The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In the eyes of the beholder

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(Fred Bellet)

With art in her eyes, a display of handcrafted gift items are reflected from the sunglasses of onlooker Monica Kasson, of Odessa. Kasson, a fiber artist who works with tie-dye and other art forms, was browsing through the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show.

Shoppers flock to the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show

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Barbara Karnay, of New Port Richey, waits for customers under the roof of the Nature Coast GFWC booth to buy her Christmas wreaths that were fashioned from clothespins. (Fred Bellet)

After calling off its biggest fundraiser of the year last year, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club resumed its popular holiday shopping festival and art show over the weekend at Keystone Prep High, in Odessa.

The 42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show featured plenty of tasty treats to eat and myriad choices for shoppers looking for unique items for people on their holiday gift lists.

The annual arts and crafts show —now  known throughout the region — started small, with a crafts show at the Old Lutz School.

It has been held in recent years at Keystone Prep High, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The event, geared with holiday shopping in mind, has been held without fail for decades, except for two years. It was canceled in 2015 because of a sinkhole in Lake Park, and it was called off last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It typically attracts between 20,000 and 30,000 over the course of the weekend, giving people a chance to shop, enjoy each other’s company, and take in the sights and sounds.

This year’s event featured more than 200 vendors. Santa was there and an orchestra played holiday tunes.

The woman’s club uses proceeds from the event to support scholarships and numerous community organizations and causes.

Published December 08, 2021

Artist Michael Howland’s fluidic work of an American flag was an eye-catcher for many strolling through the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show. Howland is from Keystone Heights, outside Gainesville.
Michele Northrup, a former Lutz Guv’na, hawks her hot sauce. The Saucy Queen, of Lutz, gets an assist from Atlas Cortecero, as she lets the crowd know how saucy her sauce is.
Kathleen Nay makes her way into the menagerie of metal birds, part of a display under the tent of Robyn’s Garden of Metal Garden and Lawn Ornaments. Nay, along with her sister, Elaine Duncan, both of Tampa, were checking out the artistic wares at the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show, presented by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, on the grounds of Keystone Prep High School in Odessa.
Ten-month-old Kate Aldridge lets out a yawn, as her mom Courtney Aldridge, of Land O’ Lakes, pushes her stroller along one of the rows of vendor tents. Kate’s brother, Chandler Aldridge, 4, was there, too, along with friend Jill Melle, of Brooksville.
Timmy, a 3-year-old French Bulldog, had it made in the shade as Jenny Engle wheels him through the arts and crafts show. Engle is fostering the dog for Southern State Bully Rescue. The woman was accompanied by her friend Krissy Mazza. They are both from Shady Hills.
Mary Rich, of Land O’ Lakes, and Sharon Greene, of Tampa, look over the old wooden post office boxes for sale under Paul D. King’s booth at the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show. The boxes — some of which date back to the 1800s — were converted by King into savings banks.
Bill Genovese, of Tampa, and also a member of the New Horizons band, sported this heels-over-head elf hat, adding merriment to the season.

Hillsborough seeking applicants for diversity council

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The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the board’s Diversity Advisory Council.

The council was established to foster communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that affect county government and Hillsborough residents, according to a county news release.

The advisory council is appointed by the county board and is made up of two individuals from each of these groups: African American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender; Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At-Large, which does not require identification with a specific category.

Representatives are being sought for 13 positions, to serve two-year terms. These are the open positions: African American (2); Far East Asian (1); Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (1); Hispanic/Latino (1); Indian Asian (2); Middle Eastern (1); Native American (2); Northern and Southern European (1); People with Disabilities (1); and At-Large (1) – identification with a specific category is not required.

All nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. Appointments are voluntary positions; therefore, members serve without compensation.

Residents interested in being considered for appointment must submit:

  • An essay of 200-500 words highlighting what their goals would be as a member of the Diversity Advisory Council and state why you are most suited to carry forth those goals
  • A completed Questionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council
  • A Standards of Conduct Form

Forms are available on the County’s website, at HCFLGov.net. Click on the “Government” link on the top of the page, then the “Boards and Committees” link. The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible.

Applicants declining to submit an essay will be eliminated from further consideration for service on the Diversity Advisory Council of Hillsborough County.

The application is due by the close of business on Dec. 16.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Hillsborough County Commission in January or February of 2022.

Forms can be mailed to P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL, 33601; faxed to 813-239-3916; emailed to ; or delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa, FL, 33602.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings may be held virtually.

Published December 08, 2021

A display of generosity

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Ten-year-old Magdah Moore and her grandmother, Hilary Moore, sold items at the Connerton bazaar on Nov. 6, and donated the proceeds to Joshua House. Magdah made slime to sell, and Hilary made knitted stockings and baked goods. They raised $263, which Magdah wanted to donate, after hearing DeDe Grundel talk about the kids there, during a tea she attended in May. The pair hopes their gesture will draw attention to the need to help others who are less fortunate, Hilary said, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Ten-year-old Magdah Moore, of Connerton, presents a check to DeDe Grundel, of Joshua House, representing proceeds from items she and her grandmother, Hillary Moore, sold at a bazaar in Connerton, on Nov. 6. Joshua House is a haven for abused, abandoned and neglected children. (Courtesy of Hilary Moore)
Ten-year-old Magdah Moore, left and her grandmother, Hllary Moore, stand behind their table of homemade goods that they sold at a bazaar in Connerton. They donated the proceeds of the sale to Joshua House. Joshua House is a haven for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Avalon Applauds

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Congratulations to Lana Guzman, a senior at Wesley Chapel High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Lana Guzman

Guzman was recently chosen as Pasco County’s 2021 – 2022 Outstanding Senior. She serves as the Student Government Association’s executive president, Student Advisory Council chairman and the school’s National Honor Society secretary. She was also a Teen Play Leader for Glazer Children’s Museum where she provided information about exhibits, monitored activities and prepared materials for small groups.

“Each leadership position and community involvement I have been blessed with has granted me the ability to inspire others through compassion and knowledge,” says Guzman.

Maintaining a driven mindset has allowed Guzman to hold a 4.36 grade point average all throughout high school.

“As a student, my goal has always been to strive for highest level of success and my motivation has been driven by my desire to reach my fullest potential,” says Guzman.

On top of all that, Guzman was also the 2018 – 2019 Agriculture Student of the Year, which is an industry she is extremely passionate about. Guzman is currently the Wesley Chapel High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter president, which has over 50 members. Guzman works alongside both the club’s advisor and officer team to organize events, competitions, meetings and volunteer opportunities.

“Despite coming from a suburban background, agriculture has shown me the importance of an industry that makes up the food, fiber and shelter of our daily lives,” says Guzman.

Upon graduating from Wesley Chapel High School, Guzman plans to attend the University of Florida where she will pursue a degree in agriculture education.

“As a teacher, my goal is to build future leaders, create educated consumers and teach students to have respect for agriculture industries,” says Guzman.

Guzman would like to thank her agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor, Mrs. Farquhar, for her support throughout the years.

“She never failed to always be there whenever I needed her. I am forever grateful for the life changing impact Mrs. Farquhar has been in my life,” says Guzman.

Communicate better, with Affordable Hearing Help

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William Morehouse, a local hearing aid specialist, wants to educate and to help people in the local community who suffer from hearing loss.

Morehouse, a resident of Zephyrhills for over 20 years, opened up Affordable Hearing Help, a discount hearing aid store, in January of 2019.

His services include a no-cost hearing test, a risk-free trial, adjustments, cleanings, and repairs.

Morehouse claims more people suffer from hearing loss than one would think.

“Most people hear, but it’s not clear,” says Morehouse. “Hearing loss isn’t typically deafness, it’s usually you just can’t hear certain high tones and pitches.”

Hearing aids pick out certain frequency ranges where amplifications are needed and instantly improve your quality of life by increasing your communication with others. New advancements in hearing aid technology, like Bluetooth, have really allowed people to rejoin conversations.

“Apps are another advancement that allows my customers to adjust their hearing aids on their own without coming to my office,” says Morehouse.

Morehouse prides himself his low prices, and on treating his patients according to the golden rule. You won’t have to pay for any warranties or feel obligated to buy accessories from Affordable Hearing Help.

Morehouse claims 30% of people with a hearing loss don’t wear hearing aids due to high costs. He offers hearing aids at much lower prices than his competition – usually saving his patients not just hundreds, but thousands of dollars.

“Communication is a basic human necessity,” says Morehouse, “That’s why I try to be as affordable as possible.”

Customers who buy their hearing aids from Affordable Hearing Help also receive free adjustments and cleanings. If you come in with a hearing aid from somewhere else, you can still get adjustments and/or cleanings at a low cost.

Morehouse always offers free follow-up appointments for new customers and a risk-free trial for all hearing aids.

A common misconception is people assume all hearing aids are the same, which is not the case at all, claims Morehouse.

Nowadays, hearing aids can be tailor-made for each client, according to their personal wants and needs. This guarantees that they will easily fit in your ear, feel extremely comfortable and are nearly invisible to others.

To learn more about Affordable Hearing Help, go to AffordableHearingHelp.com, or call 813- 395-6764.

By Nicole Sanchez

Affordable Hearing Help
6144 Abbott Station Drive, Unit 102
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-395-6764
AffordableHearingHelp.com

Hillsborough consolidates COVID-19 services

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Hillsborough County has consolidated its COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, booster shots and antibody therapy treatment to a single location.

The change became effect on Nov. 27, according to a county news release.

The West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, is now the only public site supported by Hillsborough County.

It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It offers free COVID-19 testing, adult and Pfizer pediatric vaccinations, Pfizer booster shots for those who are eligible, and antibody therapy treatment. Appointments are not required.

Proof of medical insurance is recommended and should be presented at the time of the visit, however those without medical insurance still will be tested, vaccinated, or receive antibody therapy treatment for free.

Children ages 5 to 11 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can receive the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine at the site. The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to verbally confirm the child’s age.

Residents that would like to make an appointment are encouraged to visit patientportalfl.com or call 844-770-8548 for assistance.

Visit HCFLGov.net/COVID19 or Vaccines.gov  to locate pharmacies and other sites offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

For more information on COVID-19, and any other potential emergency in the county, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system.

Published December 01, 2021

Fasano Center stops monoclonal antibody treatments

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The Fasano Center has stopped providing monoclonal antibody therapy, but there are number of other sites in the county that are providing the treatment.

The Fasano Center ceased the state-supported therapy on Nov. 27, according to a news release from the Department of Health-Pasco County.

Other sites that are delivering the treatment are:

  • AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Dade City
  • Medical Center Of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Suite 401, Trinity
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., Port Richey
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills

Monoclonal antibodies  help the immune system to recognize and to respond effectively to the COVID-19 virus, according to the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment is for individuals who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment can prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients who have contracted COVID-19.

Specifically, it:

  • Reduces the risk of death/hospitalization by 70% to 85%
  • Reduces the risk of developing symptomatic disease by over 80%

The Florida Department of Health will continue to allocate doses of monoclonal antibodies to health care providers with high utilization rates and will ensure inventory levels meet county demand, according to a news release from the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment locations can be found at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov and by using the National Infusion Center Association’s treatment locator.

Published December 01, 2021

Be safe, and merry, this holiday season

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Here is a compilation of safety tips, from various sources, to help you enjoy a safe and festive holiday season:

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
The National Fire Protection Association suggests these steps to reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire in your home:

  • Choose a fresh, healthy tree with green needles that don’t fall off when you touch them.
  • Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This will help the tree to draw up water.
  • Check the water level in the stand daily and be sure to keep the tree well-watered.
  • Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a space heater, candle, fireplace or heat vent.
  • Be sure that your tree does not block an exit.
  • Use only decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Be sure light bulbs, strings and connections are not broken or damaged in any way.
  • Turn out tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Dispose of tree after Christmas, or when it is dry.
  • When disposing of tree, keep it away from your home or garage.

Shop safely
Tips from the Tampa Police Department:

  • Lock your car doors to prevent quick access for burglars.
  • When possible, shop with a companion, especially during the evening hours.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings when walking to and from your vehicle.
  • Have your keys in your hand when you are walking to your vehicle.
  • Park in well-lit parking lots.
  • Avoid parking next to large plants or shrubbery, where criminals can hide.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, in your vehicle and your home.
  • Take only the credit card or number of checks you plan to use.
  • Dispose of boxes or containers carefully, to avoid ‘advertising’ purchases.
  • Report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1, remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Choosing toys, shopping online
Tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

When choosing toys:

  • Follow age guidance and other safety information on the toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
  • Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys – and make sure that children use them.
  • Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.

When buying online:

  • Buy from stores and online retailers that you know and trust.
  • Scrutinize the product, the packaging and the label to avoid buying counterfeits. If the price seems to be too good to be true, that is a sign it could be a counterfeit.
  • Look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization and look for the manufacturer’s label on electrical products.

Food safety tips

Whether you are having a holiday gathering, or not, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the four steps of food safety, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

  • Clean: Clean hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and warm water before cooking. Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. After cleaning surfaces raw poultry has touched, apply a sanitizer.
  • Separate: Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat or poultry and foods that are ready to eat.
  • Cook: Confirm foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer. Turkey should be cooked to 165 °F, as measured in three places — the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing.
  • Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking. Don’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Published December 01, 2021