The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

On the ‘prowl’

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White ibises are large wading birds with football-shaped bodies, and long curved bills. They usually gather in groups in shallow wetlands and estuaries, and nest in colonies in trees and shrubs along the water’s edge, changing locations nearly every year. Betsy Crisp snapped this photo of a couple of white ibises in search of a snack, in Land O’ Lakes.

Meet Oscar, a new family member

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Oscar is a Yorkie/Maltese mix and is about 5 months old. His owner picked him up last December at Lonestar Dog Ranch Rescue in Anna, Texas. Oscar has two other rescue siblings — Beans, a French bulldog, and Lady, a Labrador Retriever — who both are very patient with Oscar’s sassy-pants puppy behavior. Oscar lives with Lindsey Paris in Wesley Chapel.

A neighborhood fish thief

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Deanna Dempsey caught this great blue heron, red-handed, stealing her catch. Dempsey took this photo of ‘Charlie’ on Lake Pasadena, in Dade City.

Health News 04/06/2022

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Doug Higgins, AdventHealth chaplain, left, blesses the hands of Alexandra Farias, graduate of the CNA program. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Graduates receive special blessing
AdventHealth Dade City hosted a Blessing of the Hands ceremony, at the Dade City hospital and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, for 19 employees who graduated from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. The event signifies the beginning of the graduates’ clinical experience.

Training in the program is free of charge and open to the community.

In collaboration with Aguilas International Technical Instiute, students get paid to attend a five-week course and learn a clinical curriculum to prepare them for the CNA test.

Upon graduation, participants are hired by AdventHealth Dade City. Many of the graduates worked in other roles at the hospitals while completing their training.

The next CNA training opportunity will begin on May 9.

For information and to apply, visit Careers.adventhealth.com.

Lighthouse president speaks
Sheryl Brown, president of Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, recently spoke to members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club about the services the organization provides.

Lighthouse guides the blind and vision-impaired with training to independence, through at-home living and navigating the present-day workplace.

Woman’s club member Marsha Gibson, who is legally blind, has long advocated for Lighthouse and is the club’s informal liaison.

Gibson demonstrated some of the new special aids and electronic devices now available and very specific to the needs of the blind and low-vision population.

Woman’s club president Elayne Bassinger honored Gibson for her participation in numerous club activities and particularly for her outreach on behalf of the blind over many years.

For information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebok page.

Hospital gets state award
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is the recipient of a 2021 Jean Byers Memorial Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration, according to a news release.

The award is given by the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to facilities that had 100% accuracy on data submission.

St. Joseph’s met or exceeded national quality standards for timeliness and completeness of cancer reporting over a defined, specific time period.

The FCDS is the statewide population-based cancer surveillance system under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data submitted by facilities is used to learn about cancer trends and causes; it can be used to identify cancer clusters.

At St. Joseph’s, cancer data submission is done through a centralized Cancer Data Registry team that provides specific information regarding cancer patients for all five St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Hillsborough County.

“This is the sixth Jean Byers Memorial Award received by St. Joseph’s Hospital-North,” said Tom Garthwaite, hospital president, in the release.

“The award demonstrates the commitment of the medical staff, nurses, imaging, pathology and surgical teams to continuing the ongoing fight against cancer,” said Garthwaite.

Published April 06, 2022

Chalk Talk 04/06/2022

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Saint Leo honors women
Saint Leo University recently recognized the contributions of women in social work at its “Influential Women of Social Work,” on International Women’s Day.

The event not only celebrated those who give back to their communities, but it also created new legacies in social work as four students received scholarships from Leven “Chuck” Wilson, president and CEO of The Renew Group.

From left: Anne Chaves, Alyssa D’Aiello, Megan Rowe and Natalie Vega each received a Leven ‘Chuck’ Wilson scholarship. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Wilson donated and created the scholarships for undergraduate social work students, which were presented at the event.

These students received a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) scholarship, to be used in the fall 2022 semester:

  • Anne Chaves, sophomore at University Campus – $500
  • Alyssa D’Aiello, junior at University Campus – $500
  • Megan Rowe, junior at University Campus – $1,000
  • Natalie Vega, junior at the Tampa Education Center – $500

The theme for Social Work Month is “The Time is Right for Social Work.” Christina Cazanave, chair of the National Association of Social Workers Florida Chapter-Nature Coast, presented the following awards:

  • Brendan Bernsley, junior in the BSW program – Social Work Student of the Year
  • Feeding Tampa Bay – Rising to the Challenge award
  • Maria Santos, social worker since 2017 – Public Citizen of the Year
  • Sarah Shirina, supervisor of BayCare Behavioral Health’s Mobile Response Team-Hernando and Pasco counties – Social Worker of the Year

Cazanave, herself, was surprised with the Social Work Educator of the Year, presented by Ebony Perez, chair of Saint Leo’s undergraduate social work program.

To find out more about information sessions for Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Social Work degree programs, email or .

John Mitten
Lee Maggard

New elected board leaders
The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees recently elected Trustees John Mitten and Lee Maggard, respectively, as chair and vice chair of the board.

The terms for both leadership positions, to begin on July 1 and conclude on June 30, 2023, will extend through the college’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Former Hernando County commissioner Mitten, of Brooksville, owns and operates Hernando’s only Chick-fil-A franchise. He serves on the Southwest Florida Management District Board and is actively involved in service and community organizations, including the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, Jericho Road Ministries, Hope Children’s Home, MissioSERVE Alliance, and the Restoration Center of Florida.

Mitten is a PHSC trustee appointed in 2018 and succeeds previous chair Dr. Rao Musunuru.

Maggard, vice president/credit officer for BankFlorida in Dade City, has been employed in the banking industry for 12 years. He is a lifelong resident of East Pasco County and a PHSC alumnus.

Maggard has served on the board since 2018.

Grand opening
Saint Leo University will host the grand opening of its 59,500-square-foot Wellness Center on April 8 at 2 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

The building is a physical representation of the university’s mission of serving students and the community in the growth of mind, body and spirit.

The facility is home to a fitness floor, multipurpose gymnasium, health suite, healthy café, recreational spaces, and an infinity edge pool.

Registration is required to attend the opening, at SaintLeo.edu/wellness-opening.

Partnership provides training
Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center and the Center for Alternative Pathway Program (CAPP) partnered to provide professional development sessions for teachers at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Pasco County.

Topics focused on conflict reduction and resolution techniques, as well as tools for effective parent-teacher relationships.

The CAPP at Saint Leo offers continuing professional development courses for working adults.

These courses are offered in an online format, and more recently in collaboration with the East Pasco Education Center, now are offered in person, in customized professional development sessions to meet the unique needs of businesses and organizations in Pasco and Hernando counties.

For information about CAPP, email .

Deadline extension
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.

Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.

Application deadline now has been extended to April 15 at 5 p.m.

For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.

Internship program
The eight-week summer program RISE (Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment), in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, is accepting internship applications until April 16.

Rising seniors can have the opportunity to explore career paths and earn money, while working full-time with Hillsborough County.

Interns are placed in county departments, such as Parks & Recreation, Pet Resources, Emergency Management, Library Services, and others.

The interns will work with mentors and learn professional development skills such as writing resumes, interviewing and networking.

For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/4we39twn.

FAFSA verifications
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) encourages students and famlies to take the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) verification seriously, according to a news release.

The federal government requires many students who submit the FAFSA, to verify the information they report.

The U.S. Department of Education chooses the students whose FAFSA information is verified; parents also may be required to provide information, the release said.

Verification ensures that the students who really need financial aid to pay for college or technical training receive it.

Students chosen for verification must complete the process before they can receive financial aid, so families should prepare to provide the requested information as quickly as possible.

As soon as students are notified their FAFSA is being verified, they should begin the process.

Many colleges do their own verification, and others have an agency handle the process.

The KHEAA provides verification services to more than 30 colleges and universities in the United States.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

Charity of the Month supports special athletes

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices will be collecting donations throughout April for its charity of the month: Special Olympics of Pasco County.

Special Olympics is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities, and provides year-round training and competition in 17 different sports. There is no cost for athletes to participate.

“We are very excited to once again be selected as the Charity of the Month for April,” said Joeyn Dearsman, senior manager Pasco, in a news release.

“Mike Fasano and his team have been big supporters of Special Olympics of Pasco for many years and we are grateful for everything they do for our athletes. With the help from our community during this campaign, we will be able to provide athletic training, equipment and uniforms for our athletes,” Dearsman said.

“The Pasco County branch of this excellent program has a long history of success in not only the state of Florida but at the national level as well. The opportunities provided to people with intellectual challenges have proven to help enrich the lives of the athletes in a great way,” said Mike Fasano in the release.

All five locations of the tax collector’s office will participate – they can be found online at PascoTaxes.com.

For information about the charitable giving program at the tax collector’s office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

For more about the services provided by Special Olympics of Pasco, call Joeyn Dearsman at 727-992-8850, or visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.

Published March 30, 2022

Basil is the sweetest thing

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Basil was adopted almost two years ago from Cat Haven Rescue. Since then, she has doubled in size, and has brought so much joy into her owners’ lives. Basil loves to sunbathe, stare at water, and play with her cat sister, Bonnie. She even knows how to play fetch. She has definitely turned her owner, Shannon Joyce of Land O’ Lakes, into a cat person for life!

Sitting pretty

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John Oddo, of San Antonio, is an avid amateur photographer and has a lot of wildlife in his community that he enjoys taking photos of, as is evidenced by his striking portrait of a little blue heron.

Health News 03/30/2022

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New patient services director
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Joanne McCarn, from San Antonio, its new patient services director, a role that McCarn started in February.

Joanne McCarn

In the new role, McCarn is a member of the leadership team and participates in planning, organizing, policy development and priortity setting.

She works closely with nursing, clinical and medical teams in providing, monitoring and evaluating patient care and services.

McCarn oversees nursing personnel, and leads and evaluates the nursing team, and sets nursing objectives and long-term goals.

She has been with BayCare for more than 20 years starting as a mobile pool nurse providing coverage and filling in nursing shifts throughout BayCare hospitals.

She’s been a charge nurse, assistant nurse manager and nurse manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

McCarn is the recipient of both Nurse Manager Excellence and Clinical Nurse Excellence awards from the Tampa hospital.

“Being part of BayCare for over 20 years and having spent the last 15 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital Main (Tampa), I was somewhat apprehensive about leaving my St. Joseph’s Hospital Main family,” McCarn said in a news release.

“What has made this transition easy for me is the warm welcome I have received from everyone! I certainly feel the same family type atmosphere here at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, as well as the camaraderie shared among this awesome team,” McCarn said.

Delivering comfort for those in need
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club (in green shirts) donated and delivered hand-sewn comfort items to Moffitt Cancer Center and an AdventHealth hospital. The women also supplied hygiene items and clothing for residents of the Angel Senior Living assisted living facility. The club delivers items to various local facilities on a monthly basis. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Chalk Talk 03/30/2022

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(Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Goin’ green for a cause
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club recently hosted a St. Patrick’s Bunco for Educational Scholarships fundraiser. Forty-six players joined the event to try to win baskets for most buncos, mini buncos, most wins, and most losses. The club will select a scholarship recipient within the next two months. From left: Linda Jenkins, Liz Chavez and Cindi Nalon. Sitting at the table in the background is Marie Ambrosino.

Student achievements

  • Scott Abramson, of Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington
  • Grace Ackermann, of Lutz; Omicron Delta Kappa, Elon University, Lexington, Virginia
  • Christian Licea, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, New York
  • Sarah Perciavalle, of Lutz: Omicron Delta Kappa, Elon University, Lexington, Virginia
  • Thea Wangsness, of Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Grand opening
Saint Leo University will host the grand opening of its 59,500-square-foot Wellness Center on April 8 at 2 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

The building is a physical representation of the university’s mission of serving students and the community in the growth of mind, body and spirit.

The facility is home to a fitness floor, multipurpose gymnasium, health suite, healthy café, recreational spaces, and an infinity edge pool.

Registration is required to attend the opening, at SaintLeo.edu/wellness-opening.

Pasco school news

Pasco County Schools has announced the following:

Deadline extension
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.
The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.
Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.
Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.
Note: Application deadline now has been extended to April 15 at 5 p.m.
For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.

Internship program
The eight-week summer program RISE (Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment), in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, is accepting internship applications until April 16.
Rising seniors can have the opportunity to explore career paths and earn money, while working full-time with Hillsborough County.
Interns are placed in county departments, such as Parks & Recreation, Pet Resources, Emergency Management, Library Services, and others.
The interns will work with mentors and learn professional development skills such as writing resumes, interviewing and networking.
For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/4we39twn.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept entries through April 22 (at 5 p.m.), for his annual essay contest for high school students.

Students enrolled in Pasco public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic, and home-school programs can participate.

In 500 words or less, students must answer the question, “Since the 1980s, Pasco County has seen a steady growth in population that now has us nearing 600,000 residents. To accommodate this growth, we have seen many additions made to our county’s general infrastructure (expanded roads, public transportation, additional shopping venues, etc.). What is one addition that has been made that was most beneficial to Pasco County, or what is one addition that you believe should be made to further accommodate our county’s growth?”

The winner will be notified no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school programs should send their essays directly to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, c/o Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be hand-delivered to the tax collector’s office at 4720 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

For questions, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Clean Tech competition
Students from around the world are invited to share their innovative solutions as part of the 2022 Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition. The event engages students in identifying and solving real-world environmental challenges by creating innovative solutions.

Each year more than 40 countries participate.

The first-place winner will receive $7,000 in prize money; $5,000 for second place; and $3,500 for third place. Fourth place through 10th place each will receive $1,000.

Prize money will be awarded on Aug. 11 to the top student teams at the competition finals.

Registration is open through April 22. Students must submit their papers by April 29.

Ten finalist teams will be announced online on June 9.

For more information, visit CSTL.org/cleantech, email , or call 516-764-0045.