The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Partners With Local Nonprofit To Give Back To Troops

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To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is partnering with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

The nonprofit was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son joined the Marines at age 17.

“We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team will help make care packages for The Stano Foundation’s next ship date. The packing party will take place on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation are asking the public for donations, which includes items such as deodorant, hand lotion, protein cookies, beef jerky and more. These items can be dropped off at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center, at 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our goal is to pack 100 care packages,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

This isn’t the first time Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has partnered with The Stano Foundation. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was first introduced to the nonprofit back in 2018, when the residential community hosted several community drives for the organization, as well as a packing party.

Then in 2019, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a Jack Frost 5K, where all the proceeds from the race went to the nonprofit.

The nonprofit also was recently spotlighted for Avalon Applauds, a monthly story Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does in collaboration with The Laker/Lutz News, which recognizes local students and nonprofits in the area for going above and beyond in their community.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Fernandez.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Stano.

For monetary donations to help with postage fees for the care packages, visit Stano.org/donate/, and to check out The Stano Foundation’s Amazon wish list, visit tinyurl.com/59374kye.

For those interested in volunteering at the Nov. 6 packing party, sign up by emailing .

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

 For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Donations needed for the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation packing party:

Baby Wipes – travel size (18 ct)
Beef Jerky – snack size (.625 oz)
Combos – snack size (1.7 oz)
Cup O Noodles (2.25 oz cup)
Deodorant – standard size men’s
Drink Mix Pouches – 1 box (12 sticks, no lemonade)
Hand Lotion – Gold Bond, travel size (1 oz)
Nutella & Go (1.8 oz)
Protein Cookies – Lenny & Larry (2 oz pack)
Sour Path, Swedish Fish, Starburst (2 oz)
Sunflower Seeds
Tuna Kits

Please drop off any donations at:
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published October 27, 2021

Cornerstone Protection Plan Will Save You Time And Money

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As the hot summer months subside, autumn is a great time to have your home comfort systems serviced, and also to consider an annual protection plan to keep your home cool, and plumbing and electrical components in tip-top shape all year long.

When choosing a company to work on your home comfort systems, you will want an established company with a solid reputation to be around during the course of your plan and in business when you need them.

Many homeowners in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties count on Cornerstone Pros, one of the area’s largest and most established three-trade contractors. The family owned Land O’ Lakes company has provided air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services for over 15 years, and its reputation for quality and affordable work has allowed it to grow to employ close to 100 local people who provide exceptional customer service. This is evident in Cornerstone’s outstanding customer reviews, which show how the company builds long-term relationships in the communities where its staff lives and works.

Home Warranty vs. Cornerstone Protection Plan
While a home warranty can provide some cost savings and protection when failures arise, it does not guarantee that a homeowner will receive the best solution at the most cost-effective pricing. Often contractors that work for home warranty companies are looking for ways to make money above and beyond the pay structure of the home warranty company. This is typically a low flat rate; therefore, the contractor then looks to pass the cost onto the homeowner, potentially costing you more.

Essentially, it takes the homeowner out of the driver’s seat as far as being in control of who you choose to work in your home and prices you are willing to pay, because the contractor is assigned and you are at the mercy of their schedule, quality and ethics. Many times, a homeowner can go days waiting for a service call or repair to be done.

With the Cornerstone Protection Plan, you have chosen upfront the contractor you want to do business with, so when issues arise, you know who you can count on without a middle man to deal with for approvals on work. It’s just you (the homeowner) and the Cornerstone team. The protection plan also provides preventative maintenance as a part of the package that gives you regular maintenance visits that help to avoid failures during peak times. With a warranty company, the homeowner pays for this as an addition to the package.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan however, offers faster response times, saves you money and reduces headaches. Here are the top five benefits of a Cornerstone protection plan vs. a warranty company:

1.) AC & Heating Cleaning and Check-ups, Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Semi-annual inspections ensure that your HVAC system is running properly, and also extends the life of your system with the performance of proper maintenance. Those services are not included in home warranties; but they are free every six months under a Cornerstone Pros protection plan. The Protection Plan also offers annual plumbing and electrical inspections.

If maintenance is not done, a home warranty company can deny any claims for repair work, stating the breakdown was due to poor maintenance. That will leave the repair up to you, the homeowner.

2. Discount on All Repairs and Service/Diagnostic Fees

A Cornerstone Protection Plan saves you money on the initial service/diagnostic call, and when work is needed, it provides discounts on repairs, parts and labor. Typically, home warranty companies place limits on what they will fix, and also require a deductible be paid prior to repairs being done.

3. Lower Utility Bills

While a home warranty is strictly focused on providing a homeowner with repair and replacement, a Cornerstone Protection plan maintains all your home comfort products and results in potential savings on your monthly electric bill. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.

4. Priority Scheduling for AC, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

When you have an emergency, a Cornerstone Protection Plan means you don’t have to wait for days for someone to come out and look at the issue. You will be placed on a priority schedule and typically receive same-day service any time of the year.

5. Trustworthy & Local

With a Cornerstone Protection Plan, you are dealing with a company you already like and trust for all of your home comfort needs. With home warranties, the homeowner does not have the option of selecting the provider.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan is a low-cost, effective way to protect your home comfort products, compared to what you would pay for a traditional warranty company plan. Cornerstone Pros is currently offering its Protection Plan at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units. Please call today or go to the website, CornerstonePros.com, to learn more and sign up for our cost savings plan.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published October 27, 2021

Rotary Club donates $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice

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The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes has donated $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice representing proceeds from the Oct. 2 Bands ‘N Brews festival held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Terri Dusek, who chaired the festival committee for the Rotary group, deemed the festival a “huge success,” especially since this was its inaugural year.

Terri Dusek, left, of The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, announces a $7,500 donation to Gulfside Hospice. Accepting the gift is Leesa Fryer alongside Carla Armstrong from Gulfside Healthcare Services. (Diane Kortus)

Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, and Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, for Gulfside Hospice, accepted the donation at the Rotary Club’s Oct. 22 weekly meeting.

“Bands ‘N Brews was an awesome event, and we are so honored and grateful to receive this very generous donation,” said Armstrong.

“Gulfside Hospice provides services for 650 patients every day. Ten years ago, we reached just 150 people a day, and thanks to generous donations like this, we’ve been able to continue to grow, to support the needs of our community,” she said.

Armstrong noted the $7,500 donation from The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes will help offset costs for patients not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

“About 15% of our patients do not have insurance or other means to pay for care, and we’re proud that we never turn away anyone needing hospice services,” Armstrong said.

Gulfside Hospice is part of Gulfside Healthcare Services, which also provides palliative care and home health services to Pasco and north Pinellas residents. The organization is based in Land O’ Lakes and has 350 employees.

Published October 27, 2021

Charles Richard Niemela

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Charles Richard Niemela passed away on October 15, 2021 at 83.

Charlie was a 21 year veteran of the Army.

He was a member of: The American Legion, VFW, Amvets, Elks, Eagles and Moose.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his daughter, Sandra Dunlap.

Also his granddaughter, Nicole, and two great grandchildren.

The world has lost a special person!

She may be young, but she knows how to give back

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(Courtesy of Michelle Cullens)

GraceLyn Griffin donated three boxes of pet supplies to Pasco County Animal Services. This 6 year old loves fundraising and making friendships through the pageants.

Griffin competes in pageants and loves being involved in her community. She currently is the winner of the Little Miss Florida preliminary pageant and is preparing for the Little Miss Florida State Pageant (scheduled for Nov. 19 to Nov. 21).

In addition to pet supplies, she also has donated hundreds of items to local food banks, pajamas to local children’s hospitals, Easter baskets to children in need, and thousands of band aids and craft supplies to area pediatric facilities.

Halloween doesn’t need to be all about candy

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You want to hear something scary?

The amount of sugar the average child consumes on Halloween can be downright frightening.

Industry reports suggest the average trick-or-treater consumes three cups of sugar on Halloween, or about 7,000 calories worth of candy, according to a report in Fortune.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with kids wanting to join in on the fun of the holiday — and a few pieces of candy for a couple of days isn’t going to lead to childhood obesity.

Who says you have to use a pumpkin to make a Jack-o’-lantern? Why not use a pepper? There are other edible decorations you can make, too. Try your hand at making some fun, less sugary, treats. (Shari Bresin)

In fact, studies show that banning candy or other certain foods altogether increases the chances of a child overindulging in the “bad” food once they have access to it, compared to kids that don’t have such restrictions.

But keeping a few pounds worth of candy in the coming days and weeks around the house, creates too much of a sugar-accessible environment.

For those who know that their children (or themselves) might not have the self-control, this can have an unhealthy impact.

Kids, and adults for that matter, can fill up on candy throughout the day and can skip the healthy snacks or actual meals needed for adequate nutrition.

Plus, those sweets can result in an excess intake of calories.

So what can you do?

Here’s an idea: Introduce your kids to the Switch Witch.

The Switch Witch is similar to the tooth fairy and Santa.

The Switch Witch is a good witch who needs candy to heat her home and keep her broomsticks going, and is willing to swap a toy or prize for your child’s candy.

After your child (and you) sift through the candy and decide on how many pieces to keep (best to discuss this number in advance), you leave the rest of the candy out in a common area for the Switch Witch.

The Switch Witch will take the candy while your children are asleep and will replace the candy with a prize.

You can then donate the candy to a food pantry or other charitable cause, or take it to work as a treat for your colleagues.

The Switch Witch provides an easy way to get rid of the excess candy, it may minimize temper tantrums with your children, and can help you teach them about limiting their candy intake.

There’s a story and a doll that’s available for purchase (check Google), which can help you build excitement for the Switch Witch’s upcoming visit. But much like Santa and the tooth fairy, it’s not necessary to see the Switch Witch to engage the imagination of a child.

What else can you do to make Halloween fun and food-centered, while trying to keep the excess sugar to a minimum?

You don’t need to be a food-crafting expert to have fun with your kids and impress party guests. Here are a few ideas:

  • Jack-o’-lantern cheese quesadillas:

Either ‘carve’ free-handed or trace an image from your pumpkin carving kit onto a tortilla shell using a toothpick and then carve it with a paring knife.

Next, put cheese (or other ingredients) onto the bottom tortilla shell, then top it off with the shell with the carved face.

Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, and the melted cheese makes it look lit up.

  • Jack-o’-lantern orange peppers

A pepper that can stand on its own and has a smooth surface for cutting is best to use for this.

Make a cut at the top stem of an orange pepper, and scoop out the seeds and the membrane.

Carve free-handed with a paring knife to cut out small eyes and mouth, or draw out a face using a gel pen, and cut slightly beyond the pen markings.

Put a thick dip inside the pepper, such as ranch or avocado dip. If the dip is too thin, it will come out of the eyes and the mouth.

Or, simply use the pepper as a ‘veggie’ tray, holding carrots and celery sticks.

  • Apple teeth

Make 12 to 14 thin apple slices. Take two slices and spread peanut butter on one side of each, to act as a glue. Place miniature marshmallows on the peanut butter sides, and sandwich together to make a mouth.

  • Monster mouth

Cut an apple into quarters or halves. Remove the seeds. Make a wedge in the skin to create a mouth, then add peanut butter and items such as sliced almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins and so on, to make the teeth and eyes. You can create the effect with a sliced strawberry for the tongue. (Be sure to add lemon juice, if they won’t be eaten right away.)

  • Candy corn skewers

Use pineapple for yellow, cantaloupe for orange and banana for white. Places the pieces through a skewer to create a treat that looks like candy corn and is just as sweet.

  • Pretzel spiders

If your kids like protein peanut butter energy bites, make them a little more Halloween-spirited.

Break up regular-shaped pretzels and insert them to create legs, and attach two pine nuts for eyes

  • Edible eyeballs

Slice carrots, and add a little bit of cream cheese on the top and place a sliced olive to make an eyeball.

Remember, you don’t have to be the sugar police, but there’s plenty of candy going on around

this time of year, and it’s important to find the right balance.

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.

Published October 20, 2021

Tourist tax dollars allocated for Dade City visitor center

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The Pasco County Commission approved an amount not to exceed $250,000 in tourist development tax dollars to be used for a visitor’s information center, in Dade City.

The county board approved the action during its Oct. 12 meeting.

This rendering shows the expected appearance of new visitor information center being built near Hardy Trail, in downtown Dade City. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The vote follows a previous agreement between the Dade City Commission and Pasco board to partner with the Destination Management Organization, known as Florida’s Sports Coast, to develop a visitor information center.

The idea, according to the county board’s agenda backup materials, is to take advantage of the strategic location of Dade City and its trail system.

The Tourist Development Council recommended funding of up to $250,000 for the project, which was approved by the county board.

COVID-19 issues delayed the full execution of the agreement, as well as the project itself.

When the project is completed, Dade City will send the county a written “Notice of Work Completion,” and the county will pay Dade City up to the approved amount.

If the project costs less than $250,000, the county has the discretion to transfer the remaining funds to Dade City for uses that are consistent with a specific section in state statutes, according to the backup materials.

The aim of the visitor’s center is to be a cyclist-friendly visitor center — within a trail system and a downtown area — in order to welcome trail users and visitors, and to promote downtown commerce and tourist amenities, both on and off the trail.

The money is being provided through the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, which receives its funding from taxes that visitors pay on accommodations.

Plans include a 1,380-square-foot open floor plan and two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The center will be situated on the south side of Church Avenue, near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

Published October 20, 2021

Full services resume at Dade City tax collector office

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has announced that his office’s Dade City location has resumed full services, effective Oct. 15.

The office is located at 14236 Sixth St., No. 100, in the East Pasco Government Center, in Dade City.

The tax collector’s Dade City location has been providing limited services since early August to enable needed remodeling, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office.

All services provided at the Dade City office prior to the remodel once again will be available including automobile/boat registrations and renewals, driver licenses, title work (Florida title and out-of-state titles transferring to Florida), hunting and fishing licenses, property tax, concealed weapons permits, and property tax payments.

For a complete list of services offered at the tax collector locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

In addition to the website, call these numbers for more information: 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338.

Calls are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published October 20, 2021

NAMI Pasco names Heroes of Hope

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NAMI Pasco County has named its 2021 Heroes of Hope, recognizing those who go the extra mile to help people with mental health conditions.

Joey Johnston, a contributor to The Laker/Lutz News, was recognized as the Media Person of the Year, for work published in The Laker/Lutz News.

Other recipients were:

  • Professional of the Year: Dr. Eddie Williams
  • Board Member of the Year: Elaina Sabra
  • College Advocate of the Year: Heather Snyder
  • Justice Hero of the Year: Brandi Geoit
  • Unsung Hero of the Year: Alyssa Smith
  • Innovator of the Year: Joe Chatham
  • Teen Advocate of the Year: Andrew Snyder
  • Officer of the Year: Karen Norris
  • Peer Support of the Year: Avery Lomax
  • Volunteer of the Year: Robin Boyko
  • Office of the Year: Trinity Behavioral Health

NAMI Pasco County is affiliated with the National Alliance of Mental Illness, a not-for-profit organization that provides free support, advocacy, outreach and education to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones.

The Heroes of Hope 2021 awards were presented on Oct. 9.

Published October 20, 2021

Land O’ Lakes teen shines light on mental health needs

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Eliza Smith knows what it’s like to struggle with depression.

The Land O’ Lakes 15-year-old, however, has learned some ways to help conquer her challenges.

She writes in a journal.

She adds up the positive things in her life, daily.

And, she does have successes: She has a 4.6 GPA.

She’s a former Miss Land O’ Lakes Teen USA, and is the current Teen Miss Earth Florida USA.

She will compete for the national Teen Miss Earth USA in January.

Land O’ Lakes High School student Eliza Smith is involved in volunteer efforts to help spread the word about mental health programs, such as those offered by NAMI Pasco. She’s also involved in pageants, which she says provide a platform to help raise awareness. (Courtesy of Eliza Smith)

Now, she’s seeking to help others by sharing her story and advocating for mental health programs such as those offered by NAMI Pasco, a local nonprofit chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

In a new normal, where COVID-19 is upending daily lives and increasing everyone’s stress levels, Smith sees mental health education as a calling.

“I think that this is what I was meant to do,” Smith said — about her goal of making a difference for others.

She said others in her family, including her mother, also have dealt with mental health issues in the past.

“It’s something I struggle with personally, so that’s why I care about mental health for others,” Smith said. “I do know what it’s like, and I know friends who struggle with depression and anxiety.”

In recent months, she has posted weekly video chats and podcasts on Instagram and other media platforms, specializing in one-on-one interviews with family and friends.

She also has completed volunteer service hours, along with other teens, in support of NAMI.

“She is passionate,” said Debbie Proulx, NAMI Pasco’s executive director. “She is willing to just put herself out there.”

NAMI is a national nonprofit with chapters nationwide.

Services include family based support groups, advocacy, one-on-one counseling, school partnerships, education, outreach and referrals.

NAMI Pasco has seen an astounding 1,456% increase in new calls from people needing services in the past year, largely due to the pandemic, said Proulx.

“There is a lot of anxiety and depression,” she said. “Last year it was bad, but not as bad as now.”

Proulx worries about the hostility arising from divisions over masks and vaccines.

“This is affecting everyone,” she said.

In-person support groups aren’t possible for now.

So, NAMI Pasco is relying on virtual support groups to discuss whatever issues people are facing, Proulx said.

“They are really supporting one another,” she said. “You will see disagreements, but at the end of the day, they are really supporting each other.”

The Land O’ Lakes teen said she has seen the impact of COVID-19 at school, as well, particularly while taking classes virtually.

“Everyone kind of stopped doing what they were doing,” Smith said. “I know kids who loved going to school who kind of slumped.”

She said she hopes her podcasts help educate people about mental health but also send the  message that no one is alone.

Help is close by, she said, through organizations such as NAMI Pasco.

Smith said she prefers doing one-on-one interviews because that allows each guest to shine a light on his or her personal journeys.

She enjoys talking with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Her conversations are free-wheeling, funny and open to any topic though, sooner or later, they always get around to mental health education.

Being able to listen to the unique stories of everyone is what makes for a great society, Smith said.

“Your problems matter. You matter,” she said. “And always remember that.”

Smith grew up in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, but her family moved to Tampa about two years ago.

She attended Alonso High School before moving to Pasco County and enrolling at Land O’ Lakes High School.

She aspires to graduate a year early and to enroll at Duke University.

She plans to pursue a nursing degree, and is aiming to attain a master’s degree in nursing by age 25.

She has four completed podcasts, with more to come.

She is taking a brief break from her hosting duties to focus on SAT exams in October, when she also celebrates turning 16.

After the break, she intends to return to a routine of posting podcasts or video chats weekly or monthly.

One especially memorable podcast featured a frank discussion with her mother and her aunt.

“We had a really deep conversation and tears flowed,” Smith said.

The podcast “shows how to be vulnerable in a good way. Even if I have crazy dreams, my family supports me to have a better life than they had growing up in Queens.”

One of her passions is being involved in pageants, which she said encourages her growth and confidence, and has opened doors to her.

“I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity and try it out,” she said. “I got to volunteer and to promote my platform, and to inspire others to seek help.”

One door that opened was to NAMI Pasco and volunteer service.

“I truly love their organization and what they do,” she said.

For more information, visit NAMI.pasco.org, or call 727-992-9653.

By Kathy Steele

Published October 20, 2021