The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Library team sets out on scientific challenge

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Pasco County Libraries is taking on the NASA challenge — “Plant the Moon” — to attempt to grow plants in a simulated moon base environment.

A libraries team has embarked on a 10-week challenge that started in February, to examine how vegetation grows in lunar soil.

Science is ‘sprouting’ at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, as Pasco County Libraries embarks on a NASA challenge. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

When the growing period is complete, the findings will be submitted and showcased during a virtual symposium scheduled for April 29 and April 30, with NASA scientists and other researchers.

The challenge was issued by the Institute of Competition Scientists in collaboration with the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab, according to a news release.

The UCF lab provided lunar soil simulant for the libraries to use, to conduct the experiment.

“We are so excited for this unique opportunity,” said Hugh Embry Library associate Sarah Pass in the release.

“Our team, the MoonRakers, is attempting to find ways to grow plants effectively in a simulated moon base environment. We hope our customers will enjoy this experience as much as we are,” said Pass.

The public is welcome to stop by to see the plants growing in the center of the library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Those interested also can track the plants’ progress on the Hugh Embry Library’s Facebook page.

Published March 17, 2021

Another expansion for Meals on Wheels

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Meals on Wheels for Kids Tampa Bay (MOW4Kids) is now being delivered in two more Pasco County areas — Zephyrhills and San Antonio. The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, has added the expansion.

The MOW4Kids program was launched last March and was developed in response to COVID-19 school closures and remote learning, to serve children age 18 and younger, with lunchtime meals delivered to their homes by volunteers.

The program gives an alternative option for kids who are not able to access meal distribution sites throughout the county, and/or kids that have difficulty accessing open food pantries.

In addition to the expansion into Zephyrhills and San Antonio, the MOW4Kids service includes most of Pinellas County; Lutz, Tampa and Wimauma in Hillsborough County; and Dade City in Pasco County.

For the added areas, deliveries will take place out of Farmworker’s Self Help in Dade City, and the program is looking for volunteers to help pack boxes each week.

Volunteers who have a level 2 background check also are needed to help deliver Meals on Wheels for Kids on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 10 a.m., using their own vehicles. Routes take about an hour to complete.

To apply for MOW4Kids, visit MOW4Kids.com, or call 813-344-5837.

To sign up to volunteer, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org/volunteer/.

Published March 17, 2021

Recognizing community heroes

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Several fire stations were surprised with baskets of appreciation. (Courtesy of First United Methodist Church of Lutz)

First United Methodist Church of Lutz reached out to remind the community’s frontline workers that they are appreciated, loved and prayed for.

Members of the church created 21 baskets of love, each containing a poem, candies, snacks, bookmarks, pictures, and handwritten thank you cards.

The baskets were delivered to these offices:

  • Hillsborough County Sheriff, District 1
  • Hillsborough County Fire Stations 24, 34 and 40; Fire Station 5 University; and Fire Station Northdale
  • Pasco County Fire Stations 23 and 28
  • Pasco County Fire Rescue Headquarters
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Floors 1, 2, 3,4, 5 and 6, as well as the pharmacy, rehab, radiology, respiratory, environmental services and security services.
Two hospital staff members at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North gratefully accept a token of appreciation for their work.

Allie is a lovable pup

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Allie is 3 years old and a crazy mix of Lab, AmStaff, Bassett Hound and Dachshund. She has a very long body and short legs – helping her earn the nickname of ‘Allie-gator.’ When she’s not playing with the garden hose or chasing a frisbee, Allie is perfecting her poker face. Adopted from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton at 9 weeks old, she’s been a silly yet serious member of the Glotz household in Lutz ever since.

Right place, right moment

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Charlie Croucher, of Land O’ Lakes, was in his backyard when he captured this photo of a great blue heron with a catfish in its mouth.

Mascot leads the way with safety precautions

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(Courtesy of Pratt Communications)

The Museum of Science and Industry, and the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their partnership with a recent virtual field trip led by Thunderbug, the Lightning mascot. Thunderbug took advantage of the high-tech UVZone Ozone + UVC shoe-sanitizing station at the museum to ‘score a goal for safety.’ The station can be used with any footwear or shoe cover.

 

Chalk Talk 03/17/2021

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Need-based scholarships
Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, has announced that its application period for the 2021-2022 school year is now open to students currently in eighth grade attending Pasco County Schools.

The program is statewide, and provides scholarships, mentoring and hope, to help break the cycle of generational poverty through education.
Eligibility requirements and online applications are posted at TakeStockPasco.org or PascoEducationFoundation.org. The deadline to apply is April 15.

Selected students will be provided with a college readiness coach, a mentor, and College & Career Readiness Services.

Student wins third place for documentary
Eliza Lammers, a student at Charles Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is a third-prize winner in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition, according to a news release.

The competition in its 17th year invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary. Students were asked to join a national conversation on the challenges the country is facing, with the theme, “Explore the issue you most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021.”

Lammers’ documentary was entitled, “Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the USA.”

More than 2,300 students across the country participated.

The most popular topics addressed were: health care (14.9%); environmental and energy policy (14.6%); equal rights and equity (13.5%); criminal justice/policing (7.6%); and education (7.5%).

Catholic school enrollment
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.

For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org, or call 813-933-4750, ext. 105.

Student achievements
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has initiated these three Lutz students from Nova Southeastern University: Sasha Glasper, Jamie Thomas and Kairee Whitmore.

Also, Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor List at Minnesota State University Mankato for the 2020 fall semester.

Virtual STEM Fair
More than 40 Tampa Bay student innovators showcased their inventions in the 41st Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair on March 3, virtually.

“Our students need the opportunity to apply the math, science and engineering they are learning,” said Larry Plank, the school district’s executive director for k-12 science education, in a news release.

“Tampa Bay is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created….This competition gets students involved in authentic project-based learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills,” said Plank.

Award-winners in the invention category are eligible to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, in June.

School lunches
MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches. Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.

Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.

To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.

Prodigy showcases
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.

Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events. This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”

Many students will be performing for the first time.

Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.

A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.

Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.

Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.

The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.

Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.

International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.

Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.

Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.

For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.

Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Students may submit completed applications online only.

For information, call Irina White at 813-272-5074.

Tribute to fallen officer

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(Courtesy of Mary Rathman)

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office alongside the Tampa Police Department paid tribute to MPO Jesse Madsen, of Wesley Chapel, who was killed in the line of duty on March 9. This flag, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, honors Office Madsen and his service.

Good deeds go a long way

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Animal Services)

Christopher Cutillo practiced a good deed every day during February, including delivering groceries to seniors, helping to clean up people’s yards, and more. Cutillo stopped by Pasco County Animal Services to make dog treats (Milk-Bone and peanut butter sandwiches) for the pups. He was impressed with the animal shelter and is hoping to invite friends to join him on his next visit.

Small changes, big difference

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Pasco County Utilities (PCU) encourages residents to take the time to check inside and outside their homes for ways to conserve water and avoid excess water use.

When it comes to saving water and money, small changes can make a big difference.

Make small adjustments inside and outside your home, to conserve water and avoid excessive water use — it can help save money, too. (File)

Here are some helpful tips from PCU:

  • Check for leaks. The Water Research Foundation found that 13% of water used indoors was being lost to household leaks. If the toilet runs or you have to jiggle the handle, more than 180 gallons of water can be lost per hour.
  • Clean or replace filters in your water softener, pool, refrigerator ice/water dispenser, and under the sink. Filter maintenance helps appliances to run efficiently and reduces the potential for leaks.
  • Use a spray nozzle to prevent outdoor water loss. When a hose is forgotten and left running, up to 500 gallons of water can be wasted per hour.
  • Pool covers help to retain water levels and to keep out debris. Water evaporates at the rate of about 1,000 gallons per month from a pool.
  • Change the batteries in an irrigation system. During a power outage, the battery backup prevents the system from resetting to the factory setting, often programmed to water daily.
  • Establish the right plants in the right place to decrease the use of water, pesticides and fertilizers.

To view all resources available, visit bit.ly/SaveH2OPasco.

Residents also can learn how to read their own meter at bit.ly/myPCUmeter.

Published March 10, 2021