The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

02/04/2016 – Woodworking 101

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “Woodworking 101” on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 16 and older. Participants can learn about power tools in the library’s makerspace, and do a small woodworking project. A signed liability waiver is required, and a dress code must be followed for safety. To register, call (813) 929-1214.

02/04/2016 – Monster Jam events

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On Feb. 4, two Monster Jam events will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  • The Talk Time Store, 21631 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes, will host the Son-Uva Digger Monster Truck and crew. There also will be free food and beverages, music, giveaways and family activities. Admission and parking are free. For information, call (813) 948-2088.
  • Parks Ford, 28739 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a “Monster Jam Truck Meet & Greet.” Visitors can register to win free tickets to the Monster Jam and free pit passes, while supplies last.

02/04/2016 – Social Seniors

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “Social Seniors” on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, for adults age 55 and older. The group will meet for coffee, cake and conversation. Participants can offer programming suggestions, or just meet new friends, discuss common interests, and take part in recreational activities. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

02/04/2016 – Driver safety program

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St. James United Methodist Church, 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa, will host the AARP Driver Safety Course on Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. The cost is $15 for AARP members, and $20 for non-members. For information and to register, call (813) 971-4790.

Florida State Fair

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The Florida State Fair will run through Feb. 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N, in Tampa. Gates open on weekdays at 10 a.m., and on weekends at 9 a.m. Tickets for adults age 12 and older Monday through Friday are $11, and $13 on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for for ages 6 to 11 Monday through Friday are $6, and $7 on Saturday and Sunday. Seniors age 55 and older are $9. Discounts are available on advance purchases. For information, visit FloridaStateFair.com.

02/06/2016 – Mommy & Me Valentine’s fun

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Beauty Accent Studios, 1528 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 102, in Lutz, will host hour-long “Mommy & Me” pamper sessions on Feb. 6. Both mom (and grandma, aunt or special friend) and girl will be treated to professional makeovers that include makeup, nail polish and hairstyle updos. There also will be professional glamour photos. The cost is $25 for two, for a one-hour, private session. For reservations and information, call (813) 803-7375.

02/08/2016 – Federal employees meeting

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The NARFE Chapters 583 and 1588 will meet on Feb. 8 at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 8928 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. All federal retirees and active federal employees can attend. There will be a buffet lunch at noon, followed by the meeting at 1 p.m. There will be a discussion of issues relevant to active and retired federal employees. For information, call (727) 845-5545.

02/09/2016 – Zephyrhills Art Club

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The Zephyrhills Art Club will meet on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., at Alice Hall in Zephyr Park, on Fifth Avenue. The guest will be Bonnie Phillips, artist and instructor. Members are invited to bring a painting for the monthly mini show’s theme “outside water.” Attendees will vote, and ribbons will be given to the winners. Also, on Feb. 13, members will be painting inside at the Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave. For information, call (813) 780-8562.

Chalk Talk 01/27/2016

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Lacoochee students to learn street hockey
The East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills has partnered with the Tampa Bay Lightning and JP Morgan Chase for “Street Lightning Presented by Chase Bank” on Jan. 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., inside the Y’s gymnasium.

Up to 80 students from Lacoochee Elementary School will participate in the program that teaches the rules of hockey, team participation, teamwork and sportsmanship. Math and science also will be worked into the lessons.

Pasco Honor Choir Concert
The Pasco Honor Choir Concert will take place Jan. 30 at 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.
The concert will feature both the middle and high school Honor Choirs.

Land O’ Lakes Christian open house
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Jan. 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call Melissa Ackerson at (813) 995-9040.

Application deadline for STEM magnet schools is Jan. 31
The application period for Pasco County Schools’ two new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) middle magnet schools — Bayonet Point and Centennial — ends Jan. 31. The deadline for Sanders is the same day.

Applicants can access the application on the district website at PascoSchools.org, by clicking on the banner for the two STEM middle magnet schools. Families should complete a separate application for each child.

Student selection will be based on a randomized lottery. Those selected for acceptance into a magnet school will be notified on Feb. 12. The offer to accept a school invitation will be sent via email, and families will have six business days to respond. Invitations will be sent until all available magnet seats are filled.

Saint Leo mathematics contest
Saint Leo University will host the free American Mathematics Contest on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m., for students in ninth and 10th grade. The contestants will be asked to solve problems using algebra and geometry concepts, within a 75-minute timeframe. The 25 questions will be presented in a multiple-choice format.

The competition is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America to identify, encourage and reward interest in math.

To participate, email Monika Kiss at , with “AMC” in the subject line.

The test will take place in TECO Hall, in the Donald R. Tapia School of Business building, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

CDS to host TEDx event
Carrrollwood Day School, 1515 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, will host “TEDxCarrollwoodDaySchool” on Feb. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, in the CDS theater. The theme of the event is “Create, Engage, Innovate.”

TED (technology, entertainment, design) is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. The speakers will include inspiring adults and students.

All CDS middle and high school students will attend the event. A limited number of guest tickets are available to the community, on a first- come, first- served basis. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

For information and tickets, visit CarrollwoodDaySchool.org, and click on the “community” link.

Open house at St. Anthony’s
St. Anthony Catholic School, 32902 St. Anthony Way (formerly Massachusetts Avenue) in San Antonio, will host an open house Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For information, call (352) 588-3041.

Steinbrenner hosts teen panel
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will host “The World of a Teen” on Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the auditorium.

A panel of experts will touch on the challenges facing today’s teens, including dating, drugs, alcohol, stress, social media, peer pressure and more.

There also will be a general PTSA meeting at 5:30 p.m., preceding the program.

Free math circle program
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, is offering its free, weekly Math Circle program for area middle and high school students. The program includes hands-on activities that engage young people and help them sustain an enthusiasm for mathematics.

Sessions are on Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., through May 12 in Lewis Hall, Room 207. There will be no class on March 17, due to Spring Break.

For information, contact Monika Kiss at (352) 588-8836 or .

Chamber honors students
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce has supported more than 1,500 students for more than 15 years with the help of its business and school partners.

These students and programs were recognized in November and December.

Turn Around Student Program, Denham Oaks Elementary School; Gabriella Kokoszka, Lake Myrtle Elementary; Jeff Weight, Land O’ Lakes Christian; Hailey Stircker, Oakstead Elementary; Arjay Todd and Jayden Waynick, Odessa Elementary; Tabitha Vinson, Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School; Leroygotti Thomas, Shady Hills Elementary; Kayla Lamb, Charles S. Rushe Middle; Kyle Clark, Pepin Academy Pasco; Jarell Caballer, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High; Bethashley Cajuste, Land O’ Lakes High; Peer Mediator Program, Pine View Elementary; #IBStrong, Pine View Middle; and Connerton Elementary, Sunlake High and Odessa Christian.

Health News 01/27/2016

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Gulfside welcomes new board member
John “Skip” Skairus, currently serving as senior vice president and commercial banking manager for CenterState Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Gulfside Hospital & Pasco Palliative Care.

Skairus attained his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of South Florida, and has extensive experience as a commercial banker and area executive. He has grown his career at CenterState Bank, Central Bank, Wachovia Bank, AmSouth Bank, and Fidelity Information Services.

Skairus has served on the board of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce since 2011, twice as the treasurer and currently as the Economic Development and Government Affairs liaison. He is an original and current member of the Pasco Economic Development Council Microloan Committee, and a past member of the Dade City Rotary Club and Leadership Pasco Class of 2005.

Skairus has been a resident of Pasco County since 1981 and currently lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife, Lynn, and two daughters.

Hospital recognizes employees
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized the following Employees of the Month.

  • October: Diane Henry, registered nurse. Henry was honored for her leadership, patient advocacy, her genuine compassion for patients, family members and staff, and her professionalism.
  • November: Keith Cotter, lead exercise physiologist. Kotter was honored for his willingness to help and to the extra mile for his coworkers and his patients. He has a reputation for kindness and generosity.

All Employees of the Month receive a pin, a blanket gift, a reception with refreshments for his or her colleagues, a front row parking spot for one month, and a $50 gift card.