Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., lives on

January 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Saint Leo University students, faculty and staff took part in a variety of volunteer activities, both on campus and off, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the university’s annual MLK Day of Service, according to a university news release.

Geossica Madden, a freshman from Jamaica, volunteered to clean the Greek Life benches at Saint Leo University. This is her first semester on campus and she was eager to get involved. (Courtesy of Christine Lear/Saint Leo University)

With masks firmly in place and social distancing enforced, Saint Leo University volunteers went to work off campus on Jan. 18, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco in Dade City, and Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe in Zephyrhills. On Jan. 19, volunteers participated in a virtual “read-in” for students at St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio.

On campus, students, faculty and staff had multiple opportunities to engage in charitable and beautification efforts.

Those efforts included making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, putting together meals, and distributing them in Clearwater for Someone Cares Tampa Bay. Volunteers worked at Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe and Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, and performed cleaning and beautification tasks on campus.

King’s birthday is honored each year with a national holiday. The slain civil rights leader was known for inspiring others to be of service. He once described the importance of service this way: “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Published January 27, 2021

Maria Sanchez, Liz Castro and Karen Garcia work together to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to help feed others.

Brian Boehm, a junior cybersecurity major, pitches in to do some weeding in a median in a Saint Leo University parking lot.

Regina Plummer, of Saint Leo University’s Learning Design Department, shows her ‘plarn’ project – which involves crocheting with plastic bags to make mats for the homeless.

This tiny, tangy fruit tastes great in pie

January 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

You may not know a lot about kumquats, but in these parts, the tiny citrus fruit is so popular, it even has an annual festival dedicated to it.

This year, the festivities, which usually happen in downtown Dade City at the end of January, have been postponed until March 27.

You don’t have to eat your kumquat pie in one or two sittings. The pie will keep in the refrigerator for three or four days and can be kept in the freezer for several weeks. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Event organizers made the move in an abundance of caution, to keep people safe during this time of COVID-19.

That doesn’t mean you have to wait to learn more about the circular-shaped fruit, or wait for the popular pie that is sold at the festival each year. You can make your own kumquat pie.

So, here are a few facts about this tiny fruit called the kumquat.

The fruit is small and much like grapes, you can eat a handful in a single sitting.

Kumquats are native to China, where the name means “golden orange.”

In the United States, the Nagami variety is the most common, and the fruit is primarily grown in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and California, according to Farmers Almanac.

They are a healthy choice.

Like all citrus, kumquats are high in vitamin C. They contain several B vitamins and they contain minerals, including calcium, magnesium and zinc. In five kumquats, there’s about 6.5 grams of fiber.

They also have antioxidants — which are important for healthy aging, and to help prevent cancer.

Be sure to eat the peels, which are edible, because that’s where you’ll find the antioxidants and the fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties.

The kumquat is the only citrus fruit with an edible peel.

And, the peel tastes sweet, while the seeds and juice taste sour.

If you don’t like the sweet-and-sour combination, you can separate the peel from the pulp.

You might have heard that it tastes best if you gently roll the fruit between your fingers before eating the fruit, to release the essential oils.

Kumquats also are high in water content, making them hydrating and refreshing.

Between the water and fiber, they are quite filling while also low in calories — just 71 calories in a serving of five kumquats.

They’re a great go-to snack to have around the home or in your office, if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight.

Additionally, preliminary research on mice has shown that they help prevent weight gain, and helped lower fasting blood sugar, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and reduced the growth of fat cells.

Plant compounds from kumquats also are being used to study obesity in mice.

In a study where mice were given a high-fat diet, they gained more weight after eight weeks than the mice given a high-fat diet in addition to the kumquat extract.

Of course, further research on this is needed to see the impacts on humans.

Kumquats can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, or left at room temperature for a few days.

Besides being healthy, they’re versatile.

They can be used in sauces for meat dishes, can be added to stuffing, can be baked into breads, and of course, can be used to make a kumquat pie, which is usually a staple at the Kumquat Festival.

If you can’t find them at the store, you can go to KumquatGrowers.com (based in Dade City), and they can ship some to you during the season (November through March).

You can also order jams, jellies, sauces, salad dressings, salsas and butter, all made with kumquat.

If you don’t want to wait until this year’s kumquat festival, you can make your own pie.

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.

Kumquat Pie (Recipe courtesy of TheSpruceEats.com)

Ingredients

14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup pureed kumquats (wash, cut in half, and remove seeds to puree)
8-ounce container whipped topping, defrosted
9-inch pre-baked pie shell or graham cracker crust

Directions

Combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice in a large bowl, and beat on medium speed until it starts to thicken, approximately 2 minutes to 3 minutes.

Add kumquat puree and beat on low speed until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary.

Fold in whipped topping and pour mixture into prepared crust.

Refrigerate pie overnight, or for at least 2 hours, before serving.

Published January 27, 2021

Couple saves baby raccoons

January 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s ‘raining’ raccoons here at Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife in Odessa. These five babies found themselves in the care of Owl’s Nest after some Good Samaritans rescued them from the eves of their home. The adult, female mother raccoon had unfortunately been hit by a car. The couple that found the babies gave them names: Rudy, Alayna, Darina, Lyla and Mari.

Taking to the skies

January 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Amanda Perkins, of Zephyrhills, was thrilled to once again see a hot air balloon gliding on a clear, sunny day, right above her backyard.

Sporting a bit of Spring

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated National Hat Day on Jan. 15. The women sported a favorite or fun chapeau, choosing a variety of jaunty, floral, big brims and sporty hats to help to elevate their moods and bring a bit of cheer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club has not been able to resume in-person meetings.

NAMI/Pasco addresses growing need for its services

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

NAMI/Pasco County — part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness — is a 33-year-old organization that provides free advocacy, education, support and outreach for individuals with mental health conditions.

In the last year, it has named its first full-time executive director, Debbie Proulx.

And, the organization’s growth has been at warp speed.

It aims to reach all those who need help — a lofty ambition, for sure.

NAMI/Pasco is supported solely by private donations or grants.

Debbie Proulx is executive director of NAMI/Pasco County, part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

It hosts fundraisers.

It has a vision for a NAMI building, where meetings could be held and real-time aid could be provided.

Since Proulx’s arrival, the organization went from having one group meeting per week to having meetings every day of the week.

In 2019, 20 people participated in group meetings. Last year, there were 360.

“And that doesn’t count the emails, the texts, the referrals, the phone calls that we get,’’ said Proulx (whose name rhymes with “true’’). “We are marketing our services. We’re putting out a lot of educational materials, but we’re still not able to help everyone. The need in our area is so great. But we are growing, and we will be able to help more and more.’’

Proulx said NAMI/Pasco is constantly seeking to partner with community organizations, such as churches and youth groups, while finding community members to participate. Its board of directors includes community members from hospitals and civic organizations. Trained volunteers are certified to administer the various programs.

“We are trying to fill in the gaps,’’ Proulx said. “COVID-19 has had a major impact, obviously. We have Zoom programs, but some of the senior citizens don’t have technology, or they are afraid of it. “We have one in-person meeting to help cover that.

“We really want to make sure that people who aren’t being helped know of our service. Sometimes, people don’t have insurance. Sometimes, there’s a wait list of up to six months to see a therapist. “Even though we don’t provide actual therapy, we’re a great placeholder with our programs and support groups until someone can get to see a therapist.

“When we get calls, we refer them to a therapist, giving them three names at random. But, we understand the wait can be very long. In our support groups, you can find like-minded people going through the same thing. Our group members are so open and welcoming. People have told us, ‘This is like a family I’ve chosen.’ ”

What kind of assistance is provided by NAMI/Pasco?
One group member, wishing to be identified by the initials M.M., said the help has been immeasurable.

“NAMI/Pasco literally saved my life,’’ M.M. wrote in an email.

M.M. wrote about being taken in by the group and finding a quick fit.

“(Proulx) welcomed me and treated me like a family member,’’ M.M. wrote. “I have never felt more like I belonged in my life. … Now we have so many groups on Zoom (and) they are the highlight of my day. For many of us, they are the only reason we get out of bed on most days during COVID. I think that many of us would have a deep slide if not for these groups.

“I honestly can’t say enough good things about them. … They deeply care (and) that can’t be faked.’’

Proulx said she is heartened by the feedback.

“People come to us, get into a group the same day and in a week’s time, they’re a completely different person,’’ Proulx said. “They have hope again. It doesn’t mean they no longer need to be in therapy. It means that they’re safe until they’re able to get together (with a therapist). I’ve had people say, ‘I was thinking of suicide. But after coming here, that’s no longer a thought.’ So obviously, that makes you feel like we’re making a difference.

“My personal goal is to have a building where we can do drop-ins, where we can be immediately available for crisis. We can’t get that done right now — and COVID doesn’t help — but it’s in our future. But, what we are doing now is providing as many different programs as we possibly can.’’

NAMI/Pasco County can be reached by email at or , or by phone at 727-994-9623.

NAMI/Pasco County offerings:

Zoom support groups for those with any mental health condition — Mondays, 3 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 p.m.
In-person walk and talk, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 8 a.m.
In-person support and friendship, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 9 a.m.
Zoom support groups for those with a loved one who has a mental health condition — first and third Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
Zoom chat for everyone — Sundays, 6 p.m.
Zoom Peer-to-Peer — Free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who want to better understand themselves and their recovery, Saturdays beginning in February, 10 a.m. to noon (registration required).
Zoom Family to Family — Free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Saturdays beginning in February, 1 to 3 p.m. (registration required).
Basics on Demand — Free, six-session online education for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth age 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms (registration required, start any time).

By Joey Johnston

Published January 20, 2021

Don’t forget: This year’s Kumquat Festival is set for March 27

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In the years before COVID-19, both locals and visitors alike could look forward to the end of January for a chance to enjoy the annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City.

But, concerns about keeping people safe have prompted organizers to postpone the 24th annual Kumquat Festival from its traditional last Saturday in January, to a March 27 date, instead.

Whether it’s kumquat marmalade, kumquat salsa or kumquat wine, you will likely be able to find it in downtown Dade City, during the community’s annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

“We felt it prudent to exercise extreme caution and move the date of the festival to ensure the health and safety of our attendees, our vendors, and the hundreds of people it takes to make this annual signature event a success,” John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.

Moors said there will be some other changes to this year’s festival, as well.

For instance, there won’t be shuttle services to remote parking lots, according to the release.

As in previous years, however, historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors and dozens of partner sponsors, the release notes.

The event also will feature the ever-popular Classic Car Show, Moors added.

The festival, which is attended by tens of thousands of visitors, showcases Dade City’s friendly, authentic, Old Florida feel, the chamber executive said.

The March 27 festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published January 20, 2021

Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line helps seniors get around

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line provides door-to-door transportation and bus passes for elderly, low-income, and people with disabilities who do not have or cannot afford their own transportation, according to the Hillsborough County website.

Transportation is provided for medical and social service appointments, grocery trips, health and wellness, personal business and more.

Sunshine Line continues to provide service with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Trips are prioritized based on trip purpose and provided on a space-available basis.

Eligibility for the program is based on income, age, disabilities, available transportation and where the transportation is needed.

To find out if you’re eligible and to enroll in the door-to-door service program, call Sunshine Line at 813-272-7272, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (The same number and hours apply for making reservations).

When calling to enroll, be prepared to provide the following information: Name, address and telephone number, Social Security number, date of birth, type of disability and household income.

Reservations for the service must be made at least two days in advance, but can be made up to seven days early.

Return trips are scheduled when you make your trip reservation.

Callers currently are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure to protect all riders.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs that are larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long, as measured 2 inches from the ground, cannot be transported.

The wheelchairs also cannot weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied.

Transportation is provided Monday through Saturday, and is provided to the nearest location available. The drivers will not go into the building to find the customer, but will offer to assist to and from the building and into the vehicle, including help with the seatbelt and securing the wheelchair.

Changes to return times will be accepted, when possible.

Seating is limited in vehicles, and masks are required for passengers and drivers to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Published January 20, 2021

The Big Shred IV helps people dispose of documents

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you have some sensitive or outdated documents you want to destroy, The Big Shred IV may be just the thing for you.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles directs traffic in the rain at the Big Shred event last year, in Dade City. (Courtesy of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has set two dates to give area residents the opportunity to safely dispose of documents they no longer need, according to a news release.

Last year, the event drew about 350 area residents who got rid of about 7.5 tons of documents. Over the three years the event has been held, more than 24 tons of documents have been shredded.

The times and dates for this year’s events are:

Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to noon: West Pasco Judicial Center, 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey
Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon: Robert Sumner Judicial Center, 38053 Live Oak Ave., Dade City

People who bring documents to be destroyed can watch while they are shredded.

Those wishing to take advantage of the service can bring in up to three copier-paper boxes or two tall kitchen trash bags of paper documents.

Staples, paper clips or other metal clasps must be removed.

“Last year, at New Port Richey, we had 5.5 tons of paper (shredded at the event),” Alvarez-Sowles said, at the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.

She noted that 264 cars came through that line.

In Dade City, the event was held on a rainy day, reducing the turnout. At that event, there were 82 cars, which yielded 2 tons of shredded paper that day.

Published January 20, 2021

Enjoying entertainment, and sampling syrup

January 19, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Syrup-makers at ‘Raising Cane,’ an event at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, used the same techniques that were used in the 19th century to make sugar cane syrup. Here, Jerry Moates, of Zephyrhills, right, and Marcus Copeland, left, of Dade City, filter and skim the cane syrup juice as it boils down in the 80-gallon kettle. The Southern Syrup Maker’s Association also had a cane syrup tasting and competition at the event. (Fred Bellet)

For some, the chance to sample syrup was the big attraction.

Others wanted to watch a WW II reenactment.

Still others wanted to check out the traditional craft demonstrations, enjoy some food, or take a look at the model trains.

“Raising Cane,” an event held on Jan. 9 at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, seemed to have offerings that appealed to a diverse crowd.

The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured old-fashioned syrup making and tasting, music by Emett Stevens, and a chance to step back in time, while reenactors presented a battle from World War II.

Published January 20, 2021