The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Landowners can apply to conservation easement program

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners from Florida for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service accepts these applications year-round, but producers and landowners should apply by Dec. 31 to be considered for funding in the current cycle, according to a news release from the USDA.

The easement program provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands, and their related benefits.

Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, the NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-government organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land.

Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements components, the NRCS helps restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.

“This is a great opportunity to combat the climate crises and conserve Florida’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources, Juan Hernandez, the Florida State Conservationist for NRCS, said in the release.

The land easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing the conversion of productive working lands to other uses, and has other benefits, too.

The wetland reserve easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality by filing sediments and chemicals, reduce flood, recharge groundwater and have other benefits, according to the release.

To apply, contact the NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. To find your local service center, go to Farmers.gov.

Published December 15, 2021

Kathryn Starkey is Pasco County’s board chairwoman

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

The Pasco County Commission has selected board member Kathryn Starkey to be the board’s new chairwoman.

Board member Jack Mariano has been named vice chairman.

Starkey represents the commission’s District 3 seat; Mariano represents District 5.

Ron Oakley, the immediate past chairman, represents District 1; Mike Moore, represents District 2; and, Christina Fitzpatrick represents District 4.

In addition to reorganizing the board, the board also approved new district boundaries.

That exercise, known as redistricting, is done every 10 years, following the completion of the U.S. Census.

The idea is to have districts of roughly equal in terms of population size.

The new districts took effect on Dec. 7.

To see the districts and who represents you, visit bit.ly/CommissionDistricts.

Published December 15, 2021

The holidays are here — let’s have a cup of cheer

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If  you believe everything you hear and read, you might think that gaining weight at the holidays is inevitable.

But that simply isn’t so.

A study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine found that, on average, the weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Year’s ranges from 1 pound to 3 pounds.

Of course, that varies from person to person, but whether it’s 1 pound or more — the downside is that you’re starting off the New Year on the wrong foot.

Plus, according to another study from the New England Journal of Medicine, while half of us seeking to lose holiday weight gain will do so quickly, others won’t return to our pre-holiday weight until May.

It’s also important to remember that the holiday food we consume isn’t the only thing that packs on the pounds.

What we drink matters, too.

As you are considering those calories from appetizers, meals and desserts, don’t forget to add up the calories you’re drinking, too.

For instance, those pumpkin spice lattes you ordered in October (and September and August) typically had 50 grams of sugar, and 390 calories for a 16-ounce cup.

You could have had an entire lunch for 390 calories — without the sugar.

Consider counting your holiday drink as your dessert, to avoid loading up on too much sugar.

Another small compromise? Skimp on the whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate sauces.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County

RECIPES
Adult holiday beverages typically feature a splash of alcohol, but here are some festive drinks the whole family can enjoy.

Peppermint Floats (Get your candy canes ready)
This recipe from Kroger.com creates a drink that tastes like Christmas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • 4 ½ cups 7Up, chilled
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes

Directions:

  • Put 2 scoops of ice cream in glass.
  • Fill glass with 7Up.
  • Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
  • Add a candy cane or two in the glass, just for show.

Yield: Six tall glasses

Apple Pie Milkshakes (Great way to use up leftover pie)
This recipe from Betty Crocker makes two servings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 slice cold apple pie, cut into chunks

Directions:

  • Place ice cream, milk and cinnamon in a blender.
  • Cover and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  • Add chunks of pie; cover and blend until smooth.
  • Pour into 2 glasses; add whipped cream and cinnamon.

Gingerbread Lattes (Who needs a fancy coffee shop; you can make your own)
This simple recipe comes from AARP.

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots espresso
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon molasses
  • ¾ cup milk (whole or 2% is better for frothing)

Directions:

  • Gently whisk coffee, spices, molasses and sugar in a measuring cup, then pour into a mug.
  • Froth milk or warm it on the stove and slowly pour into mixture.
  • Drizzle salted caramel syrup on top.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Fewer ingredients, same great taste)
This recipe comes courtesy of University of Illinois Extension.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Directions for mix:

  • Whisk sugar, cocoa and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.
  • Store prepared mix in an airtight container.

Directions for hot cocoa:

  • Heat milk in the microwave or on stove, to not quite at a boil.
  • Stir in 3 Tablespoons of mix per 8-ounce cup of milk.
  • Add whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles or other toppings, as desired.

Yield: Makes 25 8-ounce servings

Published December 15, 2021

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