The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Meet Mr. Bonzo Burke

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Bonzo is a 1-year-old English Springer Spaniel that loves the beach, running in the yard, playing ball, eating whipped cream, and lounging on the couch. He sneaks on the bed whenever he gets the chance. Bonzo loves to cuddle and is spoiled rotten by his family. Don’t let those sad eyes fool you — he is one happy pup! Bonzo lives in Land O’ Lakes with the Burke family: Kara, Brian, Brandon and Foster.

Survival mode

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Kim MacMartin, of Lutz, noticed monarch caterpillars munching on some potted milkweed in her backyard. Monarchs cannot survive without the plant; their caterpillars only eat milkweed plants and monarch butterflies need milkweed to lay eggs.

Chalk Talk 07/17/2019

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Students win book challenge
The second-grade class at Trinity Elementary School and local educator Renee Blynt were the first-place winners in the 2018-2019 National Book Challenge hosted by Studentreasures Publishing.

Renee Blynt, left, and her second-grade class at Trinity Elementary show off their certificates of recognition for their award-winning book. (Courtesy of Adam Wolin)

The class will receive a $5,000 grant for their school as the grand prize.

Each of the 19 second-grade authors were recognized for their contributions to their book, “Trailblazers and World Changers,” which was published earlier this year through the Studentreasures’ free publishing program.

Blynt’s class came up with the book idea when thinking about different people from history that have changed the world.

The second-graders researched, wrote about and illustrated their topics, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to Mia Hamm’s soccer career.

Their completed book was awarded first place based on its originality, creative storyline and colorful illustrations.

More than 800,000 books were submitted to the nationwide contest sponsored by Studentreasures.

Mentor training
The Pasco Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship program is looking for mentors for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

Mentors are needed throughout Pasco County high schools to meet with students at their schools on a weekly basis, usually during a lunch break or a free period.

Mentors offer friendship and guidance as the students work toward earning their scholarship.

Complete training will be offered, including a Mentor Toolkit to keep and use during sessions.

Training will be at the Pasco County Schools District complex, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Building 2.

Those interested must register in advance by contacting Gina Granger, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .

The next one-hour sessions are at 10 a.m., noon or 3 p.m., on July 22.

For more about the program, visit TakeStockPasco.org.

Working student scholarship
Hancock Injury Lawyers is encouraging students who want to strive to improve themselves by going to college and educating themselves to figure out how they will make their communities, and beyond, a better place.

In support of students who have worked hard not only in school but also in a part-time job, Hancock will award a $1,000 scholarship annually.

The application for the scholarship must include a cover letter, official transcript and a one- to two-page essay (500 words to 800 words).

Submission deadline is Aug. 4. The winner will be contacted Aug. 23.

For complete information on how to apply, visit LawHancock.com/scholarships/.

Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations, for the upcoming school year:

  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road: July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (727) 861-5260.
  • Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

 

Easing the burden for students, families

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The 2019-2020 school year is fast approaching, and various organizations are hosting Back-to-School School Supply Drives to help those families that may not be able to afford the supplies that students need.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is involved in the effort — with all five offices tax collector offices accepting donations throughout the month of July.

(Christine Holtzman)

Soon after that, select schools in each community will receive backpacks filled with supplies.

And, cash donations will be made to the school’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program to help classroom teachers purchase the supplies necessary to meet the needs of their students.

Monetary donations also can be mailed to: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Please note “Back-to-School Backpack Promotion” on the memo line of the check.

For additional information, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes and the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco also are helping students get ready for school.

All five Gulfside thrift store locations will partner with the Kiwanis Club to collect items through July 27. The donations will be distributed to students in need at Pasco County elementary schools at the beginning of the school year.

Last year, shoppers and community members donated enough supplies to fill more than 300 backpacks, which were dispersed to 11 schools.

The donors will get something back, too: They will receive a coupon for the thrift shop.

To find out more, visit Gulfside.org.

School supplies aren’t the only things on disadvantaged students’ wish lists.

Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices staff again will compete to be the top collectors of new footwear for students during the “Two Good Soles” Shoe & Sock Drive, which kicks off on July 25.

Last year’s drive resulted in donations of more than 2,200 pairs of shoes and 6,600 pairs of socks.

The donated shoes and socks will be presented to Pasco County Schools at an official ceremony later this year. That drive runs through Oct. 25.

Collection boxes can be found at Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices countywide. Visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published July 10, 2019

Library system wins statewide honor

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The Florida Library Association, which represents academic, public and school libraries across the state, has named the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system as its 2019 Library of the Year.

(Christine Holtzman)

The award recognizes creative and innovative programming, efforts made to expand and enhance services, and the implementation of  programs that can be mirrored by other libraries.

The library association gave a nod to these Tampa-Hillsborough library services:

  • Elimination of overdue fines, which welcomed back about 15,000 customers whose accounts were locked, and increased the use of materials and services
  • Internal improvements that saved money and made better use of staff time, allowing the addition of more classes
  • U.S. passport application acceptance, online high school completion scholarships, recording studios, and a Discovery Pass offering free admission to local attractions
  • A Hillsborough All Access Libraries Pass (HAAL), which allows public, charter, virtual and home-school students in the county to use their student ID number as a public library card
  • Free programming and events, including story times for autistic children; Spanish programs; LibCon and AfroCon; support for local authors and artists; business skill classes; technology workshops; crafting lessons; and more
  • The opening of the Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, which doubles as the Media Center for the adjacent Muller Elementary Magnet School

The library system’s website also received the Florida Library Association’s 2019 Library Web Presence award.

For more information, and to learn about free resources and programs, call (813) 273-3762, or visit HCPLC.org.

Published July 10, 2019

This lady likes to nap

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Lady is a rescued 8-year-old yellow Labrador. She spends her days napping and begging for treats, and enjoys being petted. Lady loves all her neighbors, and they all love her in return. She lives in Wesley Chapel with her mom, Lindsey Paris.

A regal stance

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Allen Craley, of Land O’ Lakes, took this photo of a red-shouldered hawk in his front yard. This particular hawk is a familiar sight to residents of Sable Ridge and, as luck would have it, it decided to strike a regal pose for the camera. A red-shouldered hawk is typically a sign of tall woods and water nearby.

Health News 07/10/2019

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(Courtesy of Angelika Dennis)

Vitamin drop-offs aimed at fighting malnutrition
Rainbow Light, a supplement brand, and Vitamin Angels, a charity that provides lifesaving vitamins to mothers and children at risk of malnutrition, teamed up for the Shine Your Light campaign. The organizations visited Guiding Star Tampa in Lutz and the Immokalee Pregnancy Center, to drop off essential vitamins for women and their families. The teams also met with the clinicians and staff at each location. Rainbow Light is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its first-ever domestic vitamin drop-offs to help underserved communities across the United States.

Autism grants
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 Florida.

According to a news release from the Autism Services Grants Council, in 2018, nearly $99,600 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 501c(3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply.

For information and to submit a proposal, visit AutismLicensePlate.com/grant-application/.

The deadline is July 31.

Reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Hospital infections have become all too common and can be particularly hazardous for the elderly.

Although not a guarantee, here are a few simple steps to help diminish the risk of staph infections and other infections when a loved one, particularly an older loved one, is in the hospital.

  • Ask everyone who comes in contact with the patient to wash their hands before touching the patient. Bring your own bottle of hand sanitizer to put at the bedside. Hang a sign asking people to “Please wash hands before touching.”
  • Ask the physicians to clean their stethoscopes with anti-bacterial gel on the flat, round part before touching the patient. Bring a pack of anti-bacterial wipes to leave in the patient’s room.
  • Ask if antibiotics can be given before surgery to help prevent an infection.
  • Ask for a private room, if possible.
  • As a visitor, do not use the patient’s bathroom.
  • As a visitor, do not put a purse, briefcase or backpack on the floor or any surface of the hospital room. If you need to do so, place a clean towel between the item and the floor/surface.
  • Do not bring children to the hospital room, as they could spread germs or leave germs behind.
  • Wash your hands after touching the elevator buttons.

For more information, visit VeryWellHealth.com.

Chalk Talk 07/10/2019

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

History Day winners
Based on a theme selected by National History Day, students in grades 6 to 12 use primary and secondary resources to research a topic relating to local, national or world history. The 2018-2019 theme was ‘Triumph and Tragedy in History.’ Students could express their findings in a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary or website. From left: Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning; Freddy Bowen, eighth-grader, Rushe Middle School, second place Junior Paper; Mindy Do, 11th-grader, Cypress Creek Middle High, second place Senior Individual Website; Maegan Smarkusky, eighth-grader Seven Springs Middle, first place Junior Individual Website; and Alison Crumbley.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Top teachers
Three Pasco County teachers were recognized by the District School Board of Pasco County for receiving the Regional Economic Educator & Leadership (REEL) Award from the USF Stavros Center for Economic Education in partnership with the Florida Council for Economic Education. The award recognizes achievements, leadership, and commitment to economic and financial education. From left: Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning; Judith Fletcher, Wesley Chapel High School; Darcy Cleek, John Long Middle School; Katie Altshuler, Weightman Middle School; and Colleen Beaudoin, vice chairman.

Navy ROTC scholarship
Samantha Miller, a 2019 Gulf High School graduate earned a four-year Navy ROTC Scholarship worth $200,000.

Miller was recognized by the District School Board of Pasco County at a board meeting.

Nearly a dozen seniors in the Pasco County Schools JROTC programs have been offered college scholarships, and many others are entering military service directly from high school.

Local graduates

  • Deja Demene Benjamin, of Land O’ Lakes, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
  • Trey Bradley, of Wesley Chapel, Colorado College, Colorado Springs
  • Hunter Calton, of Lutz, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Lauren Dobles, of Lutz, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Joshua Giroux, of Odessa, Emerson College
  • Jordan Jerome Kelby, of Odessa, University of Alabama
  • Jordan Mark, Lutz, Mercer University, Macon/Atlanta, Georgia
  • Savannah LeeAnn Melvin, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Jacob Mocny, of Odessa, University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Em Ovalle, of Lutz, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
  • Mitchell Pastizzo, of Lutz, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts
  • Mary Patterson, of Lutz, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Quentin Poteralski, of Lutz, Union College, Schenectady, New York
  • Kristine Rios, of Land O’ Lakes, Tagliatela College of Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut
  • Victoria Vee Rogers, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
  • Mariela Deynes Tofani, of Lutz, Emerson College
  • Emma Williams, Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University

Achievements

  • Julia Fresne, of Dade City, Dean’s List at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Emily Gerber, of Odessa, Dean’s List at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York
  • Jessica Howell, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Furman University
  • Jack Losier, of Lutz, Honor Roll at University of Kansas, Lawrence

Award-winning robotics
For the fifth consecutive year, the student robotics team from the University of Alabama won NASA’s grand prize in its 2019 Robotics Mining Competition.

Made up of 60 students, primarily from UA’s College of Engineering, Alabama Astrobotics won the Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence (the grand prize).

This year’s competition was held virtually, rather than on-site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Teams were judged on systems engineering papers and outreach project reports, and with the options of submitting systems engineering plans and slide demonstrations.

Among the student participants was Chase Memmer, of Odessa.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations, for the upcoming school year:

  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road: July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (727) 861-5260.
  • Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

Shea is full of love and joy

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Shealina (Shea) was adopted from Pasco County Animal Services in February, and will celebrate her first birthday on July 19. She is a lovable, sweet cat. Shealina likes to play on her cat tree, also known as her ‘petting tree.’ She loves to hang upside down and be petted on her neck and stomach. Shealina gives her owner, Nicole Magazu of Land O’ Lakes, much love and joy.