The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A mother’s guidance

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Nicole Magazu, of Land O’ Lakes, saw this mother duck with her duckling, exploring the backyard and swimming in the backyard pond. Magazu said it was very relaxing to watch the pair. Mottled Ducks are ‘dabbling ducks’ that feed at the surface or tip up to reach submerged vegetation. They rarely dive unless being pursued by a predator.

New team member

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Dr. Francis Mercado

Access Health Care Physicians LLC has welcomed Dr. Francis Mercado to its medical team, at the practice of Dr. Jennifer Laman in Hudson.

Mercado came to Access Health Care after completing a post-graduate internship in Hospital Auxillio Mutuo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he actively worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mercado received his medical degree with distinction from Universidad Ibero Americana in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2011.

He also has extensive experience in assisting physicians, including serving as a case manager with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., and as a surgical department volunteer at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Washington.

Chalk Talk 06/16/2021

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Nicholas Sobestanovich with his parents, John and Susan, after the undergraduate commencement at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. (Courtesy of the Sobestanovich family)

Academic honors
Nicholas (Niko) Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was named salutatorian at Saint Leo University, University Campus in Pasco County.

Sobestanovich earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.

He completed a spring internship with Strategis CPAs & Consultants, in Lutz, and accepted a full-time job with the firm as a tax accountant.

Chloe Padron, of Spring Hill, earned the recognition of class valedictorian and was named the winner of the Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Award, which is given to a University Campus undergrad with the highest grade point average over four years of study.

Padron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in management.

Both of the students studied in programs offered by the Saint Leo University Tapia College of Business.

Student achievements

  • Angelica C. Gonzalez, of Lutz, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
  • Danny Jennings, of Land O’ Lakes, earned a Master of Science in occupational therapy professional development from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
  • Anapaula Rios-Rosales graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and will attend Edward Via College of Osteophathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama.
  • Megan Rizzi, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was recognized to the spring President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

The dates listed below are for the first and second doses.

On June 21 and July 12:

  • J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

One June 22 and July 13:

  • Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

On June 23 and July 14:

  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

School supply drive
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
  • PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
  • All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

More scholarships address increased need

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has announced a total of $23,950 in scholarship awards for 2021.

From left: Woman’s club scholarship chair Lucy Albury, Alexis Fernandez, Jadon Ferrance, Alissa Vani, Marian Suliman and woman’s club president Annette Bellingar. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

For more than a decade, the club has had the privilege of administering the Lutz Fireman’s Endowment Fund on behalf of the former Lutz Volunteer Fire Department.

Each year, two scholarships were awarded to students who are Lutz residents; however, the former Fireman’s Fund directors recommended that during this challenging pandemic year, the woman’s club double the awards, to four $5,000 scholarships, due to the exceptional need in the community.

From left: Woman’s club president Annette Bellingar, Kaitlyn Sheppard, Clayton Topdemir, Shannon Gordy, and Jay Muffly of the Lutz Fireman’s Endowment Fund.

The four recipients of the 2021 Fireman’s Fund awards are Shannon Gordy, Sunlake High School; Clayton Topdemir, Cypress Creek High; Zachary Maddox, Freedom High; and Kaitlyn Sheppard, Gaither High.

The woman’s club scholarship recipients are Alexis Fernandez, Land O’ Lakes High ($1,100); Jadon Ferrance, Steinbrenner High ($1,100); and Alissa Vani, Steinbrenner High ($1,000).

The club’s Lynn LaFleur Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Marian Suliman, Steinbrenner High ($750).

This group of graduates will soon begin their university studies at various schools, including Florida State University, the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, George Washington University, the University of Florida, Florida A & M, the University of North Florida, and the University of Central Florida.

Published June 09, 2021

Woman’s club supports cause

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Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated Red Nose Day at its spring luncheon. Red Nose Day is a campaign with the mission to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy, educated and empowered, according to its website. The woman’s club has been a long-time supporter of the campaign. Collages of members created by club member Karin D’Amico. Photos courtesy of Patricia Serio.

 

Taz loves reading!

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Taz is a sweet, friendly, 2-year-old Siberian Husky mix. He loves to learn new tricks and help his mom in the classroom. Students use a tablet with a doggie camera app that has a two-way communicator to read books to Taz and to teach him about what they are learning. He greets the students in the morning by perking up his ears and giving a friendly ‘yip.’ Taz lives with his mom, Bryndi Colwell, in Zephyrhills.

A spirit animal

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Kathi Boyle submitted this photo of a pileated woodpecker that her friend, Dennis Phillips, took in the San Antonio/Saint Joe area. A pileated woodpecker is known to symbolize loyalty, determination and steady work toward a goal.

Health News 06/09/2021

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North nurse manager Ellen Normandin alongside Robert Sakoff. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Patient gifts painting to hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz prominently displays a painting of a spring nature scene with trees, flowers and a small footbridge over a brook, in a team member common area.

There is a small gold plate attached beneath the painting inscribed with these words: “A Bridge to Recovery. To staff on 4 West for saving my life.”

The painting was done by COVID survivor Robert Sakoff, as a gift to the unit, according to a news release.

Sakoff spent 16 days in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earlier this year as a COVID patient.

“I feel 120%,” said Sakoff, age 74, in the release.

Sakoff is originally from New York, but now resides in Tampa’s Northdale section.

Robert Sakoff’s painting titled, ‘A Bridge to Recovery.’

He described his battle with COVID during his early days in the hospital as being serious and “on the brink.”

As he began to recover and to feel better, Sakoff started the painting.

His wife, Mary, brought painting supplies to the hospital entrance and team members would take the supplies to Sakoff’s room.

“It was kind of boring being by yourself,” said Sakoff. “It was lonely, you couldn’t have family or visitors, so I started the project of this painting….It took hours in the day and it also helped my recovery because mentally it helped me focus also.”

Sakoff said he was pleased with the way the paint-by-numbers painting turned out.

“The care that I received there (St. Joseph’s Hospital-North) was amazing. The people were amazing, they’re friendly, they’re efficient. In my gratitude, I finished the painting and wanted them to have it. The painting was a park scene with a bridge, so I titled it ‘A Bridge to Recovery’” he said.

Board certifications
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers has announce that its radiation oncologists, Dr. Peter James Zavitsanos and Dr. Clayton Elliott Alonso, have been granted certification on radiation oncology and now can use the designation of Diplomate, American Board of Radiology.

Having completed the appropriate training for “Authorized User Eligibility,” Zavitsanos and Alonso also will receive the AU-eligible designation on their certificates.

The doctors’ names and demographic information will now be included in a directory published by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Chalk Talk 06/09/2021

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(Courtesy of Jean Nathe)

Pasco High senior receives scholarship
The Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee selected Pasco High School senior Brian Schildt as a scholarship recipient. Schildt’s application was evaluated by the committee and received a high score. Points were given for GPA, community volunteer hours, school clubs, awards, sports and activities, political involvement and an essay. Other student scholarship recipients included one student each from Wiregrass Ranch High and Land O’ Lakes High, and two students from J.W. Mitchell High. From left: Jean Nathe, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee; Brian Schildt; Rep. Randy Maggard, District 38; and Debbie Murray, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program was set to begin on June 8 and continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Essay contest draws students
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an essay contest for Lutz Elementary School second-graders, on the topic of “Would you rather play indoors or outdoors?”

Fifty-nine students submitted entries, and retired elementary school teacher and club member Pat Wagner and her granddaughter judged the submissions.

The winner of the contest was presented with a blue scooter, donated by club education chair and member Faith Sincich.

Each student received a participation ribbon, as well.

SONIC donates to teachers
To honor the creative efforts that teachers have made to maneuver the ever-shifting learning environments and keep students engaged this past year, SONIC Drive-In donated $1.5 million to teacher requests on the national education nonprofit site, DonorsChoose.com, on Teacher Appreciation Day in May, according to a news release.

The brand matched 50% of each donation made to all teacher requests on DonorsChoose.

In Odessa, one teacher from Walker Middle School received a combined donation of $140 for a Salty and Sweet Rewards project and a Fidget Fun project.

In New Port Richey, two teachers received a combined donation of $773 — Calusa Elementary School for a Classroom Resources project and Longleaf Elementary for a Calm Corner Connections project.

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
  • PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
  • All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

School supply drive
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student achievements
• Roland Anthony Chacon, of Lutz, was named to the honor roll of the academic dean at Mars Hill University, North Carolina.
• Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, earned a Master of Arts from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Moriah Davis, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Kayla Mains, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• John Martinez, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the spring dean’s list at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• Rylind Robinson, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the spring dean’s list at Shorter University, Rome, Georgia. Robinson is majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

New hockey fan

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Meet our editorial assistant Mary Rathman’s newest grand dog, “Stamkos.” Mary’s son and future daughter-in-law adopted this pup from Florida All Retriever Rescue.