The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Author signings

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Madonna Jervis Wise, author of “Images of America Wesley Chapel,” will be at these locations for book signings.

  • May 5 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105. Coffee will be served.

• May 7 at the dedication ceremony for confederate soldier John Gaines Lanier at the Dade City Cemetery, followed by a carry-in dinner and book signing at Mable Jordan Barn at the Florida Pioneer Museum. Guests should bring a covered dish and a folding chair. There will be Confederacy/Seminole War III re-enactors and Scottish bagpipes. For information, email Wise at

05/05/2016 – Preservation society

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The Historic Hernando Preservation Society will meet on May 5 at 6:30 p.m., at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave., in Brooksville. The guest speaker will be Dr. Steve Noll from the University of Florida on “Florida Since 1945.” For information, visit HistoricHernandoPreservationSociety.com, or email .

 

05/05/2016 – Social seniors

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “Social Seniors” on May 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, with guest speaker attorney Maurice Fellers. Fellers will give a talk on free legal services available to seniors, age 55 and older. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Voting for delegates

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Voting for delegates

The Pasco County Democratic Party has announced that voting for the election of five district delegates who will represent Florida’s Congressional District 12 at the Democratic National Convention will take place on May 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Two locations will be open on both dates: USEP Headquarters, 21322 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3060 U.S. 19 in Holiday. All registered Democrats residing within the 2014’s Congressional District 12 boundaries are eligible to vote.

 

05/08/2016 – Free park concert

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The Florida Orchestra will perform a free “Pops in the Park” concert on May 8 at 7:30 p.m., at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. There will be music from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” The Beatles, Antonin Dvorak, Johann Strauss, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The guest conductor will be Christian Baldini. Canned goods will be collected for Tampa Bay Harvest’s annual food drive.

05/07/2016 – Wind ensemble concert

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The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble will have its spring concert on May 7 at 7 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 37015 Orange Valley Lane in Dade City. Admission is free, but donations of canned food will be accepted to help stock the church’s food pantry. For information, call Glenn Weatherly at (813) 482-8785.

05/06/2016 – Document shredding

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Shred360, Feeding Tampa Bay and 10 News WTSP will host a free document shredding event on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of Muvico Starlight 20, 18002 Highwoods Preserve Parkway in New Tampa. Participants may bring up to three small boxes or small bags of items to be shredded. There is no need to remove or separate binders, clips, rubber bands, wire folders, CDs or DVDs. Donations of dry cereal, cereal/breakfast bars, Pop Tarts and oatmeal also will be accepted for the Cereal for Summer program to help hungry children in the Tampa Bay area. For information, call (813) 944-2223

Chalk Talk 04/27/2016

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Women who have ‘broken the ceiling’
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at University Campus hosted its second Criminal Justice Speaker Showcase on April 7. The guest speakers were women who have advanced in their law enforcement careers. All the speakers advised the students and adult learners to follow their passion, continue their education, and to read and keep learning.

Timothy Beard inauguration
Pasco-Hernando State College will host inaugural events with the theme “Defeating the Odds…Achieving the Dream” for Dr. Timothy Beard’s investiture.
• May 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., “Celebrating the Dream” at Grace World Outreach Church, 20366 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville
• May 6 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., presidential inauguration at the West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey; 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., celebration reception in the physical fitness center at the West Campus
Guests are encouraged to bring a new or lightly used book – or any bookstore gift certificate – to any event to benefit students in need at local schools.
For information, visit PHSC.edu/inauguration.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration is scheduled for May 2, at all district elementary schools.
Families interested in preregistering children should contact the school in their area for details about orientation activities and times. For a list of schools with addresses and phone numbers, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/schools. A link to school attendance boundaries also can be found on the page.
Preregistration requirements include:
• Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016
• Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birthdate

  • Health examination – HRS Form 3040
  • HRS Certificate of Immunization
  • Proof of Florida residency, such as current utility bill (electric, water, etc.), lease agreement, driver’s license, or state ID card

For information about kindergarten, call Courtney Lough at (813) 794-2780, (727) 774-2780 or (352) 524-2780.

Art night at Locke Elementary
Mittye P. Locke Elementary School, 4339 Evans Ave., in New Port Richey, will host an art night on May 5 at 5:30 p.m., to showcase a 30-minute Odyssey of the Mind team performance as a fundraiser for the team’s upcoming trip.
The team recently won the state championship and will attend the World Finals at Iowa State University.
Donations will be accepted in lieu of an admission fee.
For information, call Tisha Newton at (727) 458-9690.

Register for summer terms
Registration for three summer sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway. Currently enrolled and returning students should register as soon as possible. The summer course schedule is online at Info.PHSC.edu/course-schedule.
New students interested in taking summer or fall classes should apply online at PHSC.edu/admissions.
Summer sessions include one 10-week term and two six-week terms. Term IIIA and Term III begin on May 9. Term IIIB begins on June 21.
Students who do not register before the first day of classes will incur a late registration fee of $20.
For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Local residents inducted to Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
These local residents were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi:

  • Stephanie Balasco of Odesssa, The University of Tampa
  • Tyler Hernandez of Lutz, UT
  • Cary Bame of Lutz, Florida State University
  • Emily Higgins of Lutz, FSU
  • Todd Nanni of Lutz, FSU
  • Morgan Austin of Lutz, University of South Florida
  • Joseph Brackin of Lutz, USF
  • Katlyn Dady of Lutz, USF
  • Stephen Herkert of Lutz, USF

Primrose School receives accreditation
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, has been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.
As an accredited center, the school has been recognized as an early care and education program exemplifying excellence in the care of young children. Primrose School provides a high-quality program for children, professional development opportunities for staff, and an environment for children that is conducive to individual growth and development that exceeds state licensing requirements.
The accreditation process includes a self-study by administrators, staff and parents, and an onsite observation by an early childhood professional.
For information, visit EarlyLearningLeaders.org.

50-year class reunion
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.
If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.

 

 

 

Health News 04/27/2016

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(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)
(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

Handmade with care
Women from the Silver Sneakers program at James P. Gills YMCA delivered handmade blankets and shawls to the patients at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill. There were pink crocheted blankets and shawls for the women, and brown blankets for the men. The group left extra blankets for incoming patients, as well as bags of toiletry supplies. From left, Nancy Frazier, Lori Fridy, Glenda Hunter, Arline Kovacs and Gulfside representative Jennifer Chianella.

Campbell is employee of the year
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has recognized Corey Campbell, registered nurse, neuro spine, as its ninth annual Employee of the Year. Campbell exemplifies employee excellence and was recommended by the Employee Advisory Group. The employee is chosen from each of the hospital’s employees of the month.
Campbell received a $250 cash gift award, a front-row parking space for a year, and a plaque in his honor.
The employees of the month for 2015 were: Teresa Beck, Corey Campbell, Keith Cotter, Diana Henry, Gregory Howard, Michael Madden, Michael Wayne McDaniel, Charles Parker, Susan Schillace, Gina Tannenbaum and Anna Van Zyl.

Crisis center adds board members
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Board of Directors has elected four new members.
• Roger Boothroyd, professor at the University of South Florida’s Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, College of Behavioral Community Sciences
• Nancy Sternitzky, vice president Technology Solutions & Program Management at GTE Financial
• Timothy J. Sweeney, of Sweeney Interventions
• Dr. Kaley Tash, USF Health Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine
For information on the nonprofit center, visit CrisisCenter.com.

Ombudsman advocates needed
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Hillsborough County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
Training and certification are provided, and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.
Candidates need to: enjoy working with seniors and those with disabilities; volunteer 20 hours a month; pass a background check (paid for by the program); complete certification training; communicate well; attend a monthly meeting.
Those interested in becoming an ombudsman, can visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com, or call (888) 831-0404.

National Donate Life Month
April is the federally sanctioned Donate Life Month. Throughout the month, LifeLink of Florida honors the spirit of those individuals who make transplants possible – organ, tissue and eye donors.
One organ donor can potentially save the lives of eight people, and improve the lives of dozens more through tissue donation. Donation places no financial burden on the donor’s family. People of all ages can choose to donate. Donation is supported by all major religions as a personal choice and act of generosity.
For more information on organ and tissue donation, call (800) 262-5775, or visit LifeLinkFoundation.org.

Free neuropathy clinic
A free, volunteer-run clinic is open for the education and support of people who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.
CARE TampaBay provides education and support in the following areas: coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management. The clinic is available by appointment only, and is now taking appointments for May and June.
For more information and appointments, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .

Strength & balance class
The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, will host the “Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance Class” on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
These are low-impact classes for men and women to help improve flexibility and balance, which may help prevent falls, broken hips and other injuries. Strength exercises may include lifting handheld weights, using tubing, and your own body resistance and core muscles.
The classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 per session ($30 per calendar month) for non-members.
For information, contact Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984 or .

Center for veterans
The Pasco County Vet Center, 5139 Deer Park Drive in New Port Richey, provides counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, and resources for benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.
The center is open Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some Saturday appointments are available.
All services are confidential and provided at no cost to the veteran and family members.
To learn more, or to schedule a tour of the facility, call (727) 372-1854.
Information is also available at www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Lutz Nar-Anon family group
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. The 12-step program offers shared experiences, strength and hope.
The Lutz Nar-Anon group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.
For information on the program, visit NarAnonFl.org, or call the help line at (888) 947-8885.