The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 07/04/2018

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Competition challenges students’ creativity
EnergyWhiz is all about clean energy and creative kids. Every year, hundreds of students converge at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa to participate in renewable energy-themed events.

Jacob Salmon and Tabur Salmon demonstrate their first-place winning entry in the EnergyWhiz Solar Energy Cook-off. The third member of their Sun Food team, Thomas Cui, could not attend due to a conflict in his swimming schedule. (Courtesy of Nick Waters)

Students from Martinez Middle School in Lutz placed in several categories.

Teams of two to six students working in teams designed and built solar cookers for the Solar Energy Cook-Off, using digital or infrared thermometers to help ensure food was safe for testing. The teams created an original dish of food for the competition.

Martinez’s team, Sun Food, won first place for Best Design-Yellow Division, as well as the Wow! Award.

The school’s cook-off team of the Three Amigos earned second place in the Culinary Award category and third place in Best Design-Yellow Division.

And, the California Kings team earned third place in the Junior Solar Sprint-Green Division. Even though the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, the sprint cars were still able to race. Battery backup is now an essential part of a car’s design.

For information on the annual challenge, visit EnergyWhiz.com.

Find Your Future
Hope Services will host “Finding Your Future,” a game plan for life after high school, July 9 to July 13 and July 16; and, July 23 to July 26 and July 30, at St. James United Methodist Church, 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa.

This camp, for students with IEPs or 504 plans, will have classroom modules and community experiences to topics such as confidence building, communication, decision-making, goal setting and problem solving.

For information and registration, visit HopeServicesOnline.com.

Scholarships awarded
The Columbiettes of Our Lady of the Rosary Auxiliary 8104, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes, announced the recipients of its 2018 scholarships.

The students receiving the awards are Bianca Alejandro, Emily Bendert, Kelly Hutson, Haylee Martinez, Reney Santos and Rebecca Urbanas.

Holly Brown wins fine arts award
Holly Peyton Brown, a 2018 graduate at The Broach School in Zephyrhills, was awarded the Nereim Fine Arts Award from the Heritage Arts Center Association.

Heritage Arts is a local nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the performing and visual arts in the community.

Brown is an artist and writer who has studied art privately for more than six years. Her paintings have been featured for the past four years at the annual “Moonlight and Ivory” concert and art show at the Dade City Women’s Club.

Brown also is a past recipient of the Pasco Library Arts Award. She is currently working on her second children’s book, which combines the Anime illustrative style with history.

In addition to a certificate, Brown received a $1,000 check at The Broach School’s graduation ceremony.

Local graduates
These students from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have graduated from their respective schools this spring.

Gianna Basulto (Land O’ Lakes), earned an Associate of Science in pre-health pro from Andrew College, Cuthbert, Georgia.

Students from Lutz receiving degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) were: Emily Harriott, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Jalisa White, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Madeline Quinn, Bachelor of Arts, College of Education; Montana Knight, Bachelor of Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Gregory Zielinski, Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering; and, Andrew McNutt, Bachelor of Science, Lutgert College of Business.

Florida Gulf Coast also handed out degrees to these Odessa students: Calvin Daily, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; David Geagan, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Samantha Yarish, Bachelor of Arts, College of Education; Sebastian Shindel, Bachelor of Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Wyatt Baggett, Bachelor of Science, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering; and, Carter Hargreaves, Master of Science, Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

Also graduating from FGCU were Trinity students Annalese Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; and, Bernadette Petika, Bachelor of Science, Lutgert College of Business.

Other Lutz graduates:
Jessica Chung earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice from Samford University, Ida Moffett School of Nursing.

Stuart Hernandez received a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Victor Alexander Monteith received his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas.

Casey Muse received a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Katie Quintana earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia.

Emily Schwitzgebel graduated from The College of Wooster, in Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She also was a member of the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and the COWBelles, a female a capella group.

Madison Stevens graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

Wesley Chapel students:
Davon Henry earned a Bachelor of Science in Management at Missouri Valley College.

Krista Widler received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration-Management from Peru State College in Nebraska.

Odessa students:
Phebe Albert received a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University.

Kelly R. Barry earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Clemson University in South Carolina.

Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe also graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Brianna Honeywell received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Pasco Pupper Pirates

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Boscia, Ozzie and Winston are on the high seas. Alfred Mattor and Lupita Salinas are new to Wesley Chapel, recently arriving from Kingston, New York. Ozzie (poodle mix) was rescued from Seattle; Boscia (red doxie) was rescued from New York; and, the newest furbaby, Winston (brindle piebald doxie) came from Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes in March.  Winston was heartworm positive, but the staff at the shelter are working hard to treat him. The trio will ‘sea’ you out on the water!

Picking up the scraps

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Sharon Thompson, of Wesley Chapel, found this winged friend eating bits of an ice cream cone in the parking lot at Seven Oaks Market Square. Birds seem to always be hanging around waiting for a morsel.

Mandy is a survivor

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Mandy is a champion Australian Shepherd and was rescued when she was 9 months old. Mandy was beaten and abused if she barked or wanted to play. Her previous owner gave her limited food and water, and no toys. A neighbor convinced the man to give Mandy a chance at freedom. Bob Halczyn’s puppy needed a playmate, so when the puppy’s trainer told him Mandy’s story, he knew he had to make room for her in his family’s home and hearts. Today, Mandy is spoiled a little, eats well and plays in the yard. She loves her stuffed animals, daily walks, training and cuddling at night with her mommy. Mandy enjoys being part of the Halczyn family, of Wesley Chapel, who are blessed to have adopted such a sweet, beautiful, kind fur-baby.

Water play

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Eddy Miranda, from Asbel Creek in Land O’ Lakes, took this diving dolphin shot off Anclote Key in the Tarpon Springs area. Miranda also captured this photo of an underwater manatee in Homossassa Springs.

A slithering reptile

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Sandra Vann, of Lutz, saw this yellow rat snake crawling up a tree and snapped the photo from the boardwalk at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa.

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that raise their body temperature by lying in the sun or lower it by crawling into the shade.

Health News 06/20/2018

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(Courtesy of Oak Hill Hospital)

Quilts provide some extra care
The ‘Quilting With Grace’ group, from Grace Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill, presented Oak Hill Hospital’s Pediatric ER with four handmade quilts to be given to young children in need who are experiencing a traumatic event and need some additional tender loving care. Members of the group share the quilts with Kim Loucks, ER and Pediatric ER director (right).

 

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

President’s Service Award
Harriet Prager, a volunteer at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, received the President’s Call to Service Award Certificate, from the office of the President of the United States. Prager began volunteering in 1999 and has more than 17,000 hours of service. She currently volunteers at the post-anesthesia care unit and is serving on the awards committee for the Volunteer Association. Prager also served on the association’s scholarship committee, helped with special projects, was on the board of directors for the Volunteer Association, and a board member of Suncoast Health & Education Foundation.

 

 

 

Club makes comfort pillows
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club had a “Stuffing Party” to finish its assembly line project of cutting, sewing and finishing 160 comfort pillows for women recuperating after breast cancer surgery.

The pillows were delivered by Margee Carpenter, project chair, to the Women’s Center at Florida Hospital.

For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Access Health opens new office
Access Health Care Physicians has opened a new office in Zephyrhills for cardiology services, at 7323 Green Slope Drive.

Dr. Vinod Raxwal is board certified in cardiology, interventional cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He specializes in interventional cardiology.

Raxwal also has locations in Hudson and New Port Richey.

For information, call (813) 333-5754.

Hospital hands out awards
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recently handed out the following awards:

  • Joe D’Amari: 2017 Male Volunteer of the Year
  • Carol Del Santo: 2017 Female Volunteer of the Year
  • Adrian Borel: Quarter of a Century of Service (27 years)
  • Al Del Santo: Quarter of a Century of Service (27 years)
  • Carol Del Santo: Quarter of a Century of Service (28 years)
  • Shirley Stibal: Quarter of a Century of Service (29 years)
  • Charlotte Craven: Volunteer Star Award, first quarter 2018
  • Janet Day: Volunteer Star Award, first quarter 2018
  • Sharon McTeer: Volunteer Star Award, first quarter 2018
  • Crystal Drilea: Excellence in Nursing Professional Mentoring
  • Gwenn Hartley: Excellence in Nursing Compassionate Care

Chalk Talk 06/20/2018

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(Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

Students of the Month
Nine students from across the community were honored during the last presentation of the school year as the Greater Zephyrhills Students of the Month. Those being recognized included: Marcus Moncada, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Angelina Zaccagnino, The Broach School; Christian Clement, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Jacob Stoughenger, Heritage Academy; Emma Scudder, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Nava Schuler, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Avery Barba, Woodland Elementary; Jenna Adams, Zephyrhills High; and Luke Gagnon, Hope Ranch Learning Academy.

Graduation surprise
Mayah Jaramillo, a student at Weightman Middle School, received a surprise at her eighth-grade promotion ceremony.

Her brother, Air Force Airman E-2 Joel Jaramillo joined her on stage when Mayah’s name was called for graduation on May 25.

Mayah hadn’t seen Joel, a 2015 Wiregrass Ranch High graduate, all school year. For the previous three years, her brother always drove her to school on the first day.

Assistant Principal Andressa Williams and Maya’s mom planned the surprise.

Saint Leo Summer Fest
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, is hosting Summer Fest on June 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the university’s main campus.

The event gives families and prospective students an opportunity to enjoy a day of music, food, fun and sun. The event is open to students who have committed to attending the university this fall, to students who are still making their college decision and to students who may be interested in attending the university in the future.

The event is free.

For information, email .

Zephyrhills High reunion
The 48th annual ZHS Alumni, Teachers & Friends Reunion will take place June 24 at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road.

Doors open at noon, with a potluck luncheon at 1 p.m., followed by announcements and recognitions at 2:30 p.m.

The reunion is for anyone who attended, taught at or worked at any of the Zephyrhills schools, from elementary through high school, and their families.

Dress is casual. No registration required. Admission is free.

Guests should bring a covered dish to share.

For information, contact Clereen Morrill Brunty at (813) 782-8763 or .

Pasco Schools discussion
The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters will host “The Status of our Pasco Schools” June 26 at 6:30 p.m., at Stagecoach Clubhouse, 3632 Mossy Oak Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

There will be pizza and fellowship starting at 6 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Kurt Browning, Pasco County superintendent of schools.

Topics will include school safety, arming teachers, funding issues, and the league’s position on charter schools. There also will be a question-and-answer session.

To RSVP, email names of attendees to Sally Wilson, , by noon on June 25.

Studying abroad
Katie Wynn, of Lutz, was busy packing up for the summer to join 700 Belmont University students in one of 43 faculty-led Maymester and Summer Study Abroad experiences across the world.

The programs provide students with the opportunity to expand the classroom beyond the traditional experience, by visiting places they have never been, seeing historical sites and spending time delving into new cultures.

A few of the new, added programs this summer from the Office of Study Abroad are: Acting and its origins in Belfast and London; examining the history and psychology of sport in Scotland; and, understanding service learning through live sound in South Africa and Zambia.

Throughout the summer, students and faculty will document their travels on social media.

Follow #BelmontAbroad to see frequent updates.

Local achievements
Students from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have achieved the following:

  • Calee Ash (Lutz), Harding University Dean’s List: nutrition and dietetics
  • Kelsey Bognar (Lutz), Hofstra University (New York) Dean’s List
  • Kallie Cook (Odessa), Tallahassee Community College President’s List
  • Natalie Dambrosio (Lutz), Tallahassee Community College President’s List
  • Megan Everett (Lutz), Tallahassee Community College Dean’s List
  • Critina Filippone (Odessa), Tallahassee Community College President’s List
  • Elena Filippone (Odessa), Tallahassee Community College President’s List
  • Brycie Gauthier (Lutz), Oklahoma City University Dean’s Honor Roll
  • Rachael Martin (Odessa), Tallahassee Community College President’s List
  • Carolyne Rogers (Odessa), Tallahassee Community College Dean’s List
  • Summer Solovitch (Dade City), Missouri Valley College Dean’s List: exercise science
  • Sarah Sprague (Lutz), Berry College (Georgia) Dean’s List
  • Madison Stevens (Lutz), Harding University (Arkansas) Dean’s List: marketing
  • Heather Tumminia (Lutz), Tallahassee Community College President’s List

Student volunteers
Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores are looking for teen volunteers for the summer months.

  • Hours count toward the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship community service requirement. Colleges look for well-rounded applicants, and volunteers can show a good use of their time, as well as being a person who cares about others.
  • Volunteering helps to develop character, new skills and confidence. It also can lead to a great work ethic down the road.

For information and store locations, contact Anne Ferrell at (813) 357-5321 or .

Day school turns 50
Independent Day School/Corbett Prep is turning 50 and looking for alumni who attended the Independent Day School in Tampa for an anniversary celebration scheduled for Aug. 18.

The school is asking for stories and photos from former students who were enrolled anytime between the school’s founding in 1968 to the present day.

To share memories, help with planning or attend the event, email Lisa Herscovici at , or join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/IDS50.

Independent Day School changed its name to Corbett Prep in 2012 and is located at 12015 Orange Grove Drive in Carrollwood.

For information, call (813) 961-3087.

Spoonbills ‘feel’ for their prey

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Sandra Vann, of Lutz, snapped a photo of this Roseate Spoonbill at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa. Some consider the spoonbill to be a gorgeous bird, at a distance, but bizarre up-close. Spoonbills feed in shallow waters, walking forward slowly while they swing their heads from side to side, sifting the muck with their wide flat bill, detecting prey by feel.

A skillful mimic

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Sharon Thompson caught this mockingbird on a roof in Country Walk, down the street from where she lives, in Wesley Chapel. A mockingbird is ‘a skillful mimic and incorporates memorized phrases as part of its song.’ The bird can have dozens of songs in its repertoire, including an imitation of a frog or cricket. In just an hour of singing time, one mockingbird reportedly imitated 55 species of birds.