The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Health News 12/14/2022

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‘Florida Snowman’ by Pat Manfredo (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

Pasco photo calendar for sale
Gulfside Hospice’s annual 15-month calendar is now for sale at all its thrift shop locations.

The calendar features photos taken exclusively in Pasco County to highlight the area that the organization serves and its communities.

The calendar is a product of a photo contest that include 140 submissions of events, places, landmarks and wildlife.

This year’s cover features a special tribute to Gulfside’s patient-centered care, one of Gulfside’s three core values.

The cost of the calendar is $5, and all proceeds help to support Gulfside patient care and bereavement services.

All five Gulfside thrift shops are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For addresses and phone numbers, visit Gulfside.org.

Safe Haven license plates
The State of Florida has approved the A Safe Haven for Newborns specialty license plate, the revenue of which will help to fund the many programs Safe Haven offers to girls and women in distress.

The cost of a presale voucher by check is $33; by credit card, $34.03.

Upon meeting the presale quota of 3,000 vouchers, the tax collector’s office will send a voucher to the buyer to exchange for the specialty plate. The process can take two months to four months.

The new tag will be available at all vehicle registration offices across the state, once the quota is reached.

For information, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com/ways-to-help/licenseplate/.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

An eye-opening tour
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club visited and took part in informational tours of Quantum Leap, a therapeutic riding facility in Odessa. The facility provides equine-assisted adaptive therapy for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities, wounded veterans, children with cancer and military service members. The farm currently is home to 12 horses, two donkeys and three goats, all of which are trained therapy animals. Carol Moore and Jan King present a check to two staff members/trainers at Quantum Leap. The woman’s club looks forward to supporting Quantum Leap in the future. Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org OR its Facebook page, for more information.

New blood test for cancer
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital will implement a programmatic “liquid-first” biopsy approach to molecular testing of lung cancer patients as recommended by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, according to a news release.

One the most useful blood tests has been the assessment of PD-L1 status of lung cancer, which allows for better personalized therapy, the release said.

The integration of Circulogene, a novel liquid biopsy, with an only plasma PD-L1 RNA marker will help determine the best course of treatment in lung cancer patients.

“Adopting a liquid biopsy with a PD-L1 marker will help us determine which patients will benefit from immunotherapy,” said Dr. Mathew Ninan, thoracic surgeon and director of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Nodule Program at HCA Florida Healthcare, in the release.

“Should the liquid biopsy results reflect actionable or driver DNA mutations or RNA fusions, then patients can begin a personalized treatment plan with the goal of better outcomes and survival rates,” said Ninan.

Chalk Talk 12/14/2022

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Sunlake High School is now home to a squadron of Civil Air Patrol cadets. The unit was activated during a Dec. 6 ceremony. (Mike Camunas)

Civil Air Patrol activated at Sunlake
Following two postponements due to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, Sunlake High School is officially home to Florida’s high school-based squadron of Civil Air Patrol cadets. The unit was activated during a formal ceremony on Dec. 6.

The Civil Air Patrol first-time in-residence course is part of the aerospace program. Sunlake is now the Pasco School District’s Magnet Aviation Academy, which allows students to become pilots before graduating high school.

Students from 23 area high schools can attend the academy, and are dual-enrolled in Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning college credit while in the Aerospace Magnet Academy at Sunlake.

“We are extremely proud we are now able to celebrate this historic moment and the work that so many at Sunlake and within the Florida Wing have done to make this happen,” said Capt. Mark Aragon, Sunlake squadron unit commander, in a news release.

“With this activation, the cadets will learn aerospace, emergency services, military training and character development while working toward an aviation career,” said Aragon.

U.S. Air Force and other military personnel attended the unit activation ceremony.

Awards of excellence
Pasco County Schools has been honored with two prestigious awards for dedication to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

The first award designates Pasco County Schools as a System of Distinction, making Pasco County Schools one of 38 systems globally to receive this designation from Cognia, the accrediting organization recognized around the world for its high standards and rigorous accreditation process, according to a news release.

“Each of these systems demonstrated evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning,” said Dr. Mark Elgart, Cognia CEO, in the release.

The second award is the Values-Driven Award of Excellence. This is a state-level award presented in each state to one education organization that systematically models Cognia’s values through its day-to-day efforts to improve student achievement.

The Cognia values include: Dream Big; Stand for the Learner; Be Bold and Daring; Drive Potential; Be Tenacious; and Build Connections.

“This is extremely gratifying to receive this recognition on the state level and on the international level,” said Pasco Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release. “It supports our efforts to provide a world class education to all our students.”

Superintendent Browning was recognized during the annual Cognia Impact Conference Excellence in Education Award Ceremony on Dec. 6.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Unification garners school recognitions
Starkey Ranch K-8 and Cypress Creek High School both received national banner recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for demonstrating commitment to inclusion through meeting 10 standards of excellence. Starkey and Cypress Creek are two out of only 13 Florida schools to receive the honor.

School choice opening soon
The Pasco County Schools school choice application window will open on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m., and close on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

At that time, the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

The application window will be for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mark your calendar with these important dates:

Pasco Pathways Application Window – Jan. 9 to Jan. 20

Notification and Acceptance Window – Feb. 27 to March 8

To see more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Stanley has a name filled with pride

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Stanley ‘Cup’ O’ Connor is a 9-year-old rescue and is the sweetest pup you’ll ever meet. He was named after his family’s love of hockey and his three human brothers who played hockey. Stanley loves to nap all day and chase lizards on his walks. He lives in Land O’ Lakes with the O’ Connor family.

Just a little Christmas spirit

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The Laker/Lutz News’ editorial assistant Mary Rathman loves Christmastime, so much so, that she has a year-round room in her home dedicated to the holiday. When she needs a little bit of peace and calm, or to chat with family on the internet, this is her place to be.

Recycle your tree for the environment

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Pasco County once again will offer the Trees to Trails program for anyone interested in recycling their live Christmas tree after the holiday, according to Sarah Andeara, public information officer Pasco County, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

The trees are chipped for use in Pasco County parks, to mulch trails and plant beds.

The program is available Dec. 26 through Jan. 11.

Drop-off locations include:

  • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. Call 813-345-3145.
  • Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. Call 727-861-3033.

As a general rule, all tinsel, lights, decorations and tree stands must be removed prior to drop-off.

Published December 07, 2022

Health News 12/07/2022

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

Serving the community, in more ways than one
The Little Women of Lutz recently visited the Ronald McDonald House on Davis Island to prepare a meal for the parents of children who are locally hospitalized. From left: Kate Frederick, Bridget Swenson, Ava Stiglic, advisors Nancy Branham and Pam Blumenthal, Katelynn Andrews, Ava Frederick, advisor Linda Mitchell, and Alyssa Mitchell. The club meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Lutz Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, email .

Safe Haven license plates
The State of Florida has approved the A Safe Haven for Newborns specialty license plate, the revenue of which will help to fund the many programs Safe Haven offers to girls and women in distress.

The cost of a presale voucher by check is $33; by credit card, $34.03.

Upon meeting the presale quota of 3,000 vouchers, the tax collector’s office will send a voucher to the buyer to exchange for the specialty plate. The process can take two months to four months.

The new tag will be available at all vehicle registration offices across the state, once the quota is reached.

For information, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com/ways-to-help/licenseplate/.

New dental office
Dental Care at Livingston Marketplace, 2701 E. County Line Road in Lutz, is expected to open at the end of the December, according to a news release.

Dr. Rachel Franz will offer dental services at this full-service, state-of-the-art family practice.

The dentist and her team will offer a variety of services including routine cleanings, simple fillings, and in-depth restorative and cosmetic services.

For more information, visit DentalCareAtLivingstonMarketplace.com.

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

Top grade for Lutz hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received an A from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that promotes patient safety. The hospital was ranked in Leapfrog’s Fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, according to a news release.

The nonprofit collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals, and in the spring and fall it assigns letter grades ranging from A to F, and publicly releases those grades.

“At St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, the safety of our patients is always a top priority,” said Tom Garthwaite, president, in the release.

“Our teams work diligently every day to provide safe, quality care. Earning a Leapfrog A is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our medical staff and team members,” said Garthwaite.

For more information about Leapfrog, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Chalk Talk 12/07/2022

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Rabbi A. James Rudin, right, receives the medal of the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory from Bishop Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Rabbi honored decades of work
Rabbi A. James Rudin on Nov. 20 became only the third American rabbi in history to be honored with the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory for his work in interfaith relations, according to a news release.

Bishop Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, conducted the investiture ceremony at Saint Leo University on behalf of Pope Francis, in recognition of Rudin’s decades of work in building positive Catholic-Jewish relations throughout the world, fostering interreligious dialogue and understanding, the release said.

Rudin is one of the co-founders of Saint Leo’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies and is the American Jewish Committee’s senior interreligious adviser. He also is a distinguished professor of religion and Judaica at Saint Leo.

Teddy bear campaign
For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for use by the Tampa Police Department. As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles in order to provide comfort to children in stressful situations.

In addition to the Education Center, the university community also is helping with the effort, and the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service, and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County are assisting.

Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13.

Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Those interested in participating can drop off items at these locations (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs):

  • Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center, University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
  • Student Activities Building at University Campus
  • Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus
  • Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus

“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center, in a news release.

“These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time,” said Kirkwood.

Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help to soothe children (and adults), the release said.

For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at or 813-226-2777.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Newly configured school board
The District School Board of Pasco County has elected Megan Harding as the board chair and Alison Crumbley as vice chair, for the coming year. Board members Cynthia Armstrong and Harding were sworn in following their reelections, alongside newly elected school board member Al Hernandez. Hernandez succeeds District 1 board member Allen Altman who did not seek reelection. From left: Colleen Beaudoin, Megan Harding, Alison Crumbley, Cynthia Armstrong and Al Hernandez.

Millions invested for school meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food and Nutrition Service launched a new and innovative initiative for healthier school meals through a $50 million grant opportunity that will support collaboration with the food industry to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for students, according to a news release.

“School meals programs are on the frontline of providing critical nutrition to millions of children,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, in the release.

“USDA is committed to supporting these programs holistically, and that includes strengthening the entire food supply chain that sustains them. These grants are intended to spark innovation in the school food marketplac and build a more equitable and resilient food system that serves all children well,” said Dean.

Up to four non-governmental organizations will be selected by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to manage funds for the School Food System Transformation Challenge.

These organizations will award competitive grants to support and enhance the food supply chain for K-12 schools.

Grantees may include food producers, suppliers, and distributors; school districts; and community partners.

The request for application is open through Feb. 1.

For more information, visit FNS.usda.gov/cnp/healthy-meals-incentives.

Apprenticeship program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is expanding its apartment maintenance technician apprenticeship program beginning on Jan. 9, to include course offerings at its Spring Hill campus.

The expansion helps bolster PHSC’s continued efforts toward increasing opportunities for students seeking nontraditional learning experiences through workforce certification.

The 12-month program includes 183 hours of classroom instruction relating to the technical skills needed, while concurrently placing the apprentices with a leading apartment property management team in the area, where they complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.

Students can expect to earn their OSHA 10, HVAC EPA 608, HVAC EPA General, and certified apartment maintenance technician certifications, as well as a certificate of completion from PHSC.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive job placement assistance to fill industry vacancies as full-time apartment maintenance technicians.

For more information on the program and to apply, visit PHSC.edu/apprenticeships, or contact the Workforce Development/Career & Job Training department at 727-816-3123 or .

Band program headed to D.C.
The Pasco High School Band Program, under the direction of Kyle Spence, is set to head to Washington D.C., from May 25 to May 30, to perform in the National Memorial Day Parade.

The “Marching Band of Pirates” also are scheduled to perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will visit the Smithsonian Museums and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at the World War II Memorial and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

If you would like to donate to the band’s trip, visit PHS.pasco.k12.fl.us/dc-page/. A schedule of the trip also is on the website.

Lucy is very sweet

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Lucy is 8 years old and full of energy. She is super playful and loves people of all ages. Lucy lives with her owner, Lisa Munoz, in Zephyrhills. Munoz feels very blessed to have this little one in her life.