you’re possibly providing me with a durable power of attorney?” Bross said.

Taking that action will simplify later decisions that will need to be made, she said.

She also suggests organizing a family meeting, so you can find out their level of support and if they can help you make decisions.

It’s also important to start asking questions early, Bross said.

For instance, when visiting an elder law attorney, ask about the possibility of your loved one qualifying for Medicaid, in case the family ends up not being able to afford all of this care that’s going to be needed.

It’s also important to become aware of long-term care facilities that may become necessary at some point.

“Look at facilities. Even if you’ve promised your loved one you won’t put them in a facility, you don’t really know how sick they’re going to get,” Bross said.

Sometimes, no matter how much a caregiver wants to keep his or her loved one at home, it becomes impossible.

In short, Bross recommends: “Try to get as much information as you can. Try to get as much support as you can. Try to get things rolling.”

Beyond needing help with feeding, bathing and other physical needs, Alzheimer’s patients sometimes become difficult to handle.

“Their temperament changes very often. They might become abusive,” Bross said.

She advises to prepare for “the worst-case scenario.”

Bross also recommends a book called, “The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss,” by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins.

“People in my Alzheimer’s care group call it their Bible,” she said.

It is important to provide support to caregivers, Bross said. In addition to the physical, medical and financial challenges they encounter, there’s an emotional toll, as well, Bross said. “It’s a terrible disease.”

It’s important to provide support to help caregivers through “their sadness and depression,” Bross said.

“It’s such a hard job,” she said.

Alzheimer’s disease
Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but those also can be symptoms of other health conditions. A medical diagnosis is necessary to pursue appropriate treatment and to rule out other possible, sometimes reversible, conditions.

People with Alzheimer’s may experience these types of symptoms:

Cognitive: mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, inability to create new memories, inability to do simple math, or inability to recognize common things

Behavioral: aggression, agitation, difficulty with self-care, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, restlessness, lack of restraint, or wandering and getting lost

Mood: anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings

Psychological: depression, hallucination, or paranoia

Other common symptoms: inability to combine muscle movements, jumbled speech, or loss of appetite

Source: Google fact sheet

Practical tips for caregivers:

  • Join a support group.
  • Attend summits and seminars to learn about financial resources and research studies.
  • Create a binder to keep track of medical information, financial information, legal information and questions.
  • Be aware there are all sorts of potential sources for funding and research, including federal, state, county, local, universities and nonprofits.
  • Ask family members how they would like to help and divvy up the tasks, accordingly. Someone may be willing to handle providing transportation, while another provides financial support. Someone else may be able to do practical chores, such as cooking, cleaning, yard work and so on.
  • Observe the patient’s status and record it in a journal — to help keep track of the patient’s changing condition.

Practical ways to help caregivers:
If you’d like to help a caregiver of someone afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, here are some ways you can help:

  • Offer to give them a break by volunteering to watch over the patient, while the caregiver does shopping, goes to a hair appointment or does errands. (This may not be possible based on the patient’s condition or willingness to accept your care. If that won’t work, another option would be to provide a gift of paid-for respite care.)
  • Bring over dinner or provide gift certificates for meals.
  • Watch a movie at the caregiver’s house.
  • Take some nice photographs of the caregiver and their loved one, so the caregiver will have them later.
  • Provide emotional support, through a poem or a loving letter.
  • Step in to help in practical ways, such as yard work, house work or other chores.

Source: Phyllis Bross, facilitator of the monthly Alzheimer’s support group that meets at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library

 

Other sources of help include:

  • The Alzheimer’s Association: 24-hour hotline: (800) 272-3900; or visit ALZ.org
  • The Florida Department of Elder Affairs: (800) 963-5337; or visit ElderAffairs.state.fl.us

Published November 29, 2017

Wrong turn creates a new path for opportunities

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Sammy Ortiz was headed to the annual Dade City Kumquat Festival a couple of years ago, but instead of taking the usual turn onto Meridian Avenue, he wound up on Lock Street.

The Wesley Chapel man was astounded.

He could not believe the difference between the conditions along Lock Street and the Southern charm of downtown Dade City.

Lock Street, roughly a mile away from downtown, “looked like a Third World country,” Ortiz said.

The minister felt called to become involved.

Angel Mendez, Sammy Ortiz and Isabel Lopez talk about how a program called Young Entrepreneurial Students, also known as Y.E.S., can create new opportunities for disadvantaged and minority youths. (B.C. Manion)

“I feel like God impressed on my heart that I need to do something for the area that didn’t involve necessarily preaching to them, but giving something to them,” Ortiz said.

Soon after, Ortiz rented some space in Dade City, and began walking Lock Street to become acquainted with the residents and their needs.

The pastor said he’d been warned not to walk down Lock Street, that the area was too dangerous.

But, he said, he never felt threatened and instead encountered people who were nice.

He decided to begin a program that he calls Y.E.S., which stands for Young Entrepreneurial Students.

“I felt if we could change the mindset of young people concerning economic distress, then we can really help future generations,” Ortiz said.

One group of nine students has completed the program, and a second one is underway.

“The first cohort was a guinea pig cohort. It consisted of five weeks,” Ortiz said. “We are now doing them in 15-week increments.

“What we want to teach young people is how to start their own business, organization or cause,” he said.

Nineteen-year-old Angel Mendez was in the first group.

“Y.E.S. gives hope to young people in the community,” said Mendez. The program, he added, “helped to look at where my passions were and where I wanted to take them.”

It also helped him get his hands on some video production equipment and gave him an opportunity to network.

Now, he has a video production business he calls WhatEyeSee Productions. It’s a fledgling operation, but he’s excited about what lies ahead.

Isabel Lopez, 19, is part of the second cohort.

She heard about Y.E.S. from another graduate and was attracted to the opportunity.

“I like it. I actually changed my major in college to psychology,” she said, deciding to follow her passion rather than simply choose a more practical career.

Osvaldo Limas, another Y.E.S. participant, likes to dream big.

He’d like to open a zoo in Dade City, he said, via an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Now, opening up a zoo in Dade City is a very tall order,” Limas acknowledged.

But he is undaunted.

“The path is long, but I am determined that I will reach the end,” Limas said.

Ortiz said the Y.E.S. program consists of weekly sessions.

“The curriculum is modular. They learn about their personal strengths, how to develop a team. They learn about personal obstacles and limitations. They learn about their passions and their dreams, and then they begin to identify problems,” he added.

They identify what problem they are solving, who their customers are and what solutions they are offering.

They must calculate the costs for launching their business and figure out how much funding they need to keep it going, and how they will generate that revenue, Ortiz said.

The youths use a curriculum that was developed by Co.Starters — which is a youth version of the curriculum that Pasco Economic Development Council uses for its adult entrepreneurial program, Ortiz said.

He credits John Walsh, of the Pasco EDC, for helping him to get Y.E.S. rolling.

Unlike the Pasco EDC’s program, Y.E.S. provides its program to minority and underprivileged youth at no charge.

Ortiz also has launched a cohort at the Juvenile Detention Center, will be starting one at Cox Elementary School, and is beginning an entrepreneurial club at Saint Leo University and another at Pasco-Hernando State College.

“I want to make sure that young people, especially those that are in economically distressed areas, have the same opportunities that I would call privileged young people would have.

“They have some great ideas.

“Somebody has to encourage them to pursue things that they may feel a little apprehensive pursuing,” Ortiz said.

In some cases, he noted, these students are the first from their families to pursue a college education.

Some youths have potential, but lack confidence.

He likes to tell them: “You may not do that yet — but you can learn how to do that.”

He doesn’t want youths to be held back by their financial circumstances.

“They can’t be excluded,” Ortiz said. “I want, if anything, just to make room at the table.”

Ortiz wants to extend the opportunities to more disadvantaged youths and has been working to raise funds to support it. At the moment, he and his wife have been the primary financial supporters.

“Poverty is cyclical. So, we want to break that,” Ortiz said. “We want success to be cyclical.”

When Ortiz thinks back to a couple of years ago, he realizes that none of this might have happened, if he hadn’t driven down Lock Street.

“I’m glad that I got lost,” Ortiz said.

If you’d like to know more, or would like to help, call Ortiz at (813) 563-5753, or email him at .

Or, you can visit the website, YoungEntrepreneurialStudents.org.

Published November 29, 2017

Episcopal church branching into Wesley Chapel

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Picture, if you will, a church that does not yet have walls, or established ministries — but is rooted in an ancient tradition.

While it’s a blank canvas at the moment, a new Episcopal church in Wesley Chapel won’t remain that way forever — and beginning in January, meetings will be held to begin organizing the church’s first location in the community.

“We call it church planting. It’s like the sower (in the Bible) who sows the seeds; it’s planting,” said the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, whose official title is Diocesan Missioner for Church Extension.

Rev. Adrienne Hymes is leading an effort to establish a new Episcopal church in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

She has assembled a core group of five people to begin one-on-one conversations with people in the community to find out more about Wesley Chapel’s needs.

The core group also will focus initially on the areas of theological and spiritual formation; discipleship, evangelism and mission.

Hymes expects to have a location by January and to begin holding monthly meetings.

“It will start out once a month on Wednesday nights, and then as we grow, we’ll be looking at Sundays,” she said.

The church currently is in talks for a possible location in a business park off of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

As more members join, a launch team will develop.

After that, it’s hard to predict how fast the move will be to a new location, how large the church will be, how many services and the exact shape of the ministries, Hymes said.

“With something like this, this really calls on us to lean heavily on the Holy Spirit movement — which can be a slow movement, or it can set on fire really quickly,” she said.

One thing is clear; the Episcopal church wants to be a presence in Wesley Chapel.

“Wesley Chapel is growing exponentially, and there are no signs of it stopping,” Hymes said.

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida has been wanting to establish a presence in the community for many years. The diocese has 77 churches.

The diocese perceives a need in Wesley Chapel, and funds from a three-year national grant are being used to help support the effort to establish a church in that community.

“We do know there are Episcopalians who have been waiting for a (local) church for a long time. If you grew up in the tradition, you want an Episcopal church,” she said. Other Episcopal churches are miles away — in New Tampa, Zephyrhills and New Port Richey.

As the effort gets underway for a new church in Wesley Chapel, Hymes noted: “It just turns out that God sends servants and God sends resources, so that we are really able to focus on establishing a presence out there at this time.”

She is looking for people who want to part of a ground-floor, grassroots effort.

“We’re looking for entrepreneurial types. We’re looking for people who are visionaries. People who can see things that aren’t there yet,” Hymes said. “We’re going to need people who vision and dream,” she added.

“Normally, when you walk into a church, you’re worshipping — things are there,” Hymes said.

Some people definitely prefer it that way, she said.

If, however, “you’re comfortable with not knowing everything and the details, those are the people that we need.

“It’s kingdom-building work,” she said, and she’s looking to attract people from all walks of life to play a role.

There may be architects and construction workers, business people and others, she said. Retired people, who have just wrapped up a long career, may want to get involved in beginning something new, she said.

“Maybe you’ve been a strategic planner your whole life,” she said. “You’re not done yet.

“Right now, we’re in this wonderful dance of the Holy Spirit, wondering what is going to happen next,” said Hymes, who is clearly excited by the prospect.

“How many people have a chance to get on the ground floor of a brand-new church that does not have a name yet?

“Every time we meet and every time a new person shows up, the DNA for this church is being created,” Hymes added.

For those who do not know much about the Episcopal church, Hymes offered a brief overview.

“Our history and our roots run deep. The Episcopal church’s roots are rooted in the church of England, which started in the 16th century. What we offer is an ever-ancient liturgy that people can tap into and hold onto,” she said.

“If you’re led to the doors of this church, we welcome you, and we invite you into the rich Anglican tradition,” she said.

At the same time, the church’s ministries adapt to meet the changing needs of the community it serves, she said.

Those helping to lay the groundwork for the church will be learning about the needs it is called to serve in Wesley Chapel area.

If you’d like to get involved or would like to know more, contact Hymes at (813) 418-1281 or by email at .

Published November 29, 2017

Heritage Stage is becoming a community gathering place

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Long before Heritage Stage existed, Sandy Graves envisioned a place where the community would gather, to watch performances and spend time together.

The stage was completed this fall and Graves’ vision has begun to take shape.

Recently, the stage was the centerpiece for an event to honor area veterans.

Live musical entertainment always plays a big role in the annual ‘Traditions on the Green’ event. This year, for the first time, the entertainers will have a stage for their performances at the event, set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (File)

Shortly after that, entertainers used it for performances during Land O’ Lakes SwampFest.

Next, the Land O’ Lakes High School Band, the Pine View Middle School Band, the Pine View Middle School Dance Team and the Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir will provide a holiday concert during Traditions on the Green.

The free event, being held at the recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., also will feature a visit from Santa, a tree lighting and a raffle on gift baskets, to raise money for the schools.

“We’ll have cookies and warm apple cider, until it runs out,” Graves said.

The event is set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, to the evening of performances presented by the Heritage Park Foundation and the Wesley Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite club.

Another event is planned for the afternoon of Dec. 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The event will include a food truck, a bounce house, a visit from Santa and, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform “Holiday Pops” on the Heritage Park Stage.

Again, spectators are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chair, to sit back and enjoy some music presented by Heritage Park, Classical Preparatory School and several other sponsors.

Another event — the Land O’ Lakes Arts & Crafts & Seafood Festival, featuring The Battle of the Bands — is planned at the venue on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Featured bands will be Priest, Rat Salad and Soul Circus Cowboys. And, there will be food, shopping and kids’ activities, as well.

The event is family and pet friendly, and proceeds will benefit Pasco County Animal Services.

Graves is delighted to see the stage being put to good use.  “We’re so excited,” she said.

Traditions on The Green
Where: The recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
When: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: The even features performances by local schools and a visit from Santa. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Published November 22, 2017

It’s that time again for the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show

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Christmas at the Old Lutz School is coming up, too

Preparations are underway for the 38th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show, which is being held for the second year on the campus of Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

“We’re going to have over 300 vendors. And, there’s a larger expanded food court,” said Faith Sincich, co-chair of the event.

She marvels at the transformation that takes place at the festival grounds, each year.

Zoe Deimling, 4, of Odessa, just can’t stop looking at the art on her face after having it painted at the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show. Deimling was along with her grandmother, Denise Alliston of Odessa, and her great-grandmother, Susan Corcoran of Lutz. (File)

“You go out on Friday morning and you see a field, an empty field, and by Saturday morning you see a little village of tents set up. It’s really incredible to see,” Sincich said.

As usual, there will be a great number of returning vendors, Sincich said. But, she noted, “we have some new vendors with some new crafts.”

The two-day event is always a hit with families because of its festive holiday atmosphere and its unique shopping opportunities. Shoppers can peruse booths featuring handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, photography, woodcrafts and metal work, and plants and yard art, to name just a few.

It is the primary annual fundraiser for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Proceeds from the event benefit “hundreds, and I mean literally hundreds of charities and nonprofits that we support,” Sincich said.

The venue changed last year, from Lake Park to Keystone Prep.

That didn’t seem to hurt attendance, Sincich said. “We thought that the attendance was about the same.”

Even so, organizers believe that attendance could increase this year.

“This year, now that more people are familiar with the new location, we expect more people,” Sincich said. The new venue is also conveniently located for people from Pinellas County who want to check it out, she noted.

There’s ample parking.

“There’s a lot more room for public parking at this facility than there was at the old Lake Park,” Sincich said.

This year, the event is on Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free, but there is a $5 charge for parking collected by the school, which receives the proceeds.

While the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club gears up for its giant arts and crafts show, the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building is preparing for its annual Christmas celebration at the school, 18819 U.S. 41 N., in Lutz.

“Two of the rooms will be set up with trains and displays around trains,” said Stephanie Ensor, one of the event organizers. “The museum will be open.

“We have a tree room, where some different organizations will be bringing a tree to represent their organization.

“They have nutcrackers on display, throughout the building.

“The hallway is decorated by Steinbrenner (High School) student ambassadors,” Ensor added.

There will be entertainment on select evenings, and more entertainers are welcome to sign up.

There is no admission for the evenings at the schoolhouse, Ensor said, but “there will be a barrel to collect nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys for those less fortunate.”

The breakfast with Santa event costs $4.

The event is meant to serve as “a thank-you to the community for its continued support,” Ensor said.

It’s a great way for people to reconnect with people they haven’t seen in awhile, Ensor said.

“My daughters are 18 and 20 now.

“When I’m up there, I’m always running into someone I knew 15 years ago, when the kids were in kindergarten,” she said.

She enjoys the annual tradition at the schoolhouse.

“It’s really neat. It’s one of our little small-town things that we treasure,” Ensor said.

38th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free; parking is $5 per car, with proceeds benefiting the school
Details: More than 300 vendors are expected at the event, which is a popular draw for families because of its holiday atmosphere and its unique shopping opportunities. It also is a juried show, giving artists a chance to win cash prizes.
Info: Call (813) 833-3962

 

21st annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where:  18819 U.S. 41 N.
When: The evenings of Dec. 7, Dec. 9, Dec. 12, Dec. 14, Dec. 16, Dec. 19, Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: There is no admission, but collection boxes will be there to accept donations of nonperishable food and new, unwrapped toys, for those who are less fortunate.
Details: The school will be open for your viewing pleasure, with entertainment on select nights.

What: Breakfast with Santa at the Old Lutz School
When: Dec. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $4, which includes a doughnut, juice and craft
Details: Santa will be there, so families can bring their cameras to take a photo with them. Additional menu items will be available for purchase.
Info: Email  

Published November 22, 2017

Garden yields lessons on math, science, conservation

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Children at Hammond Elementary School are learning all about water conservation, and honing their mathematics and science skills, too, in a class that uses a hydroponics garden to help bring the lessons home.

Children in Bonnie Cothern and Tina Miller’s classes at Hammond Elementary are learning about the advantages of hydroponics gardening. (B.C. Manion)

The school, at 8008 N. Mobley Road in Odessa, used a Splash! grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to cover the costs of creating the hydroponics garden. The grant also includes several other elements relating to water conservation.

Teachers Tina Miller and Bonnie Cothern said that Urban Roots, of 11780 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, have also helped in the program by demonstrating how to put together the plant towers and letting students help, as well as allowing them to plant vegetables and herbs.

Students in Cothern’s gifted education classes are working with Miller’s fifth-graders to help educate the entire school about hydroponics and water conservation.

This tower of plants contains rosemary, oregano, basic, chocolate mint, French sorrel lettuce and parsley.

They’ll be reporting conservation tips monthly on the school’s morning show, and will be making posters to raise awareness to the rest of the school and members of the community about the importance of water conservation.

Lessons also will include the importance of choosing Florida-friendly garden plants that are adapted to the state’s climate to prevent unnecessary water use.

On a recent day, Cothern and Miller were out in the garden with some of their students.

The children talked about some advantages of hydroponics gardening.

Third-grader Lyla Cullimore explained how the plant tower system works.

“The reservoir is right here,” she said. “When you turn it on, the water goes through a pipe and it goes up, then the water goes down and it makes it so the plants get water.”

Teacher Tina Miller checks on plants in a hydroponics garden at Hammond Elementary School.

The pump runs twice a day, for 15 minutes each time, the teachers said, via email, in a more detailed explanation of hydroponics.

The water drips from the top plant container, through the plant medium, which is composed of shredded coconut shell and perlite. Then, water in that planter drips to the one below, the teachers said.

Fifth-grader Ryan Dumont noted the water “can drip down through the angles of the planters, then, once it drops down, there’s holes in the planters and it drips down into the reservoir, and we can reuse it.”

The drip system, combined with a porous medium, conserves water and provides oxygenation to the root system of the plants. The water in the reservoir lasts 10 days to 14 days, the teachers said. The system is efficient because no water is wasted through runoff and evaporation.

Miller asked students, what does organic mean?

Carlie Restrepo is eager to offer an answer during a discussion about hydroponics at Hammond Elementary School’s hydroponics garden.

Fifth-grader Ethan Bezaury responded: “Organic means that it’s not manmade.”

Miller then talked about the liquid fertilizer that provides nutrients to the plants.

By growing the plants in pots, arranged on a tower, more plants can be grown in a smaller area, she said.

“How many plants are in that little bit of a space?” Miller asked.

“There’s about 20,” answered third-grader Evan Rottenberger.

That’s correct, Miller said, adding that students have been able to integrate math and science into what they are learning about hydroponics.

Students have been taking measurements of the plants and charting their observations in notebooks.

Lyla Cullimore talks about how a hydroponics plant system works.

“When you guys were doing your data recording yesterday, what did you find about the different plants that you had taken your baseline data on?” Miller asked.

Fifth-grader Sophia Wyant responded: “They were growing more and more each time.”

The teacher explained: “We’ve been doing some long-term investigations because one of the claims of hydroponics is that the yield is greater.”

It’s too early to tell if that is true, but fifth-grader Angela Rosario has noticed that a plant she’s been observing has achieved noticeable growth.

The first time they observed the garden was on Oct. 27.

“It was 10 centimeters, my longest leaf. I had seven leaves. The smallest leaf was 3 cm, and the height was 17 cm. After 10 days, my height was 21 cm, I had eight leaves. My smallest was 6; the longest was 11,” Rosario said.

She said hydroponics helps conserve water and reduces problems from weeds.

Cothern’s students began their observations a week after Millers’ students.

She said she gave her students the freedom to choose how they wanted to observe their plant.

“I told them they could take whatever data they wanted to. They could measure the whole plant. They could measure the biggest leaf, the smallest leaf, whatever they decided to do,” she said.

The teachers are pleased that the children are learning about water conservation and are excited about the students sharing what they have learned with the entire school community, as well as with their families at home.

Published November 22, 2017

Giving thanks, for life’s big and little blessings

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Whether it’s for the expected arrival of a first grandchild, the ability to be a stay-at-home mom, landing a new job, or savoring the sheer blessing of being alive to celebrate the holiday — people across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have many reasons to celebrate this Thanksgiving.

Those of us working at the newspaper, join them, in celebrating the holiday of gratitude and express our appreciation to you, our readers.

(Photos by B.C. Manion)

“I am so blessed with family and a husband that survived a stroke and club members (GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club) and church (First United Methodist Church of Lutz), said Edwina Kraemer, of Lutz.

For Thanksgiving, she said, “We are having an organic turkey. And, my son and daughter-in-law and my beautiful granddaughter and some friends of ours are all coming over, and we’re going to try to eat healthy.”

 

 

 

 

Isabel Wirth, who has been volunteering at Daystar Hope Center Thrift Shop in Dade City for 19 years, said “I’m thankful that we can do as much for the people here, and I’m thankful for good health.”

The Dade City woman plans to travel to Mount Dora to her niece’s house for Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m thankful for the nice weather. I’m so glad it’s finally cooled down,” said Lois Cohen, of Land O’ Lakes.

But, that’s not all she’s grateful for.

I’m thankful for all of the friends that I have in the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club,” she added.

For the holiday, Cohen said, “We’re having my family over for Thanksgiving. My husband is doing a whole menu,” she said, including German potato casserole and cranberry trifle.

 

Matt Badillo, of Wesley Chapel, is thankful for a new employment opportunity. “I just got offered a job at the VA. It was a bit of a long process, but it’s finally rolling through. It’s really good. I’ll be a nursing assistant there.”

But, he’s also grateful to be celebrating the holiday with his family.

“I just recently came back from living in Australia for three years. I came back in April,” he said, noting he’s looking forward to turkey and cranberry sauce, and for another favorite, too.

“My grandma makes this corn casserole that I’ve been waiting for, for awhile.”

 

Pat Wright, the circulation supervisor at Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City, said: “I’m thankful for the whole staff that I work with here at Hugh Embry.”

The Webster woman said she’s also grateful for family and friends, and planned to be making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with all of the trimmings, for her family.

 

Rita Noble, an avowed book lover, has been working at Hugh Embry Branch Library for 17 years. She said she’s grateful for her family and friends, and is excited by the prospect of her first grandchild who is due this spring. Noble said she’ll be making a “Thanksgiving dinner “with all of the fixins’.”

 

 

 

Sister Jean Abbott, who oversees the Daystar Hope Center Thrift Shop in Dade City, said “I am thankful for the generosity of the people who donate their time and their money and their items, or their food and household stuff to us.

“It keeps our doors open. It keeps us able to assist people who are needy, and I’m especially thankful for the volunteers who do all of the work of processing that stuff that comes in, and making sure it’s in useful shape to go to the people who need it,” she said.

She plans to spend Thanksgiving at Saint Anthony Parish Hall, helping to serve others and enjoying her holiday meal.

It will be her second Thanksgiving dinner, which makes it hard to follow her primary doctor’s advice to watch her carbohydrates, she said.

 

Stephanie Critser and her 3-year-old son, Joshua, were enjoying a beautiful day at Zephyr Park recently — which offers an example of why the Zephyrhills woman is grateful this Thanksgiving. “I am very thankful that I am able to stay at home with him. I’m able to spend a lot of quality time with him. I haven’t always been able to do that, so this year, I am very thankful for that,” she said.

The family will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her in-laws, she said. “My husband (Daniel) is making his mashed potatoes.”

 

Suzanne Jasinski, of Land O’ Lakes, is grateful to be able to celebrate another Thanksgiving with her family.

“A couple of years ago, I was shivering, I thought I was cold. I kept putting blanket after blanket after blanket. My son said, ‘No, you’re going to the hospital,’” she recalled.

She didn’t want to go, but she went.

“It turned out to be septic. My kidneys were shutting down. I was in a coma for 3 ½ weeks,” she said. She was on dialysis, too.

“They took me off dialysis because my kidneys started working,” she said. Her doctor called her “his little miracle.”

Jasinski lives with her son, James, and her daughter-in-law, Michelle, and they expect about 20 people to celebrate Thanksgiving with them.

They’ll be enjoying a feast, including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams — “the whole nine yards,” Jasinski said.

And, that includes dressing.

“Her oyster dressing is the best,” said Kimberly Lucas, Jasinski’s daughter, who was with her and Jasinski’s granddaughter, Ashley Lucas, at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Published November 22, 2017

Denham Oaks offers patriotic welcome to veterans

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Denham Oaks Elementary School was awash in red, white and blue as children and staff offered a warm welcome to about 75 area veterans at a Nov. 10 celebration.

A group of Boy Scouts served as the color guard at the Nov. 10 tribute to veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

As they arrived, a series of signs posted outside the school honored the men and women who have served in the nation’s military.

There were posters and other artworks all over campus carrying the same message of gratitude.

Fourth- and fifth-graders expressed their appreciation through a gallery of patriotic artworks. Second-graders made ornaments for the veterans to take home, and third-graders made them greeting cards.

All of the school’s students learned patriotic songs to sing at the event.

“As you can see, our whole school is decked out to celebrate our veterans,” said Principal Mardee Kay Powers, who leads the elementary school at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

Principal Mardee Kay Powers chats with Sgt. Maj. Daniel Billiott, of Wesley Chapel, before the tribute to veterans began.

Music teachers Amarilys Barbosa and Jodi Mark, art teacher Lee Taylor, and physical education teachers Fred Cornelius and Justin Partain organized the event, which included all 725 students and the school’s staff.

Mark brought the event to Denham Oaks two years ago, from Lake Myrtle Elementary, where she used to teach.

Veterans attending the celebration were clearly touched by the school’s gesture.

Some came wearing military uniforms, while others dressed more casually.

They took turns at the microphone, telling the crowd what branch of the military they served in and where they served. They also gave shout-outs to their sons or daughters, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or others who had invited them.

A crowd of school children and spectators paid tribute to men and women who served in the nation’s Armed Services.

Several expressed gratitude for the obvious preparation the school had made for the day, for their appreciation of the armed forces and for their reverence toward the American flag.

Teachers involved in putting together the program seemed pleased to play a part.

“It happens to be my favorite performance because it’s teaching them (students) the respect for their country, the respect for the veterans. It’s also the only event where we can get the entire school — because of the numbers — all together at the same time,” Mark said.

“All of the kids are getting into it,” Partain said.

Cornelius agreed. “It’s special because they see the value of what our vets did for us.”

A line of first-graders makes its way to a celebration for veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School.

Barbosa also noted: “When we’re teaching these songs, we’re teaching them what it means to be a veteran. We’re teaching them why this country is so great and what makes it so great.”

Edwin Aguiar said he couldn’t resist attending the ceremony.

“My granddaughters (Lilliana Nazar and Gracey Jayska) — you cannot say ‘No’ to them, so I decided to take the day off and come in,” Aguiar said.

Derrick Jayska, another Army veteran, is Gracey’s dad. He said he also has a niece and nephew at the school.

“It’s awesome to come out and see all of the stuff they did.”

Army veterans Edwin Aguiar and Derrick Jayska view artwork created by Denham Oaks Elementary students to thank veterans for their service.

“It’s nice to see that they’re teaching them the history behind things.”

Caryl Wheeler, a spectator, from Lutz, was pleased that her husband and other veterans were honored.

She also was impressed by the ornament and greeting cards the children made for veterans to take home.

“They thought enough to give this to our veterans, the people who served our country — when there is so much hatred now for the American flag,” Wheeler said.

“I’m glad that this school and other schools throughout Pasco County are doing a great job of promoting the flag and the country,” she added.

Published November 15, 2017

‘Stocking Stuffers’ spread holiday cheer

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They don’t look like elves, but a quartet of International Baccalaureate students from Land O’ Lakes High School has set off on a mission to make the holidays merrier for preschoolers in foster care.

The IB students — Deah Bhojani, Geanna Alamares, Ariana Rao and Angelina Rodriguez — dreamed up the idea for an operation they’ve dubbed “Stocking Stuffers.”

From left, Angelina Rodriguez, Deah Bhojani, Geanna Alamares and Ariana Rao are banding together on a project aimed at providing at least 50 stuffed Christmas stockings for children in foster care.
(B.C. Manion)

It’s a simple concept, but the teenagers hope it will have a profound impact on the children receiving the holiday stockings.

And, they’re asking for the community’s help.

To get things started, the young women set out collection boxes on Nov. 1 at the clubhouse at Wilderness Lake Preserve, Lake Bernadette and Meadow Pointe. They also placed two boxes at Land O’ Lakes High School.

Those wanting to help can either donate a stocking that’s already been stuffed, or can contribute items to help stuff a stocking.

Since the stockings will be given to preschoolers, the gift items should target that age group. Small purses, little cars, coloring books, art supplies, costume jewelry, dolls, stuffed animals and puzzles are the kinds of items they’re seeking to collect.

The idea is for the item to be small enough to fit in a stocking, but not small enough to pose any kind of hazard to a young child.

The organizers also are asking contributors to refrain from donating any type of food.

The collection boxes will remain up through Dec. 11.

The young women also are appealing to large businesses that may buy in bulk to donate some items for the cause.

Bhojani said she came up with the idea because her dad owns a preschool, and some of the children he serves come from foster families.

She also volunteered to feed the homeless and saw firsthand how those children struggle.

She saw a young boy who was freezing cold.

“He was wearing shorts and a jacket that was way too small for him,” she said.

“I’ve just been very fortunate. I’ve never really had to go through the holidays without family and support,” she said. “So, I just wanted to do something for kids who might not be as lucky as I am during this time of the year.”

She also noted that many people give to large charities that help people in far-away places, but people sometimes fail to notice the need for help right here.

Rodriguez said she wants to help share Christmas joy.

“To me, Christmas is a season of giving, and love and charity. I love Christmas. I’ve always loved it,” she said.

Alamares said she wanted to get involved because she understands there are people who are much less fortunate, including some of her own relatives who live in the Philippines.

She also has seen that need locally.

When she did some volunteer work at Tampa General Hospital on the children’s floor, she met children who live in difficult conditions.

“It was eye-opening for me,” she said.

Rao said the idea appealed to her because she could see that it’s the kind of project where “small gestures can have a broad effect.”

The IB students hope to collect at least 50 stockings to distribute to foster children through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco County.

That’s one goal they hope to exceed.

Want to help?
If you would like to help make the holidays merrier for some foster children, contact Angelina Rodriguez at .

Published November 15, 2017