The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Shiloh loves a good nap

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Shiloh is an 8-year-old lemon beagle that loves to sleep all day. Her other hobbies include eating chicken, beef and any other meat. Shiloh lives with John David, Olivia David, Naomi John, Benjamin David and Ruth John in Land O’ Lakes.

Long-necked and long-legged

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David Pagni, of Wesley Chapel, snapped photos of this wood stork that was flying around the pond at the entrance to Seven Oaks. Wood storks are hefty wading birds with football-shaped bodies perched atop long legs. They fly with their neck and legs outstretched but tend to perch with the neck drawn in, giving them a humpbacked appearance.

Hospital ‘shines on’ during pandemic

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel illuminated its building with the color blue, to honor the lives lost from COVID-19, and to remind people that ‘Hope Shines On.’ The lights also are in recognition of the perseverance of the hospitals’ team members and the community throughout the pandemic.

Chalk Talk 03/10/2021

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(Courtesy of Molly Anderson/Collegis Education)

Rasmussen changes its name
Rasmussen College on Feb. 18 completed its transition to Rasmussen University. The Central Pasco campus, 16418 State Road 54 in Odessa, opened last December, with classes beginning in January. The new campus is a result of merging the New Port Richey/West Pasco and Land O’ Lakes/East Pasco campuses into one centralized location. Rasmussen features new health sciences and nursing labs, simulation equipment, and expanded offices, lounges and study spaces – both indoors and outdoors.

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.

Board appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointments of Lee Maggard and Robin Schneider to their existing terms on the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees. Both terms will run through May 31, 2022.

Maggard, of Zephyrhills, is an associate vice president and commercial relationship manager with CenterState Bank. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and serves on the board of the Academy at the Farms.

Schneider, of Spring Hill, is the marketing coordinator at the Medical Center of Trinity. Previously, she was director of marketing at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.

Both reappointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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.

Saint Leo food truck
Saint Leo University is taking dining services on the road, as it has officially opened its new food truck, The Hungry Lion.

University President Jeffrey Senese was looking for a way to not only help students, but to be a community service – and spread the word about Saint Leo University, according to a news release.

The 33-foot truck features photos of University Campus in St. Leo and a distinctive logo featuring a lion, Saint Leo’s mascot.

Presently, The Hungry Lion is open to students, faculty and staff at lunchtime on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with the goal to offer night-time dining for students, too.

Future plans call for the food truck to frequently be stationed at Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., to be there for events that are open to the public.

When fully staffed and operational, The Hungry Lion will begin serving at community events.

To learn more and to inquiry about availability, email .

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.

SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”

During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.

With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.

Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.

The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.

For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

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.

Meals on Wheels looks to expand

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The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, is accepting applications for its 2021 Meals on Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Expansion Program.

Approved applicants can receive financial aid and technical assistance to develop and launch home-delivered meal programs in communities across the eastern United States.

When schools closed due to COVID-19, TBNEH launched MOW4Kids Tampa Bay to serve disadvantaged children who depend on school meals.

Now, the Network to End Hunger is offering a unique opportunity to organizations that are interested in launching community programs that deliver nutritious meals to transportation-disadvantaged and homebound families with children.

The MOW4Kids expansion is looking to provide support to at least 15 partner organizations in 2021.

“Meals on Wheels for Kids is an essential community program. We are excited to bring MOW4Kids to other communities across the country. The national expansion of this program is vital at this stage because the need is not going away. Kids are going hungry at home by not going to school. These children need our help now and we will do everything we can to make sure they have the nutritious meals they need,” said Caitlyn Peacock, executive director, in a news release.

Schools and community organizations can access the MOW4Kids Request for Proposal and Partner Application at MOW4Kids.org.

For additional information, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org.

The network also is accepting donations to help support the MOW4Kids National Expansion Program on its website.

Published March 03, 2021

Operation Feed Pasco closes, amid success

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United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families.

The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release.

Operation Feed Pasco used a multi-faceted approach to help feed the hungry, including food banks soup kitchens and local restaurants. (File)

The purpose of OFP was simple: Assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and supply food for their clients by using local restaurants in Pasco County.

The program was inspired by the growing number of food-insecure people and the increasing number of struggling restaurants, according to a news release.

Pasco County in May 2020 awarded a $600,000 grant to UWPC to develop and implement a program to help feed people while employing Pasco-based restaurants, event centers and caterers.

What started as a one-time grant turned into a multimillion dollar operation. And, UWPC went on to receive three additional grants. Ultimately, it grew to include 37 partners and more than 20 locations for meal distribution.

The program’s partner restaurants were made up of a variety of cuisines — Italian, South American, Soul Food and others.

Meals from partner restaurants were served at various nonprofit agencies throughout the county, including women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, children’s shelters, food ministries and pantries, homeless outreach centers, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and elderly care centers.

“United Way of Pasco County’s mission is to respond to unmet needs in the community,” said Charles Anderson, president and CEO, in the news release.

“None could be greater than ensuring our citizens had food during this pandemic.

“Responding to the challenge required tremendous teamwork and I remain very grateful to my staff team, board of directors, participating agencies, local restaurants,” Anderson said, adding a special shout-out to Cathy Pearson, an assistant Pasco County administrator, and to the Pasco County Commission.

Published March 03, 2021

Loki is loving and smart

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Loki will be 2 years old in May and loves to talk all the time. He calls his brothers, Tyler and Ryan, constantly because he loves to play peek-a-boo with them. Loki even watches the boys do their online schoolwork. Loki loves to wrestle with his daddy, and he likes to cuddle and mutter on mommy’s shoulder at bedtime. He’s like a little green puppy with wings. Loki has learned over 20 words and phrases, he’s working on potty training, and he’s even learning to sing (so far he just knows the words “happy birthday”). Loki just loves to be with the family, and bedtimes wouldn’t be right without him there for story time and tuck-ins, and kisses good night. Loki lives with the Harkness family in Wesley Chapel, and they wouldn’t know what to do without him.

A beauty to behold

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Sharon Thompson, on a recent stroll, snapped this photo of a luna moth in Country Walk, in Wesley Chapel. The luna moth is part of group commonly known as giant silk moths. It has lime-green colored wings and a white body. This moth’s wingspan can stretch 4 1/2 inches, which is about the same length as an iPhone.

Health News 03/03/2021

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A pick-me-up for those in service
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled 125 goodie bags filled with snacks and treats for the front-line workers serving the public at the University Mall COVID Vaccination Center.

Linda Mitchell, left, delivers snacks to nurse Corrie Pearson-Sailer, of Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)
A National Guardsman shows his appreciation with a thumbs-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New director named
Gulfside Healthcare Services has named Eduardo Puntonet as its director of clinical services.

Eduardo Puntonet

In the new role, Puntonet will oversee the clinical nursing teams for the hospice division of the organization in Pasco County.

Puntonet graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then pursued graduate degrees in business administration, and nursing leadership and management.

“Having received outstanding hospice care in my own family, I know first-hand the meaningful difference that hospice care can make,” said Puntonet in a news release.

“That is why I feel an overwhelming responsibility to assure that every patient under Gulfside’s services receives the most adequate care, which meets the highest quality standards,” he said.

Dean speaks about vaccinations
The University of South Florida Dean of College of Pharmacy Dr. Kevin Sneed recently spoke during the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s “Now You Know” virtual community forum.

Sneed spoke and answered questions on the COVID-19 vaccinations, to try to dispel some of the myths and skepticism the community may have in taking the vaccination, according to a news release.

Related topics included school-age children and the virus; children as possible carriers; side effects; and which vaccine to take.

“While there have been children who have been affected and died from the virus, overall children’s affection rate is lower than (adults),” Sneed said in the release.

On the vaccination side effects, Sneed said that fatigue and headaches are the main ones, and that few have had nausea, chills and fever.

“By and large, it’s not serious and most are gone within 24 hours,” Sneed said.

When discussing the different vaccines, he said that people should not “get caught up in the eye candy. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. It has proven to be 100% avoidance of death.”

Sneed said even if you get the shots, people must maintain CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for social distancing and wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

Overdose deaths increase
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is continuing its efforts to prevent opioid overdoses, which have increased in Pasco Cunty amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reported a total of 1,491 overdoses in 2020, resulting in 268 deaths — an increase of 71% from 2019, according to a news release.

Pasco County in 2019 was awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Overdose Data to Action Grant for $638,400, to assist in decreasing the opioid epidemic in the area.

Partnering with the PCSO and Pasco County Schools, DOH-Pasco hired an opioid epidemiologist as part of the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service (FL-EIS) Fellowship Program to combat the epidemic.

The partnership has allowed the PCSO Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which partners with BayCare Behavioral Health, to connect individuals to treatment services.

Schools also are able to offer additional prevention education to students.

The partnership also has implemented the CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign, which will be on billboards and bus wraps throughout the county, to increase knowledge and awareness.

In addition, DOH-Pasco, the PCSO and the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) are working to host a virtual information town hall on opioid misuse and provide education on medication safety measures.

Chalk Talk 03/03/2021

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Grace Quinn (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School)

Twins selected as scholarship finalists
Twin sisters Faith Anne Quinn and Grace Helen Quinn, seniors at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, have been selected as 2021 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

Faith Quinn

The Quinns are the only finalists in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school and two of 12 semifinalists in Pasco County.

In addition to their studies, both Faith and Grace are active members of Bishop McLaughlin’s theater department and have played varsity basketball since freshman year.

The twins join approximately 15,000 finalists across the country in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

Student achievements
These local students were named to the fall Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne: Alexis Clark, Trinity; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Tyler Vermillion, Trinity; and Zachary Watson, Trinity.

Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, recognized Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, to its fall Dean’s List.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students.

Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question, “When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

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

For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to .

For information and questions, call 727-847-8179.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.

SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”

During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.

With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.

Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.

The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.

For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

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.