The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

What’s the buzz?

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Rachel Marietta Mills, of Wesley Chapel, caught this honey bee stopping by for a sip from a Florida tasselflower. Honey bees can thrive in natural or domesticated environments, though they prefer to live in gardens, woodlands, orchards, meadows and other areas where flowering plants are abundant. Even though the tasselflower is a weed, it’s also a pollinator magnet. Butterflies, bees and wasps are drawn to this lowly member of the aster family.

Awards are bestowed

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Robert Prezioso, recognized as the ‘most dependable,’ holds his award next to Maynard, the HIPAA Hippo. (Courtesy of Access Health Care Physicians)

Access Health Care Physicians recognized its employees at its annual ACES (Access Celebrates Excellent Service) event.

The winners of the ACES awards were nominated by fellow team members, and each winner received a certificate, a trophy and eight hours of paid time off.

  • Best Attitude: Alicia Sirico
  • Best Coworker: Marisol Colon
  • Best Skills: Yolanda Thomas
  • Dirty Job Award: Ashley Lutz
  • Most Dependable: Robert Prezioso
  • Most Hospitable: Caridad Perez
  • Most Humble: Jackie Santana
  • Most Tactful: Melissa Coe
  • Most Teachable: Shannon Cook
  • Participation: Daisy Aponte
  • Person of Integrity: Marinna Mihan
  • Ray of Sunshine: Tassandra Jean Marie
  • Team Player: Yamaly Rodriguez
  • Unsung Hero: Lizbet Casilla Hernandez
  • HIPPA Hero: Lexus Frederburg

Chalk Talk 02/12/2020

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(Courtesy of Joan Midgett)

Students recognized as ‘top dogs’
The Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School were recognized for their academics and leadership roles. Each student received a certificate and special tag. Those honored were: Mathew Bettis, Savanah Cummings, Nevaeh Diaz, Destiny Flummer, Sean Manriquez, Miranda Myers, Daja Phillips, Aiden Russell and Kianny Vasquez. Not all the students were present at a luncheon in their honor.

 

Sewing class
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a home-school sewing class on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 9 to 17.

Participants can learn how to use a sewing machine, the parts and functions of the machine, where to find resources to create their own project, and different stitches.

Foundry waiver and safety forms are required.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Sneak Peek Open House
Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a Sneak Peek Open House on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Prospective students can tour the campus and explore Marchman’s programs, such as cybersecurity, automotive service technology, commercial art, cosmetology, digital cinema production, early childhood education, electricity, welding and more.

Instructors will be on-site to answer questions, along with representatives from admissions, financial aid and career placement.

Students who are interested in applying for fall classes can begin the application process, too.

For information, call Kim Dunn at (727) 774-1703.

Students celebrate immigrants
Second-grade students at McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz are learning about citizenship and immigration, and Ellis Island.

In culmination of the studies, each student will take on the persona of an immigrant arriving at Ellis Island in 1900.

Students will relive every aspect of the Ellis Island experience, including packing their belongings, organizing documents and traveling, during this engaged learning program.

More than 200 students and 75 volunteers in period dress will take part in a simulation at the school building, which will be transformed to look like Ellis Island, on Feb. 27.

For information, all Liisa DeTarando at (813) 558-5427.

9/11 survivor to speak
Saint Leo University’s College of Arts and Sciences will host guest lecturer Michael Hingson on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52, Kirk Hall, Rooms 123 and 124, in St. Leo.

Hingson, a 9/11 survivor and accessibility advocate, will talk on “Speaking with Vision.”

Blind since birth, Hingson changed careers after surviving the destruction of World Trade Center Tower One, with the help of his guide dog.

His book, “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero” will be available for purchase and signing, after his talk, at 8:30 p.m.

Hingson also will speak to students during selected class sessions, lead workshops on campus, and meet with groups of faculty and staff, as Saint Leo’s Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow of 2020.

Admission is free. For information and special seating requests, contact Megan Case at (352) 588-8401 or .

Graduation rates
The Pasco County Schools graduation rate improved by 1.6 percentage points in 2019, rising to 88.3%, according to a news release.

Pasco’s graduation rate was well above the state rate of 86.9%, and it marks an increase of nearly 10 percentage points since 2015.

A goal of 85% graduation rate by 2019-2020 was set, and that goal has been exceeded, two years early.

Several schools experienced dramatic improvement, and the first graduating class from Cypress Creek Middle High School posted a 96% graduation rate.

High schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showing improvement include:

  • Land O’ Lakes: from 94% to 94.4%
  • Pasco eSchool: 88.9% to 97.6%
  • Sunlake: 93.7% to 94.9%
  • Wesley Chapel: 93.1% to 93.4%
  • Wiregrass Ranch: 94.9% to 95.3%

Special Olympics
More than 1,200 Pasco County athletes will compete in track and field, bocce, cheerleading, cycling and soccer during the Pasco County Special Olympics Summer Games.

The competition will take place at these two schools, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

  • Feb. 20 at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
  • Feb . 21 at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road

The event will feature free admission and parking, and a concession stand to purchase lunch and snacks.

For information, call Valerie Lundin at (831) 299-4433.

Slow down, move over – for safety

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The American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging drivers to help protect the lives of tow truck operators and first responders, by launching the Slow Down, Move Over campaign.

The towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined — one tow operator is killed in the line of duty every other week in the United States, according to a AAA news release.

While all 50 states have Move Over Laws for emergency responders, which includes tow trucks, fewer than 30% of Americans know about these laws, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

In Florida, the Move Over Law requires drivers to:

  • Move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized vehicles displaying visible signs while stopped on the roadside.
  • Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, and proceed with caution.
  • Change lanes if you can, or reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the side of a multi-lane roadway.
  • Slow down and maintain a safe speed while passing, if you are unable to move over due to road or weather conditions, or traffic congestion.

Failure to adhere to the Move Over Law can result in a $60 fine.

Drivers should Slow Down and Move Over for stopped vehicles, including tow trucks or wreckers; law enforcement; fire department; emergency medical service; Department of Transportation; and, utility and sanitation service.

For information on the laws, visit DrivingLaws.aaa.com.

Published February 05, 2020

Transition made easier, with a little love

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When Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano first learned about the Luggage of Love program, he committed to helping meet its goal of providing displaced children and families with new and/or gently used suitcases.

Luggage of Love is a coordinated effort in Pasco County by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)  Pasco County Extension Office.

Elizabeth Urquiola, program coordinator for the Pasco County UF/IFAS Extension Office and Luggage of Love program, shows the suitcases, duffle bags and backpacks donated by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office staff members. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

In the past, children who often travel with caseworkers into foster care, or are otherwise removed from their homes due to emergency situations, have had just a plastic garbage bag for carrying their clothing and personal belongings.

The luggage program adds a measure of dignity to a child who is most likely experiencing one of the most traumatic events in his or her young life.

In other cases, single mothers, often escaping domestic violence, are the recipients of the luggage for themselves and their children.

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office staff members recently were able to make two luggage deliveries, as well as a cash donation of $500 to the program to use as needed.

Elizabeth Urquiola, program coordinator for the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Office and Luggage of Love program, said the money will be used for more luggage tags and a better logo stamp that also are provided.

“It is heartbreaking to think that a child or a mother in distress may only have plastic garbage bags which they use to carry their belongings,” said Fasano, in a news release.

He added, “I am so proud of our staff who rose to the occasion and donated everything from suitcases to duffle bags and backpacks for this incredible charity.”

To learn more about the Luggage of Love program, call Elizabeth Urquiola at (352) 521-1254, ext. 5325.

To donate luggage and for information, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179.

Published February 05, 2020

Beans now knows the comforts of a home

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Beans, formerly known as ‘Frijoles’ (Mexican-style pinto beans), is from a rescue group in Texas called Lone Star Dog Rescue, which rescues dogs from puppy mills in Missouri. Beans is a French bulldog that lived for 6 ½ years in a small crate with very few creature comforts. Lone Star takes care of the animals’ medical needs and then finds homes for the dogs. Lindsey Paris was chosen just over a year ago to fly out to Dallas to pick him up. Every day she sees more of Beans’ personality come out and says it is a joy to finally see him chewing on a bone or playing with an old sock – luxuries he never knew before. Beans likes to nap, to cuddle with this big sister Lady (a yellow Labrador), and to beg for food. In addition to dog treats, Beans loves carrots and cantaloupe. Beans lives with Lindsey in Wesley Chapel.

Watch your step

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Keith Oller lives in Land O’ Lakes and spotted this snake when he was walking on a horse trail in the woods behind the Stagecoach community, known as the Cypress Creek flood detention area. The coral snake is poisonous, as the old rhyme goes, ‘Red and yellow, can kill a fellow; Red and black, friend of Jack.’

A hearty breakfast

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Marisol Fontanez caught this cardinal stopping by for breakfast, ironically, at the Blue Jay Mobile Home Park in Dade City.

Health News 02/05/2020

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Aiming to fulfill basic needs
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collected hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses, sunglasses and more, and donated cartons filled with the eyewear to the local Lions Club. The Lions Club, in turn, sorts and distributes the used eyewear to low and middle income people in countries and states (including our own) lacking access to basic eye care needs and services. From left: Elayne Bassinger, Lions Club officer Claudette Henry, and Madeline McCulloh. For more information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Women’s Choice Award
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named one of the top hospitals in the country for obstetrics and patient safety by the Women’s Choice Award.

The Women’s Choice Award empowers women to choose the best health care based on female patient satisfaction and clinical excellence for hospitals across the country.

This is the fifth consecutive year AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named a top choice for women.

“We are thankful for once again (to) be the top choice for women looking for high-quality health care,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in a release.

“We work hard every day to provide safe quality care, and to have that work recognized is gratifying,” Wangsness added.

The Women’s Choice Award evaluates specific Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey results, along with primary research about women’s health care preferences.

For information on the award, visit WomensChoiceAward.com.

Top AdventHealth hospitals
AdventHealth West Florida Division again has earned the highest marks possible for patient safety and quality, according to a news release.

The Leapfrog Group announced the Top Hospitals in the country, and AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills all received the Top General Hospital award.

The Top Rural Hospital designation went to AdventHealth Wauchula, for the sixth time in a row.

Top General Hospital is an elite designation with only 37 hospitals in the country and 21 hospitals in Florida receiving the recognition from the Leapfrog safety group. Only the highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, earning an A rating, are eligible to be recognized annually with this award.

In addition to the six Top Hospital designations, these hospitals received an A or B in patient safety from Leapfrog: AdventHealth Carrollwood (A); AdventHealth Dade City (B); AdventHealth Lake Placid (A); AdventHealth North Pinellas (A); AdventHealth Ocala (B); AdventHealth Sebring (A); AdventHealth Tampa (A); AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (A); and, AdventHealth Zephyrhills (A).

To see the full list of institutions honored as 2019 Top Hospitals, visit LeapfrogGroup.org/tophospitals.

New appointment
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has appointed Paige Laughlin, MHA, as chief operating officer.

Laughlin comes to Bayonet Point from Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, where she served as the vice president of operations, ethics and compliance officer, and chief staffing officer.

She received her bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Ohio State University, and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Chalk Talk 02/05/2020

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(Courtesy of Melonie Monson)Students shine for their schools
Ten students were recognized as The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month for January. The honorees are chosen by teachers and administration of the individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The students receiving the honor are: Darla Cant, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Jaxon Lindsey-De’Ath, The Broach School; Austin Walters, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Richelle Barriffe, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Caleb Jackson, Heritage Academy; Savanna Best, Stewart Middle School; Bellamy Miricle, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Audney Lapoint, Woodland Elementary School; Jocelyn Knowell, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and, Woodson Stuckey, Zephyrhills High School.

Get K-ready
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a new series to ready preschool children to excel in kindergarten, on Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The program uses creative play, cooperative learning and activities to stimulate the imagination.

Concepts and skills will be introduced that align with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.

The class is for ages 3 to 5.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Early release day
Pasco County Schools has implemented a monthly, two-hour-early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.

Early release days will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of January and May.

The next early release day is Feb. 12.

On-foot field trip
The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will offer “On Foot Explorations” on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m., for grades four to seven.

This is a short walking field trip to a spot in Downtown Dade City.

A waiver is required and can be picked up at the library.

For information, call (352) 567-3576.

Sneak Peek Open House
Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a Sneak Peek Open House on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Prospective students can tour the campus and explore Marchman’s programs, such as cybersecurity, automotive service technology, commercial art, cosmetology, digital cinema production, early childhood education, electricity, welding and more.

Instructors will be on-site to answer questions, along with representatives from admissions, financial aid and career placement.

Students who are interested in applying for fall classes can begin the application process, too.

For information, call Kim Dunn at (727) 774-1703.

9/11 survivor to speak
Saint Leo University’s College of Arts and Sciences will host guest lecturer Michael Hingson on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52, Kirk Hall, Rooms 123 and 124, in St. Leo.

Hingson, a 9/11 survivor and accessibility advocate, will talk on “Speaking with Vision.”

Blind since birth, Hingson changed careers after surviving the destruction of World Trade Center Tower One, with the help of his guide dog.

His book, “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero” will be available for purchase and signing, after his talk, at 8:30 p.m.

Hingson also will speak to students during selected class sessions, lead workshops on campus, and meet with groups of faculty and staff, as Saint Leo’s Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow of 2020.

Admission is free. For information and special seating requests, contact Megan Case at (352) 588-8401 or .

Student achievements

  • Madalyn Alston, Dade City: Dean’s List at Anderson University, Anderson, South Carolina
  • Roland Anthony Chacon, Lutz: Dean’s List at Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina
  • Tommy Campbell, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts from Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola
  • Sydney Fleeman, Odessa: Dean’s List at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia
  • Jacob Goetz, Odessa: President’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Guido Guerra, Lutz: Dean’s List at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Ayaz Hemani, Odessa: Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
  • Allie Hendron, Odessa: Dean’s List at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Madeleine Hendron, Odessa: President’s List at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, Mississippi
  • Jene Henry, Lutz: Dean’s List at the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky
  • Mira Hermina, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan
  • Julianna Mitten, Odessa: Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio
  • Kevin Nguyen, Lutz: Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Vishwa Shah, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
  • Tyler Shaske, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Sport & Recreation Management from James Madison University at Harrisonburg, Virginia
  • Amy Stanton, Odessa: President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia

Middle school essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in an essay contest. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., March 2.

Middle school students, grades six to eight, in Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools can participate.

In 300 words or less, students should answer the questions, “If you could spend tax dollars to fund any program, what would it be and why?”

Entries will be judged on how well the student communicates his or her response, overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools should send their entries directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also may be emailed to .

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

The winner will be announced no later than March 27.

For information and questions, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Cursive contest
According to the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, the annual Cursive is Cool® contests kicked off on National Handwriting Day, in honor of John Hancock’s birthday.

Campaign for Cursive® offers three contests: one in the United States and two in Canada (one for English writers and one for French writers).

Students in grades one to six have a chance to test their cursive skills and their creativity in answering one of the questions presented.

The deadline for the U.S. contest is March 15.

For information, visit CursiveIsCool.com or Facebook.com/CampaignForCursive/.

For questions, email Lauren Mooney Bear, contest organizer, at .

Great Outdoors contest
The TurfMutt Foundation announced The (Really) Great Outdoors Contest 2020, focused on encouraging kids to use their imaginations around the many uses and benefits of green space and the outdoors.

The contest is open to students in grades six to eight.

Created in partnership with Scholastic, the contest asks students to write about and/or draw a nature space their community could use.

Students are asked to include text to describe the space, discuss what elements are needed, and how the space will be used to benefit the community. Each entry can be no more than three pages.

The grand prize for a student is $2,500, with teachers and the school each receiving a $750 prize.

The first place student will receive $2,000, and teachers and the school will get $500 each.

Second place will garner the student $1,500, and teachers and the school will receive $250 each.

The third place student will get $750, and the teachers and the school will each get $125.

Teachers can download lesson plans and contest entry information at Scholastic.com/turfmutt.

Entries can be accepted online and uploaded by teachers, or mailed in by teachers and students alike.

The deadline for entries is March 16.