The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Survey shows most would not use hurricane shelters

By

Pasco County issued a Hurricane Season Survey, and the results are in.

The survey revealed that nearly 60% of respondents indicated it’s very unlikely they will go to a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Pasco County news release.

Still, the release notes, it remains critical “to have a plan and resources for sheltering at home or with friends.”

Other highlights from the 2020 Hurricane Season Survey include:

  • Nearly 48% of respondents are unaware of what to bring to a hurricane shelter
  • Nearly 25% of respondents have not packed a go-kit
  • Nearly 44% of respondents do not know their evacuation zone
  • Nearly 67% of respondents have not downloaded the My Pasco App

More than 1,300 residents provided feedback through the survey, which the county says helps Pasco County Emergency Management shape sheltering plans.

It also helps the county know what resources that residents need to be better prepared for potential disasters, the release adds.

“We work year-round to develop innovative tools to help keep our residents safe and informed,” Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa, said in the release.  “Survey data indicates a need for more preparation in our communities. Now is the time to learn what you need to bring to a shelter, to pack your go-kit, to download the MyPasco App – to make your plan.”

You can learn how to prepare your family and pets, secure your home, pack a go-kit and more by visiting PascoEmergencyManagement.com.

You can also get the latest updates and information from Pasco’s Emergency Operations during a disaster by downloading the MyPasco App and signing up for the Alert Pasco Emergency Notification System.

Published September 16, 2020

Making a name for themselves, on a new stage

By

Before these athletes hit the gridiron for their respective colleges, they were known for their skills on local fields. Find out more about what they are up to now. Check out our coverage on Sports.

Donovan Jennings didn’t start playing football until his freshman year at Gaither High School, but he quickly developed his skills, attracting a number of scholarship offers. The massive left tackle is now a junior at the University of South Florida. (Courtesy of Gaither High School athletics department)

 

Noah Ruggles, a Steinbrenner High standout, emerged as the University of North Carolina’s primary kicker as a sophomore last year. At Steinbrenner, he earned All-State honors and other accolades. (File)
Isaiah Bolden was a three-sport star at Wesley Chapel, shining in football, basketball, and track and field. In addition to his pigskin talents, Bolden was the varsity basketball team’s leading rebounder (8.5 rebounds per game in 2017-2018) and collected a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at 2018 Class 3A state championships. Now, he’s a redshirt sophomore at Florida State University. (File)
Ja’Quan Sheppard, safety at the University of Cincinnati, was mostly known for his skills as a wide receiver at Zephyrhills High School, where his impact helped guide the Bulldogs to arguably its best season in program history in 2018. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High School Athletics department)

A Gentle Touch from Gentle Hands OBGYN

By

Dr. Gem Ashby

By Kelli Carmack

When Gem Ashby moved from her native island of Barbados to attend medical school in America, her mind was set on a career as a pediatrician or surgeon.

However, after completing her rotations at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Ashby found herself falling in love with another specialty, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN).

“Once I witnessed my first labor and delivery, I knew that OBGYN was the specialty for me. No other rotation gave me the love, joy and excitement that I got with OBGYN,” said Dr. Ashby.

Dr. Ashby went on to complete her residency training at Florida State University’s OBGYN program in Pensacola, then moved to Tampa to work for Generations OBGYN, a unit of Women’s Care Florida.

After eight years at Generations OBGYN, Dr. Ashby wanted to focus her time and attention on the growing needs of women in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and in 2018 opened her own practice, which she called Gentle Hands OBGYN.

Many of Dr. Ashby’s staff came with her from Generations OBGYN.

“Most of us have worked together for 10 years now…we’re like a family, and we make sure we treat our patients like they, too, are part of our family,” said Dr. Ashby.

One of the newest additions to the Gentle Hands family is Dr. Kristen Witkowski, who is also Dr. Ashby’s business partner.

Dr. Witkowski was born in Chicago, Illinois, where she completed her OBGYN training. After missing her family who had relocated to Florida, and digging her car out of snow for the umpteenth time, she decided her future was in Florida.

Dr. Witkowski enjoys all aspects of the OBGYN specialty, but her favorite part is the relationships she builds with her patients. “It is important to me that patients feel listened to, understood and respected,” said Dr. Witkowski.

Dr. Ashby and the entire Gentle Hands OBGYN team are devoted to going through all stages of a patient’s life — the excitement of a pregnancy, having the baby and even menopause.

Services include prenatal care, delivery, in-office ultrasounds, infertility testing and treatment, routine pap smears, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. It also offers virtual exams for select OB and GYN to existing patients during the current coronavirus crisis.

2391 Oak Myrtle Lane, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 803 – 2219

GentleHandsOBGYN.com

Published 9/2/20

A tradition, with some new twists

By

Five-year-old Connor Mathes and his 3-year-old brother, Zachary, get ready for the first day of preschool at Xavier Elementary School in Appleton, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of Erin Mathes)

Getting ready for the First Day of School typically means new back-to-school clothes, shoes and a backpack. This year — during the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic— it means a mask, too. Five-year-old Connor and 3-year-old Zachary Mathes, grandsons of Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, were among the millions of children across the country beginning the 2020-2021 school year. The boys attend preschool at Xavier Elementary School, in Appleton, Wisconsin.

If you want to help kids, Kiwanis Club wants you

By

A new Kiwanis Club in Wesley Chapel is looking for civic-minded people who want to help build leadership-related activities for school-age children.

“If I asked you, ‘Would you like to be part of an organization that gives all of its money to children and the development of children’s programs,’ how can you say no?’’ said Joe Meyer, a Sarasota-based Kiwanis member who specializes in building and maintaining clubs.

The Kiwanis Club has four new Tampa Bay clubs forming, including one in Wesley Chapel. Florida has 240 adult chapters with approximately 6,900 members.

In the United States, the organization raises more than $100 million annually and dedicates it to 150,000 community service projects, which translates into 18.5-million service hours.

Kiwanis Club in Wesley Chapel is seeking new members.

The clubs are involved in all sorts of public service works.

They have built all-access playgrounds, restocked libraries, created food pantries, bought medical equipment, hosted diversity fairs, and stuffed backpacks with school supplies.

Ed Anderson, a Wesley Chapel realtor and Kiwanis member since 1977, is serving as advisor for the new Wesley Chapel club.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most of its organizational meetings to be held via Zoom video conferencing, but Anderson is encouraged by the initial response.

“Wesley Chapel is such a fast-growing area, one of the fastest-growing places in Florida, that it just seems like a natural to establish a club that could really grow,’’ said Anderson, who has most recently served as secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Carrollwood. “Even though Wesley Chapel is a fairly affluent area, there are still folks who need things.

“Once you’re a Kiwanian, it becomes part of your life. Once a Kiwanian, always a Kiwanian. You’re able to impact the community and make a difference. There are many networking groups and business groups. They are great, but their purpose is to build businesses. In Kiwanis, your sole objective is giving back to the community — specifically kids.’’

What are some of the Kiwanis projects?

The Terrific Kids bumper stickers, as in “I have a Terrific Kid at Wesley Chapel High School,’’ is a Kiwanis project.

The Key Clubs that exist in most high schools, emphasizing leadership, character development and service? That’s Kiwanis.

The BUG (Bring Up Grades) programs that recognize students who raise their grade to an acceptable range and offer certificates, buttons and parties? That’s Kiwanis, too.

Kiwanis also is about people such as Alex Dang, a Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate and a University of South Florida freshman who’s majoring in bio-medical sciences. He has designs on medical school and becoming a pediatrician.

In his sophomore year at Wiregrass Ranch, Dang joined the Key Club.

“The comparison of myself from the beginning of high school compared to now is so dramatic,’’ said Dang, 18. “I’ve learned about social networking, communication skills and public speaking. I was a Key Club board member, so I had to speak and become a leader.

“Before, I didn’t really pursue any of those skills. Key Club gave me a push in that direction and really put my life on a different course.’’

Dang has joined the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel.

“Wesley Chapel is such a tight-knit community, so I really think a lot of people are going to join and participate in the activities and sponsorships,’’ Dang said. “The best thing about Kiwanis Club is anyone can join, no matter what skill set you have. In fact, it’s even better if you have a different skill set because that makes the club more diverse and strong.’’

Meyer, a membership-building specialist, said all walks of life are welcome.

“We get bankers, real estate professionals, insurance people, automotive repair, sales people, retailers, school employees … you name it,’’ Meyer said. “It’s all about getting people to work together and helping children in the community. You have to have a big heart and the desire to help kids. There’s great camaraderie in the club and the rewards are immense.’’

For any men or women interested in the opportunity, the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel’s Facebook page summed it up:

“Kids are curious, lovable and hilarious. They are also wild, impatient and vulnerable. Help us look out for kids in Wesley Chapel and around the globe.’’

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel, contact Ed Anderson at (813) 841-2773 or .

By Joey Johnston

Published September 09, 2020

Parenting in a pandemic is challenging, pediatrician says

By

Are my kids safe? Is it OK for them to attend school or should they be kept home to learn virtually? What if they get sick? What if I get sick? What if they want a playdate? How can we cope if it seems overwhelming?

Parenting already seemed daunting, but parenting during a pandemic? It’s filled with starts and stops, rapidly changing information, anxiety, guilt and exhaustion.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, offered guidance regarding parenting during a pandemic. (Courtesy of Premier Community HealthCare)

Does that sound familiar to you? You’re not alone.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, said parents, teachers and caregivers must focus on their physical and emotional health during these challenging times of COVID-19.

“As parents, it’s important to get educated about everything that is going on,’’ Perez said during a recent Zoom video teleconference with the public. “Pandemics aren’t new. They have happened before. But, this one has brought everything to our doors.

“Prevention is always going to be the key. We have always known that infectious diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as hand-washing. Think about just six months ago, how careless we were. Now, we are washing our hands like our lives depend on it.’’

Hand-washing is a tangible answer.

Perez said many parents are searching for solutions when it comes to emotional losses. That is more difficult to define.

“We all have been stressed and anxious,’’ Perez said. “This is all very challenging. We need to remind our children they’re not alone with these feelings. We need to normalize that feeling and validate it. We can provide reassurance and tell them how to be safe, but we can’t control everything.’’

For kids who are employing virtual learning at home, there is some control that parents can utilize, though.

“It’s unrealistic to think the kids are going to stare at their screens for hour after hour,’’ Perez said. “There must be some breaks and pauses. They have to be engaged in some activity and movement. Let them dance. Let them stretch. It’s always hard, depending on the setup at home, but there must be some form of down time.’’

Preparation is also important for at-home learning, Perez said.

“We’ve all been forced to rethink our daily lives,’’ Perez said. “None of us were necessarily prepared to turn our homes into classrooms. But, if your children are staying home to learn, it really helps to have a stimulating environment, whether it’s a small space or a large space.

“They must have the necessary tools for schoolwork without the distraction of televisions and other things. Ideally, they are not in their bedroom or in bed. Those two spaces should be separated. There must be a way to emphasize and prioritize the schoolwork.’’

For children returning to the school campus, there are different issues.

“Obviously, people with various conditions, such as respiratory illnesses and diabetes, may be at higher risk, not just (to) corona, but (to) other viruses, as well,’’ Perez said. “Conversations need to take place with health care providers, and it’s how you feel as a parent, as well.

“Schools have been working on solutions for about six months now. They are keeping kids 6 feet apart in the areas where they congregate. A lot are making use of their outdoor spaces. Face coverings and face shields are going to be really important. The hand-washing and using hand sanitizer is also very big. Most schools have escalated their cleaning. I think the proper precautions are being taken. But, of course, it’s still an individual choice for each family, and it’s not an easy choice.’’

Regardless of the school choice, Perez said it’s imperative to have healthy routines.

“Daily habits and daily routines are so important,’’ Perez said. “Set up the alarm clock to get the child moving. Have an hour a day where they’re walking outside. Get to bed early and get eight to nine hours of sleep.

“Don’t forget the eating habits. When kids are at home, it’s important not to overeat. Try to work on portion control. Drink water most of the time because we often confuse being thirsty for being hungry. Just do all you can to model healthy habits because they are so important in these times. And, know that when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, those are common feelings for everyone. Take a deep breath and know that we will all get through this,” Perez said.

By Joey Johnston

Published September 09, 2020

North Tampa Bay Chamber accepting award nominations

By

The North Tampa Bay Chamber has reimagined its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Every year, the awards celebrate businesses in the region, recognizing the people and companies that have demonstrated a unique vision, innovation, and best business practices, according to a chamber news release.

This year, the 2020 Celebrating Excellence Awards will honor organizations that have demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year and which have benefited the community, the release says.

“We recognize COVID-19 has affected businesses across our region in a variety of ways, resulting in new innovations and adjustments to business models,” the release says. “As such we have reimagined our Annual Celebrating Excellence Awards. This year the awards ceremony will be held November 12th via a professional production fully streaming with live remotes, live feeds, and celebratory toast.”

The North Tampa Bay Chamber prides itself on its 4 Core Values. It will be presenting these awards this year:

  • Excellence in Integrity Award: Honoring an organization whose demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year has benefited the community and region
  • Excellence in Collaboration Award: Honoring an organization that has sought to build bridges and partner with individuals and groups that has strengthened the community and region during the past year
  • Excellence in Inclusivity Award: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated, through its organizational culture or in service to the community, leadership in diversity and inclusion practice during the past year
  • Excellence in Innovation Award: Honoring an organization whose demonstrated unique ingenuity during the past year has benefited the community and region

In addition to the four Core Value awards, the chamber will be adding a Community Hero(es) Award, which provides a way to highlight some additional individuals — in addition to organizations — who are being honored for their efforts, concern and compassionate response to the pandemic.

To find out more about the awards, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Published September 09, 2020

Road work causes Quail Hollow detour

By

A second portion of Quail Hollow Boulevard, at Old Pasco Road, will be closed for a week because of work being done to improve the road.

Motorists will need to reroute during construction work on Quail Hollow Boulevard. The detour route is shown in green. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Pasco County sent out a news release about the closure, which is scheduled from Sept. 8 through Sept. 14.

The work is being done to improve the road’s safety and its capacity, according to the news release.

Northbound and southbound Old Pasco Road will remain open during this time and residents will have access to their homes via a detour along Sonny Drive (the detour on the map, marked in green).

The work will occur 24 hours a day, and electronic message boards will be stationed along Old Pasco Road to direct traffic.

The road is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 15, depending upon weather conditions.

Emergency vehicles will have access.

D.A.B. Constructors is the contractor for this Pasco County Engineering Services project.

If you have questions about the temporary closure, please contact Project Manager Larry Harris at (727) 834-3604 or by email at .

Published September 09, 2020

Citizens’ Academy graduates announced

By

The Pasco County Citizens’ Academy recently announced the latest group of graduates from its  program.

The academy helps to educate citizens about the county’s governmental operations, according to a Pasco County news release.

It includes sessions hosted by elected officials, department directors and other county staff aimed at providing a deeper look at  government functions and services.

In addition to giving citizens a better understanding of local government, the program also helps develop a pool of knowledgeable people who can act as ambassadors, serve on advisory boards, and volunteer, the release said.

Pasco County offers the program twice a year, in the fall and winter.

This is the most recent crop of graduates:

  • Brian Becher, Spring Hill
  • Christopher Davis, Dade City
  • Virgil Funk, New Port Richey
  • Denise Hammond, Holiday
  • Mary Herrman, New Port Richey
  • Gena Hester, Wesley Chapel
  • Kazim Hosein, New Port Richey
  • Lori Johnston, Land O’ Lakes
  • Adam Jonas, Land O’ Lakes
  • Diane Kobernick, New Port Richey
  • Thomas Makowski, New Port Richey
  • Gina Musolino, Wesley Chapel
  • Tara O’Connor, Hudson
  • Patricia Shade, Hudson
  • Paula Sparks, Holiday
  • Richard Sparks, Holiday
  • Cheri Stevens, Trinity
  • Kathleen Swanson, Land O’ Lakes
  • Kevin Taggerty, Dade City
  • Samuel Watson, Wesley Chapel
  • Sonya Walling, New Port Richey
  • Coleen Weaver, New Port Richey
  • Gina Peterson, New Port Richey

Published September 09, 2020

Local woman hopes to make faith-filled impact on national level

By

Zephyrhills resident Michele Bowman, raised in the Catholic Church, has always embraced faith as her life’s foundation.

“Really, it has given me everything,’’ Bowman said.

Now, she has a rare opportunity to give back.

Bowman recently was elected as one of nine National Directors for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), an organization that promotes spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service and sisterhood.

Zephyrhills resident Michele Bowman recently was elected as a National Director for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, becoming the fourth Floridian to reach that level in the organization’s 117-year history. (Courtesy of Michele Bowman)

In the CDA’s 117-year history, Bowman is the fourth National Director from Florida.

Bowman, who worships at St. Joseph Catholic Church, has been active as a charter member of the 43-woman Court Mother Teresa in Zephyrhills. The chapter is one of CDA’s 1,150 local chapters. She has held several CDA positions on the state and local level, but said she’s looking forward to making connections on the national level. She’s beginning a two-year term.

“It’s a big deal and quite an honor for Michele,’’ said Kathy Brady, a regent with Court Mother Teresa. “She will be able to give her opinion and be a liaison at the highest level of our organization. She will be hands-on with a lot of big issues, and it’s going to be a great experience.’’

Bowman grew up in North Tampa, where her home parish was St. Mary Catholic Church in the Lake Magdalene area.

During her initial time as a Zephyrhills resident, she attended Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes when it was a small church, then saw it grow exponentially as the area’s population increased.

For nearly three decades, she has called St. Joseph home. When she first heard about the formation of Court Mother Teresa, she joined immediately. It became an important factor in her spiritual maturation.

“It appealed to me to be around a group of Catholic women, to grow in faith, to be of service to the community,’’ said Bowman, who was elected by mail voting as part of the CDA’s 58th Biennial National Convention, which was scheduled for Dallas but held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a great way to meet people in my parish. I thought the faith-based emphasis, plus the service and social aspects, were really nice,” Bowman said.

“But, it became more than I would have imagined. It has really extended my self-confidence in speaking to people and meeting new people. At one time, I could look around my church and hardly not know anyone. Now, I look around and I know so many people, their stories, their backgrounds. I will now get a chance to do that on a national level. I wasn’t super shy, but this sort of involvement has made me more outgoing.’’

It has also given Bowman ideas about growing an organization.

At Court Mother Teresa, the group has worked with Meals on Wheels and the Trinity Cafe. It has organized a Christmas Toy Drive for children of migrant workers. It has held yard sales and bunco games to raise money for charities.

Fundraising is good.

Charity is good.

But, Bowman wants to expand those concepts. The membership must grow. And, it needs a youth movement.

Court Mother Teresa is one of only seven courts in Florida.

“There should be more, I think, probably many more, but getting things going might be a little harder than it looks,’’ Bowman said. “I think as a national director, that’s part of my job, but it’s part of all of our jobs, really. You have to continually reach out to people, go to parishes, ask the priests if you can give a talk. You try to get the interest going.

“There are many benefits not only to the church community, but to the individuals as well. I would absolutely like to see us increase our membership, and I believe we must attract some younger women. It’s a problem when your membership starts to age out. We may have to change the way we approach things, and I’d like to have a voice in this because I believe it’s a big issue. We should be proactive.’’

As a national director, Bowman will have oversight of several states and interaction with the CDA’s big-picture issues.

But, she knows local involvement is the key to growth.

“I would tell people who want to join a court that it’s a great way to make lifelong meaningful friends with like-minded values,’’ Bowman said. “It’s a way to provide service to others. You become unified in your faith and it empowers you in a way where you know you can make a difference.

“We’re connected by our Catholic faith. By working together, we reach out to each other, encourage each other and enhance our own faith. It’s always nice to pray together. You see how someone professes their faith and strength, how they handle themselves. We are always stronger when we work together. That’s always what I want to encourage,” she said.

For more information on Court Mother Teresa, contact Brady at (813) 625-5556 or Bowman at (813) 838-3804. For more information on the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, log onto CatholicDaughters.org.

By Joey Johnston

Published September 02, 2020