The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

PHSC promotes ‘Unity’ at annual Peace Week

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Pasco-Hernando State College hosted its 11th annual Peace Week Celebration from Sept. 24 to Sept. 28.

The event — held on college’s campuses Dade City, Brooksville, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill and New Port Richey — celebrated a theme of unity.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Cpl. Alan Wilkett gave a talk on human trafficking on Sept. 25 during ‘Coffee with a Cop,’ as part of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Peace Week activities. (Brian Fernandes)

The intent was to bring participants together — to embrace each other’s differences and to stand up for what is right.

The weeklong celebration was open to faculty, students and the community, offering outdoor food, music, yoga classes, lectures and a workshop with Buddhist monks.

Laura Raposa, a Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) coordinator at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel, said the week offered the opportunity for important discussions about various issues.

The idea behind the annual celebration is to give students and those in the community a platform to express themselves on what they think matters, said Raposa, now in her third year of Peace Week at PHSC.

“We really wanted to do something that was important today and signified where we want to be,” she said of the agenda for Peace Week.

Sharon Hayes shows off her custom-made tie-dye shirt during Pasco-Hernando State College’s Peace Week festivities at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel, on Sept. 24.

Mason Fitzpatrick, a transgender man, visited PHSC’s different branches to explain his journey in a lecture series called “Stand Together.”

In addressing the audience, he aimed to improve understanding about the identity issues that come with wanting a transition.

Pasco Sheriff’s Cpl. Alan Wilkett made stops at several campuses for “Coffee with a Cop.” His talk focused on the global issue of human trafficking and ways people can help identify a victim in need.

Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse also spoke in a segment called “A Mission of Love.” Their talk focused on how to better support child abuse victims, especially when the victims must testify in court.

Like the other PHSC branches, Wesley Chapel’s Porter Campus held an outdoor Unity Festival including a drum circle, which invited the public’s participation.

Those attending festivities at the Porter Campus also were able to create custom-made tie-dye shirts and framed paintings.

As is traditional, the state college plans to have a day in spring where everyone on campus wears their tie-dye shirts to show solidarity.

Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch had a drum circle on Sept. 24 as part of Peace Week. From left: Duane Powell, Claudia Alvarez, Marbelys Alvarez, Myna Mendoza and Paul Gavin.

Throughout the week, professors held workshops on the three Ps of peace: Professional, personal and public. These sessions covered how to maintain a healthy balance in the different areas of one’s own life, while coexisting with others.

Another support network present at the event was the Porter Campus’ prayer group.

On the first day of the event, they had a booth set up outside, hosted by two sisters, Claudia and Marbelys Alvarez.

Now up to 20 members, the club meets once a week on campus for prayer and Bible study. It offers an environment to share thoughts and words of encouragement, the sisters said.

During Peace Week, the group’s booth was decorated with baskets of candy and neatly filed envelopes. Each envelope contained different passages of scripture to help brighten the readers’ day and offer hope for the future.

“This is just the beginning,” Claudia said, referring to the spiritual guidance

offered to those passing by.

“Your purpose [is] so big, bigger than just a career, and that’s what I want students to get,” she said.

Published October 10, 2018

San Antonio gardening fest offers lessons, vendors and fun

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“Come one, come all – it’s a family event,” said Dorothy Moore, issuing an invitation to the upcoming Gardening 365 event at San Antonio Park.

At last year’s garden festival, visitor Hailey Ferrel, left, received help with her take-home plant from Pasco County Master Gardener Pam St. Louis. (Courtesy of Pasco County Master Gardeners)

Pasco County Master Gardeners, who are part of the University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, are hosting the festival slated for Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Now in its second year, the festival’s theme this year is “Edibles.”

Those attending the event will have a chance to learn how to cultivate and maintain healthy organic foods year-round.

Multiple seminars will be offered, tackling such topics as: How to prune trees for hurricane season; How to grow Asian vegetables; Proper water conservation; and, Lasagna Gardening – layering your home garden.

Last year’s vendor, 3 Seasons Growers, provided the festival with a variety of flowers and plants for visitors to choose from.

“If they’re [visitors] looking at growing pesticide-free plants, this is the perfect way to learn,” Moore said.

The rain barrel seminar is the only course that has a fee, but it also includes a rain barrel that participants get to take home.

Vendors will set up throughout the park, offering shoppers a chance to buy a variety of plants and landscaping accessories.

The Kids’ Zone will be available for young ones to engage in free activities. And, there will be a food court and picnic benches.

Parking is available, and festival-goers are asked to bring only service animals, as needed.

For more information, contact Dorothy Moore at (352) 518-0156 or .

Gardening 365 Event
Where: San Antonio Park, 12200 Main St., in San Antonio
When: Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Pasco County Master Gardeners will present courses on planting and organic food alternatives. There also will be vendors and a Kids’ Zone.
Info: Call Dorothy Moore at (352) 518-0156, or email  .

Published October 3, 2018

 

Enjoy beer and wine samples, and help a good cause

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The Fall Brewfest for Hospice on Oct. 6 gives people a chance to sample beer and wine, while benefiting Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care.

The venue for the event is Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and it’s scheduled for Oct. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

During the Spring Brewfest in March, festival-goers enjoyed live music and sampled beer and wine offered by local breweries. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care)

Admission is $25 for one ticket, $45 for two and $120 for six.

The entrance fee covers beer and wine samples from various local breweries and wineries.

Food trucks will offer an array of choices, and picnic benches will be available.

Strictly Business, a band made up of local business owners, will provide live entertainment.

There also will be health care organizations offering information, and vendors selling arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and other goods.

Festival-goers will be able to play cornhole and other games, too.

“It’s a fun event, but we’re doing it for a good cause,” said Kirsty Churchill, community relations manager for Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, the only nonprofit hospice care that serves Pasco County exclusively.

The hospice organization accepts patients regardless of whether they can pay the expenses.

The fundraiser is important, Churchill said.

“Events like this really help cover the gap of what’s not paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and insurance,” she explained.

The event is open only to those age 21 or older.

Tickets are available online at BrewfestForHospice.org and by calling (727) 845-5707.

For additional information, contact Leesa Fryer at or (727) 845-5707.

Fall Brewfest for Hospice
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
When: Oct. 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 for one ticket, $45 for two and $120 for six
Details: Brewfest offers event-goers a chance to sample beer and wine, play games and purchase meals from food trucks.
Info: Contact Leesa Fryer at or (727) 845-5707. Tickets are available online at BrewfestForHospice.org and at (727) 845-5707.

Published October 3, 2018

 

New fire district a first in Pasco in nearly a decade

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Pasco County firefighters, county officials and first responders gathered on Sept. 17 to mark the beginning of construction for a new Wesley Chapel fire station.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Station 38, which began at 8 a.m., was held at the fire station’s future location on Overpass Road.

Chief Scott Cassin gave opening remarks on Sept. 17 at the development site for the future Fire Station 38 in Wesley Chapel. Cassin oversees all Pasco County fire stations. (Brian Fernandes)

The ceremony marked the first addition of a new fire coverage area in Pasco County since 2009.

The fire station is situated within the Watergrass community, a residential area, which also includes a local elementary school.

The project comes in response to an increasing need for shorter wait times in that growing region of Wesley Chapel.

In his remarks, Fire Chief Scott Cassin talked about the amenities and advancements the new station will have.

The new 10,843-square-foot station will have a four-bay garage for trucks and supplies. It will have a kitchen and residential area, and a sheriff’s substation will be housed there, too.

The station will have a new call alert system that will be implemented to simultaneously dispatch numerous calls at the same time.

The installation of a Plymovent Diesel Exhaust Capture System will set Station 38 apart from other Pasco fire stations. The feature will lessen exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.

This is a customary image of the groundbreaking, taken at the Sept. 17 event, to mark the beginning of construction for Fire Station 38. From left: Erik Breitenbach, Manny Long, Michael Cassano, Scott Cassin, Andrew Fossa, Ron Oakley, Gary Joiner, Tait Sanborn and Todd Wyne.

“Station 38 will have atmospheric conditioning that will protect our firefighters from that gas,” said Deputy Chief Michael Cassano.

Going forward, existing and future stations in the county are planned to be equipped with the system.

Cassin has been visiting Pasco fire stations to get feedback on what improvements could be incorporated into Station 38.

“We’re trying to think long-term,” the chief said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley offered a few words, too, before a customary snapshot was taken of shovels flinging dirt.

Station 38 has been four years in the making and will cost an estimated $3.6 million to build. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2019.

Published September 26, 2018

Local business gives hope to ‘special needs’ employee

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When April Dean was only 6 months old, her mother Amy noticed she wasn’t sitting upright.

Two months later, doctors told Amy and her husband, Rick, that April had cerebral palsy, with little chance of ever walking.

It was also discovered that she had a developmental disability that would affect her speech and learning.

April Dean (left) at home with her brother, Eric, and mother, Amy. (Brian Fernandes)

“He told us she would never drive a car or go to college,” said Amy, recalling the doctor’s diagnosis. “That was the real devastating news.”

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder which affects the movement, muscle tone and posture of over 500,000 people in the U.S.

Muscles are either too floppy or stiff, resulting in delayed motor skills, and can be accompanied by occasional seizures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the most common motor disability among children, and there is no known cure.

Amy and Rick would need to take cautious measures to ensure their daughter’s needs would be met.

Growing and adjusting
While receiving government assistance to accommodate her needs, April attended unique classes in school to learn and socialize with other children.

By fourth grade, she was being home-schooled, and received both speech and occupational therapy.

In these formative years, she would thrive in playing sports, such as basketball and baseball, as well as contending in a chess club — accomplishments exceeding the grim outlook doctors had initially predicted.

“It’s not about what the child can’t do,” said Amy, who tried to raise her daughter with a sense of independence. “More importantly is what are they able to do.”

April attended Gaither High School where she continued to receive therapy.

While there, she joined ‘Best Buddies,’ a nonprofit organization, which paired her with other students to find common interests and develop friendships.

The organization has a chant, which April still recites to this day — followed with hand claps and a cheer at the end.

A new transition
As April was finishing her senior year of high school, she became involved in the Community-Based Training (CBT) program. This organization helped her find employment and to build good work ethic.

For the next three years, April worked at a nursing home dining room, a Publix bakery and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.

However, the CBT program had a cutoff point and was only able to support April until she turned 22.

Amy knew that employment was a valuable asset to her daughter and wanted her to continue working in some capacity.

By chance, Amy frequented the local Taco Bell in her Lutz neighborhood that had an employee with a disability.

Without Amy making a request, the manager reached out and offered a position for April.

It came as a surprise to Amy who admitted she never considered the idea.

“When I heard that they were willing to try to accommodate, that made me feel good about that place [Taco Bell],” she said.

Gainfully employed
Now at 25, April is about to celebrate her third year at Taco Bell.

“The second I started Taco Bell, I loved it,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

She works two days a week wiping tables and trays, as well as keeping the drink area in top-notch shape.

Her hard work has earned her an Employee of the Month award, which she proudly displays at home.

“You could just see the pride in being able to work,” Amy said, referring to the job’s impact on her daughter. “It was really evident.”

April is an approachable employee, socializing with the customers and greeting her co-workers with hugs.

While Amy has seen the social growth that the job has given April, she believes it can be beneficial for others, as well.

Amy said it’s important for those without special needs to engage with those who do, as it builds patience and understanding.

Amy and Rick have to work their respective jobs and cannot always be home. However, Taco Bell management has been generous in working April’s schedule around theirs.

When not at work, April involves herself in various activities.

“I like to rock out in my room with the music loud,” she said. “I have lots of music CDs.”

Aside from playing video games and sports, she spends time with her best friend, Anne Marie, and older brother, Eric.

She also serves as an usher at her church, where she has formed many relationships with members.

“Her giftedness is being a butterfly,” said Amy of her daughter’s effect on others. “She goes from flower to flower, pollinating love and joy.”

When April was younger, Amy joined a support group where she could express her thoughts among those who resonated with her situation. She encourages other parents with disabled children to do the same and to not give up hope.

“Just know that there’s value in their life,” Amy said. “They still have gifts to offer.”

Published September 26, 2018

Dade City forum inspires wordsmiths

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Marjorie Nanian sits at the end of a long table, offering her experience and advice to others in the room during a recent meeting of the East Pasco Writers Forum.

As she speaks, the others listen intently.

The forum, part of the Florida Writers Association, meets at the Country Aire Manor clubhouse in Dade City, on the second Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The writers forum aims to encourage authors and budding wordsmiths to share their work, and learn from each other.

East Pasco Writers Forum participants for the Sept. 13 meeting were, seated from left: Eugene Bozeman, Kim Fleming, Tammy Kennedy and Kara Teresi; and, standing from left: Jack Olson, Marjorie Nanian, Bonnie Nye and Marilyn Miller. (Brian Fernandes)

The meeting is broken into two segments.

The first segment focuses on offering advice, sharing thoughts and providing information about local opportunities and events that may be of interest to forum members.

The second segment focuses on writing.

Forum participants play an interactive role — with each author sharing copies of his or her work and reading for the group.

Between readings, group members offer suggestions to help the author enhance his or her skills.

Tammy Kennedy was a first-time visitor to the writers forum.

“I had to go through something so awful,” she told the group, referring to some difficult childhood experiences.

Kennedy, who wrote the books, “From Rubble to Royalty” and “Jingles Lost Her Jingle,” said she has used writing as an outlet for dealing with domestic abuse she experienced as a child.

She hopes her work will inspire others who have had similar experiences.

She recently self-published “Lil’ J Lost His Jam.” She said it has been difficult to get exposure for the book because of its subject matter on child abuse.

Nanian, who is an author herself and has attended several writing forums, had a wealth of information to share.

She told the writers it’s important to identify the genre of literature they’re creating and to be aware of the audience they’re seeking to reach.

When it comes to social issues, she said, “colleges are a great place to approach.”

Nanian also advised beginners to “build credibility” by sending short stories or poems to magazines for publication. Doing this puts one in direct contact with an editor, without the use of an agent.

Forum member Jack Olson is a photographer, who has experience sailing overseas.

He said he intends to publish his writings as a keepsake for his family.

Olson said he doesn’t feel qualified to offer feedback.

But, those taking part in the forum are encouraged to kindly point out errors or ways to polish up each other’s work, to foster better writing.

So, as forum members shared their work, they exchanged suggestions, such as avoiding too much detail, steering clear of repetition, using precise language and creating more emotional depth in characters.

“Whenever you introduce it [author’s work] to the group, you actually get criticism and learn from it,” said Eugene Bozeman, who shared his poem about a newborn baby’s perception of birth.

The topics that writers tackle range widely.

While Bozeman wrote poetry about a newborn baby, Bonnie Nye’s story focused on a girl falsely accused of murder in the late 1970s.

The writers said their interest in writing developed at different stages in their lives.

Some said creating literature did not become appealing until later in their lives.

Others developed a love for language quite early.

Kara Teresi knew she had a passion for writing since elementary school.

“This is my destiny, this is my identity – to be a writer,” she said. “That’s why I’m here.”

The forum is open to the public. It welcomes anyone who wants to share and improve their writing — whether they are professionals, just starting out, or somewhere in between.

For more information, contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or .

East Pasco Writers Forum
Where: Country Aire Manor clubhouse, 10249 U.S. 98 in Dade City
When: The club meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to  noon.
Details: Members and visitors share their own works and offer suggestions to help each other hone writing skills
Cost: Free
Info: Contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or

Published September 26, 2018

Honoring the anniversary of September 11

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Flag-wavers held their flags high, as drivers passing by on U.S. 41 honked their horns in support.

The red, white and blue draped with stars has always symbolized America, but on this particular Tuesday, it held a much more significant meaning. It was 17 years to the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Local members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and other members of the community, stood outside the Old Lutz School, flags in hand, to commemorate the lives lost that horrific day.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, among others, came out front of the Old Lutz School to hold American flags high in remembrance of 9/11. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

They, like others in the country, paused to reflect and show gratitude to heroes past, and those still present.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the way of life in America.

On that morning, 19 men hijacked four U.S. commercial airplanes, crashing them into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, according to national reports.

The aftermath left many with long-term effects, both physical and emotional.

“In 2002, we started this because we wanted to remember,” said Pat Serio, coordinator of the event. “We wanted to share our patriotism and support.”

Serio, like others, knows exactly where she was when she first heard of the attacks.

She was at home watching the news when regular broadcasting was interrupted by the flowing smoke from the World Trade Center.

Her initial reaction was: ““It has to be an aviation problem,” she recalled.

Not long after, Serio came to find out that the country was under attack.

“As a (native) New Yorker, I felt the impact,” Serio added.

Dee Knerr, who also took part in the flag-waving tribute, said she was scheduled to fly back to Florida on Sept.11, after visiting family in Ohio.

“I was scheduled to fly home that afternoon, getting ready to go to the airport,” said Knerr. “Of course, all the flights were cancelled.”

After working 40 years at the Lutz Post Office, Knerr is now retired and dedicates her time to the woman’s club.

Besides remembering the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, the tribute was also intended to honor American troops, law enforcement and firefighters.

“They put their lives out there every day for us,” said Knerr. “I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

Ben Nevel, a member of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, also took part in the tribute.

“We all need to stand together,” said Nevel, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Another member of the crowd was Linda Mitchell, a Lutz native and retired teacher.

She recalled being conflicted, as the news broke about the terrorist attacks.

She decided not to show the news coverage in her class.

“It was hard being a teacher during that day,” she said. “We wanted to know as citizens what was going on, but we were protecting our students.”

Before retirement, she had the opportunity to teach children who were born after 9/11.

She said there was a stark contrast between how students who lived during the incident perceived it, and those who came after.

The memorial also came as something personal for Mitchell, as both her husband and son serve as Hillsborough County firefighters.

In waving their flags, the men and women gathered in front of the Old Lutz School were reminding those passing by about the need to remember the fallen, and to express gratitude for the men and women who continue to put themselves in harm’s way, whether they are wearing military uniforms, or serving as first responders.

Published September 19, 2018

Wesley Chapel schools earn national PTA distinction

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Wesley Chapel’s Double Branch Elementary School and Dr. John Long Middle School each have been named a 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence.

The National PTA organization has a program with specific criteria, allowing schools around the country to be acknowledged for their service to students.

The year-long process includes choosing one of three areas of focus: education, health and safety, or arts. Once that is selected, a PTA can choose a more specific topic to work on.

Dr. John Long Middle School is one of two Wesley Chapel schools to be recognized with the 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence award. (Brian Fernandes)

Local officials were gratified by the recognition for programs and actions taken on their campuses last school year.

“We have a great school,” said Jennifer Kanyok, PTSA member at John Long Middle School. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for what our PTA does. It’s a great honor.”

“It really is about the community coming together to support the needs of the students,” said Vaughnette Chandler, principal of Double Branch Elementary School.

As a middle school, John Long offers a Parent-Teacher-Student Association(PTSA) program.

The association gives students the opportunity to act as liaisons on behalf of the school, by attending PTSA meetings and offering their input. Each grade level has four to five student representatives.

“That’s really the purpose behind PTSA, to bring students’ voice[s] to the forefront,” said John Long’s principal Christine Wolff.

Various speakers have been brought to John Long Middle, as well, to address issues such as bullying, and cyber safety when using the internet and cellphones.

Double Branch Elementary chose to focus on health and safety — zeroing in on the issue of bullying.

The school would set out for the next year identifying what bullying is, addressing it and helping to eliminate it.

As part of its program, Double Branch implemented a “kindness initiative,” which involved different departments, including the student council, said Double Branch’s PTA president Courtney Wine.

The school selected a ‘Rancher of the Quarter’ to acknowledge students who exemplified kindness.

The title was bestowed for exceptional acts in class, in the cafeteria and on the bus.

Over the summer, Double Branch also hosted the Fifth-Grade Leadership Academy, designed to help the older students develop into responsible leaders for the younger ones.

“The message there is, kind acts lead to kinder acts,” Chandler said.

The school used its television show, called The News Show, to recognize student acts of generosity.

Double Branch’s agenda for kindness is not exclusive to just parents, students and administration.

“We welcome community partners to come in,” said Wine, who has witnessed an outpouring of support from outside the school. “The more people we have together, the stronger our voice is for what our kids need.”

Kid-friendly businesses have partnered with the PTA in its efforts. Local dentists and tutoring services, including Mathnasium and Life Skills in Action, have taken part.

The John Long PTSA has also partnered with the community, offering a number of fundraisers throughout the academic year.

In addition to working with Toys for Tots, it had a jeans drive, as well as collecting personal hygiene items to contribute to another community school.

“Those are all positive messages that kids learn,” Wolff said. “If you have the opportunity to give to somebody else, you should do that as well.”

Working with the school’s English department has also been important for the PTSA.

Together, they have hosted a summer reading program to better engage children in literature. Upon completion, students are rewarded with an ice cream party.

Both schools also engage their students in the National PTA Reflections Art Program, which offers singing, dance choreography and literature to name a few options.

Kanyok, a six-year PTSA member, has a daughter with a love for drawing. She motivates her to use Reflections as a way of presenting her art to the public.

Leaders at both schools agree that parents do not need to join the PTA to be effective advocates for their children — they just need to lend their voices to issues that matter to them.

The school encourages not only parents, but other family members and members of the community to volunteer.

“We encourage grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Kanyok. “The more parent involvement we have, the better we run, the better our school runs.”

While being grateful for the recognition, leaders at both schools said the focus remains on serving students.

“The purpose wasn’t to get the award,” said Wolff. “The purpose was to do what was behind the purpose of the award, which was to make sure there were good processes in place for kids.”

Published September 19, 2018

Class provides advice on healthy cooking

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Shari Bresin understands the challenge of finding the time to prepare healthy foods, while having a busy schedule.

Bresin, the Family and Consumer Science agent for the Pasco County Extension Office, said she can relate to that challenge.

“I know what it’s like to be on the go,” Bresin said.

A class she’s now teaching at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, aims to help people to gain a better understanding of healthy eating and offers cooking demonstrations, too.

Cooking instructor Shari Bresin prepares a cabbage stir-fry demonstration, and then provides samples to guests. (Brian Fernandes)

The Extension Office, which is part of  the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), is providing the four-part class, called “Cooking Matters.”

The first class was on Sept. 6. The others are scheduled on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. Each session is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The classes aim to help people who are interested in living healthier lifestyles.

“I, myself, am very passionate about health and cooking,” said Bresin. “There’s a big need, for sure, in combating chronic diseases and getting people healthier.”

During her lectures, she encourages group participation, asking the audience about their food preferences.

At one point during the first class, she asked participants to name foods they eat by color.

The instructor then explained the health benefits of eating organic foods that may be green, blue or red, among other colors.

She concluded her class with a cooking segment, preparing stir-fry cabbage in a grill, and then offering samples to class members.

Each of the four classes includes a cooking demo, gives participants a chance to indulge, and provides a take-home recipe.

The classes will cover the topics of budgeting and meal planning, and will provide information to dispel the notion that eating healthy is too expensive.

At the first class, Bresin provided a PowerPoint presentation to explain a modern version of the food pyramid called My Plate. My Plate displays a circular dish divided into five food groups that are recommended for any given meal.

It is portioned into grains, dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables.

It recommends that half of grain intake be made of whole grains, while fruits and vegetables make up half the plate.

Those taking part in the class also have the chance to win a gift card.

To find out more, contact Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

‘Cooking Matters’ Classes
Where: Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
When: Upcoming classes are set for Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Classes include cooking demonstrations and offer advice for healthy cooking.
Info: Call Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

Published September 19, 2018

Wesley Chapel Girl Scouts empower other youths

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Ask members of Girl Scout Troop 473 what they’ve been up to this past year, and they’ll tell you — they’ve been putting smiles on other kids’ faces.

The Wesley Chapel troop, comprised of eight girls, has been working toward getting its Silver Project Award since August of 2017.

The award requires 50 community service hours, and the young ladies decided to focus on charitable work that was near to their hearts.

Wesley Chapel Girl Scout Troop 473, from left (front row): Sofia Marasco, Lauren Erwin, Kate Niehoff and Isabel Poholsky. From left (back row): Hailey Krall, Mia Marasco, Rachel Sutherland and Adrienne Gammage. (Brian Ferndandes)

Initially, the troop chose the theme of childhood reading for its project because of a sense of gratitude for literature.

“We all like to read,” said Mia Marasco, adding, “we all realize how lucky we are.”

The girls then decided that their efforts would be better spent if they divided into two groups, each group focusing on its own topic.

Eighth-grade students Lauren Erwin, Isabel Poholsky, Sofia Marasco and Kate Niehoff remained focused on childhood reading. The girls, who attend Dr. John Long Middle School, partnered with the United Way Children’s Literacy Program.

The ninth-graders — Mia Marasco, Adrienne Gammage, Rachel Sutherland and Hailey Krall — turned their attention toward helping foster kids. The four Wiregrass Ranch High School students partnered with the Eckerd Connects Foster Care Organization.

Both groups had a bake sale and sold popsicles to raise funds. They took the opportunity to display two presentation boards. Each represented their causes, explaining what they were about and offering interesting facts.

“It was really fun to watch them learn something of reality – budgeting and earning money,” said Mindy Gammage, who hosts scout sleepovers at her home. “It was definitely skill-building.”

The ninth-grade girls used proceeds from their fundraisers to buy supplies to make personal care bags. They filled plastic baggies with daily essentials such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hairbrushes for foster kids.

“With these bags, they can grab it, and it has everything they need for a week,” said Sutherland,  a Girl Scout for 10 years.

The four scouts were able to create care bags for 20 boys and 20 girls, delivered through Eckerd Connects.

Besides hygienic products, each bag included something extra from the heart.

“We also made personalized quotes of inspiration that when they read it, they can feel happy and look at the positive side of a bad situation,” said Mia Marasco, the project communicator.

Members of Troop 473, from left: Sofia Marasco, Lauren Erwin, Kate Niehoff and Isabel Poholsky stand with their presentation board. The board advocates for child literacy and offers interesting facts. (Courtesy of Girl Scout Troop 473)

The girls also were sponsored by the Ernst and Young Company, which gave them a platform to bring awareness to foster care. They set up their presentation board and enlightened listeners on the subject at the company’s office.

Meanwhile, the eighth-graders strategized the best ways to collect books.

The tutoring organization Life Skills in Action sponsored the girls, setting up a book donation bin within its facility.

The girls advocated for donations at local events. They also used their presentation board to inform others about child literacy.

“It was just a very eye-opening experience to see that other people didn’t know our fun facts,” said Isabel Poholsky, social media director.

The scouts ended up collecting well over 400 books, exceeding their goal of 375.

It was an important milestone for the girls who acknowledged that the thought of kids who are struggling to read makes them feel sad.

Although they accomplished their donations to United Way, it didn’t stop there. The girls took it a step further and became ‘reading pals.’ They volunteered their time in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, sitting down with children to read to them.

“We realized how lucky we were that we had a good school and a good family to help us have a good education,” said Erwin, project organizer. “We would have liked to return the favor.

Reading and offering Girl Scout cookies to the kids made quite an impact. The children didn’t want their ‘reading pals’ to leave, but to stay and read some more, the girls explained.

Aside from their projects, the young ladies enjoy camp-outs, selling cookies and visiting nursing homes. They also have made donations to a pet shelter.

They’ve made it a priority, too, to learn the Girl Scout promise in sign language.

“They always rise to the occasion – multitasking between school, social activities,” said Elizabeth Poholsky, leader of Troop 473.

Now, their attention is set toward achieving the Gold Award.

They haven’t settled on a new project yet, but they’re sharing some ideas.

Troop member Isabel Poholsky is considering the topic of self-confidence, reasoning that’s something that many people struggle with.

Sofia Marasco is focusing on a topic that’s personal to her.

“I want to do it on celiac awareness,” she said, as her own mother suffers from the disease.

The scouts recognize that with each award comes more responsibilities, but said they’re ready for new challenges.

Scout volunteer Alycia Erwin sees the impact that Troop 473 is making — both on the girls personally, and also those they reach out to.

“They really are making a difference in the lives of others, which is the Girl Scout way – making the world a better place.”

For more information about the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida please visit, GSWCF.org, or call (813) 281-4475.

Published September 12, 2018