The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Health News 01/30/2019

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First-place winner Arina Mubarakshina’s ‘Unsuspecting Victim’ poster (Courtesy of FloridaHealth.gov)

Bringing awareness to radon dangers
The Florida Department of Health highlighted National Radon Action Month in January with the announcement of the winners of the 2019 Florida Radon Poster Contest.

First place was awarded to Arina Mubarakshina, “Unsuspecting Victim.”

Second place went to Emma Ortiz’s “Radon Has No Upside.”

Ava Nash, “Safe Home, Safe Life” won third place; and honorable mention was for Lily Shahid’s “Radon Possesses Your Lungs.”

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or touched.

Radon in indoor air causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking.

For information on how to test your home for radon, visit Radon.FloridaHealth.gov.

New dental chair
The Department of Health Pasco Dental Program received a new dental operatory chair at the Cox Dental Clinic in Dade City.

The chair replaced a 20-year-old chair that was previously at the dental clinic, which was located at Cox Elementary School, and will aid in providing dental treatment for students at the Title 1 elementary school, and surrounding schools.

The new chair was purchased using Pasco County Special Project Funding, and cost $11,676.

Chalk Talk 01/30/2019

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These coyotes are tops
Every semester, Cypress Creek Middle High School recognizes its students who excel, during a Howl-a-bration. The school’s mission is to ‘H.O.W.L.’ — Have a growth mindset, Own your education, Work as a community and Lead responsibly. Seventh-grader Jacob Valdes (left) proudly holds his certificate, while Matthew Vreeland (right), also in seventh grade, accepts his outstanding student award from Jena Ferry, assistant principal HS 216. (Photos courtesy of Eliza Passardi)

Literacy book drive
Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program starts Feb. 1 and 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.

Science & engineering fair
The Pasco Secondary Regional Science & Engineering Fair will take place Feb. 2 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Judging will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Public viewing will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place a 3 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Students in the regional fair have won their school science and engineering fair competition.

If they place in the regional fair, students are eligible for a variety of prizes, and top winners move on to the state competition.

Guest teacher hiring event
Qualified applicants who want to substitute teach in Pasco County can attend the “Guest Teacher Hiring Event” Feb. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Pasco County Schools district office complex, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco Schools is looking for guest teachers and professional guest teachers.

Qualified applicants can interview on-the-spot.

A high school diploma or GED is required to be a guest teacher. Pay depends on level of education and length of substitute teaching assignment.

All guest teachers must complete a 20-hour training course, work a minimum of 10 days per semester, and be available to work on short notice.

Professional guest teachers must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a certified subject and have a current teaching certificate. The professionals fill in for teachers on leave for 30 days or more.

Anyone interested should preregister at HirePasco.eventbrite.com.

Dean’s List honorees

  • Lauren Dobles, of Lutz: Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • Carson Oakes, of Odessa: Berry College (Rome, Georgia)
  • Sarah Sprague, of Lutz: Berry College (Rome, Georgia)
  • Mariela Deynes Tofani, of Lutz: Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts)

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

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

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

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.

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 .

 

Bundled for the cold

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Chloe is a 12-year-old Yorkie terrier. Here, she is trying to stay warm on a cold day. Chloe loves her daddy and follows him all around the house. Chloe’s proud owner is Germaine Marion, of Zephyrhills.

Sharing play space

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Donna Peacock and her family have lived in Wesley Chapel for 30 years, and gopher tortoises have made a home in their backyard. When Gigi, the Peacocks’ 19-month-old Chorkie, joined the family, Gigi had to learn to live within the tortoise habitat. When Gigi wants to play, the tortoise will give a warning hiss, retreat into his shell and down into the underground burrow.

Health News 01/23/2019

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Dr. Kiran Musunuru (right) is shown with his father, Dr. Rao Musunuru. (Courtesy of VInce Vanni and Associates)

Kiran Musunuru receives honor
The American Philosophical Society has honored Dr. Kiran Musunuru with the 2018 Judson Daland Prize, which included a prize honorarium of $50,000 for ‘achievement in patient oriented clinical research.’ Musunuru was recognized for discovering and characterizing novel genes involved in coronary artery disease, and also for pioneering the use of genome-editing tools to study these genes in human stem cells and to develop one-shot vaccinations against cardiovascular disease. He is currently an associate professor in cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania and current editor-in-chief for an international journal of the American Heart Association. The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of ‘promoting useful knowledge.’

Employees are ‘aces’ to Access Health Care
Access Health Care Physicians LLC honored its employees at its annual ACES event (Access Celebrates Excellent Service).

Xilefeny Sabatar, Human Resources specialist, winner of the ‘Ray Of Sunshine’ award, stands next to Maynard The HIPAA Hippo, the official Access mascot. (Courtesy of Vince Vanni and Associates)

The winners were nominated by fellow team members, and were awarded a certificate, a trophy and eight hours of paid time off.

Those receiving recognition were:

  • Best Attitude – Kwok Wong
  • Best Coworker – Diane Dearing
  • Best Skills – Keith Katherina
  • Dirty Job – Mark Leach
  • Most Dependable “The Rock” – Marcela Wells
  • Most Hospitable – Doreen Ruggiero
  • Most Humble – Paula Roberts
  • Most Tactful – Bret Harrop
  • Most Teachable – Ronda Mitchell
  • Participation – Carolyn Dean
  • Person of Integrity – Sherry Fyock
  • Ray of Sunshine – Xilefeny Sabatar
  • Team Player – Justine Wheeler
  • Unsung Hero – Joanna Gambina
  • HIPAA Hero – Natasha Foster

Opioids and Narcan
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing and Annenberg School of Communication have created a seven-minute virtual reality Narcan training session that a recent pilot study showed was as effective as in-person simulation training for health care providers.

Narcan, the FDA-approved nasal spray available without a prescription, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in less than five minutes.

Most people don’t know about it or are unfamiliar with how to use it or what to do after it is administered.

With this new virtual reality tool, Penn researchers hope to change that.

For more information, visit PennToday.upenn.edu, and search “virtual reality.”

Medical staff officers
The Medical Center of Trinity has announced its current medical staff officers. These officers will hold the position for two years and include:

  • Medical Staff — Dr. Daniel Rodriguez, chief of staff; Dr. Usha Agarwal, vice chief of staff; and Dr. Peter Candelora, treasurer.
  • Department of Medicine — Dr. Jigneshkumar Patel, chief; and, Dr. Mahathi Reddy, vice chief.
  • Department of Surgery — Dr. Keith Chisholm, chief; and, Dr. Parveen Vahora, vice chief.

Chalk Talk 01/23/2019

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Fine Arts grants
First National Bank of Pasco (FNBP) is working with Pasco County Schools to award ArtsFirst grants, to give music, art, theater and dance teachers the resources needed to bring out a student’s inner artist.

The grants are intended to support and enhance educational opportunities for fine arts students in Pasco County public schools.

Each quarter, teachers submit grant applications to the district’s art leadership team, which then are reviewed and awarded by an FNBP panel of bank, business and civic leaders.

The applications define how recipients of a grant will use the funds to encourage higher educational standards, as well as challenge and motivate students.

Grant applications are due at the end of each quarter, and will be awarded based upon the grant’s likelihood of improving student achievement and opportunities.

Examples of what awarded grants may be used to support are:

  • classroom supplies and/or materials
  • clinician, guest speaker, performer or guest artist
  • dance room equipment, supplies and/or costumes
  • fees associated with play production (writes, costumes, props, etc.)
  • field trips to fine arts related events
  • musical instruments, art equipment, sound equipment, etc.
  • supplemental materials that are not adopted or funded by the district or school
  • teacher conference fee if the teacher can show how the information learned will be used in the classroom
  • T-shirts for special events that promote higher achievement
  • special projects

Parents and other community supporters can help fuel the program funding when an account is opened at an FNBP branch.

Pasco County public school fine arts teachers interested in applying, can submit an application at the end of each quarter, by sending the grant application to: Thomas Viking, fine arts program coordinator, .

Countryside open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2019-2020 school year on Jan. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students, first grade through eighth grade, and their families can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSMontessori.com.

Health Stampede
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host its annual Health Stampede on Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the fifth period.

The theme this year is “So Healthy, So Clean, So 2019!”

Students will be able to visit specific vendors and presentations, with their teacher. There also will be raffle prizes.

Vendors and presentations will include: Baycare Behavioral Health; the Positive Coaching Alliance; a Publix dietitian and nutritionist; the WRHS Psychology Club; LA Fitness; Nutrition Smart; Poison Control; Project PUP (Pets Uplifting People); WRHS Medical Academy; MADD; the health department; and, the fire rescue department.

For information, call (813) 346-6000.

Open house
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Jan. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The school is for prekindergarten through 12th grade, has full accreditation, character training, college prep, fine arts, athletics and more.

Prekindergarten is flexible, with a choice of two-, three- or four-day programs.

For information, call (813) 995-9040, or visit LOLCS.org.

Fall student achievements

  • Bryant Beacham, of Odessa: Dean’s List, Carthage College (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
  • Hunter Desena, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Maryville College (Tennessee)
  • MacKenzie Lauren Gaul, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from Baylor University (Waco, Texas) with a Bachelor of Science in biology
  • Jake Thomas Michaelson, of Odessa: Dean’s List, University of North Georgia
  • Amy Stanton, of Odessa: President’s List, Georgia College (Milledgeville)
  • Ashlyn Stevens, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Harding University (Searcy, Arkansas)
  • Darryl Ward, of Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Lincoln University of Missouri (Jefferson City)

World of a Teen
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will present its seventh annual “World of a Teen” program Jan. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the auditorium.

There will be a brief panel introduction, and a question-and-answer session from submitted inquiries.

For information, call (813) 792-5131.

Guest teacher hiring event
Qualified applicants who want to substitute teach in Pasco County can attend the “Guest Teacher Hiring Event” Feb. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Pasco County Schools district office complex, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco Schools is looking for guest teachers and professional guest teachers.

Qualified applicants can interview on-the-spot.

A high school diploma or GED is required to be a guest teacher. Pay depends on level of education and length of substitute teaching assignment.

All guest teachers must complete a 20-hour training course, work a minimum of 10 days per semester, and be available to work on short notice.

Professional guest teachers must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a certified subject and have a current teaching certificate. The professionals fill in for teachers on leave for 30 days or more.

Anyone interested should preregister at HirePasco.eventbrite.com.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

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

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

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.

Become a mentor, make life better for a child

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The oldest and largest youth-mentoring organization in the nation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay, has launched a recruiting campaign in Pasco County to find caring adult volunteer mentors who want to change the life of a child for the better.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) boasts great success with the youth in its programs.

According to a press release, the organization in 2018 served 3,014 children, in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties.

Of those children, known as “Littles,” who were matched with their mentors, called “Bigs,” for at least a year, 98 percent were promoted to the next grade level, and 98 percent had no involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The BBBS organization offers several programs to choose from in Pasco County, all which require only four hours to eight hours of volunteer work each month.

The community-based program enables the Big and Little to spend time together in the evening or on weekends to take part in an activity of their choosing.

The school-based program is for matches that would prefer to meet one hour each week at the child’s school during the academic year.

“This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on our community,” said Deb Kristol-Irwin, director of partnerships for Pasco County.

She added, “For just a few hours each month, you can change the life of a child, build a lifelong relationship, and have a great time while you’re doing it.”

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister can attend one of the orientation and training sessions, offered three times a month throughout Pasco County.

For a complete schedule, visit BBBSTampaBay.org and follow the Volunteer links.

No reservations are required to attend.

Published January 16, 2019

A new haircut for the holidays

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Cocoa is a 12-year-old cocker spaniel, and also is blind. He may be a senior, but he still loves his squeaky toys and enjoys greeting his canine neighbors during daily walks. Cocoa is cherished by his owner, Cathi Thompson, of Lutz.

A brilliant pair

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Lillian Cucuzza, of Land O’ Lakes, was wowed by a visit from this painted bunting pair to her backyard feeder. The female (top) and male visited for a week. Cucuzza said buntings visit her every year. Painted buntings are beautiful, small finches, and very shy.

Chalk Talk 01/16/2019

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School Board recognitions of 2018

  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative presented a check to Pasco County Schools for $216,266.57, which represents the remaining monies allocated to each member after operating expenses are paid, based on the amount of energy consumed during the year.
  • Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula S. O’ Neil sponsored the fifth annual Constitutional Essay Contest for fifth-graders. First place was awarded to Carly Bowling from Woodland Elementary School, and second place was given to Priscilla Savill from Lake Myrtle Elementary.
  • The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors distinguished graduating high school seniors. Pasco County Schools selected Estefania Acosta, of Land O’ Lakes High School, for the general scholar award category; and Jaelyn Kirkland, of Wiregrass Ranch High School, for the career and technical education category.
  • The Outstanding Senior 2019 was awarded to Jillian Gordy, of Sunlake High School, based on her representation of the school through her leadership, service and citizenship.
  • Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley recruited the assistance of the teacher and students in Wesley Chapel High’s Television Production class to create a public service announcement video encouraging people to vote.

Elementary school choice
The Pasco Pathways application window for elementary schools is open through Jan. 18.

This will be the only opportunity for 2019-2020 elementary school students to apply.

Parents must have or set up a myStudent account, which will be used to complete school choice applications.

Families may enter up to three choices per child, and must be willing to accept any one of the options chosen. The system will offer enrollment only once per child.

To view the Pasco Pathways catalog of programs, visit Pasco.k13.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.

Car wash fundraiser
The Zepyrhills High School Cheer Team will host a car wash fundraiser on the south lot of Thomas and Son Inc., at 4542 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The team’s goal is to raise $2,000 needed for the Bulldog cheerleaders to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championships, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10.

Thomas and Son is donating space at the dealership to help the team earn the remaining expenses for the trip.

Kindergarten countdown
During the month of January, schools across Hillsborough County will be hosting “Kindergarten Countdown.”

If your child will be entering kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year, you will want to attend a Countdown event. These events will offer students and families a firsthand look at kindergarten life, and offer an opportunity to get acquainted with the school’s campus and teachers.

Parents who are able to bring documentation to the event will be able to register at that time.

For a list of items needed for registration and a Countdown schedule, visit SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Stay connected
To receive Pasco County Schools announcements through SMS text messaging to your mobile phone, text “Y” to the number, 67587.

Be sure the school has your mobile phone number on file.

You will receive a confirmation message from the school’s messaging system

You can unsubscribe at any time by texting the word “STOP” TO 67587.

Remember to create a contact in your phone with the name of the school and the phone number, 67587.

Message and data rates may apply.

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 .

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

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

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

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.