The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Donated computers help new homeowners

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office has donated computer workstations for new homeowners through Habitat for Humanity.

As part of the Hillsborough tax collector’s community outreach initiatives, Millan’s office has established a process to donate surplus obsolete equipment to nonprofit community partners aligning with the tax collector’s office mission and core values, according to a news release.

Last year, the office donated 200 surplus computer hard drives and computers to Computer Mentors of Tampa. This year, the office’s surplus included 25 all-in-one workstations. The tax collector worked with eSmart Recycling to refurbish the workstations to be made available for Habitat for Humanity.

eSmart Recycling has created a network of collection points and logistics partners to recycle their computers following the best industry standards, saving electronics from going to the landfill and using the proceeds to fund technology labs for kids worldwide who don’t have access to computers.

“The timing of this incredible donation was perfect! We were looking for a way to create sustainable homes scheduled to be built by Habitat for Humanity to come with a refurbished computer for the new families,” said Tony Selvaggio, CEO of eSmart Recycling, in the release.

“Thanks to the tax collector’s donation, we can now commit to 10 homes,” said Selvaggio.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, visit HabitatHillsborough.org.

For more information about eSmart Recycling, visit eSmartRecycling.com.

Published February 15, 2023

Chalk Talk 02/15/2023

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David Peterson, crossing guard of the year (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

Crossing Guard Of The Year
Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced school crossing guard David Peterson was named Florida’s 2022 School Crossing Guard of the Year Award by the Florida Department of Transportation last week. Peterson currently is assigned to Starkey Ranch K-8 School in Odessa, and helps more than 500 students a day to cross to school safely and with a positive attitude. Peterson also reaches out to area preschools, offering to provide safe crossing presentations to students transitioning to elementary school next school year. He builds relationships with students, their parents and guardians and school staff to ensure everyone makes it to and from school safely.
PSO school crossing guards and traffic control officers play an extremely important role in the community, as they help students travel school routes safely and ensure drivers are cautious in school zones.

Reading Challenge
Pasco County Libraries offers a “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Reading Challenge, for ages up to 5 years old. Parents can sign up children to log books before going into kindergarten, to encourage early reading and literacy. For information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Student achievements

  • Jacquelyn Claire Abanses, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Trinity Alvarez-Wilson, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Skylar Barnes, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Cole Benjamin, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Averie Bennett, Odessa: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • William Brockman, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Robert Cooper, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
  • Matthew Daniels, Lutz: President’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Jamie Denney, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Alyssa Gomez, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Sarah Grossman, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Tristan Hilson, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Yazan Jesri, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Jaya Krishna Kappaganthula, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Tyler Knight, Odessa: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Michael Leonardo, Odessa: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Hope Lelekacs, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Michelle Loefstrand, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Asley Mantei, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Madison McElhone, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Ryleigh McElroy, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • James Moore, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Emma Morrison, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Samantha Park, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Miller Raeckers, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tallahassee Community College
  • Angelina Santana, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa
  • Adachi Selas, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Tampa

Robotic Rumble Rama
Pasco-Hernando State College will host the PHSC Bobcat Robotics Rumble Rama VRC Spin Up Tournament on Feb. 25 at 9 a.m., at its West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, Building R, Room 151. For more information, contact Wendy Villa, associate director, Division of Workforce Development, at 727-816-3244 or .

Visit a Storywalk
Pasco County Libraries offers a Storywalk at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey, in the playground area. Access is at the back, left Nature Trail Loop. Guests can read the story “The Very Last Leaf” by Stef Wade, featuring interactive prompts and fun facts. For information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Community celebration
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a free community celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary and Black History Month on Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel; and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. For information, call 727-847-2727, or email .

Student is Honey Queen
The American Beekeeping Federation has announced Selena Rampolla was selected as the 2023 American Honey Queen at the American Beekeeping Federation Conference and Tradeshow in Jacksonville.

Rampolla is the 21-year-old daughter of Faye Turke and Renato Rampolla of Lutz and Tampa.

She graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She enjoys exploring the arts and sciences with specific interests in photography, neuroscience, and honey bees. In her free time, she likes to read, practice photography, play 8-ball pool, draw, and help keep bees.

Prior to being selected as the American Honey Queen, Rampolla served as the 2022 Florida Honey Queen. In that role, she promoted the honey industry in schools, through farmers’ markets, fairs, festivals, and media interviews.  

Rampolla will spend the next year promoting the beekeeping industry throughout the United States in a wide variety of venues, including fairs, festivals, schools, media interviews, and virtual presentations.

GTE Scholarships
GTE Financial will award $3,000 scholarships to a number of GTE student-members, to support education and reward young adults who are dedicated to academic pursuits and community involvement.

The scholarship is for undergraduate degree-seeking students and trade school students only.

High school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree and current undergraduate students at both colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

For information and to apply, visit GTEFinancial.org, and click on Education and then Student Scholarships.

College and Career Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its third annual virtual College and Career Fair on March 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to assist families as they plan for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Topics for presentations include: ACT/SAT support; college admissions process; collegiate athletics; financial aid, Bright Futures, and scholarships; Naviance (college, career and life readiness resource); resources for students with disabilities; and more.

For information or to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Sasha is loving and understanding

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Sasha can say ‘I love you’ with a bark. She sits and gives her paw on command and loves to climb in bed and snuggle. She loves company, but doesn’t like when dogs pass by the house. Sasha’s owner, Linda Tuifel of Wesley Chapel, says, ‘If you have Sasha in your life, you will have unconditional love and all will be happy and good!’

Very pretty waterfowl

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Sue Dow captured this photo of a male and female wood duck in Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills. According to All About Birds, the wood duck is one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent chestnut and green with ornate patterns on nearly every feather. These ducks like woodland ponds and river swamps so they can nest in nearby tree cavities.

Forest Service announces grant programs

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it will offer $41 million through the 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and 2023 Community Wood Grant programs, to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, according to a news release.

These grants expand wood products use and strengthen emerging wood energy markets, supporting sustainable forest management, and were made possible in part by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the release said.
“These grant programs provide opportunities for communities and businesses to develop innovative uses and markets for wood, a renewable and economical resource. Previous Wood Innovations Grants are making a difference across the country, and we are pleased to continue supporting wood use ingenuity that helps our communities and forests,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, in the release.

Eligible project examples for the Wood Innovations Grant Program include:

  • Architectural and engineering designs, cost analyses, and permitting to secure financing for commercial wood construction or wood energy projects development
  • Establishing or increasing wood products manufacturing to support forest restoration
  • Showcasing environmental and economic benefits of wood as a sustainable commercial building material to encourage growth in the industry
  • Establishing statewide wood use teams or wood energy teams
  • Developing wood energy projects that use residues from wood products or woody biomass
  • Developing commercial woody biomass and wood product industrial parks
  • Overcoming market barriers to stimulate wood energy expansion
  • Purchasing wood processing equipment to create markets supporting forest management

Eligible submissions for the Community Wood Grant Program’s shovel-ready projects include:

  • Community wood heating, cooling, or electricity systems that replace fossil fuels
  • Purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment at a mass timber production facility
  • Expanding sawmills with innovative technologies, cost-cutting measures and higher value production lines
  • Equipment purchase and installation at new facilities producing forest products biofuels

To apply for either grant, applicants must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

Applications should show a clear benefit to underserved or historically marginalized people, communities, and the forests they value.

For-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, public utilities, and fire and conservation districts are eligible to apply.

For more information and details on the 2023 Wood Innovations funding opportunity, visit tinyurl.com/y78j8ct6.

For information on the 2023 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program, visit tinyurl.com/3hynet5j.

Applications for both grants may be submitted via email to the Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations coordinator listed in the instructions. The application deadline is March 23, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Published February 08, 2023

A curious cat

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Zander is a 1 year old Nebelung cat that was abandoned in a box on the side of the road as a kitten. The Eurell family took him in and he’s been a wonderful addition to their home. Zander is very friendly and loves reading The Laker. He lives with Owen Eurell in Land O’ Lakes.

Zander loves his new home

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Zander is a 1 year old Nebelung cat that was abandoned in a box on the side of the road as a kitten. The Eurell family took him in and he’s been a wonderful addition to their home. Zander is very friendly and loves reading The Laker. He lives with Owen Eurell in Land O’ Lakes.

A winter afternoon’s delight

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A little bit of afternoon sun brightened up this cardinal that was chewing on a sunflower seed in Steve Vinik’s backyard in Lexington Oaks, Wesley Chapel.

Single-incision surgery an option

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BayCare Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North general surgeon Dr. Quan Tran performs advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures using a single incision to remove gallbladders and appendixes, according to a news release. The acronym for this surgery is SILS, for single incision laparoscopic surgery.

Gallbladders are typically removed because of complications from gallstones, and appendixes are typically removed when they become swollen or infected.

SILS is an advantage over traditional surgery, which usually requires multiple incisions.

Dr. Quan Tran (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Often, this single incision is hidden completely within the belly button or leaves the patient with a scar that is barely noticeable.

In addition to the improved cosmetic result, one incision can mean less pain for the patient and a quicker recovery time following surgery.

A specialized camera is the key to single-site surgery because of the flexibility of the tip and visual clarity it gives the surgeon.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz recently added one of the most modern state-of-the-art cameras for SILS.

“It is a camera system that flexes 100 degrees in every direction as opposed to a regular laparoscopic camera which is set at 30 or 45 degrees,” Tran said in the release.

“This allows me to place the camera in the abdomen at an angle, which allows me to be able to perform the operation without the camera getting in the way of my instruments,” Tran said.

The camera projects a large magnified image of the surgical area onto a monitor.

Dr. Tran said SILS procedures require an experienced surgeon highly skilled in laparoscopic surgery and a surgical team that understands the nuances of the operation and camera system. He has performed several thousands of these procedures over the last decade at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“If you want to have SILS surgery, it is important to find a surgeon that has been properly trained,” Tran said. “It’s not an easy operation due to the confinement of the space and inversion of your hands (left is right and vice versa). The learning curve is quite steep with most surgeons requiring up to 50 operations before becoming completely comfortable with the technique.”

Chalk Talk 02/08/2023

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African acrobats
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host the Zuzu African Acrobats on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Admission is free and open to the public. For information, contact Luther Buie, associate dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs, at 727-816-3192 or .

Student achievements

  • Christian Hewett, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in commerce and business administration, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Maitri Milan Mehta, Lutz: graduate of Campbellsville University, Kentucky
  • Chase Memmer, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jose Soto, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in commerce and business administration, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Kiera Aliese Young-Hardeman, Bachelor of Social Work, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas

Cambridge exam awards
Forty-six Pasco County students received prestigious awards from Cambridge International for outstanding performance on Cambridge examinations, including two students from Anclote High School who posted the highest possible score on one of the rigorous exams, according to a news release.

Pasco County has three high schools that offer the rigorous Cambridge courses: Anclote High, Hudson High and Pasco High.

“All the Cambridge courses are demanding, and the exams are extremely challenging, so this recognition says a lot about the students’ ability to achieve at the very highest level,” said Pasco Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning in the release.

“The students, their families, and their teachers have a lot to be proud of,” said Browning.

The Cambridge Awards celebrate the success of students taking Cambridge examinations around the world. More than a million students study Cambridge International programs in over 160 countries.

As a global organization with a 160-year history and part of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Assessment International Education partners with schools and districts around the world with a shared goal of making education transformation a reality. This program is part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school.

In addition to the students who earned the Top in USA Award or the Scholar Award with Distinction, 43 more students from Anclote, Hudson High and Pasco High received awards of Merit or Scholar for posting impressive scores on three or more Cambridge exams.

Student exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Social and Human Services Club, in partnership with Growth & Recovery Counseling, will host a discussion with virtual guest speaker, Rachel Rifkin from the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Those attending also will have the opportunity to view the student exhibit, “Awareness through Art.”

The event will take place on Feb. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at PHSC’s Spring Hill campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill, in the Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center.

For information, contact Eddie Williams, associate professor and Human Services program director, at 352-340-4865 or .

Saint Leo earns honors
Saint Leo University earned honors in four categories for providing the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs in the United States, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, a news release said.

The university received honors in:

  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology, ranked 36th
  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, 75th
  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, 124th
  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business, 127th

“Saint Leo is celebrating 25 years of offering online education, so it’s fitting that the university is being honored for providing outstanding online degrees,” said Dr. Edward Dadez, Saint Leo president, in the release.

“In 1998, the university took a risk and entered the online field. Now, through online classes, students can study anywhere and anytime that is convenient for them. It was an investment that paid off for the university and especially for its students,” said Dadez.

This year’s edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, in four categories: Engagement; Services and Technologies; Faculty Credentials and Training; and Expert Opinion.

To see the rankings, data, and methodologies for U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, visit USnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.

Community celebration
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a free community celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary and Black History Month on Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

For information, call 727-847-2727, or email .

Stick bridge competition
Saint Leo University’s Department of Natural Sciences will host its annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on March 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Saint Leo University and Pasco County high school students are invited to design and build bridges to compete in the contest.

The winners will be selected in two categories: the strongest bridge that can hold the most weight and the most aesthetically pleasing bridge that receives the most votes from the audience.

Teams of one to three students may compete, and members should come up with a name for their bridge.

The goal of the contest is to build the strongest bridge using only Elmer’s glue and no more than 200 standard Popsicle sticks. Entries must bridge a 1.2-meter span as described in the contest rules.

Last year’s winner was “Bridge to the Starz” that held 66 pounds.

High school faculty who would like to enter their students, as well as interested students, may participate by emailing by Feb. 18, then pick up a kit, design a bridge build (test if you want to) and then join in the competition on March 9.

The public is invited to attend the event to watch the teams compete.