The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

12/16/2015 – Mobile Vet Center in Dade City

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A Mobile Vet Center will be available at the Veterans Service Office, 37255 Florida Ave., in Dade City, on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A readjustment counselor and benefits officer will be available to provide counseling services to veterans. Services provided include counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, and resource availability. For information, call (727) 372-1854.

Lions club hosts food drive

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The Wesley Chapel Lions Club will host a food drive, collecting nonperishable and canned goods, through Jan. 15. The drop-off location is Sweet Darling Quilts, 26240 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in the Grand Oaks Plaza, in Lutz. The hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The club is also accepting eyeglass donations (no eyeglass cases) for children and adults who can’t afford them. Ted Whalen, Wesley Chapel Lions Club president, is shown making a donation to the eyeglass box. For information, call Deborah Amyotte at (813) 708-4282.

Chalk Talk 12/09/2015

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Toy drive for Mort Elementary
The Children’s Home Society of Florida is hosting a “Holiday Toy Drive” for students at Mort Elementary, on Bearss Avenue in Tampa. The drive’s goal is to collect 1,500 toys for more than 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Donations can be dropped off at Joshua House, 1515 Michelin Court in Lutz on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those donating should ask for Rachelle Duroseau.

For information, visit CHSFL.org/HolidayDrive, or email Duroseau at .

All-stars football classic
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hosting the 2015 Pasco County East-West Classic, showcasing the best players from every position and school. It will feature “the best of the East” versus “the best of the West.” The event will be on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call Amy Lipovetsky at (813) 794-2112.

Saint Leo hosts info session
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52, will offer an information session on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., in the School of Business building.

The session is designed for working adults and those just starting a college career to explore the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree programs.

To RSVP, call (352) 588-7544.

Magnet school offers tours
Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will offer school tours on Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, to show parents and prospective students the programs and facilities.

Principal Jason Petry and staff will lead parents through each grade level area, the collaboration center, outdoor classroom areas, boardwalk, and athletic facilities. Sanders is Pasco County’s first magnet school and was designed to focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

For information, call Kristie Newsome at (813) 794-1500.

Honor roll students recognized
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill has recognized the following students to make honor roll for the first quarter: Jacob Alcantara, Carissa Brand, Bryson Carroll, Raymond Cordova, Brielle Downing, Sean Florendo, Jake Hracho, Hannah Holliday, Logan Janning, Madison Janning, Danielle Jones, Michael Keough, Joseph Mastrino, Stephen McGowan-Iannone, Charles Nyberg, Owen Ryan and Alexis Singh.

All students are members of Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Land O’ Lakes.

ROTC program grows at Saint Leo
After the revitalization of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program at Saint Leo University, the school now offers two college programs for students who are training to become military officers.

The renewed Air Force ROTC joins the existing U.S. Army ROTC program.

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the United States, prepares students to becoming commissioned Air Force officers while earning college degrees.

The AFROTC offers a variety of scholarships to relieve the financial burden of a college education. Full and partial scholarships are available and cover tuition and most lab fees, an annual textbook allowance, and a monthly cash stipend. Certain scholarships have specific requirements.

For information on the Air Force ROTC, contact Adam Beck at (813) 974-0147 or .

For information on the Army ROTC, contact Fernando Sostre Aleman at (352) 588-8685 or .

USF students win composition contest
Two University of South Florida composition students were winners in the “mini music demo” competition, sponsored by The Florida Orchestra and the USF School of Music, for their unique arrangements of classic holiday carols.

Hooman Rafraf won for his arrangement of “Fum, Fum, Fum” for woodwinds, and Francesco Sclafani for his orchestration of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” arranged for strings.

The orchestra will perform the winning pieces during the 27th annual Children’s Holiday Concerts, presented by The Steinbrenner Family Foundation and the New York Yankees, Dec. 8 through Dec. 10.

Sunlake teen helps move against tobacco
MyKenzie Robertson of Sunlake High School has been named the vice chair of the Youth Advocacy Board for Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).

The vice chair’s responsibilities include communicating information from the statewide program to the members of SWAT in Florida, and working with the chair to ensure that the YAB is meeting set goals and objectives.

SWAT aims to empower, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against Big Tobacco and take a stand through education and action.

Members of the SWAT Youth Advocacy Board will serve a term through June 30, 2016.

Medicare help

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A representative from Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders will be at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, to answer questions regarding Medicare. SHINE is a statewide, volunteer-based program that offers free Medicare and health insurance education, counseling and assistance to people with Medicare, and their families and caregivers. For information, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

Infant CPR course

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The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the American Heart Association’s “CPR for Family and Friends” on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission is free. For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Breast-feeding support

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The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a free breast-feeding class on Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The focus will be on fundamentals and how to access support. Reservations are required. For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Stress reduction group

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Florida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road in Trinity, will have a stress reduction support group meeting Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group is free to anyone who feels overwhelmed at times, is struggling to find a balance in life, or just wants a place to express feelings with those going through similar experiences. Stress can be work or school related, relationship stress, caregiver stress, illness or health stress, parenting or family stress, or financial stress. For information, call (727) 808-4818.

Health News 12/09/2105

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(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)
(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Gregory Howard is employee of the month
In October, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point honored registered nurse Greg Howard as its employee of the month. Howard works in telemetry monitoring and genuinely cares about each of his patients’ well being during their hospital stay and after discharge. He has been known to pay for cabs for his patients if they don’t have a ride home. Howard is a team player that makes sure all his patients have what is necessary. At the presentation for Howard (center) were, from left, Dajana Yoakley, Geoff Washburn, Kurt Conover, Sherry Collins, Tanya Simpson, Shalin Shah and Shayne George.

Oak Hill Hospital boasts more than 100 board certified nurses
In July of 2014, Oak Hill Hospital, in Brooksville, encouraged all of its registered nurses to become board certified in the area of their choice by Dec. 31, 2015. The team set a goal of having 100 nurses earn board certification. As of Oct. 1, 110 nurses have achieved the certification.

As part of the challenge, Oak Hill Hospital offered to pay for any eligible RN to receive the certification, which included a study guide, the exam and one re-test; and provide the nurse additional compensation for the certification equal to an annual increase of more than $3,000.

Children’s Home Society a healthy place to work
The Children’s Home Society of Florida has been named one of the healthiest 100 workplaces in America by Healthiest Employer at the Corporate Health and Wellness Associations Annual Corporate Wellness Conference and Employer Healthcare and Benefits Congress.

Since 2006, the organization’s wellness program has promoted healthy lifestyle habits for employees. It has expanded to include challenges, screenings and clinics, workshops, benefits fairs and more. In 2014, the program had 73 percent employee participation.

Gulfside welcomes new board member
Leigh Massengill, currently serving as the CEO of Medical Center of Trinity, has joined the board of directors that overseas operations at Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care.

Massengill has worked in the health care field for 40 years since earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration with certification in Healthcare Administration from the University of Miami.

In addition to joining the board, Massengill has served eight years on the board of CARES, a nonprofit community agency providing services to seniors, and serves on the board of the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation.

Massengill lives in Odessa with her husband, Tom. They have three children.

12/19/2015 – Model train show & sale

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Golden Spike Enterprises’ 14th Tampa Model Train Show and Sale will take place Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. There will be more than 350 dealers, eight working layouts, displays, clinics and more. Admission is $8, good for both days. Children younger than 12 are free. There is a parking charge. For discount coupons, go to GSERR.com.

12/19/2015 – Kid’s clothing exchange

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The “Secondhand Savior’s Children’s Clothing Exchange” will take place Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cheers 54, 36616 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. Bring in gently used kids clothing from baby to teen sizes in exchange for what your kids’ need, for free. If you have nothing to exchange, local families who need help still can attend. To just donate, without attending, call Tami Dee Beverlin at (813) 602-4490 for pick up.