The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A family outing

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Nicole Magazu took this photo of a mallard duck with her ducklings at the pond behind her house. The mama duck was very protective of her little ones. When a little blue heron, ibis or any other bird walked by, mama would chase the birds away. Nicole and her husband, Frank, live in Land O’ Lakes, and say it’s very relaxing to watch the ducks swim in the pond.

Health News 07/15/2020

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Autism license plate fund
Every year, the Florida Support Autism Programs specialty license plate generates funds that support nonprofit organizations providing direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities.

In 2019, nearly $106,900 was awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida bringing to life projects across the state.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501 C (3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities are eligible to apply for a grant. Proposals are due by July 31.

Visit AutismLicensePlate.com for information and how to apply.

HCA Healthcare update
HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hospitals in Hillsborough and Pasco, as well as Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties will delay certain inpatient surgeries and procedures, effective as of July 11, to free up capacity for COVID-19 patients.

This change does not affect hospital-based outpatient surgeries or procedures, nor those performed at HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Medical Center of Trinity, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, Oak Hill Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and others are working with surgeons to identify appropriate patients for postponement of procedures that typically require a post-surgical inpatient stay.

Patients whose procedures are delayed will be contacted by their surgeon.

MOSI adds shoe sanitizing
As of June 16, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa is utilizing the patented combination of Ozone + UVC technology as part of its safety plan for guests and employees, in combating COVID-19, according to a MOSI news release.

MOSI has placed the PathO3Gen Solutions (patho3gen.com) UVZone shoe sanitizing station at the entrance to the exhibit path to ensure guests not only utilize the technology first-hand (or foot), but also so guests can learn about the technology used in the station, as it was developed in STEM-related careers and research.

The patented technology is proven to be over 110 times more effective against deadly pathogens, and over 24 times more effective at eliminating human coronavirus, than UVC alone.

It eliminates up to 99.999% of the deadliest pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, and leaves zero human coronavirus reside on footwear.

It can be used with any footwear or shoe cover, and plugs into a standard outlet.

Chalk Talk 07/15/2020

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Community service hours
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes is looking for teen volunteers to join its team.

Teens who volunteer at the shops can earn community service hours for scholarships, school programs and more.

And, teens can learn new skills, receive hands-on training and gain retail experience. Duties include tasks such as greeting customers, sorting donations, stocking shelves and organizing merchandise.

Youth ages 15 and older can complete an online application at Gulfside.org/thrift-shoppes, or stop by any of the five shop locations to talk to a store manager and apply. New volunteers will receive an on-site orientation and training in the store of their choice, and they can save up to 50% when shopping in any of the shops.

Locations include Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson.

For information, call (800) 561-4883.

Back-to-school bash
Westfield Citrus Park, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center in Tampa, will host a Full Inclusion Back-to-School Bash on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event focuses on families with both neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children.

There will be a “Quiet Hour” when the ‘doors’ open an hour prior to the event for children on the spectrum or with sensory disorders. Both vendors and guests are asked to wear masks, but a DIY mask-making station will be provided. There also will be a touchless photo booth with characters, and plexiglass partitions on tables.

Families must register in advance for a child to receive a backpack. Some vendors will offer school supplies and take-home activities. Admission and all school supplies (while supplies last) are free.

For information and to register, call (727) 674-1464, or visit EventBrite.com.

Micro-credential courses
Saint Leo University now is offering a new form of high-quality instruction that allows adults to pick up new skills or knowledge in a short period of time through highly focused courses.

Rather than seeking degrees, those opting for these courses will be enrolling to earn micro-credentials from the new Center for Alternative Pathway Programs.

For mastering the material in certain courses, learners will be awarded a digital Saint Leo

‘badge,’ which is a formal acknowledgement that can be added to resumes and online documents, and whose validity employers can trust.

The badge signifies a micro-credential the way a diploma represents the completion of a college degree program.

Saint Leo launched the Center for Alternative Pathway Programs to address the continuing education needs in the American marketplace, according to Cindy Lee, director of the center.

Those who have completed some level of formal education or workplace training still find that they may need to learn new techniques, business processes or programs, or revisit material, Lee said, in a news release.

Saint Leo faculty and consultants designed the courses on topics such as cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, grantsmanship, and exam preparation for the Project Management Professional credential.

The roster of badge-bearing courses will be expanded, and Saint Leo expects to have more by the end of the calendar year.

Also, the Center has a catalog of a variety of other self-paced, career-oriented online courses from MindEdge Inc.

Prices are set for all courses individually, and all payments are handled digitally.

For more, visit SaintLeo.edu/micro-credentials.

Donation drive
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations during July for the Pasco County School District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program, which was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship.

Money donated goes into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a child may have.

Cash donations may be made at any of the tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information on the ABC campaign and other charitable giving programs, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Saint Leo plans reopening
Saint Leo University’s plan to reopen its University Campus is rooted in the concern for the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

The transition will be a methodical process and vary depending on the different needs and working environment of each department and location of the university, according to a news release from the school.

Stage One of returning to campus is expected to remain in place through Aug. 14, unless there are changes to the situation, which university officials will continue to monitor.

Saint Leo’s steps to ensure a healthy work environment:

  • Every employee must be tested for COVID-19 and report negative results before returning to work.
  • AdventHealth provided drive-thru anterior nasal swab testing on campus in early June.
  • Daily monitoring is required, including temperature/fever checks.
  • Face masks or face coverings must be worn by all staff working on site when in the presence of others and in public settings, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Social distancing practices will be employed. Employees must stay at least 6 feet away, even when wearing a mask, and keep groups to less than 10 people.
  • Work areas during Stage 1 will not exceed 50% capacity.
  • Deep cleaning processes are being used aligned with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hand-sanitizing stations are at all major building entrances, elevator stops and high-traffic areas. Employees should wipe down commonly used surfaces, too.
  • Elevators will be limited to one person per trip. Stairwells will be one-way for routine use and marked accordingly.
  • Employees must bring their own meals or purchase grab-and-go items available in Benedict’s Coffeehouse. During Stage One, the Dining Hall and the Lions’ Lair will be closed.
  • Those reporting to work could have staggered schedules to accommodate those entering and exiting buildings.
  • Only visitors with essential university business will be allowed on campus, and are required to follow the guidelines of face masks and social distancing.

The university is planning to reopen all on-ground classes at University Campus on schedule, in August.

Planning for the vulnerable during crises

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People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia especially can be vulnerable during disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, hurricanes and other emergency situations.

It is important for the caregivers of those afflicted to have a plan that includes the special needs of people with impairments in memory and reasoning that could severely limit their ability to act appropriately in a crisis.

In general, caregivers should be prepared to meet the needs of the family for three days to seven days, including having supplies and backup options when basic services like water or electricity, are lost, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross can provide information on how to make a general disaster preparedness plan.

And, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) has a disaster planning toolkit for people with dementia.

Here are some tips from the NIA on how to plan ahead:

  • Caregivers should consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s while assembling supplies for the disaster kit. All supplies should be stored in a watertight container. A kit could include: incontinence undergarments, wipes and lotions; a pillow, toy or something the person can hold onto; favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks; recent photos of the person; and, medical documents and medications.
  • If a move to a safer place is required, such as to a community shelter or someone’s home, caregivers should be sensitive to the Alzheimer’s patient’s emotions, by staying close, offering their hand, or giving reassuring hugs.
  • While planning an evacuation, know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters; arrange with someone else for transport; make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet; take general supplies and disaster kit; keep neighbors, friends and family informed about your location; keep comforting items on hand; and keep your cellphone charged.

For more information, including what to do in the case of caregiver/patient separation, and how to prepare for disaster situations, consider contacting these organizations:

• Eldercare Locator: Call (800) 677-1116, visit Eldercare.acl.gov, or email .

Published July 08, 2020

Taz is a rescue

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Taz is 12-years young, and loves going on walks and opening presents, especially on Christmas. Taz was adopted from the Land O’ Lakes animal shelter at 7 weeks old. Taz is loved by her owners, Trinna and Ty Van Nostrand, of Land O’ Lakes.

Who, me?

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Don Howard, of Meadow Point I in Wesley Chapel, takes quite a few photos of squirrels in his backyard. This one didn’t seem to mind posing for a snapshot.

Health News 07/08/2020

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Shrinit Babel, left, and Emileigh Morissette (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Volunteers receive scholarships
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association recently presented two $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have served as volunteers at the hospital.

Shrinit Babel graduated first in his class from Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, with a 5.8 weighted GPA. He plans to attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, to study biomedical sciences, as he works toward becoming a doctor.

Emileigh Morissette graduated from Fivay High School in Hudson with a 3.9 weighted GPA. She also plans to attend the University of South Florida, to study health science, as she works toward becoming a physician’s assistant.

Donna Owen, director of volunteer and pastoral care, said these two teen volunteers demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a kind and generous spirit with a desire to serve and inspire others.

Face masks made available
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order as of June 25 that requires residents to wear face masks/coverings while indoors at any county government facility or public business, in an effort to slow the increase of COVID-19 cases.

The following locations, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, will now allow residents to pick up one mask per person:

  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • East Pasco County Government Center lobby, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
  • Pasco County Utilities-Central Branch, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • All Pasco County Fire Stations, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., when crews are available and while supplies last
  • North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, by appointment only. Call (813) 994-8534.

No Visitor Policy reinstated
AdventHealth West Florida Division as of June 29 has reinstated a No Visitor Policy for its hospital locations, except for special circumstances.

Visitation will be continued for special circumstances, including end-of-life situations. Other exceptions include:

  • Patients age 18 and younger may be accompanied by one adult visitor (parent, legally authorized person or caregiver). No additional visitors or siblings allowed.
  • Obstetrics patients can have one adult visitor.
  • Extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life or unique patient needs for support

These area hospitals have the No Visitor Policy in effect: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

Other locations include Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa and Wauchula.

Chalk Talk 07/08/2020

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New graduation dates released
The Yuengling Center at USF is unable to hold the delayed graduations planned in August for Pasco County’s graduating seniors, according to the Pasco County Schools’ Facebook page.

An alternate plan for in-person graduation ceremonies is to take place outdoors (most schools) in each school’s stadium. These ceremonies are scheduled from July 17 through July 31.

At each graduation, the student will be able to bring two guests, and each grouping of three (graduate and two guests) will be seated together on the field at a safe distance from other graduates and their guests.

The new graduation dates and times are:

  • July 17 at 7:30 p.m.: Zephyrhills High, ZHS stadium; Wesley Chapel High, WCHS stadium; and Fivay High, FHS stadium
  • July 18 at 8 a.m.: Land O’ Lakes High, LOLHS stadium
  • July 20 at 7:30 p.m.: Pasco eSchool, Crews Lake Middle cafeteria
  • July 22 at 8:30 a.m.: Sunlake High, SLHS stadium; and at 6 p.m.: Wendell Krinn Technical High, Wendell Krinn gymnasium
  • July 24 at 7:30 p.m.: Cypress Creek High, CCHS stadium; J.W. Mitchell High, JWMHS stadium; and Pasco High, PHS stadium
  • July 25 at 9 a.m.: Gulf High, J.W. Mitchell stadium
  • July 29 at 7:30 p.m.: Marchman Technical College, Wendell Krinn stadium
  • July 31 at 7:30 p.m.: Wiregrass Ranch High, WRHS stadium; River Ridge High, RRHS stadium; Anclote High, AHS stadium; and Hudson High, HHS stadium

Back-to-school bash
Westfield Citrus Park, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center in Tampa, will host a Full Inclusion Back-to-School Bash on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event focuses on families with both neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children.

There will be a “Quiet Hour” when the ‘doors’ open an hour prior to the event for children on the spectrum or with sensory disorders. Both vendors and guests are asked to wear masks, but a DIY mask-making station will be provided. There also will be a touchless photo booth with characters, and plexiglass partitions on tables.

Families must register in advance for a child to receive a backpack. Some vendors will offer school supplies and take-home activities. Admission and all school supplies (while supplies last) are free.

For information and to register, call (727) 674-1464, or visit EventBrite.com.

Fee adjustment review
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its July 21 board meeting, at 6 p.m., at the school’s West Campus in New Port Richey.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding the proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit tinyurl.com/y8u7wxzy.

eSchool principal honored
Pasco eSchool Principal JoAnne Glenn has been named a National Association of Secondary School Principals 2020 Digital Principal of the Year. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student achievements

  • Amanda Andujar, Odessa: Dean’s List, Ithaca College, New York
  • Nicole Leigh Avary, Odessa: President’s List and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Kaylyn Burr, Land O’ Lakes: High Honor, Minnesota State University-Mankato
  • Cassandra Cooper, Lutz: Dean’s List and Bachelor of Arts (International Honors), College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Adam Filinovich, Wesley Chapel: President’s List, Florida State University, Tallahassee
  • Michael Fisher, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of Florida
  • Molly Grace Flanagan, Lutz: Dean’s List, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont
  • Sydney Fleeman, Odessa: Dean’s List, Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Michelle Graham, Lutz: Dean’s List, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Lauryn Green, Odessa: Dean’s List, High Point University, North Carolina
  • Gabrielle Harrison, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Haley Hernandez, Lutz: Chancellor’s List, Troy University, Alabama
  • Jace Hohenthaner, Lutz: Dean’s List, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
  • Elijah Hames, Odessa: Dean’s List, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
  • Thais Jacomassi, Lutz: Dean’s List, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Kristen Jansen, Lutz: Non-Traditional Pharmacy degree, Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia
  • Lynn Keller, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
  • Emily Leonard, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Cayla Lowrey, Odessa: Dean’s List, High Point University, North Carolina
  • Nicole Mitchell, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Julliet Abel Muriel, Spring Hill: Dean’s List, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont
  • Ebonee Nicholes, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Clare O’ Keefe, Lutz: Dean’s List, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts
  • Megan Richards, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
  • Megan Rizzi, Lutz: Dean’s List, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
  • Robert Root, Land O’ Lakes: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
  • Angelo Sardegna, Lutz: Dean’s List, Curry College, Milton, Massachusetts
  • Dylan Schaffer, Lutz: Dean’s List, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri
  • Eric Sennott, Odessa: Dean’s List, Curry College, Milton, Massachusetts
  • Patrick Smith, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Sciences: Family Social Services, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb
  • Nicole Solomon, Odessa: Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Ashlyn Stevens, Lutz: Dean’s List, Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
  • Elizabeth Szabo, Odessa: Dean’s List, High Point University, North Carolina
  • Brett Taylor, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s Honor Roll, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
  • Riley Wood, Land O’ Lakes: Honor Roll, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
  • Jonathan Young, Wesley Chapel: President’s List, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia

Bandit has many hobbies

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Bandit is a 1-year-old Alaskan Malamute. His hobbies include chasing all of the birds out of the yard, digging in any hole he can find, devouring bones, and eating puppy ice cream on hot days. Bandit lives with his proud owners, Kelly and Matt Toomey, in Wesley Chapel.