The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Little Bear is a Toto look-alike

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Little Bear is a Cairn terrier, one of the oldest terrier breeds originating in the Scottish Highlands, and one of the earliest working dogs. The breed was given the name Cairn, because its function was to hunt and chase quarry between the cairns in the highlands. Little Bear is about 14 inches tall and weights about 14 pounds. He was born in Oldsmar in November 1999, which makes him one of the older dogs at more than 19 years of age. Cairn terriers are generally healthy and live on average 12 to 17 years. Little Bear loves to ride in the car, go to the dog park, check out the girls, dig holes and chase anything that runs. He does not like it when he doesn’t get his way, and marches to a different drummer. Little Bear loves his two best friends, William and Joyce Fields, of Land O’ Lakes.

A Valentine’s touch of romance?

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Nicole Magazu and her husband, of Land O’ Lakes, were walking on a Sunday morning and spotted these squirrels on an oak tree. It seems the creatures were also enjoying the cooler weather.

Medical staff elections announced

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Dr. George Giannakopoulos

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced the results of its medical staff elections for a two-year term, 2019 to 2020.

The following individuals were elected to serve on the Medical Executive Committee by members of the hospital’s medical staff:

  • General Staff: Dr. George Giannakopoulos, chief of staff; Dr. Keshav Remireddy, vice chief of staff; and Dr. Chirag Patel, secretary/treasurer
  • Department of Medicine: Dr. Jose Pascual, chairman; Dr. Mrunal Shah, vice chairman; and Dr. L. Venu, member-at-large
  • Department of Surgery: Dr. Craig Bennett, chairman; Dr. Kevin Spires, vice chairman; and Dr. Arthur Verga, member-at-large

Chalk Talk 02/13/2019

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Head Start interviews
In-person interviews will take place in February for families interested in applying for Head Start/Early Head Start services through the Pasco County Early Childhood Programs for the 2019-2020 school year.

These comprehensive early education programs are for children from at-risk backgrounds, birth to age 5.

The curriculum includes early math and readings skills to help children build the abilities needed to be successful in school and in life.

For information on requirements and locations, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University will host an Undergraduate Admissions open house Feb. 16, starting at 8 a.m.

Students of all ages are welcome to attend with their families and friends.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the Saint Leo University community.

Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus, learn about the university’s academic offerings, student life, campus involvement, financial aid and more.

For information and to register, a visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For questions regarding special accommodations, contact the school’s Office of Admissions at (352) 588-8283 or .

Football fundraiser
Land O’ Lakes High School’s football program will host a breakfast fundraiser Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church (just south of the school), 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The cost is $7 at the door for pancakes and breakfast meats.

To purchase tickets in advance, email .

Scholarship benefit
The Republican Party of Pasco Scholarship Committee will host its inaugural “5 for 5 Dinner” on Feb. 26 at Benedetto’s Restaurant Italiano in Land O’ Lakes, to benefit its scholarship fund.

The five-course meal aims to raise $5,000 for five $1,000 scholarships for Pasco County seniors graduating in the spring.

To help sponsor this event, contact Sandy Graves at (813) 817-3011 or .

Student achievements
The following local students have been named to the fall Dean’s List at their respective schools:

  • Kaylynn Butts (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jennifer Clifford (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Ryan Davey (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Michelle Graham (Lutz), Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Emily Leonard (Wesley Chapel), Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Nathan Mansour (Odessa), University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Caroline Amanda Meisner (Lutz), Greensboro College, North Carolina
  • Savannah Melvin (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Chase Memmer (Odessa), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Julianna Mitten (Odessa), Cedarville University, Ohio
  • Jacob Mocny (Odessa), University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Maxim Stepanets (Lutz), Alma College, Alma, Michigan
  • Emily Ymiolek (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Also, Olivia Sargent, of Lutz, was named to the fall President’s Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University.

And, Cody Cash, of Lutz, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science from the University of Alabama; while Amanda Pollard, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

Tobey is very smart

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Tobey is a 13-year-old maltipoo. He loves playing with his favorite doggie toy and laying with it in his dog bed. Tobey also loves performing tricks for treats. Anyone that meets him absolutely adores him. Tobey’s proud owner is Shantel Meyers, of Lutz.

Hidden from certain dangers

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The storm drain at the corner of Barcellona and Fletch roads in Land O’ Lakes seems to be a favorite hiding spot for animals looking to avoid alligators. This time, Betsy Crisp spotted a turtle and  a frog using the drain to their advantage.

Health News 02/06/2019

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BayCare welcomes Stephanie Fenlon
Dr. Stephanie Fenlon has joined BayCare Medical Group and will practice at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Suite 101A, in Lutz, for patients age 18 and older.

Dr. Fenlon is board certified in internal medicine. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Fenlon received a master’s degree in medical management after earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

For information, visit BayCareMedicalGroup.org.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is now offering an advanced robotic-assisted treatment option for knee replacement. This option is designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis.

The procedure utilizes advanced software and instrumentation to tailor each procedure to the patient’s anatomy, in order to optimize implant fit and alignment.

The hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hips and Total Knees Certification.

High-performing hospital
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named a 2018-2019 High Performing Hospital for hip replacements by U.S. News and World Report.

The analysis of hospitals includes data from nearly 5,000 centers across multiple medical specialties, procedures and medical conditions.

Scores are based on a variety of patient outcome and care-related factors, such as patient safety and nurse staffing.

To be nationally ranked in a specialty, a hospital must excel in caring for the sickest, most medically complex patients.

Chalk Talk 02/06/2019

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Liz Franzone, a sophomore English major, uses a saw at the Habitat for Humanity build site alongside Krystal Sanchez, assistant director of Greek Life and Community Engagement. (Courtesy of Benjamin Watters, Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo partners with Habitat for Humanity
Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service in 1994.

This year, Saint Leo University partnered with Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County to work on a house being built in Dade City, near University Campus.

The Office of Community Engagement honors the university’s Benedictine core values by working to raise awareness and assist with various social issues, such as animal welfare, environmental concerns, hunger and homelessness.

The site that Saint Leo students, faculty and staff worked on was still in the early stages of construction, so volunteers performed tasks such as paneling windows, nailing the roof and building frames for the home.

Top ‘dogs’ recognized
Stewart Middle School recently honored its second quarter “Top Dogs” at a lunch.

Students who were recognized were Lizandro Alzugaray, Merquray Daughtry, Aljandra Padilla, Adrianna Wilner, Serenity Rommel, Savannah Scheuerman, Jasmilyn Ramos, Edward Wilkes, Destiny Flummer and Jaquaune Harrison.

One student is selected by the teachers from each team for academics and leadership.

Panel discussion
Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host a panel discussion entitled, “What You Want to Know: Differentiating Private, Public, Charter and Independent Schools,” Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Choosing a school can be overwhelming and confusing. Hillel will offer this free panel discussion to clarify and offer perspective on the types of school choices.

Dr. Marlene Bloom, psychologist; academic coach Dr. Norrine Russell; and Erica DuPont, therapist/IEP advocate will delve into the differences and similarities, challenges and benefits of all types of schools.

To RSVP, email .

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University will host an Undergraduate Admissions open house Feb. 16, starting at 8 a.m.

Students of all ages are welcome to attend with their families and friends.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the Saint Leo University community.

Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus, learn about the university’s academic offerings, student life, campus involvement, financial aid and more.

For information and to register, a visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For questions regarding special accommodations, contact the school’s Office of Admissions at (352) 588-8283 or .

Fostering literacy
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) installed three Dreamboxes in the University Area, one of Tampa’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

These book-filled Dreamboxes are in addition to the four other boxes installed last summer, surrounding Harvest Hope Park. Plans are in the works to create and install 12 more by the end of the year.

The mini-libraries were built through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Tampa North, for the purpose of fostering a sense of community and increase access to books for readers of all ages, fostering literacy.

Residents are encouraged to borrow books and donate books to share with others.

With more than 20 years of community service, the University Area CDC provides support for thousands through youth programs, adult education and resource assistance.

To donate books for inclusion in the Dreamboxes, contact Jaree Ervin, director of development, at (813) 558-5212, ext. 210, or .

Best online bachelor programs
Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs” edition.

The university ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota and the University of North Texas.

In addition, Saint Leo was named as one of the 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

Saint Leo recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of offering online education. Launched in December 1998, the school was one of the first institutions to embrace online education with the creation of the Center for Online Learning.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

Literacy book drive
Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program runs through March 15. People are encouraged to donate children’s books in good condition or to make a donation to purchase books for the program.

The BookWorks program promotes literacy by giving books to children from families with low incomes. Goodwill volunteers read to children at Head Start centers and other locations, and then present each child with a personalized book to take home.

Last year, BookWorks presented books to more than 41,000 children.

To donate books, attach a note indicating they are for “BookWorks,” and drop the books off at any Goodwill-Suncoast store or donation site in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Sumter, Marion or Highlands counties.

For locations, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org, or call (888) 279-1988.

The best decision yet

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Titan is a mixed breed and a rescue from Pasco County Animal Services almost two years ago. He will smother you with kisses and needs to sit close (and sometimes on top of) his human family. Titan loves to go tubing and squeals with delight on boat rides around the lake. He also enjoys his afternoon naps and rides in the car with the windows down. Titan is an awesome companion to the three boys in the house – Devan, Rohan and Daniel, and loves playing with this canine friends, as well. Titan’s proud owner is Alicia Locascio, of Land O’ Lakes.

A romp to start the day

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Karen Whitenton, of Lutz, snapped this photo of a doe with her two fawns as they romped along the pond behind her house. It was early morning, and although the mother started to go back into the woods, the animals continued to run back and forth the entire length of the pond.