The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The show will go on – in one way, or another

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Agnes Hernandez, 2021 winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship, receives the prize from Heritage Arts Center Association President Joe Hill. Hernandez performed a piano piece by Rachmaninoff. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts)

The 39th “Spotlight on Talent Competition” will be held — the only question is how organizers will stage the contest.

The talent competition— presented by the Heritage Arts Center — has long been a showcase for aspiring singers, dancers and other performers to demonstrate their abilities. At the same time, they are competing against others and entertaining audiences.

Organizers realize that because of the pandemic, many may be wondering if the talent contest will happen this year.

“We want talented students and families to know that producers are committed to see that happen,” Barbara Friedman, publicity chair and producer for Heritage Arts, said in a news release.

Participants from kindergarten through 12th grade vie for over $4,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes, according to the Heritage Arts news release.

All types and styles of performing talents are accepted, both as solos and in groups.

Panels of paid, professional judges select finalists/winners in several age categories and also choose the winner of the $1,000 scholarship that goes to a senior high school student in Pasco County.

In addition to a chance for prizes, performers have the opportunity to show off their abilities and to experience the sense of satisfaction that comes from performing well under the pressure of a competition.

A decision will be made on Jan. 1 on whether the events will be held, as usual, before audiences on Feb. 19 and March 12, or if a Plan B COVID event will take place during a single day of competition on March 12, with safety protocols in place and no audience.

Deadline for entering is Thurs., Feb. 3, 2022.  Applications available online at heritagearts.org.

Those with questions can contact Friedman at  , or call 352-567-1720, and more information at heritagearts.org .

Organizers also are seeking community sponsors to support the competition.

Published December 29, 2021

A driving force to help feed the hungry

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(Courtesy of Lynn Kosto)

The activities committee at Morningside RV Estates in Dade City recently hosted its annual food drive for the local St. Vincent de Paul Society pantry. Volunteers picked up a total of 194 bags of food from the residents of Morningside and then delivered the donations to St. Vincent’s, where the food was sorted. Mike and Theresa Hosmer started this bi-annual event in 2012. Since then, 3,497 bags of nonperishable food items have been donated to the pantry. From left: Dave Swinson, Lucky Kosto, Wayne Chase, Karen Violette, Ted Trzebiatowski, Don Handel, Ron Suski, Ann O’Brien, Gary Crandlemire, Lynn Swinson, Dave Gwinner, Gene Schmersal, Bill Dupras, Dick Friday, Bill Schulte and Shirley Majeskie.

Let Your Pet Make a Mess! TPS Handles the Rest!

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There are some jobs that most people really just don’t want to do. That’s where Tampa Poop & Scoop (TPS) enters. No mess will ever be left behind by your pets, again.

Bathroom messes, to be precise.

Tampa Poop & Scoop ushers in a new era of pet/owner freedom. Now we can let our fluffy friends relieve as they please, without the hassle of wondering “when” or “where” the backyard business has taken place. It’s the true definition of out of sight, out of mind.

“We take care of the No. 2 so you can spend more time with your No. 1,” said owner Josey David.

It’s professional work, but David will be the first to admit it’s certainly not glamorous. For him, that’s OK. The less time owners have to spend picking up after their pets, the more time they can spend loving them.

“I wanted to find an industry that so many turn away from, come in as a young mind, and bring a new perspective to the idea of what good service can be,” said David.

TPS offers an all-inclusive pet waste cleanup. It will show up, clean up and head out leaving nothing behind for you to worry about. It also will keep you updated along the way, which saves you time to go about your day. If the yard needs to be cleaned by tonight in your rush to prepare for company, TPS is on it.

“My mindset is: I don’t make customers wait around for an estimate,” said David. “I’ll be out there the next day, or even the same day, if need be.”

A Wesley Chapel native, David currently studies within the entrepreneur track at the University of Tampa. He has one more semester until he graduates and already is making a name for himself within the Tampa area as a motivated, young business professional.

His love of animals and desire to keep them happy bore the necessity to create TPS. That, paired with his long-term effort of using his business as a vessel to donate to local animal rescue efforts, being the very best answer to our pet’s nature call made sense.

Moving forward, he looks forward to the day when he can give back to entities such as the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

“It comes down to keeping animals healthy and happy,” said David. “If I can do that, while giving back to animals that need help in our community, then I’ve provided the service I want to give.”

For more information on rates and scheduling visit TampaPoopAndScoop.com.

Published December 29, 2021

Little Free Libraries coming to Lacoochee, Tommytown

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Hugh Embry Library has been awarded two Little Free Libraries (LFLs) through the Little Free Library’s Impact Program for November 2021, according to a Pasco County news release.

The program provides free Little Free Library book exchange stands to communities with members who face economic and social barriers, and find it difficult to reach the library.

Hugh Embry Library is closed for renovations, so the stands will provide books for people who are not able to travel to other libraries.

The stands will be set up in Lacoochee and Tommytown.

“The Little Free Libraries have been a special project of the Friends of Hugh Embry Library for years, already funding five LFLs,” Librarian Angelo Liranzo, said in the release. “Library team members are working with the Friends to reach our community partners in both winning communities as we await the soon-to-arrive LFLs.”

Friends of the Hugh Embry Library and library staff dedicated themselves to researching and applying for the grant opportunity to obtain the LFLs.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published December 22, 2021

Colorful lights and traditions help to celebrate the season

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Crowds gathered to watch the Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, and motorists spied outdoor decorations at the Old Lutz School on U.S. 41, in Lutz.

Folks also headed to celebrations such as Christmas parades, visits with Santa, or to Dade City’s annual Christmas Stroll and its traditional “Church Street Christmas.”

Still others have simply loaded up the kids — and kids of all ages — to drive around neighborhoods to check out homes dressed up in holiday style.

Whatever way you are observing your holidays, The Laker/Lutz News extends warm wishes to you for an enjoyable season, and the best of life throughout the New Year.

Four-year-old R.J. Hans, of Winter Haven, has an up-close and personal chat with Santa Claus, also known as Ross Wilder, of Tampa. R.J., along with his dad, Robert, and his grandfather, Bob, spent the day at the Florida Pioneer Museum and Village. On the way back to Winter Haven they spotted Santa and had to stop for a visit. Mrs. Claus, also known as Janet Wilder, had her and Santa’s chair on the front lawn of the Lowman Law Firm during the Dade City Christmas Stroll. (Fred Bellet)
The face of 4-year old Anya Pierce becomes a work of art as artist Gigi Allison, left, puts a holiday face on the Zephyrhills girl in front of Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread Shop during the Dade City Christmas Stroll.
A Friesian horse pulls a wagon of folks on Meridian Avenue, from Seventh Avenue, for a 15-minute ride around the downtown area, during the Dade City Christmas Stroll. Other events included a Christmas tree lighting, a community choir and a larger wagon ride pulled by Belgian Draft Horses.
Ivy Lakes Estates neighbors banded together and built illuminating arches over the sidewalks. Reindeer await Santa, in this gated community in Odessa.
A Sago palm becomes a Florida Christmas tree in a dazzling display within the gated community of Ivy Lakes Estates in Odessa.
At a lone Land O’ Lakes Christmas tree stand, Michael Monette, of Lutz, sets up Frazier Fir trees ready for sale in front of the Harvester Community Church. A portion of the proceeds help support the church’s youth group, he said.
The parking lot fence at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse has a message for all. The fence is visible from U.S. 41, if there are no vehicles parked on the lot.
The Shops at Wiregrass’ nightly Symphony in Lights offers both young and old a chance to enjoy the seasonal lights and music show.

 

Santa swings through Lexington Oaks

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Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, hosted a parade, and Santa (also known as John Kostialik) and Frosty (Dustin Kostialik) joined in. Festivities included visits from a Pasco County fire truck, an ambulance and a marching band, too.

(Courtesy of Steve Vinik)

 

Boardwalk Wealth Solutions is Here to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals

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Ralph Sevelius learned early on that trustworthy financial advisors can really add value to their clients’ lives. This led him to become an advisor in 2007.

“As an independent advisor, I can provide much better service and value to my clients because I can run my business in a way that always serves my clients’ best interests,” says Sevelius.

Located in Tampa, Boardwalk Wealth Solutions offers financial planning, investment management, estate planning and tax planning to its clients all over the country.

According to LivingFacts.org, only 37% of non-retired Americans said in 2019 that their retirement savings were on track. Conversely, 44% of non-retirees said that their retirement savings are not on track, and the rest are not sure. In other words, at least 63% of non-retirees in the U.S. are not confident that their money will last as long as they do.

“Basically, I provide comprehensive wealth management and planning,” says Sevelius, “I help address and minimize risks in my clients’ lives and assist them in achieving their goals.”

Even though Sevelius is very diligent about how many clients he takes on, Boardwalk Wealth Solutions still offers free consultations to every potential client who is looking for guidance.

“If a person isn’t fit for me to take on as a client, I always make sure they are pointed in the right direction and give them resources that can help them at some point achieve their goals,” says Sevelius.

When first meeting with a potential client, Sevelius has them set and quantify their fundamental goals, while still reaching for their dreams.

This basic flight plan helps Sevelius get an idea of what the client wants to achieve financially in the future.

“My favorite part is seeing people achieving goals they thought they’d never achieve; that’s what it’s all about,” says Sevelius.

When creating each plan, Sevelius likes to figure out each client’s current situations, resources, how much they’ve saved, their income, etc. He makes sure to address their fears and goals so he knows what to avoid and what to achieve in the process.

It’s important to keep in mind that flight plans, or initial plans, are never set in stone because life has many variables to it.

“Your plan needs flexibility to make adjustments,” warns Sevelius.

The sooner you start taking the steps to achieving your dreams, the better.

“What makes me sad is when someone is ready to retire, but they have never sat down and made a plan. I end up having to be the one to break the news to them and let them know that it’s essentially too late. We end up having to make other goals and they, unfortunately, have to be a bit humbler with their goals. It makes me wish that I would have met them years ago, so we could have put them in a better position,” says Sevelius.

For more information on Boardwalk Wealth Solutions, go to BoardwalkWealthSolutions.com, or call 813-616-3770.

By Nicole Sanchez

Let’s put one myth to bed for good: Vaccines do not cause the flu

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Influenza is so common that sometimes the risk it poses is overlooked. But the truth is, the flu can cause serious illness that leads to hospitalization or even death – especially when the virus is coupled with a significant underlying health condition. Despite the availability of the flu vaccine, some still resist, in some cases falling prey to the misguided notion that the vaccine causes the flu. This is fiction.

“We’ve had influenza vaccines for many years, and the components have been refined and formulations are now safer than ever,” says William Russell, M.D., Managing Partner, Conviva Care Center® Palm Beach. “We continue to push hard to get flu vaccines into the arms of everyone, especially those in a high-risk category.”

Dr. Russell said scientists and doctors continue to learn more about the flu, including its effects on certain age groups. “If you look at the general population, those seniors 86 and above are at the greatest risk and need the vaccination the most,” he said. “COVID technology is relatively new, but the influenza technology has been refined over many, many years. It’s safe and effective and the best way to protect you and your family.”

The reason a person might think they are getting the flu following a flu shot is the natural response of the body’s immune system. “You don’t get the flu from a flu shot, and any symptoms are normally very mild,” said Dr. Russell.

Respiratory viruses can be devastating to older adults, but are largely preventable with immunizations that preserve a good quality of life. “It’s always good to talk to your primary care physician because they know science, and they know you,” said Dr. Russell. “They will help in the decision-making process of which flu vaccine works best for you based on dosage and formulation.”

In Palm Beach, well over 90 percent of at-risk seniors have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Now, well into flu season, Dr. Russell and his team remain on-message that people can receive a COVID-19 vaccination and a flu shot at the same time, without fear of complications or severe side effects.

“Make no mistake about it – Flu A and Flu B are always out there ready and waiting to pounce, so the best defense is to maintain your health by getting a flu shot,” says Dr. Russell. “It’s smart to protect yourself and your family. What we saw during the pandemic was, in many cases, people behaving with incredible responsibility, and we’re hopeful that same behavior carries over as we get further into flu season.”

At Conviva Care Center, the mission is one of service to its senior population. Fulfilling its mission requires living the values and delivering on the promises of doing whatever it takes to make sure patients age well. More than eight million seniors reside in Florida and caring for their unique needs is Conviva’s biggest priority.

Visit ConvivaCareCenters.com.

True patriotism on display

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(Fred Bellet)

Tunnel to Towers Foundation supporter Jim McKiernan, of Spring Hill, was among the many flag-toting motorcyclists who welcomed event-goers as they disembarked from shuttle buses. See full story and more photos in the above featured top story.

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 15, 2021