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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Zephyrhills centennial now has a face

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Main Street Zephyrhills releases official 100th birthday logo

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

ZEPHYRHILLS — Most in Zephyrhills know the city is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2010, but now residents have a logo to fit with the anniversary.

Main Street Zephyrhills showed off the official logo for the 100th anniversary of Zephyrhills’ founding at a meeting on Jan. 11. The logo was designed by Roberto Escobar, owner of RS Media Solutions, and is currently hanging from lampposts in downtown Zephyrhills. Special to The Laker.
Main Street Zephyrhills showed off the official logo for the 100th anniversary of Zephyrhills’ founding at a meeting on Jan. 11. The logo was designed by Roberto Escobar, owner of RS Media Solutions, and is currently hanging from lampposts in downtown Zephyrhills. Special to The Laker.

“We’ve worked on designing the right logo to represent the 100th birthday for a while now, and I think what was picked does a great job of representing the city,” said Brenda Welcher, executive director of Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.

The city was founded by Howard Barth Jeffries on March 10, 1910 when he bought 35,000 acres of land. Before then the area was known as Abbott Station.

MSZI is organizing several events for the centennial celebration, including Zephyrhills Founder’s Day on March 13 and 14. The organization released the logo at a meeting on Jan. 11, where Zephyrhills Mayor Cliff McDuffie spoke about the city’s birthday.

“It’s great to be able to say Zephyrhills has been around for a century,” McDuffie said before the logo’s release. “It’s important to celebrate things like this to both remember the city’s past and also look at how we can keep Zephyrhills a viable place for people to live.”

McDuffie has been mayor for eight years.

The logo was designed by RS Media Solutions owner Roberto Escobar as a donation to MSZI, and shows several elements the city is known for, including skydivers from Skydive City and a spigot that people once used in downtown Zephyrhills.

“The first Zephyrhills High School, which is now Stewart Middle School, is also in the background,” Welcher said. “The clock from Clock Plaza downtown is in front of the stage.

“It’s very exciting to be kicking off the celebration of 100 years with the logo because we have a lot of special things planned. Releasing the logo was just the first step in giving the city a birthday party it will never forget.”

Welcher said the logo is hanging from lampposts in downtown Zephyrhills and will be featured prominently during Founder’s Day.

For more information on future MSZI events, visit www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org.

Area homeless go without cold weather shelter

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

No shelter in Land O’ Lakes or Lutz

By Sarah Whitman

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

LAND O’ LAKES — When temperatures dropped to freezing this past week, many of the area’s homeless were left out in the cold. While emergency shelters opened in New Port Richey, Zephyrhills and downtown Tampa, none did in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel or Lutz.

“I don’t know why there is no place to go around here,” said Elizabeth Fields, director of Suncoast Harvest Food Bank in Land O’ Lakes. “I don’t know if it’s because people are turning a blind eye or what, but we need more shelters, especially now when people are both cold and hungry.”

The Pasco Homeless Coalition reported more than 4,000 homeless living in the county as of April 2009.  The nonprofit coalition works with county officials to provide shelter and housing. Still, little has been accomplished in central Pasco.

“I had people come ask me where they could go and I had no clue what to tell them,” Fields said. “Right now, I think people are just doing what they can to keep warm.”

Jim Martin, emergency management director for Pasco County, is working to improve the situation.

“About 70 percent of the county’s homeless are on the west side and we have shelters there,” he said. “We are working with the homeless coalition to come up with more sites. We still need shelters in San Antonio, Dade City and Land O’ Lakes.”

Rev. Dan Campbell, president of the coalition, worries about lack of requests for central Pasco shelters.

“We’ve been trying for a couple years to get a shelter in Land O’ Lakes, but it’s slow going,” he said. “One reason is we don’t have as many people in need out here and many of the people are sleeping in tents, so they don’t want to leave their tents. They worry about having their things taken.”

Lesa Weikel, community relations manager for the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, said a similar problem exists in north Tampa, including Lutz.

“Lack of shelters is a real issue,” she said. “Cold weather poses an added health risk to those struggling to make it outside.”

In Hillsborough, there are four cold weather shelters. Metropolitan Ministries and Salvation Army opened shelters near downtown on N. Florida Avenue. Additional facilities are in Brandon and Wimauma.

Keith Reiley, senior pastor at Community Chapel Church of God in Zephyrhills, operated a shelter during the winters of 2008 and 2009.  He closed the site last year, citing a lack of turn out and community involvement.

“I only had one or two people coming at night, so it was hard to get community support,” he said. “We feed the homeless everyday at our church, but hardly any of them stayed the night with us when we were open.”

Frustrated, Reiley passed the cause on to Tim Mitchell, senior pastor at Chancey Road Christian Church. Mitchell partnered with Campbell and the Zephyrhills Samaritan Project to open a site at Chancey Road. The shelter went public the first week in January, but went unused.

“We’d open the doors at 6 p.m. and close up a couple hours later after no one showed up,” Mitchell said.

Last Thursday was the first time the facility stayed open overnight.

“We had a family of ten come and stay,” Mitchell said. “They were able to keep warm with all the blankets and pillows people have donated. The community has really reached out to help this time; we just need people to keep coming.”

Fields believes people in Land O’ Lakes would take advantage of a new shelter.

“There are a lot of people looking for a place to go,” she said. “We’ve had people here at the food bank, just sitting out by the dumpsters, and we let them stay. But they’d rather be inside.”

Suncoast Harvest Food Bank is in north Land O’ Lakes, located east of US 41 on Ehren Cutoff.

Presently, those seeking shelter and unable to find one nearby can call 911 for assistance. In Pasco, persons can also call United Way of Pasco at 211. In Zephyrhills, call (813) 810-8670 for shelter information.

Campbell encourages anyone in need to make a call. “Wherever they are, someone will try to help,” he said.

Cold weather strikes Pasco’s citrus crop

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco and Hillsborough extensions offer tips for home plants

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

ZEPHYRHILLS (Change other zone) — The recent cold snap may have made the average person uncomfortable, but things were a little more serious for farmers.

Some of the oranges at Neukom groves that could not stand the cold. It was 24 degrees at the grove on the morning of Jan. 10, but no major damage was done to the trees. Photos by Chris Drews.
Some of the oranges at Neukom groves that could not stand the cold. It was 24 degrees at the grove on the morning of Jan. 10, but no major damage was done to the trees. Photos by Chris Drews.

“I don’t even like to think about the cold weather,” said George Neukom III, owner of Neukom Groves in Zephyrhills. “If it gets below 27 degrees for about four hours is really bad for the trees. Right at 32 degrees usually isn’t bad, but the longer it stays cold the worst it is.”

To protect his citrus crop, Neukom runs his irrigation system on cold nights on the tree trunks. This causes a thin layer of ice to form on the tree, which keeps its temperature right at 32 degrees.

“We run 10 to 15 gallons an hour on (each tree) to protect the trees,” Neukom said. “It seems weird, but the ice insulates the trunk.

“This is the longest I’ve ever seen it so cold. It’s usually below freezing for a night or two, but I’ve had to run the irrigation system for four straight nights.”

The fourth straight night for Neukom was the Jan. 6 to 7. The temperature was down to 24 degrees on the morning of Jan. 7 at the grove.

Neukom said the worst freeze in the area he has experienced was in 1989 when he lost 95 percent of his trees. Florida Citrus Mutual’s Web site says the freeze was Dec. 22 to 26 in 1989.

“We haven’t really lost much of the fruit and none of the trees this year,” Neukom said. “If the fruit freezes we will loose a little juice, but it isn’t that bad. We have had some damage to the leaves, but hopefully we can get this cold weather out of the way early this year.”

The average person does not have worry about their livelihood during cold periods, but loosing landscaping to the elements can still be expensive.

According to the Hillsborough County Extension, preventing crops from freezing starts long before the winter.

The HCE’s Web site states, “Cold-sensitive ornamental plants should be planted in places where air flows freely and does not settle, such as low areas. The harsh effects of winter winds can be reduced through the use of screening, fences and landscape design where multiple plants are located strategically for protection.”

Once the cold weather sets in, the biggest issue is deciding which plants will be most damaged by the cold.

“Many plants don’t need protection or will experience only cosmetic damage, reviving once the weather improves in a few weeks,” said B.J. Jarvis, Pasco County Cooperative Extension Services Director. “Others may die to the ground, but have roots protected by the soil. Save effort by determining what really needs protecting.”

Both Jarvis and HCE emphasize the importance of not just covering plants’ leaves and branches, but also protecting the root system. One way to do this is with mulch.

Other tips from Jarvis are:

–Don’t use plastic when covering plants. If the plastic touches the leaves, it will cause more damage. If left on during the day, sunlight passing through the plastic will burn the plant.

–Use light fabrics, like sheets or tablecloths, to insulate the whole plant. Old Christmas tree limbs can also be used to keep plants warm.

–Do not use running water like professional citrus growers. They have special equipment and require night monitoring to work correctly.

–Cover plants early in the day to trap in more heat. Waiting until it is already cold just traps in the cold air.

“After the cold temperatures, don’t be in a big hurry to prune any damage,” Jarvis said. “Pruning actually sends a message to the plant to put on new growth. In central Florida, we can get cold weather through the month of February. The dead wood may provide additional protection from the next cold snap.”

The cold has been unusually long lasting this year, but Neukom is optimistic.

“I think we’ll be fine,” Neukom said. “I little cold is OK and that’s all it’s been so far.”

For more information on Neukom Groves, visit www.ishipfruit.com.

For more information on agriculture

  • Pasco County Cooperative Extension pasco.ifas.ufl.edu (352) 521-4288 (813) 996-7341 ext. 428
  • Hillsborough County Extension hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu (813) 744-5519
  • Florida Citrus Mutual www.flcitrusmutual.com (863) 682-1111

Opinions vary on Hillsborough County park fees

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

LUTZ — Since Hillsborough County began charging for the use of regional parks and its recreational buildings in October, spokesman John Brill said $241,012 has been collected.

That figure, released Jan. 7, is of no consequence to nonprofit groups and county residents who now must pay for something they previously had free access to.

Marilyn Wannamaker, a Lutz resident and president of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, is appalled. Her group relocated to the Land O’ Lakes Community Center on US 41, where they are not charged, rather than pay to continue meeting at the Lutz Civic Center in Bullard Park by the Lutz Train Depot.

“It’s a shame,” Wannamaker said, noting that some other groups have pulled out of that building. “I don’t know what they’re going to do with a community building that sits empty.”

“Not all the groups have decided they want to do that,” Brill said of paying to use county buildings.

According to Brill, charging fees for parks and other facilities is part of a plan to generate more than $3 million in 2010 to avoid closings and layoffs. Though the fees came about at the same time as a $3.7 million expansion of Oscar Cooler Sports Complex off Lutz Lake Fern Road, Brill said that money already was allocated and had no effect on other sites.

“It’s not that we want to charge fees, but that’s what we were down to,” Brill said. “Lake Park, we were going to close two days a week and lose rangers, but the public said they wanted to do it.”

Art Heinrichs, president of BMX Raceway, said most people in that organization would rather pay a $2 entrance fee than not be able to get to the track off N. Dale Mabry Highway.

“It’s had some impact, but not a major one,” Heinrichs said. “It’s cut down our ridership by about 30 percent.”

Costs to enter county parks are $2 for a carload up to eight people. Annual passes are available at $50 per individual or $100 for a family. To meet at community centers, nonprofits are charged an hourly rate of $20 per hour, while other groups must pay $40.

Wannamaker voiced her displeasure at charging a bridge club of elderly county residents who no longer meet at the civic center.

“Those people are 80 years old,” she said. “They can’t afford $40 to play bridge. I think it’s just terrible what they’re doing to the young and the old.”

Brill pointed out that some groups, if they choose to do so, would be eligible for no fees at community centers if they agree to become co-sponsors with the county and display the county logo.

While Wannamaker’s club has been approved to meet in Land O’ Lakes through September, she said the Old Lutz Schoolhouse off US 41 could be an option in the near future. The club already stores items there and is planning for a flea market in March at that site, which in 1996 was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

“They won’t have to pay a fee,” said Lt. Col. William Westcott, commander of the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol who also is on the Citizens of the Old Lutz Schoolhouse board.

The county owns the property and building, which was built in the 1920s, and leases it to the Old Lutz Schoolhouse. Donations to pay for maintenance and insurance keep it open for non-profit groups to meet at no charge, Westcott said.

At nearby Nye Park, off Sunset Lane, an after-school program that was free now costs $48 per week.

As for youth organizations, the Lutz Leaguerettes at Nye Park, as well as the Lutz Little League and Lutz Chiefs of the Pasco Police Athletic League (the latter two of which are based at the Oscar Cooler complex), the county does not charge fees in exchange for maintaining fields.

Coach Mike Mira instills community service in his soccer team

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bulldogs learn to win on and off the field

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

ZEPHYRHILLS — The easiest measure of any team is its record, but a closer look is needed when assessing Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills girls soccer team adopted three needy families in the city during the winter holidays. The Bulldogs received money from the community, which they used to buy food, clothes, toys and other needed supplies for families. Pictured are several players as they delivered supplies and toys on Christmas Eve. Photo by Mike Mira.
The Zephyrhills girls soccer team adopted three needy families in the city during the winter holidays. The Bulldogs received money from the community, which they used to buy food, clothes, toys and other needed supplies for families. Pictured are several players as they delivered supplies and toys on Christmas Eve. Photo by Mike Mira.

The Bulldogs (7-8-2) are seventh in Class 4A District 8. They may be under .500 on the field, but they are winning in the community.

“I wanted the girls to do a community service project, so we adopted three families in town through the Samaritan Project for Christmas,” said coach Mike Mira, who also is president of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills as well as a Meals on Wheels board member.

“We didn’t want to give the families just toys, but the whole Christmas experience,” Mira continued. “We choose the families based on who needed the most help and got them all food, clothes and toys.”

Mira said the team received money from his restaurant, Maine-ly New England, the local Home Depot and Toys for Tots of East Pasco to buy the supplies. Players wrapped presents and baked cookies, which were delivered to the families on Christmas Eve.

“It was humbling to help the families,” said Chelsea Smith, a co-captain and forward. “When we were going to the first house we were all joking in the car, but everything was serious after we got to the family.

“They were so grateful and were almost crying when we showed up with the presents. When we told them Merry Christmas, the grandmother said, ‘This year it will be.’”

Mira was one of four children raised by a single mother. He said he always received help and feels it is his duty to pay it forward to those struggling now.

“There were at least 700 families that could have used the help we gave to those three,” Mira said.

Co-captain and forward Amber Morgenstern said of helping the families, “We all know things are rough right now, but we weren’t expecting the families to not have power or food for Christmas. It was a powerful reminder to us to always be thankful for what we have and to help those who need it.”

Turning to the playing field, Zephyrhills has had a rebuilding year after losing eight players to graduation.

“We’ve lost so many good players and we were put in a district with a lot of good teams,” Smith said. “We lost some games that we’d like to have back and you can’t lose those games and have a high district seed.”

The district has three teams with at least ten wins — River Ridge, Lecanto and Wiregrass Ranch. Zephyrhills had a game against Pasco on Jan. 11, but the results were not available at press time.

Smith leads the Bulldogs with 15 goals and is second with six assists. The senior started the season as a midfielder, but moved to forward in the Bulldogs’ second game against Sunlake.

“I got a concussion and had to come out of the game for a while,” Smith said. “I went back in at forward and scored. I’ve been playing there since.”

Smith said the concussion was very minor and that she is completely healed from the injury.

Morgenstern, a senior, has a team-high seven assists and three goals.

“I hadn’t played with most of the underclassmen on the team, so we needed to click with each other,” Morgenstern said. “I also tore my meniscus in my knee playing with (the East Pasco Pirates), so I had to heal from that too. Things were rough at the beginning, but I think we’re coming together at the right time.”

The 4A-8 tournament is at River Ridge and starts on Jan. 18. Zephyrhills opens against Land O’ Lakes (7-4-6).

The Bulldogs may have lost eight seniors from last year, but the nine on the team want to continue their high school career as long as possible.

“We need to step things up for districts,” Smith said. “I’ve tried to get the whole team to understand that it might be the last game for all the seniors and I don’t want to go out in the first round.”

Mira is in his second season coaching Zephyrhills and seems to be making an impact on all levels of his players’ lives.

“I just want to say coach Mira is doing a great job here,” Morgenstern said. “People shouldn’t underestimate the Zephyrhills Bulldogs, because we’ll be ready to play.”

Zephyrhills roster

Player year position

  • Lacey Cook GK Sr.
  • Tara Nieves D Jr.
  • Bradni Smith MF So.
  • Jessica Plummer GK Sr.
  • Heather Triplett D Sr.
  • Kristin Delbridge MF Sr.
  • Alex Viera MF Jr.
  • Chelsea Smith MF Sr.
  • Kiana Manatou MF Jr.
  • Elizabeth Patrias GK Sr.
  • Amber Morgenstern F Sr.
  • Amanda Hilton F Sr.
  • Sarah Denney D So.
  • Jamieshia Parker F Jr.
  • Sarah Touchton D So.
  • Alex Fern F Jr.
  • Amanda Smith MF So.
  • Kate Patton HB Sr.
  • Carly Patton S So.

Democrat Elena McCullough challenges Will Weatherford

January 14, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Coast Guard retiree to run against incumbent for House District 61

By Steve Lee

Staff Writer

WESLEY CHAPEL — Democrat Elena McCullough scoffs at her underdog role and believes she has a legitimate chance to unseat State Rep. Will Weatherford in District 61.Elenapic

“I’m not a career politician,” said McCullough, a 48-year-old housewife and mother who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2004. “I’m a veteran and concerned citizen.”

McCullough announced her candidacy on Jan. 8. After canvassing for Democratic candidates in the past three presidential elections, she decided to run for public office and will challenge incumbent Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel).

“He’s well-known and we’re very different people,” said McCullough, who was born in the Dominican Republic and became a U.S. citizen at the age of 21. “Of course, I believe that I’m the better candidate. It’s just that nobody knows me.

“He knows a lot about Tallahassee, I don’t. I’m a concerned citizen that wants to go to Tallahassee to represent the people.”

McCullough’s campaign kickoff is scheduled for Jan. 16 at Wesley Chapel District Park. The event, which will include free hot dogs, sodas and desserts, begins at 2 p.m. The park is located at 7727 Boyette Road.

In December of 2008, McCullough formed Wesley Chapel Community 4 Change, a grassroots group that numbers more than 50 people. Members have helped East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, Sunrise of Pasco and Helping Hands Food Pantry at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel.

“I don’t have a campaign manager,” McCullough said. “I just have a group of friends who believe in me and that I’m doing the right thing.”

McCullough, who spent 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, said she plans to rely on her leadership as an officer in taking on Weatherford in the November election. Weatherford, who is in his second two-year term, ran unopposed in 2008.

“Just as many of my neighbors, I am mad about what our state legislature has been doing,” McCullough wrote in a press release announcing her candidacy. “Rather than focusing on keeping and creating jobs, state legislators have been catering to the wants of powerful special interests.”

A self-described “true fiscal conservative,” McCullough wrote that Weatherford voted to raise costs for auto tags, driver licenses and hunting and fishing licenses.

“These increases hurt the people in our area,” McCullough continued. “If elected to the state legislature, I will vote to repeal these unfair tax and fee hikes that representative Weatherford helped put in place.”

Weatherford, admittedly taken aback by McCullough’s references to him during her campaign announcement, nonetheless welcomes the challenge.

“The truth is, I’m very proud of my record and will continue to do a good job of representing the people,” Weatherford said. “I can’t prevent people from running against me. I think democracy is important and there’s nothing wrong with giving people a choice.”

The McCullough and Weatherford families are neighbors in Brookside, a community just east of Saddlebrook Resort. Asked about living so close to her opposition, McCullough responded, “It’s very ironic that we live in the same community.”

Weatherford recalled complying with McCullough’s request for two tickets to President Obama’s inauguration last January.

“I’m very grateful,” McCullough said. “He gave me and my daughter an experience of a lifetime.”

McCullough, who is married to Ray McCullough, has a son and a daughter. Carlos Sanchez, 22, is a 2006 Wesley Chapel High graduate who attends Florida International University in Miami. Corina McCullough, 12, is a seventh-grader at Weightman Middle.

Girls Basketball – Freedom uses speed and quickness to post 16-2 start

January 13, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Patriots have Land O’ Lakes feel to them

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

NEW TAMPA — Freedom may not be the first team that jumps to mind when it comes to traditional basketball powerhouses, but this year’s team might change that.

Kaitlynn and Neena Pacholke have to deal with the pressures of high school while playing for the their mother, Laurie, who coached at Land O’ Lakes for three seasons. Kaitlynn is a co-captain averaging 14.5 points per game. Photo by Laurie Pacholke.
Kaitlynn and Neena Pacholke have to deal with the pressures of high school while playing for the their mother, Laurie, who coached at Land O’ Lakes for three seasons. Kaitlynn is a co-captain averaging 14.5 points per game. Photo by Laurie Pacholke.

“The schools had a couple of successful teams before, so I’m not sure what the best start ever is,” Freedom coach Laurie Pacholke said. “I’d say it’s one of the best starts in school history though.

“We had to change the whole perception of Freedom basketball, because a lot of people thought it was a joke before.”

The Patriots (16-2) are no joke and currently are in second place in Class 5A District 9.

“It’s very exciting how well the team has started this season,” Freedom athletic director Elijah Thomas Jr. said.

The Patriot’s record would lead most to believe Pacholke has been molding the team for years, but it is actually her first season in New Tampa. She spent the last three years coaching Land O’ Lakes, where she helped guide the Gators to two playoff appearances.

Pacholke was not the only family member to join the Patriots this season. Her oldest daughter, Kaitlynn, went to Land O’ Lakes for her first two years.

“We live in New Tampa, but because I was at Land O’ Lakes she got to go to the school too,” Pacholke said. “In that way it’s been a homecoming for her because she played at Liberty Middle School. My younger daughter, Neena, is a freshman with me now too. I loved coaching at Land O’ Lakes, but when the chance to coach closer to home came I had to take it.”

Co-captain Kaitlynn said of playing for Land O’ Lakes for two years, “It was good playing there, but it’s great to be able to play in my hometown. The fans were great in Land O’ Lakes, but it’s different to have the support of people you’ve grown up with cheering you on from the stands.”

While Kaitlynn, point guard, and Neena know their mother’s system better than most, it is still not easy being the daughter of a coach.

“It has its ups and downs,” Kaitlynn said. “We already had a strong relationship, but she does push me and Neena harder than the other players. She doesn’t take it easy on us and she’s even harder on me because I’m older. Sometimes I want to be treated like everyone else, but I know she just expects a lot out of me.”

Freedom is not the tallest team around, with only Lindsay Taggart as tall as six-feet. To make up for its lack of height, the Patriots rely on speed, quickness and getting the ball to the open player.

“On any night we can have four or five different players drop double-digit points on the opponent,” Pacholke said. “Not many teams can cover that many kids. We also have very fast guards, and good guard play is what wins in high school basketball.”

The Patriots have four players averaging more than nine points per game through the first 16 games: Shaunice Hobbs with 19.5, Kaitlynn with 14.5, Taggart with 11.6 and Shade Williams with 9.1. Hobbs leads the team with 113 rebounds, while Kaitlynn tops the squad with 111 assists.

“I love being able to get everyone the ball,” Kaitlynn said. “It’s a reward to be able to set them up and I’d much rather get an assist than hit a shot on my own.”

Taggart has a team-high 58 blocks and also pulled down 101 rebounds.

“It’s different for me because I’m still getting used to playing down low,” Taggart said. “Last year I played mostly small forward. The good thing is I can step out and hit a jumper, which is usually hard for the other center to cover.”

Abby Alger played center for the Patriots last season.

All of Freedom’s speed and Taggart’s post play has put them near the top of the district, but a team from Citrus Park has just as many playmakers as the Patriots.

“Sickles has already beaten us once and we play them again on Jan. 15 in our building,” Pacholke said. “They have a talented team over there with Amber Henson dropping 20 plus points each night.”

Amber is the sister of John Henson, who played for the Gryphons in the 2008-09 season before going to play at the University of North Carolina. Amber is averaging 23.5 points per game through Sickles’ first 16 contests — the most in Hillsborough County.

“Sickles is our big rival and I hope to play them again,” Taggart said. “We have to stay focused though or we’ll get knocked out before we face them.”

The 5A-9 district tournament will be at Sickles from Feb. 2 to 6.

Freedom roster

Player year position

  • Shaunice Hobbs Jr. PG
  • Shade Williams So. G
  • Kaitlynn Pacholke Jr. PG
  • Neena Pacholke Fr. SG
  • Lindsay Taggart Jr. C/F
  • Sarah Decosta So. G
  • Kela Holland Sr. F/G
  • Mahalia Bolds So. F
  • Lauren Repp Fr. F/G
  • Ashle Thompson Fr. C/F
  • Sitia Neeley Fr. G

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opens up green

January 13, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New facility will help patients and the environment

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

LUTZ — It is not every decade that a new hospital opens in Hillsborough County.

In fact, when St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211Van Dyke Road in Lutz, opens on Feb. 1, it will be the first new full-service hospital in the county in 30 years. That distinction would be enough to make the hospital unique, but the new facility will not just be giving a boost to the health of north Hillsborough and south Pasco county residents.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is set to open on Feb 1. The hospital will be located at 4211Van Dyke Road in Lutz, and will be the first new full-service hospital in Hillsborough County in 30 years. Special to The Laker/Lutz News.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is set to open on Feb 1. The hospital will be located at 4211Van Dyke Road in Lutz, and will be the first new full-service hospital in Hillsborough County in 30 years. Special to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Buildings are one of the largest consumers of resources and energy in the country,” said Paula McGuiness, chief operating officer of the hospital. “St. Joseph’s Hospitals and Bay Care Health System believe in being leaders of environmental stewardship, innovation and corporate responsibility.”

The 350,000-sqaure-foot, $225 million hospital was designed to both treat patients while reducing its effect on the environment.

The hospital’s Web site, www.stjosephsnorth.com, which launched on Dec. 31, states, “The environmentally friendly building is made of materials that support energy conservation and clean air with low chemical emissions and recycled content.”

Besides using more environmentally friendly building materials, the hospital has:

–Installed lighting and heating systems that use about 12 percent less energy than standard ones.

–Selected refrigerants that minimize the impact on ozone layer depletion.

–Installed water fixtures that use 20 percent less water than standard ones.

–Uses only reclaimed water from retentions ponds to maintain its landscaping.

–Used only building materials produced within 500 miles of the hospital to reduce transportation.

–Will offer preferred parking to low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.

The hospital’s goal is to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design facility.

“It’s the new direction of healthcare facilities because of how the industry can impact nature, said hospital spokeswoman Jacqueline Farruggio said of making the hospital more environmentally friendly. “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will be a leader in both patient care and helping the environment.”

Farruggio, of New Tampa, has worked with various St. Joseph facilities for two years.

For complete details on the hospital’s environmental practices, visit the hospitals Web site, click on “The Hospital of The Future, Today” tab on the upper left of the screen and click the LEED®-registered link.

The hospital plans to mainly serve north Hillsborough and south Pasco residents, which includes: Lutz, Odessa, Keystone, New Tampa, Northdale, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Trinity.

“We’re bringing quality health care closer to home and building a hospital where patients want to heal,” McGuiness said.

The hospital will offer emergency care, surgical services, imaging and diagnostic facilities, intensive care, obstetrics and other medical treatments.

“Many people think we are already open because the diagnostic building has been there for a while,” Farruggio said. “We’ve worked on the new facility for a long time and it’s exciting to be opening very soon. These kinds of things don’t happen very often and it’s great that the time is almost here.”

The hospital will be allowing people to experience its facilities before it opens during its “sneak-peak” event Jan. 23 and 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will include tours of the patient areas, the emergency department, pregnancy areas and intensive care units. There will also be health screenings at the event.

People can register for the various “sneak-peak” weekend events on the hospital’s Web site.

Zac Winters makes All-State Band

January 13, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Teacher and student both honored during state conference

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

ZEPHYRHILLS — This is not the first time one of Scott Leahy’s students has made All-State Band, but it is still a special accomplishment.

Zac Winter, 13, was one of two Pasco County middle school students selected to All-State Band, which performed at the Florida Music Educators Association Clinic Conference in Tampa on Jan. 9.  Attending the conference with Winters was Scott Leahy, band director at Stewart Middle. Photo by Pam Winters.
Zac Winter, 13, was one of two Pasco County middle school students selected to All-State Band, which performed at the Florida Music Educators Association Clinic Conference in Tampa on Jan. 9. Attending the conference with Winters was Scott Leahy, band director at Stewart Middle. Photo by Pam Winters.

“I was very pleased to hear that Zac (Winters) was chosen because he’s worked very hard,” said Leahy, Stewart Middle band director. “It takes a lot of practice and skill, and Zac has both.”

Winters, 13, is the second student to make the team since Leahy came to the school four years ago. Last year, Luke Messina made All-State as a tuba player.

“I was ecstatic,” Winters said of making All-State. “My band director called me out of class and my mom was there when he told me. My mom was crying next to me. I was pretty shocked.”

His mom, Pam, is the president of the band’s booster club.Winters has been a percussionist at the school since sixth-grade.

The eighth-grader is not the first in his family to be in a Zephyrhills band team. His father, Scott, was also a percussionist at Stewart Middle, and his grandfather and great-grandmother played in school bands in Zephyrhills as well.

Winters tried out for All-State last October and was told he made the band a month later. He and a student from Seven Spring Middle in New Port Richey were the only two middle school students from Pasco County named to All-State.

“I have no idea how Winters got so good because he is just incredible,” said Jackson Johnson, Stewart Middle principal. “He obvious has a lot of talent because you can’t get that good with just desire. To make the team is a great honor and we are all proud of him here.”

The All-State band played at the Florida Music Educators Association Clinic Conference at the Tampa Convention Center in early January. The band played Jan. 9, two days after Leahy received the Tom Bishop Award for District Five, which is given to the best band director in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

“I get goose bumps when I see the kids play,” Leahy said of watching the All-State band. “I like to attend rehearsals so I know what they’re going to play and how it should sound…Then I get to see it all come together.”

Winters said of playing at the conference, “It was truly special. I’ll remember it for a long time, especially because my band director got his award at the conference this year too.”

Winters said he started playing while in fifth-grade. “I can play anything from drums to the tambourine. My favorite instrument is the Xylophone.”

He explained the first instrument he learned to play was the piano, which makes it easier to play the Xylophone because it looks like a piano and is similar to play.

While things do not always go perfectly, Winters said playing in front of people is a great experience.

“It’s fun because I think of all the times practicing that I’ve messed up, but it all comes together when we play,” Winters said. “Our band at the school is great and I’m very surprised that I’m the only one who made All-State. We could have had a bunch of us make it because the whole band is good.”

This is Winters’ last year of middle school, and it might be his last in band as well.

“I don’t even know what high school I’m going to next year, so I don’t know if I’ll tryout for band,” Winters said. “I’m weighing my options and want to see how much time I have to do things.”

At least one person thinks Winters should find time for his musical talents.

“I hope he keeps playing because he is very talented,” Leahy said. “He has worked so hard to make All-State and (Winters) would be great at the next level.”

Ministry Offers Hope for the Broken

January 13, 2010 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Weekly support groups meets Mondays in Land O’ Lakes

LAND O’ LAKES – Katie Laughridge didn’t expect her 28-year-marriage to end in divorce. So when she wound up single and approaching 50, confusion set it in. Grief stricken, she turned to Break Thru Ministries in Land O’ Lakes for help.

Frank Smith, Katie Laughridge. Steven Eichhorn and John Walsh recite the serenity prayer during a support group meeting Jan. 5 at Heritage Christian Center in Land O’ Lakes. The meetings are an outreach of Break Thru Ministries. Photo by Sarah Whitman, special to The Laker/Lutz News
Frank Smith, Katie Laughridge. Steven Eichhorn and John Walsh recite the serenity prayer during a support group meeting Jan. 5 at Heritage Christian Center in Land O’ Lakes. The meetings are an outreach of Break Thru Ministries. Photo by Sarah Whitman, special to The Laker/Lutz News

“I had no idea how painful divorce could be,” Laughridge said. “I was overwhelmed. Break Thru helped me to heal.”

Break Thru is a non-profit ministry offering weekly support groups ranging in topic from relationships to addiction. The groups meet 7 p.m. Monday nights at Heritage Christian Center, 21418 Carson Dr. Participation is free and open to all adults.

Ministry founder Dr. Ouida Walsh uses a faith-based approach to help participants conquer life’s obstacles.

“Anyone who is hurting can benefit from a support group,” Walsh said. “We accept people right where they are and let them know there is no reason to feel ashamed. We show them that other people are going through the same thing.”

Walsh, a former nurse, received her masters in Christian counseling from Beacon Bible College in 1991. For years, she operated a private practice in Tampa and led support groups part-time. In 2003, she shifted her main focus to group counseling and Break Thru made its permanent home in Land O’ Lakes. Since then, Walsh and volunteers have helped an estimated 5,800 people.

The ministry relies heavily on Biblical teachings. Groups follow a 12-step program derived from scripture and all meetings begin with a reciting of the serenity prayer. Some groups utilize workbooks and DVDs, depending on the issue being addressed.

“It’s a process and it takes time, but I’ve seen it transform lives,” Walsh said.

Laughridge experienced the effects first hand.

“I learned there is no quick fix but God can walk you through the difficult steps,” she said. “Only with God can you truly heal. Then you become whole.”

David Bamberry, senior pastor at Heritage, refers members of his congregation to Break Thru.

“The ministry really helps people,” he said. “When I meet with someone who is hurting badly, I tell them about the groups. The groups change lives.”

Steve Eichhorn, also divorced, remembers the first time he attended group.

“It helped so much to be around people who understood what I was going through,” he said. “I was able to talk things out and learn to rely on God.”

Walsh reminds her clients that all people, regardless of their situation, are worthy of God’s love. She invites people of all backgrounds to visit Break Thru. Judgmental attitudes, on the other hand, are not welcome.

“People are not perfect,” Walsh said. “In the Bible, we learn David was a great man of God. Still, he wasn’t so good at being a dad. He fought with his children and had trouble protecting them. He needed God’s help. There is no shame in needing help.”

Walsh believes, in addition to giving one’s problems over to God, it is important to open up to peers, friends and loved ones. Whether a person is dealing with addiction or working to overcome an anger problem, she asks that they speak openly with at least one other person.

“When you hide your feelings, you can’t get better,” she said. “It’s important to get it out and discuss what’s wrong.”

At meetings, participants can talk as little or much as they wish.

“I was leery at first about opening up,” Laughridge said. “Then, I met everyone and it wasn’t long before I was spilling my guts.”

Eichhorn had a similar experience.

“I grew to trust the people in group,” he said. “I built lasting friendships.”

Both Eichhorn and Laughridge have moved on to the last step in the healing process: giving back to others. They now help lead groups at Break Thru. They are currently overseeing the Divorce Care ministry, which meets Monday nights for thirteen weeks and is currently in its second week. New faces are welcome.

“This ministry helped me sort out my issues,” Eichhorn said. “Now it’s my chance to lend a sympathetic ear.”

Walsh hopes to focus more on giving back in 2010. She is asking groups to take on community service projects and become more active outside church walls. In December, Break Thru participants helped distribute food to the hungry.

“There are so many people in need and if they aren’t coming to us, I want to go to them,” she said. “Hopefully we can reach people who are hurting and bring them into the groups. We want the community to know we are a refuge for the broken. We are here to help.”

Info box.

WHAT: Break Thru Ministries Divorce Care and Support Groups

WHEN: 7 p.m. Mondays

WHERE: Heritage Christian Center, 21418 Carson Dr. in Land O’ Lakes

HOW MUCH: Free

CONTACT: (813) 948-8860

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