The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County 

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Congratulations to Kids Helping Kids Pasco County for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 by president Michelle Patel, who was looking for ways for her family to serve the community together. Patel didn’t find many local opportunities for children to be involved, until a sandwich-making project in​​ the community became the ‘building blocks’ for Kids Helping Kids Pasco County.

The nonprofit strives to be a source of assistance to local, low-income families that are struggling financially but may be unable to receive assistance elsewhere.

“We have a ‘no questions asked’ policy when it comes to most of the support we provide. If a family reaches out in need of support, we will do everything in our power to help them,” says vice president Dara Dimeler.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County has a few projects it does every year, such as its summer food drive and holiday toy drive.

“Our Teen Advisory Board helps to guide our projects every year – they provide valuable insight into the needs of their peers,” says Patel.

The organization also has started installing some Free Little Libraries around the area, and are doing more routine road cleanups.

The two Little Libraries are located at the RCMA Dade City Learning Center and the Pasco Woods Apartments in Wesley Chapel.

“We supply the books, and we have volunteers that routinely check on the libraries to make sure they are not damaged and are fully stocked,” says Dimeler.

Patel says the nonprofit’s greatest achievement to date has been its COVID-19 food project.

“When schools abruptly closed in March 2020, the access for food was initially very limited within our county. We saw a need and stepped in immediately to provide supplemental food to families that had suddenly lost the food support they would have otherwise been receiving through free/reduced school lunches,” says Patel.

Together with the help of more than 100 volunteers, community donations and business sponsors, Kids Helping Kids Pasco County provided more than 27,000 meals over a 21-week period.

“Watching the community come together in what was such a unique and confusing time was absolutely amazing to witness, and something I personally will never forget,” says Patel.

For Patel, the most rewarding part of founding Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is the impact the nonprofit has on these young children.

“Watching a child with a smile on their face genuinely wanting to help make a difference in their community is what keeps me going. We’ve had the opportunity to watch many of these young volunteers grow over the years, step up into their community and really make a difference,” says Patel.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is currently looking for a fundraising chair. The nonprofit also is looking to fill spots on its Back to School Planning Committee. Ideal volunteers for this role would be available to work through the summer to plan and execute its drive scheduled for July 30, 2022. Both of these roles would be adult-held positions.

For more information on how to support or volunteer for the nonprofit, call 813-957-5711.

Be sure to follow the nonprofit on Facebook (Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco) and Instagram (@kidshelpingkidspasco).

Southport Springs resident celebrates big birthday

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(Courtesy of Joe Grigelevich/The Southport Sun)
Gene Poupard when he joined the service.

Gene Poupard will be turning 100 years old on May 28 and soon will celebrate with his family in Michigan. Meanwhile, his friends in Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills had a party to mark his milestone. His daughter, Marie, and her husband Paul Weston, also live in Southport Springs and, together with Poupard’s friends, threw him a party, according to Joe Grigelevich, editor of The Southport Sun, a community newsletter. ‘And, what a great celebration it was,’ the editor noted.

Shirley Ann Garrison

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79, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022, at her home in Land O’ Lakes, FL with her husband, John Garrison, of 59 years, by her side. Shirley owned and operated Tender Years Daycare in Land O’Lakes for 30+ years. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she lived for spending time with her grandkids and great- grandkids. Shirley loved rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, her favorite color was blue, and she enjoyed hosting all holidays just to get extra time in with her family.

Shirley is survived by her husband; John, daughters; Laura and Donna Butrick, son; James (Rita) Garrison, six grandchildren; Andrew Garrison, Krysta Rosello, Nikki and Joella Butrick, Austi Dial, and Nina Butrick, and 10 great-grandchildren; James Lewis, Adrian, John, Marion and Dominick Garrison, Brian O. and Jasmyne Butrick, Brian B. Butrick and Remington Jackson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Glenn and Evelyn Straight, six brothers and sisters; Mary Jo, Wilma Jean, Glenn Jr., Iona Lee, Donnie Lee and Wanda Mae and sons-in-law Rick Butrick and Brian Butrick.

Shirley’s family couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her life than to have her service on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes, FL.

Published May 11, 2022

Ralph ‘Rick” Butrick Jr.

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Passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at his home in Land O Lakes, Fl, with his wife Laura Butrick, of 36 years, by his side.

Rick loved his family, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was an avid NASCAR fan. Rick had a larger- than-life personality which is why he will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife Laura, & his daughter Krysta and son-in-law Miguel Rosello.

Siblings; Barbie (more like a daughter) and husband Gary Thronson, Debbie Fields, Pam Wallace and Curtis Butrick as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Barbara Dean; mother JoAnne Dean; father, Ralph Butrick and brother Brian Butrick.

Until we meet again – love you forever!

Published on 3/17/21.

New River Branch Library celebrates its revival

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Artwork adorned the walls of the main lobby.

A butterfly release was held outdoors.

This sign helps guide visitors to New River Branch Library and its Discovery Gardens, at 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, near Zephyrhills. The library has been updated through an extensive renovation. (Fred Bellet)

Speakers addressed the crowd, and people toured the building and grounds, as the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54, celebrated its rededication.

The $2.8 million project — including design, construction, furnishings, technology and associated expenses — is one of seven library renovation projects being completed through General Obligation bonds approved by voters in 2018.

From the outside, New River’s red brick building, constructed in 1991, looks much the same.

But now, the Discovery Gardens is on the east side of the building, and additional trees and flowering plants on the library’s campus give the property a fresh, new look.

Indoors, the library space is brighter and more open. The update includes new flooring, restrooms, seating and technology.

The space has been reconfigured to provide more opportunities for public use.

There’s a children’s room, a teen room, study rooms, a community room and other spaces designed to meet various needs.

This library is far more than just a place to read and check out books.

It’s a place where adults gather to do chair yoga, crochet or knit; children gather for story time; and, people of all ages garden and take advantage of the library’s many other offerings.

Published May 04, 2022

Dignitaries and people involved in the renovation project prepare to perform the ribbon-cutting, signaling the rededication of the New River Branch Library.
Discovery Gardens is located on the east side of New River Branch Library. Because of its location, it gets plenty of early morning sunshine. Four-year-old Riley Roby is watering some of the lettuce leaf basil and other vegetables growing in the garden. The Wesley Chapel boy was there with his mom, Bethany, and his 1-year-old brother, Judah.
Residents, staff and members of the Friends of the Library, fill the main lobby at the New River Branch Library rededication ceremony.
A sunflower blooms in the Discovery Gardens at the New River Branch Library.
Ted Williamson, of Williamson Design Associates, spoke during the rededication ceremony.
Jane Kane, left, and Oaklee Gagnon, right, both of Dade City, check out the seed library for those wanting to cultivate plants or flowers. The two women were among members of the Friends of the Library.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the butterfly release and touring through the New River Library, Judy Semonick, left, of Wesley Chapel, and Pat Smith, of Zephyrhills, take a break inside the library to cool down.
George Tharin, senior project architect from Williamson Design Associates, shares details about the library’s update.
Angelo Liranzo was one of the event’s masters of ceremonies who introduced people who played a role in revitalizing the library and creating the Discovery Gardens. Normally, Liranzo is based at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

 

Ceremony celebrates new Dade City leaders

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The Dade City Commission swore in a new mayor, a new mayor pro-tem, a new commissioner and an incumbent, during the commission’s April 26 meeting.

Jim Shive is the city’s new mayor, replacing Camille Hernandez, who retired from elected office. Knute Nathe is the new mayor pro tem. Ann Cosentino will fill the seat vacated by Hernandez, and Scott Black was reelected to another term.

Hernandez was elected in 2006 to a commission seat and served as mayor from 2012 until retiring in 2022.

Commissioners unanimously elected Shive as the city’s mayor and Nathe as the mayor pro tem.

Published May 04, 2022

The Dade City Commission, from left are Knute Nathe, Jim Shive, Scott Black, Ann Cosentino and Normita ‘Angel’ Woodard. Commissioners selected Shive as the city’s mayor and Nathe as mayor pro tem. (Courtesy of Jennifer Tussing)
Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, right, shakes hands with Mayor Pro Tem Knute Nathe during a City Commission Meeting on April 26.

Residential buildings to get taller in Pasco?

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval to a change in the county’s land development code that would allow residential buildings to be a maximum of 45 feet, which is 10 feet taller than the code currently allows.

The change is being initiated by the county, based on an action by the Pasco County Commission to direct the planning department to bring forth the modification.

The county board adopted the restated land development code on Oct. 18, 2011, and since then has adopted 54 amendments to the code, according to agenda backup materials for the planning board’s April 24 meeting.

The county board, on July 6, 2021, directed the staff to prepare the modification needed to increase the building height in all residential districts.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel raised a question about potential impacts for firefighters.

Zoning Administrator Denise Hernandez said she would confer with Fire Rescue officials, but noted that commercial buildings can exceed 45 feet.

No one spoke for or against the proposal during the meeting.

Planners recommended approval of the change.

Published May 04, 2022

Enjoying a day out, while raising money for hospice care

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Hundreds of people turned out to the Gulfside Hospice Charity Festival of Arts, recently held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Eleven-year-old Brennen Lay, center, of Port Richey, keeps his eye on music teacher Katherine Hintz, of Land O’ Lakes, as she and violinists from Hintz Academy of Music perform. Thirteen-year-old Sasanka Sentail, left, of Land O’ Lakes, follows along. (Fred Bellet)

The event, on April 23, raised more than $20,000 to support hospice patient care and bereavement programs at Gulfside Hospice, according to a news release from the organizers.

The festival opened with the presentation of colors by the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and a performance of the national anthem by Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen, Larkin Mainwaring.

Guests enjoyed hands-on art stations, purchased art and grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks.

A talent showcase highlighted all kinds of performers, including dancers, musicians, singers, a comedy act, and more.

Miss Pasco County Anastasia Valimaki performed her signature speed painting talent for the crowd, and held a meet-and-greet with Mainwaring throughout the day.

“We are here to help hospice patients and their families receive hospice care and bereavement services. Gulfside Hospice does not turn any patient away because of an inability to pay, and that’s only possible because of the support we gather from the community,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.

“It’s a day of fun and a day that celebrates the arts, because there’s nothing that celebrates life more than creativity and art,” Armstrong added.

For more information about upcoming events to support Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising & event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .

Published May 04, 2022

Land O’ Lakes’ artist Terry Smith displays some of his paintings featuring nature scenes from the great outdoors.
‘Popcorn,’ a 10-year-old standard poodle and service dog checks out what’s on the menu, as the dog’s owner, Vivian Calabria, visits the vendor and exhibit tents.
Anshita Sahu, 12, who studies at Hintz Academy of Music, provided a soothing sound, during the academy’s performance at the Charity Festival of Arts. The Land O’ Lakes musician was accompanied by violinists.
Five-year-old Hayleigh Perkins, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a coloring book she received at the festival. She and her parents, Rich and Michelle Perkins, checked out the art projects, to vote for their favorite.
Six-year-old twins Blake and Mia Carreras select materials under one of the art project tents at the festival. They were accompanied by their parents, Yasir and Ami Carreras, of Land O’ Lakes.
Lucy Santanello votes for her favorite artwork at the Gulfside Hospice auction and art exhibit tent. Santanello and friend Millie Biggs drove to the event from New Port Richey.
Wherever Michelle Fisler went at the Charity Festival of Arts, onlookers did a double-take. After all, Rascal, a 4-year-old skunk from Florida Skunk Rescue, hitched a ride on her shoulder. Fisler said, as pets, skunks are comparable to cats.
Ileana Scopano, third from right, a volunteer member of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, dances next to the horses as music plays over the public address system at the festival. The posse took part in the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner.
The GFWC Women’s Group performs its version of, ‘I Will Follow You,’ from the movie, ‘Sister Act.’ From left: Dee Knerr of Tampa; Kay Taylor, of New Port Richey; Pam Blumenthal, of Wesley Chapel; and, Elayne Bassinger, of San Antonio.
Vocalist Doug Karl opened the event with lively, foot-stompin’ music.

 

 

Grants support photography workshops for vets

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The Community Arts Impact Grant supports free photography workshops for veterans.

Breaking Barriers takes place July 8 through Aug. 12, 2022. It will have two formats: a course for beginners and one for advanced for photographers.

No experience is needed for beginners, but the advanced session requires previous photography experience or attendance at a prior Breaking Barriers workshop, according to a news release.

Both workshops are hosted online to increase accessibility.

The only camera that is required is a cellphone camera.

“So, the program was learning the techniques and approaches to taking photography into that same level of a professional photographer, with a cellphone,” Mikko Maki, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and past participants of Breaking Barriers, said in the release.

Registration is now open and will be available until July 1.

Veterans and their families are welcome to join in the workshops.

To register, or for questions or more information, email Amy Allison at .

Published May 04, 2022

NFL ‘rookie class’

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

AdventHealth announced the newest “GOATs” of the 2022 NFL draft, the AdventHealth Bucs Babies, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This year, the true “GOATs” of cuteness and the tiniest Brady fans are ready to expand the depth of the Bucs Babies roster. All babies born at an AdventHealth hospital in West Florida are considered AdventHealth Bucs Babies and babies born the week of the NFL draft are official members of the “rookie class.”