The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Applauds Boy Scouts of America

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Congratulations to Boy Scouts of America for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an international youth program that focuses on character development and values-based leadership training that is meant to prepare both young men and women for life.

Clarissa Castillo, the Suncoast District executive for the BSA since 2019, says the local western Florida council participates in many service projects in the area that helps give its young members a sense of community. These projects include community cleanups, food drives and much more.

“It’s quite impactful that everything that we’re doing for our community goes back into it,” says Castillo, “We help our community, which helps others around us… I feel like it’s more along the lines of the ripple effect.”

Castillo’s main duties include recruitment, scouting and forming the committees that help run and maintain each district. She also helps bring awareness to Friends of Scouting, which is an annual giving campaign that raises money for scouting programs across the nation.

According to Friends of Scouting’s website, it costs $240 to provide one year of quality program for each scout. This investment helps with camp scholarships, uniforms, registration fees, professional staff, and so much more.

“We talk to the local community about who and what we are, and a lot of that helps us continue to push forward the scouting program. It helps us keep our five camps in the area regulated and maintained,” says Castillo.

According to Castillo, not only does the BSA teach young scouts confidence and leadership skills, but it also helps them get into colleges and get jobs when they are older.

“We help develop our scouts into the leaders of tomorrow,” says Castillo, “Because of all the volunteer experience and life skills learned from BSA, our scouts will certainly impress their future employers.”

Members who participate in BSA walk away with various skills and lasting memories, so much so that a lot of alumni come back to the program and volunteer in hopes to impact the current generation of scouts, Castillo adds.

To find a local unit near you, visit BeAScout.org. If you would like to contribute to support the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, follow the link, https://boy-scouts-of-america-greater-tampa-bay-area-council.secured.atpay.com/, and select “Suncoast” as the district. You also can find a list of upcoming events on the website.

At Wilderness Lake Preserve, here’s a man who really cleans up well

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Each day for the past three years, Russ Filsinger’s afternoon routine hasn’t changed.

After hopping on his bicycle for his daily exercise, Filsinger covers every corner of his community at Wilderness Lake Preserve in Land O’ Lakes and the nearby shopping plaza.

He picks up litter.

He gathers the trash, whether it’s candy wrappers, soda cans, fast-food bags, straws, empty alcohol bottles, dog refuse, or even COVID masks (he’s up to 500 of those).

Russ Filsinger spends about two hours each afternoon picking up litter at his Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

He collects it all and disposes of it properly, recycling, if necessary.

The work usually takes about two hours, each day.

For three years.

“Russ is one of those kind people who cares about the earth and wants to keep his neighborhood clean,’’ said Franca Carlino Anderson.

She’s Filsinger’s neighbor and got to know him because she was curious about why he continually picked up trash.

“He’s an amazing part of our community. He’s not looking for accolades or even to be noticed. He just cares,” the neighbor said.

“I think it makes him happy to see the earth clean, the way God intended,’’ said Filsinger’s wife, Jeanne. “His dedication is something. I pick up things, too, if I’m walking by. But I’m not on the bike making sure every little thing is picked up. It makes our whole area look so much better. People love what he is doing.’’

Filsinger, 71, is a retired social worker from New Jersey. He has worked with homeless, gangs and drug addicts. He retired due to health reasons and moved to Florida, where he toured with a Christian rock band, then became a minister. He has been a prison chaplain and a hospice chaplain. He has volunteered as a guardian ad litem for children.

“My bio is kind of interesting,’’ said Filsinger, who now ministers at Grace Family Church.

It’s mostly about helping.

“It’s such an easy concept, but we all can do something, even if it’s a very small thing … and small things can add up,’’ Filsinger said.

Three years ago, Filsinger grew weary of incessant litter around his neighborhood; maintenance workers weren’t quick about removing it. So Filsinger took matters into his own hands — literally — and began sweeping through the area with his trash bags.

“Instead of getting mad at the people who litter, I’m determined to beat them,’’ Filsinger said. “And the best way to beat them is if I can pick it up faster than they can throw it out of their car windows.

“It became a challenge to me. You can throw out whatever you want — a box, a carton, a Big Gulp cup — but I’m going to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Everyone wins and you lose.’’

Filsinger was riding his bike anyway for fitness. He’s dealing with various physical woes, such as foot neuropathy, severe osteoarthritis and lack of function in his hands and fingers. No matter. He keeps going.

“Doing this has made my bike ride longer, but more meaningful,’’ Filsinger said. “And it’s not just trash. I take dead animals off the roads. I don’t want kids going by on their scooters, seeing these carcasses being taken apart by buzzards. I just want people to see green, bushes and flying birds, not this endless plastic stuff that’s all over our roads.’’

In addition to the area’s roads, sidewalks, pathways, ponds and green spaces, Filsinger has taken his work to Wilderness Commons, a shopping plaza at the front of Wilderness Lake Preserve. The store owners are appreciative. Filsinger combs the parking lot and also makes sure things are securely in the dumpster.

“It only takes a few minutes to get it all straight,’’ Filsinger said. “Now there’s nothing there, not even one straw wrapper. I’m pretty proud of it. This is very satisfying.’’

All the neighbors know about Filsinger now.

Cars honk their horns and people wave.

He gets thank-you wishes from passersby.

The Wildness Lake Preserve newsletter did a short write-up on Filsinger.

The final line: “His efforts are to be applauded!’’

Filsinger isn’t stopping or even slowing down. If anything, he’s picking up speed.

“I think littering is getting worse,’’ Filsinger said. “One of my goals is to get all people to care about picking up litter. We can really make a dent.

“My philosophy has been, ‘If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it?’ So the job never really stops. If I can do this at my age while having fun doing it … maybe others can get the same type of satisfaction.

“I’d love others to join in. If we all did a little something to help our world, wouldn’t this be a much better world?”

By Joey Johnston

Published August 11, 2021

‘Stuffing the bus’ for a good cause

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Florida Penguin Productions, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Premium Outlets teamed up for a ‘Stuff the Bus’ event on Aug. 8, at Tampa Premium Outlets. The idea was to gather supplies for Pasco County Schools. A number of vendors also were there, in the courtyard of the outlet mall, and some lucky kids walked away with backpacks and other freebies.

An event to collect school supplies to help others was organized by Drew Cecere, of Florida Penguin Productions, along with the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club. (Fred Bellet)
It wasn’t all about backpacks as Tim Crandall, a member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, prepares to ‘stuff the bus’ with pens, colored pencils and various other classroom items that teachers need.
The Florida Kid Care booth bustled as the organization distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, to those attending the Stuff the Bus event.
With the Pasco County Schools’ bus reflecting in her sunglasses, Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, waits with other members for walk-ups delivering school supplies to the ‘Stuff the Bus’ event.
Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, sits near the cash donation jar on the table of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club’s tent in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets.
Making his way down the narrow aisle in a school bus made for children, Drew Cecere, owner of Florida Penguin Productions, carries donated items into a Pasco County school bus.
Nine-year old Anthony Clemente emerges from the crowd carrying a free backpack he received from the Florida Kid Care booth, one of 30 vendors and businesses in the courtyard of the outlet mall. He was at the event with his parents, David and Araceli Clemente, of Clearwater.

 

 

Serving up healthy back-to-school breakfasts

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So, schools are back in session.

What are mornings like at your house?

Chaotic? Stressful? A mad dash out the door so the kids don’t miss the bus?

While school mornings tend to be frantic, be sure to squeeze in some time for a healthy breakfast — whether it’s at a table at home, or in a container to go.

Dedicating this little bit of time will go a long way in helping your child have a good school day.

All meals are important, but breakfast plays a unique role in our diet.

This omelet in a mug includes three food groups: protein, veggies and dairy. (Courtesy of MyPlate Kitchen)

When we wake up, we are in a fasted and dehydrated state — and, it’s important to start the day on the right foot.

A healthy breakfast offers a chance to get the much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber that we need daily.

Skipping breakfast means one less opportunity to get these important nutrients.

Numerous studies show that a healthy breakfast plays a role in school performance, and increases concentration and energy, and certain vitamins boost immunity, so an overall healthy diet can decrease sick days.

Fiber and protein are key to warding off hunger for longer periods.

Fiber delays gastric emptying of the stomach, so you continue to feel full, and protein creates the sensation of fullness.

Elementary schools often have a snack time in the morning, but middle and high school students don’t usually have a designated time of day to eat until lunch.

Algebra at 9 a.m. is hard enough, let alone on an empty stomach.

It’s normal not to feel hungry first thing in the morning.

Aim to eat breakfast within two hours of waking up if the kids aren’t hungry right away.

Cereal, frequently marketed as a good breakfast choice, isn’t a good selection if It is sugary and refined.

Look for a whole grain, and remember to look for high fiber and protein on the nutrition facts label.

Also, avoid “dessert-type” breakfasts such as doughnuts and breakfast pastries. Those contain too much sugar and not enough nutrition.

Here are some healthy and quick breakfast options that your kids may enjoy:

  • Plain oatmeal with milk, banana, raisins, walnuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, or other toppings
  • Cereal with banana or blueberries
  • Smoothies: Made with various fresh or frozen fruits, with milk or yogurt
  • Hard-boiled eggs sliced and topped with salsa (You can make these in advance and keep them refrigerated for 2 days to 3 days)
  • Whole wheat toast or bagel with peanut butter or hummus
  • Parfait: With a layer of yogurt, fruit, and granola or whole grain cereal
  • English muffin sandwich: Made from a toasted whole wheat English muffin, some deli meat and a slice of cheese, then heated up in a microwave. Add some spinach and sliced tomato, if you like those, too.
  • Bagel and fruit: Whole wheat bagel topped with a choice of spread (yogurt, jam, peanut butter or light cream cheese) and various fruit such as sliced banana, strawberries, pineapple or grapes
  • An omelet in a mug (see recipe below)

Don’t forget, the free breakfast program at school may be an option for your child as well. (Check your school district’s website to find out more.)

Just like reading is fundamental for education, good nutrition is essential for good health.

I wince when I think of the lack of nutritional quality in the breakfasts I ate as a kid.

My breakfasts typically included a packet of flavored instant oatmeal, containing about 12 grams of added sugar, or a sugary cereal.

On weekends, I would dunk Oreos in milk, or make a sandwich out of two waffles with vanilla ice cream, in the middle.

At the time, I suppose there wasn’t much awareness on childhood obesity and nutrition, but luckily, we know better now.

When you’re in a rush, this veggie omelet in a mug (recipe below) can be a quick and nutritious meal. You can prep the veggies the night before, to save time in the morning.

The recipe is courtesy of MyPlate Kitchen’s MyPlate.gov, from Oregon State University Extension.

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.

Recipe: Veggie omelet in a mug 

Ingredients
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons 1% low-fat milk (or nonfat/skim milk)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms (or your favorite vegetables)
2 Tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Instructions
Wash hands with soap and water.
Lightly grease the inside of a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug.
Use a fork to combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper in the mug, and stir well.
Mix in the vegetables and cheese.
Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds.
Stir.
Return to the microwave and cook on HIGH until the mixture has puffed and set, 60 to 90 seconds.
The omelet may look wet on the top, but it will dry as it cools.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Published August 11, 2021

Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC Gives Customers The Best Deals

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When Larry Botkins became Tom Spoor’s son-in-law in 2014, Botkins had no idea that one day they would be in business with each other.

Spoor, who had an insurance agency in upstate New York for 25 years, decided to sell his business in 2016 and retire to his winter home in Dade City.

Larry Botkins

In 2019, Botkins expressed interest in insurance, so together with his father-in-law, the two men decided to open Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC, a full-service independent agency in Dade City.

“We thought there was a lot of potential here. We liked the small-town environment, and there’s a lot going on in Pasco county,” says Botkins.

Botkins and Spoor have a combined total of 30 years experience, and serve Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties.

The family-owned agency prides itself on face-to-face interactions, as well as being able to provide its customers with the best deals and service.

Tom Spoor

“It’s your duty as an insurance agency to make sure your customer is informed,” says Botkins.

The insurance agency’s customer service stands out against competition because of its ability to create real relationships with their clients.

“I think that all we have to offer is service,” says Spoor. “I like that type of relationship where you know the customer, where they live, and just their overall situation.”

According to Spoor, insurance in Florida is a tough market to do business in because of insurance fraud, and it’s especially hard for new agencies to get started. It’s also difficult for customers who are looking to get the most coverage for the cheapest price. Insurance carriers are continuously changing who they will write insurance for and re-evaluating their market penetration in certain areas.

“It’s very difficult on the client because they are constantly being hit with big increases,” says Spoor.

Despite the challenges, Botkins and Spoor are dedicated to finding their customers the best deals and rates. They can achieve this because they are an independent agency that has multiple insurance carriers.
 
For more information on Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC, call 352-437-5305, or stop by their office at 37911 Heather Place, Dade City, FL 33525.

By Nicole Sanchez

Pasco County offers help to Olympus pool customers

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Pasco County is stepping up to help customers of Olympus Pools, according to a county news release.

Olympus Pools has pulled hundreds of permits for pool projects in Pasco County during the past two years, and most remain unfinished, the release said.
The pool company has ceased operations.

Pasco County now is offering a new tool to help customers whose projects are in limbo, due to open permits, and the county also is waiving fees associated with Olympus Pools permits through Dec. 31, 2021.

The county has launched a dedicated webpage to help customers navigate the permitting process and to answer questions they may have.

“We hope this action will help ease the financial burden on our customers who choose to seek other permitting options,” Assistant County Administrator Sally Sherman, said in the release.

Olympus Pools customers have three options for open pool permits:

• Oversee the project yourself
• Hire a new, licensed pool contractor
• Cancel your pool permit

For more information on options, visit bit.ly/OlympusPermits.

Published August 04, 2021

Renovations will limit tax collector operations

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Renovations at the Dade City Tax Collector’s Office at the East Pasco Government Center in Dade City will temporarily affect the office’s operations, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

The office will be offering limited services from Aug. 4 through Sept. 30, according to the release.

The renovations are being made to improve customer services.

During the work, the office will continue to provide automobile/ boat registrations and renewals, all title work (Florida title and out-of-state titles transferring to Florida), hunting and fishing licenses, property tax, business tax, and dealer drop-off and pick-up work.

The office will not be handling concealed weapons permit applications or driver license services, including road testing. Those services will be provided at the office located at 4610 Pet Lane in Lutz (referred to by the tax collector’s office as its Wesley Chapel location).

To find out more about services available at the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office, locations, hours of operation and other information, visit PascoTaxes.com, or contact the centralized call center at 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338.

Published August 04, 2021

Library branch to reduce hours, then close for remodeling

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will be operating on reduced hours through Aug. 13, then will close on Aug. 14 for renovations, according to a Pasco County news release.

The library’s hours through Aug. 13 will be:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During its renovation, the library will undergo a complete, floor-to-ceiling upgrade.

The work is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum, which Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

Each library in the county’s system is being remodeled to provide a better user experience.

When the renovations are completed, libraries throughout the system will have updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air-conditioning and faster internet.

Materials on hold can be picked up at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, next to the library, on select days.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the remodeling can be found at PascoLibraries.org/lol-remodel/.

For additional information, in general, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published August 04, 2021

Having fun and learning, all at once

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Children had a chance to get an up-close look at big pieces of equipment — and to learn about them at the same time, during a Touch-A-Truck event, put on by Pasco County Public Works and Pasco Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Jason Farr, a heavy equipment operator for Pasco County public works, shows 12-year-old Marsello Cammarota, of Land O’Lakes, how to operate the vac truck. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The two county departments teamed up to give about 100 children a chance to see a grader, a grapple truck, a bucket truck, a vac truck and Gradall equipment, according to information provided by Ryan Hughes, of Pasco County’s media relations and communications team.

Robert Dingman, a heavy equipment operator, explained how the grader equipment works, and Josh Timms and Joel Terkovich, also equipment operators demonstrated the grapple truck for the children.

Bryant Fretz, an equipment operator for Pasco County public works, demonstrates how the lights on the bucket truck work to twin 9-year-olds Kharington Mitchell, left, and Honor Mitchell, of Land O’Lakes.

The kids cheered, as Terkovich picked up some branches.

Bryant Fretz, an equipment operator, and Tony Felice, a heavy equipment operator, showed the kids how the bucket truck works. The boom can stretch 65 feet into the air.

Jason Farr, a heavy equipment operator, explained how the vac truck is used to clean out storm drains and remove water from sites. The kids had a chance to press buttons on the equipment to move the vacuum.

Alan Jackson, an equipment operator, and Nino Rojero, a special equipment operator, showed the children the Gradall equipment, which is used to clean swales.

“The vac truck was my favorite. It is an interesting machine,” said 11-year-old Chase Christmas, of San Antonio. “This has been fun.”

Scott Denney, a labor supervisor said, “The kids have been awesome and have asked unique questions. They have all been attentive. It’s been a great group.”

Published August 04, 2021

From left: 11-year-olds Brian Pugliese, Jace Aguiao and Matthew Broderick, all of Land O’ Lakes, sit on a tree branch at the grapple truck station.

In-person public comments return to Hillsborough meetings

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The Hillsborough County Commission once again will allow in-person public comment, in a limited capacity, at county board meetings beginning Aug. 4.

The board sets aside 45 minutes at the beginning of its regular meetings to hear from the public.

Also, in order to maintain accessibility, the board will continue to allow a virtual option for public comment, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

COVID-19 coronavirus protocols have restricted in-person public attendance at the Hillsborough county board’s meetings, which are held in the second-floor boardroom of the Frederick B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., since March 2020.

Under the new rules, seating in the boardroom will be limited, with some overflow seating available in the first-floor multipurpose room. Speakers may address the county board from either location. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and to practice social distancing. Groups will be limited to four people.

Here are the guidelines for public comment:

  • All speakers, whether virtual or in-person, will be required to sign up in advance at HCFLGov.net/SpeakUp.
  • Online registration for both virtual and in-person public comment will open 48 hours before the meeting.
  • Sign-ups for both virtual and in-person public speaking opportunities for public hearings and public comments close at 9 a.m., on the day of the meeting.
  • Speakers, both virtual and in-person, will be called on in the order of when the speaker sign-up form is submitted.

Assistance will be available at the county government building between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Unless the board chair designates otherwise, speakers are limited to 3 minutes.

Audiovisual presentations such as PowerPoints, digital photos, audio, and video files for public comments are not accepted at this time. However, presentations may be submitted to the clerk’s office for insertion into the official record. Please email any submissions to .

Presentations of proclamations, certificates, and other recognitions will continue to be virtual, for the time being.

For more information, visit HCFLGov.net/SpeakUp. For general county information, call the Customer Service Center at 813-272-5900.

Published August 04, 2021