The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Sisters that look out for each other

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Sophie, right, is almost 10 years old and a black mouth cur mix. Her little sister, Izzie, is about a year old and is a true mixed-breed rescue from All Sato Rescue in Puerto Rico. Izzie has not seen a lot of things most dogs encounter every day here, but as long as her big sis is with her, she’s not afraid. The girls live with a kitty and their mom, Carol Scharfeld, in Lutz.

This vireo has ‘eyeglasses’

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Lillian Cucuzza, an avid bird watcher and photographer, saw this blue-headed vireo in her sister’s backyard on Lake Padgett, in Land O’ Lakes. Check out its white spectacles! Blue-headed vireos forage in mature trees and move slowly from branch to branch, searching for insects. The bird will tilt its head to look carefully in all directions, then pounce on a caterpillar or other prey.

Grieving families will benefit from donation

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North labor and delivery nurse Kathleen Webster, left, alongside Cristelle Suarez holding her daughter, Opal. Cristelle donated the CuddleCot to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in memory of Oliver, her son and Opal’s brother. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospitals, BayCare Health System)

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was the recipient of a $3,000 CuddleCot donated by Land O’ Lakes resident Cristelle Suarez.

A CuddleCot is a cooling system that gives families days, instead of hours, to create memories with their babies.

Suarez lost a child in October 2012 and raised the funds for the CuddleCot through social media and a partnership with Madison’s Miracles, an organization that provides support and resources to grieving parents who have experienced infant loss.

Every year, Suarez does something in memory of her deceased child, Oliver.

A CuddleCot gives bereaved families precious extra time for hugs, kisses and other bonding. Suarez did not have a CuddleCot at the time of Oliver’s death. “I wish I did have one,” she said. “This is my way of helping anyone else that loses a baby, and remembering Oliver.”

Chalk Talk 01/29/2020

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Heather R. Parker (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Historian named to dean post
Heather R. Parker, Ph.D., was named dean of The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University, a post she has had on an interim basis since November 2018. Parker also is a full professor of history and joined Saint Leo in 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in history from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Cursive contest
According to the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, the annual Cursive is Cool® contests kicked off on National Handwriting Day, celebrated around the world on Jan. 23, 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 .

Classic car show
The Cypress Creek Middle High School PTSA will host its second annual Coyote Classic Car Show on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Streetside Classics, 4610 Pet Lane, Suite 104, in Lutz.

There will be exhibits, food trucks, live music, silent auctions, and classic cars.

For information, visit CoyotePTSA.com.

Math competition
Saint Leo University will offer high school students the chance to take part in the American Mathematics Competition 10 or 12, at no cost.

Both contests are scheduled for Feb. 5 at the Saint Leo campus, 33701 State Road 52, Lewis Hall, Room 119, in St. Leo.

Students and parents need to arrive by 5:45 p.m., as the contest starts at 6 p.m.

Parents must register their students in advance by emailing Dr. Kevin Murphy, of the Saint Leo mathematics faculty, at , and including “AMC 10/12” in the subject line. And, in the email text, list each student entrant’s name, age and school grade.

Students are given 75 minutes to get through the questions.

The AMC 10 is for students in grade 10 and lower, and younger than 17 ½ years of age on the day of the exam. The questions cover high school math up to that grade level.

The AMC 12 is for students in grade 12 or lower, and who are younger than 19 ½ years of age on the day of the exam. The questions cover the high school math curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra and advanced geometry. There is no calculus.

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.

Mark your calendar
Pasco County Schools will host its first Pasco Sports Fair on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane in Zephyrhills, for the entire family.

The free, family friendly event will feature a meet-and-greet with professional athletes, plus an introduction to various sport and game offerings in Zephyrhills and Pasco County, including tennis, soccer, football, basketball, skating, skydiving, boxing, mini-golf and more. Some noted pros scheduled to be in attendance include former English Premier forward Gary Blissett, former NFL defensive end Melvin Williams, former NBA shooting guard/small forward Anthony Parker, and former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell.

All event proceeds will benefit The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation.

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.

Scholarship program
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board have partnered to offer scholarships for up to $5,000 to eligible students who want to continue their education by attending an accredited institution of higher learning. This includes first-time students and students returning to school.

Applications will be accepted online only, at tinyurl.com/qnm32x2, through March 13.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements (which can be found on the same website), to be awarded a scholarship.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

For information and questions, call  Juan Fradera at (813) 272-5074.

 

This is Zoe

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Zoe loves being lazy, getting scratched in all the right places, and wearing her new socks that make it easier for her to go up and down the stairs. Zoe lives with her proud owner, Wesley Hardee in Land O’ Lakes.

These wrens will nest in odd places

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This Carolina wren was found hanging out near the home of Marisol Fontanez, in the Blue Jay Mobile Home Park in Dade City. Carolina wrens seem to love nesting near humans. Nests have been found inside garages, in old shoes and empty cans, and even in clothespin bags hanging on well-used clotheslines. Compared to its counterpart, the ‘Florida’ Carolina wren is larger and stouter, with a darker rusty chestnut above and deeply colored below.

Nonprofit chooses its first leader

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Carrie Zeisse will lead the West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Inc., a local nonprofit. (Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

The West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Inc., has named Carrie Zeisse as its first president and chief executive officer.

The mental wellness coalition, which was recently created by 30 local organizations, was developed to help improve outcomes for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders in the Tampa Bay area.

Zeisse, who was the chief strategy and operations officer with United Way Suncoast, will be responsible for driving the coalition’s mission of mobilizing the community toward strengthening mental wellness outcomes in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

She also will collaborate with the board of directors to raise public awareness, and develop and implement initiatives that help guide the community to available mental wellness resources.

Chalk Talk 01/22/2020

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Alongside members of the band, Wiregrass Ranch Marching Bulls band director, Josh Hobbs, center, accepts a framed resolution from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, in recognition of the band’s win at the Florida Marching Band 2019 Class 4A State Championship. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor)

Marching band honored
The Pasco County Commission recently congratulated the Wiregrass Ranch High School Marching Bulls for winning the Florida Marching Band 2019 Class 4A State Championship. The band was the first in Pasco County to bring home that honor.

County commissioners were joined by Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin, in congratulating the band for its accomplishment. County commissioners also adopted a resolution to mark the achievement and gave one to each of those attending the Jan. 7 session.

“We want to obviously congratulate each and every one of you,” said Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added: “I appreciate the hard work that you put in, lots of hours practicing.

Superintendent Browning said: “This program is to be commended for their tenacity and their hard work that got them here.”

Josh Hobbs, the school’s band director, told commissioners: “We’re all very, very excited to be part of this.”

Name it and win it
Pasco County Schools’ After School Enrichment Programs will expand its offerings this summer, and is “looking for a summer camp name that reflects the diverse special interest camp topics that will be offered,” according to the Pasco County Schools website.

Summer camps immerse students in career explorations, volunteer opportunities and workshops that build direct life skills, offer field trips, and more.

Each camp is designed to provide experiences that foster individual strengths and interests.

Enrollment in each camp is limited to 20 students, in order to provide the best possible camp experience.

Camps include Early Educators Camp (Babysitting Camp), Aerospace Camp, Culinary Camp, and AMP it up! Camp.

Visit tinyurl.com/thr6p6x for information and to submit your camp name suggestion. If yours is chosen, your child can attend camp for free.

Choice application opens
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window opened on Jan. 21 for elementary students. The window will close at 4:30 p.m., on Jan. 31.

The application is available through the myStudent parent portal.

Parents who do not already have an account may establish one by going to the district website at PascoSchools.org, and click on the myStudent link (in the circle above the large photo).

This will be the only application window for elementary schools and it will be for all school choice options, including STEAM magnet schools, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mural art contest
Pasco County and the Autism Society of Florida are inviting student artists, including those in the special needs community, to help paint the “Food for All” mural at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, on Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m.

The painting activity is a chance for students to beautify the community, while communicating and collaborating on ideas to promote sustainable, healthy food for everyone, in a quiet, calm and safe environment.

This event is the second part of Pasco County’s “Food For All” Mural Art Contest.

A local artist will be transposing the winning artwork from last month’s contest to the mural wall at the park.

The final mural will be unveiled during a special ceremony on Feb. 15.

To register, visit bit.ly/35QGbkJ.

Free home instruction
The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco Hernando offers HippyUSA (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), a free program children ages 3 years old and 4 years old.

Home instructors provide encouragement and support.

Parents can work with instructors to review educational materials.

All materials and books are included.

For information, call (727) 569-1004.

Middle school essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in an essay contest, which begins Feb. 1. 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.

 

Mobile food pantry to help feed families

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The Circle of Veterans and Families Inc. (COV), in coordination with Paddling for Veterans and in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, will provide a mobile food pantry for veterans, community members and children, in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

The pantry will be open on Jan. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies are exhausted, at the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City.

The event will feature seven pallets to nine pallets of food, averaging 5,000 pounds to 7,000 pounds of a variety of fresh produce, meat, dry goods, and bread and bakery items. This amount of food typically feeds 250 to 300 families.

For information, contact Tice Ridley at (773) 859-9006 or .

For those interested in COV, this 501c3 charitable organization is located at The Circle of Veterans Ranch and Rehabilitation Center, a 10-acre ranch in Dade City/Lacoochee, in Pasco County.

The ranch creates a transition space for education, relaxing, rejuvenating, and most of all connecting. It provides transitional housing for eight male veterans at a time, but its doors are open to other veterans to come and socialize at any time.

It provides alternative therapies, too, including equine and animal therapy, that do not require the veteran to relive a traumatic experience.

Published January 15, 2020

Scouts’ food campaign aims to impact hunger

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Powered by thousands of boys and girls in local Boy Scouts of America groups across West Central Florida, an initiative called Scouting for Food is seeking to collect a record-setting amount of food to fight hunger.

Boy Scouts from the Tampa Bay Area Council visit One Buc Place for a photo op with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ mascot, Captain Fear, to promote the Scouting for Food campaign. (Courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council)

Scouts ages 5 to 17 will go door-to-door on Jan. 25 in their neighborhoods to attach door hangers with program information, then return to collect nonperishable food donations left on front porches one week later, on Feb. 1.

Scouting for Food will take place on the weekends leading up to the Super Bowl, as the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council—the region’s branch of the Boy Scouts of America—is joining more than 4,000 participating groups in the Souper Bowl of Caring, a nonprofit organization that collected more than 4.5 million pounds of food in 2019.

Boy Scouts of America is a program that teaches young men and women values, leadership, adventure and, most importantly, how to lend a helping hand and assist those in need.

“Serving others is at the heart of what Scouting is all about,” said Scouting for Food event chair Melissa Snively, in a release.

“In Florida alone, more than 850,000 children struggle with hunger. Our Scouts will be energized knowing they are helping other young people,” Snively added.

More than 15,000 Scouts are members of the local branch of Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. The council and its Scouting for Food effort covers nine counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco.

Food collected in Pasco County will be benefit the food banks of Helping Hands Choice Food Pantry (Wesley Chapel), St. Vincent De Paul (Land O’ Lakes) and Metropolitan Ministries (Holiday).

To stay up to date on the progress of the food campaign, visit TampaBayScouting.org, or follow Scouting for Food on Facebook.

Published January 15, 2020