The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County offices closed July 5

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In observance of Independence Day (July 4), the Pasco Board of County Commissioners’ offices will be closed July 5. The offices will reopen on July 6.

The five Pasco County Tax Collector Offices also will be closed on July 5, and will reopen at 8:30 a.m., on July 6, for normal business.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed July 5; however, the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Pasco County Public Transportation will be closed, and bus and paratransit services will not run on July 5.

Other closures for July 5 include all Pasco County libraries, and the Pasco County Animal Services administration office, adoption center, intake/reclaim shelter, and its field services. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies only.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station also will be closed on July 5; however, both will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

Published June 30, 2021

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers Opens its Doors in Dade City

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Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, a nonprofit that offers support to women experiencing a planned or unplanned pregnancy, recently has opened its fourth location in downtown Dade City.

Pete Castellani cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of the Dade City Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, standing between Lora Novak (left) and April Beck (right). They are joined by local Dade City residents and dignitaries. (Katie Fernandez)

The nonprofit, founded by Pete Castellani, got started in 2009 when it opened in Land O’ Lakes. Over the past 12 years, Oasis has successfully expanded into other areas like Wesley Chapel and Tampa.

In late 2020, Castellani got a call from two local Dade City figures about an opportunity for a fourth location.

Randy Huckabee, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dade City, and Larry Guilford, founder of Make A Difference, reached out to Castellani and suggested he take over a vacant center located at 37522 Meridian Ave.

“We brought the idea to our board, discussed it with the church, and low and behold we opened our fourth center on May 11,” says Castellani.

Castellani has been overwhelmed by the success and response he has received in Dade City.

“The whole community, including different organizations, churches, and political figures, has given us so much support. It’s been such a welcoming, friendly, great experience coming into this area,” said Castellani.

As of now, the center is only open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but Oasis Dade City Director Lora Novak hopes to expand those hours as more people take advantage of its services.

Every service that’s offered to mothers and their partners are completely free, including pregnancy tests, a free ultrasound at less than 22 weeks, and Bright Course lessons that are carried until the baby turns 1 year old.

Lora Novak and Pete Castellani (Nicole Sanchez)

Bright Course lessons, which are in both English and Spanish, educate mothers and their partners on what to expect in their pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and so much more.

Mothers earn points as they complete the different lessons, which can be redeemed at Oasis’ in-house baby boutique filled with new and gently used baby items.

“We provide bibs to cribs, and everything in between,” said Novak.

Oasis stresses the importance of mothers taking time to make their decision on childbirth.

“We always want them to choose life, but that’s ultimately their decision,” said Novak, “We would be there for them for counseling and services in the future, no matter what choice they decide to make.”

For more information on the Dade City center and its services, go to OasisPregnancyCenter.org, or to donate, visit HeartsForOasis.pronetwork.us.

By Nicole Sanchez

Dementia Care Only at Memory Lane Cottage

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In the six years since Memory Lane Cottage opened in New Tampa, its exceptional staff has helped individuals and families cope with the challenges that come with dementia-related diseases. Their quality care and compassion are so genuine that several residents have lived at Memory Lane since the facility opened.

Kelly Irish, Administrator

“The fact that many of our residents have been here for so long says mountains about the quality of life we provide at Memory Lane Cottage,” said Administrator Kelly Irish “We are dedicated to providing a loving, intimate, environment where our residents retain a sense of independence and dignity.”

Memory Lane Cottage has just 20 residences. It’s this small size and its commitment to only memory care patients that attracted Irish, who was recently named administrator after 12 years working in senior care management, in both corporate and private settings.

“Because we’re not trying to be everything to everyone, we can focus 100% on memory care residents,” said Irish. “We do not offer independent living or assisted living, and this makes us really unique.”

A common problem for dementia patients, Irish continues, is sensory overload in loud, noisy and crowded environments often found in larger facilities.

“Memory care residents have difficulty processing information in a crowd, and can be overwhelmed by the constant distractions and noises of a large community,” Irish said. “Our environment is peaceful and more conducive to people with memory loss.”

The building that houses Memory Lane Cottage is designed to look and feel like a luxury estate home. Its furnished, private suites have full baths, all which open directly to a common living room and dining area located next to the kitchen, just like a private home.

The scent of cinnamon baked goodies wafts regularly from its open kitchen to stimulate residents’ appetites. Each resident has a mailbox is in the courtyard to check, and outside is a private courtyard with walking paths and gardens to encourage residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors in a safe setting.

Family involvement is very important to the Memory Lane Cottage community, and staff welcomes input from family members to help guide the level of service they provide. Many employees, including Irish, have had family members with dementia, and have a personal understanding of the emotions and challenges families face.

“Coming to terms with a family member’s dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis isn’t easy, and choosing a compassionate environment for your loved one’s long-term care can be equally daunting,” said Irish. “We’re here to help, and invite you to visit Memory Lane Cottage to see if we’re the right place for your loved one.”

Published June 23, 2021

A dignified retirement

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(Fred Bellet)

The last two American flags become engulfed in flames in the bottom of a burn pit used for a military-style Flag Retirement Ceremony. The ceremony disposed of some 400 old, torn, worn and tattered flags, which were collected from throughout the community by members of Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108. For more, see the full story with photos.

Retiring ‘Old Glory’ with dignity

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Waves of flames consumed about 400 tattered, torn and faded American flags in a dignified Flag Retirement Ceremony, hosted by Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108.

The remnants of some 400 retired American flags can be seen going up in flames, as members of the American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard stand at attention. (Fred Bellet)

Post Commander Randy Holeyfield presided over the June 12 event, which was held on the grounds of Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Holeyfield explained the history of the traditional method of disposing of American flags.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell also offered a few words, to mark the occasion. Hartsell is now executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The flags were arranged on a multi-tier burn pit. They ranged in size from 2-feet-long to 32-feet long. Post members called the giant flag “Big Bertha.”

Once in their place, the flags were doused with charcoal fluid and ceremoniously set ablaze.

The hundreds of flags — some cloth and some nylon — had been collected from community and other service organizations in Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough counties.

Published June 23, 2021

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. ‘Hammer’ Hartsell spoke to those attending the Flag Retirement Ceremony. Hartsell now is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.
Jim Littrell, adjutant of American Legion Post 108, works on a multi-tier burn pit to accommodate some 400 American flags that were being disposed of, in a respectful way, during the post’s Flag Retirement Ceremony. Littrell lives in North Tampa.
North Tampa Behavioral Hospital employee Rodney Williams, of Wesley Chapel, left, attends the Flag Retirement Ceremony, with several veterans from the facility. For Williams and the others, it was a moving moment as fire consumed the worn, faded and tattered American flags.
Kurt Gies, commander of American Legion Post 63, had the honors of fire duty. Here, he sprays down the huge flames that consumed the American flags. Only ashes remained, after the fire was extinguished.
Jack Evans, a member of Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, looks on while Randy Holeyfield, commander of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108, addresses the crowd. Holeyfield’s talk explained the history of the solemn ceremony.

A celebration of ‘top pops’

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With Father’s Day this past Sunday, The Laker/Lutz News wanted to help to celebrate all dads.

Readers were asked to send in a photo of their favorite “dad,” along with a short story on why he deserved to win.

Winning entries were chosen by People’s Choice and Publisher’s Choice.

Congratulations to these two ‘top’ dads in our #TheLakerTopPop photo contest.

Jackson Cannon, left, with one of his children sitting on the lap of Jackson’s father. (Courtesy of Keyllan Cannon)

Keyllan Cannon, of Lutz, nominated her husband, Jackson, who was the People’s Choice with the most votes.

Keyllan had this to say: “My husband, Jackson Cannon, became a father fairly young. He was only 20 when we married and 21 when our first child was born. Yet he has possessed a natural inclination toward fatherhood from the beginning. He is firm yet gentle, encouraging and protective. From the moment he learned we were having a baby, he has worked tirelessly to provide a loving, stable home for his family. We have grown to a family of five now, and I know he has looked to the example of his own father these last years, who is the epitome of hard work and perseverance.”

Jessica Valentin, of Wesley Chapel, nominated her husband, Anthony.

Anthony Valentin enjoying some family time at the beach with his girls. (Courtesy of Jessica Valentin)

Her story warmed the heart of The Laker/Lutz News publisher, Diane Kortus, who chose Jessica’s entry for the Publisher’s Choice award.

Jessica said: “I know a picture says a thousand words, but I will add a few more to this one. Anthony is the BEST dad because he is a GIRL-DAD. He is their provider and protector above all. He gives them most of what they want, but all of what they need. He guides them and supports their ideas and interests to the point of exhaustion. Then wakes up the next day to do it again. They may have their eyes set on their futures and their goals, but he always has his eyes set on them. He is the best father in the world.”

The staff at The Laker/Lutz News thanks everyone who entered the contest, as there were many wonderful photos and story submissions.

Published June 23, 2021

Cool foods to eat on hot days

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With 90-degree days well underway, perhaps your appetite has dipped a bit.

The decreased hunger pangs have nothing to do with your summer lifestyle or busy schedule, though. They can be explained by biology.

The hypothalamus has numerous responsibilities, including temperature regulation and appetite control.

When it is extremely hot, the hypothalamus works overtime to help keep us cool.

Cucumbers are hydrating and versatile. They can play the role of a bun, in a sandwich. Or, serve as a supporting player in a salad, or be the main ingredient in a meal, such as tuna boats.

Digestion, however, generates heat within the body —making it harder for the hypothalamus to keep us cool.

So, if the hypothalamus suppresses our appetite, we create less digestion, which improves the ability of the hypothalamus to keep us cool.

Of course, everyone’s metabolism is different.

Some people may have no problem eating soup when it’s 95 degrees.

And, summer and barbecues seem to go hand-in-hand, making steak and hamburgers a staple for many — regardless how hot it is, or how hungry they are.

With that being said, what’s on your pool party menu?

Foods that are cold and light are a popular option.

Also, don’t forget that being outdoors means we are sweating, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

When you’re planning an outdoor gathering, consider serving salads, fruit, and fruit-infused water to your guests.

It’s a good idea to offer cold food options, too — for a main dish or a side — if you’re having a barbecue.

Think anything ending in the word “salad.” Think pasta salad, tuna salad, egg salad, fruit salad, bean salad and so on.

Sandwiches also are a cool alternative for outdoor gatherings.

Cold cut sandwiches with sliced tomatoes and cheese on deli bread are great, but sandwiches don’t always need to include bread.

Think of lettuce wraps, tuna boats with cucumbers, slices of chilled hard-boiled eggs topped with salsa and slices of cucumber, or cucumber sandwiches —folded up pieces of turkey and cheese on cucumbers.

You can hydrate by eating fruits and vegetables containing high water content.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cucumber, celery, watermelon, iceberg lettuce, spinach, zucchini, strawberries, and cauliflower are all 91% or more water by weight.

Oranges are close, at 86%.

You can make fruit and cheese skewers, or make flavored water, such as strawberry, lemon and mint; cucumber, lemon and celery; kiwi and orange; or cucumber, lime and thyme.

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.

TIPS:
Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer months, likely due to outdoor gatherings.
Don’t let food out of temperature control for more than one hour if it’s over 90 degrees.
If it’s under 90, it can go up to two hours without temperature control.
Be especially mindful of this for buffet-style events.
Have a cooler packed with ice and a thermometer to make sure cold food is not in the temperature danger zone, when bacteria grows the fastest (40⁰-140⁰).
Separate ready to eat food from uncooked food if you’re cooking with raw meat.

Recipe – Tuna Boats

Serving Size
Serves 4: 1/2 cucumber and 6 ounces filling per serving

Ingredients
2 large cucumbers
1 lemon
2 green onions
1 (6-ounce) can low-sodium tuna, packed in water
1 (15 ½-ounce) can white beans
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 Tablespoon Dijon or country mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse cucumbers. Peel off skin every ¼ inch, all the way around. Cut lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon.
  2. Rinse lemon. Zest using the small holes of a box grater. Cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.
  3. Rinse and chop green onions.
  4. Drain tuna. In a colander, drain and rinse beans.
  5. In a medium bowl, mash beans lightly with a fork.
  6. Add green onions, tuna, oil, mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and 2 Tablespoons of the lemon juice to beans. Mix with a fork.
  7. Fill each cucumber half with ¼ tuna mixture. Serve.

Source: This recipe comes from Cooking Matters, one of Extension’s partners

Published June 23, 2021

Girl Scouts earn highest honor

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Forty Girl Scouts in west central Florida were honored for the dedication they put into earning their Girl Scout Gold Award — the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouting.

The award recognizes girls in grades nine to 12 who “demonstrate extraordinary leadership through the planning and execution of sustainable, measurable, difference-making projects,” according to a news release.

Each girl chose her own project — the subjects spanned a wide range of interests and needs, including social, environmental, educational, health, emotional and ecological.

Girl Scouts must spend a minimum of 80 hours planning and implementing their Gold Award projects, which often encompasses one year to two years from the project’s start to finish.

Those receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award reside in communities across west central Florida and represent Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

Within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, one Girl Scout is from Lutz and one is from Wesley Chapel.

Published June 23, 2021

Freedom of expression

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One graduate of Saint Leo University used her mortar board to express herself, during the Class of 2021’s commencement exercises. The university had three in-person events, conferring more than 1,250 degrees.

(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)