Local News

Club encourages a love for reading

April 3, 2019 By Mary Rathman

The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club was looking for a way to support the GFWC Florida Director Project, ‘Book Heroes,’ and decided to make a Little Free Library, a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange, for the community.

Little Free Libraries, like this one, can be found around the world in 91 countries. (Courtesy of Raequel Tomsich)

Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, book exchanges number more than 80,000 around the world in 91 countries, according to LittleFreeLibrary.org.

The woman’s club found plans for the project and received a GFWC Focus on Literacy grant provided by Proctor & Gamble Company, to help with expenses.

Armed with his woodworking knowledge, Mike Tomsich, the spouse of a club member, helped turn the club’s vision into a reality by building the charming library.

In the meantime, the woman collected books for both adults and children and searched for a location for the library.

The New Tampa YMCA, at 16221 Compton Drive, agreed to allow the library to be placed on its property. On March 15, the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club Little Free Library, Charter No. 84210, was installed and is now open to the public.

Members of the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club proudly show off their Little Free Library now available to the general public at the New Tampa YMCA.

The Little Free Library works on the honor system and anyone can contribute or borrow books. Although the hope is that the community will actively add books to the library, the club is the steward of the library and will ensure that it is maintained, and will restock it, as necessary.

The library is registered and can be found at LittleFreeLibrary.org/ourmap/. The website is also the tool to find additional Little Free Library locations.

The New Tampa installment appears to be the first Little Free Library in the area that is open to the general public.

The club hopes that this library will encourage literacy and put books in the hands of those who might not otherwise have them at home.

Published April 3, 2019

Commissioner suggests making use of ‘on hold’ time

April 3, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When callers to Pasco County are placed “on hold” they hear music playing, but Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey would like to change that.

“I would much rather hear us talk about our story, when I’m on hold,” Starkey said.

“We could talk about our satisfaction survey, or we’re opening up a new park, or things to do this weekend,” she suggested.

Her colleague, Commissioner Jack Mariano, loves the idea.

“I think you’re onto something,” Mariano said. “I think it would be a good thing for us — each one who wanted to — to do those voice-overs.”

After all, Mariano added, when visitors to Tampa International Airport are traveling between the main terminal and airside terminal, they hear a recording from Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

So, if there comes a time when you’re on hold with Pasco County and you hear a voice-over, instead of music — you’ll know county staff listened to Starkey’s idea.

Published April 3, 2019

Know the dangers of secondhand smoke

April 3, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County and Tobacco Free Florida are working together to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, according to a news release.

Most people may not be familiar with the dangers posed by secondhand smoke. (Christine Holtzman)

Most people are aware of the dangers associated with using tobacco products like cigarettes, but may not be as familiar with the dangers posed by secondhand smoke.

Here are some facts about secondhand smoke:

It poses dangers whether you’re in confined spaces or outdoors.
It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 250 are toxic and around 70 can cause cancer.

Secondhand smoke is known as environmental tobacco smoke. It includes smoke that is exhaled by a smoker, and also smoke that comes directly from a burning tobacco product, according to the release.

For people with a heart condition, being exposed to secondhand smoke can even trigger a heart attack, the release adds.

When a nonsmoker is exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work, their risk of developing a heart condition increases by 25 percent to 30 percent.

Wait staff and diners on a patio who are exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods of time are at risk of being exposed to fine particulate matter pollution at levels that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency limit.

Published April 3, 2019

State Road 56 extension to Zephyrhills is progressing

March 27, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Pasco County’s efforts to extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301 are advancing, as construction is now in the latter phases of development.

“The main thing is the local connection between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel,” stated Gregory Deese, resident engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation.

The project, which began two years ago, will offer motorists a direct route between the two communities.

Construction for the new State Road 56 extension is advancing as the road is set to be paved in the near future. Also, traffic lights will be set up where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301. (File)

This will be a new alternative to traveling on Old State Road 54 further north.

Deese noted that it may also be beneficial in serving as a new hurricane evacuation route for those distancing themselves from coastlines.

Currently, State Road 56 ends at its intersection with Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

The road’s future extension, heading east, is barricaded from public use as roadway is still being constructed.

There’s about ½-mile of roadway that remains to be built, at which point the 6-mile stretch will be paved with asphalt, Deese said.

Traffic lights will also be installed where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and as it intersects with U.S. 301.

That work will require some daytime lane closures on both Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

Flaggers will signal motorists as opposing traffic will have to share lane space.

“We’ll have stop signs and ‘slow’ signs to make sure that [the] operation is safe,” the engineer said. “You’ll stop traffic in one direction to allow the opposite direction to go through.”

Closures are expected to take place before and after morning traffic peak hours, Deese added.

In addition to the lights where it meets State Road 56, Morris Bridge Road will undergo an expansion.

This will accommodate a northbound and southbound left-turning lane – both heading east and west onto State Road 56 respectively.

U.S. 301 will be expanded to include a right-turn lane, and re-striped to provide a left-turn lane – both heading westbound onto State Road 56.

The project also will provide easier access to the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility on U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard).

A northbound left-turn lane and a southbound right-turn lane on U.S. 301 will be added as a convenient entryway onto the premises.

Also, a 10-foot-wide trail will be added on the south end of State Road 56 for pedestrians.

“The multi-purpose trail on [State Road] 56 is basically a path that rollerbladers or walkers will be able to use,” Deese explained.

Also included is a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north end, and two 7-foot-wide bicycle lanes – on both shoulders of the road.

These amenities will run the entire course of the 6-mile project.

The $59.2-million development is set for completion as early as this fall.

Published March 27, 2019

Sheriff’s Office adds innovative fitness program

March 27, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’ Lakes Detention Center has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness facility equipped with top-of-the-line resistance machines, exercise bikes, ski machines, adjustable weights, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, battling ropes, medicine balls and more.

Known as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Resilience Center, it’s the initial phase of the agency’s newly formed Human Performance Program.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco unveiled the agency’s new Resilience Center and Human Performance Program at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, during a March 18 news conference. The state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness facility is equipped with top-of-the-line resistance machines, exercise bikes, ski machines, adjustable weights, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, battling ropes, medicine balls and more. The sheriff said the program gives the agency ‘the best tools possible to be successful.’ (Kevin Weiss)

The program aims to improve law enforcement officers’ career longevity, injury prevention and overall fitness for on-the-job tasks.

The Resilience Center opened last month in partnership with EXOS, a worldwide human performance company that primarily services professional athletes, the military and corporations.

The Human Performance Program is eventually expected to staff dietitians, physical therapists, a sports psychologist, and strength and conditioning coaches, to better address the specific needs of members.

The sheriff’s office is using grant money to fund the wellness program, which is free to its members. It is believed to be the first time EXOS has partnered with a law enforcement agency.

At the Resilience Center, the physical training regimen utilizes “functional techniques,” such as Olympic lifts and quick, explosive movements, said Chris Jacquard, who’s contracted by EXOS to serve as the sheriff’s office human performance advisor.

In other words, it’s not the conventional workout routine you’d find at your local gym, whether it be jogging on the treadmill or throwing up some weights.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputy trainees go through workouts at the agency’s new Resilience Center at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center. The Resilience Center is one aspect of the agency’s new Human Performance Program that aims to improve law enforcement officers’ career longevity, injury prevention and overall fitness for on-the-job tasks.

Instead, many of the prescribed workouts are designed to best translate to the everyday environment of a law enforcement officer, said Jacquard, who offers one-on-one wellness consultations and organizes group trainings for the agency at the Resilience Center.

That includes, for instance, exercises that strengthen lower backs and lower legs — important for deputies who wear burdensome gun belts and bulletproof vests throughout the course of a 12-hour shift.

Jacquard explained of the fitness program: “Running 5 miles, you’re not going to do that on the job (as a law enforcement officer). You’re going to sprint a quarter-mile as fast as you can and then non-lethally subdue a suspect. How do we train for that type of task? That’s really what we’re going to try to mirror in our approach.”

The Resilience Center also features a body composition scanner, so users can track muscle development, fat levels and so on.

Jacquard noted the machine “is definitely not cheap,” but “mirrors the investment of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in terms of the health and well-being of their members.”

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Human Performance Advisor Chris Jacquard, pictured right, coaches a deputy trainee on the proper execution of a split squat at the agency’s new Resilience Center at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center. The Resilience Center opened last month in partnership with EXOS, a worldwide human performance company that primarily services professional athletes, the military and corporations.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said the Resilience Center and Human Performance Program is all about giving the agency “the best tools possible to be successful.”

Said Nocco, “This is a physical job. You know, we’re expected to jump over fences, to chase people down, to run in somewhere to save somebody, have to get into a fight sometimes, and so, we have to be in the top physical performance, so this is going to help our deputies in the fact that we’ll be in a better performance to go out there and save people.”

He continued, “When you have a good regimen, when you’re exercising the right way, sleeping the right way, drinking plenty of water, and physically exercising, you’re performing at a much higher level.”

The sheriff said about a quarter of the agency has already begun to utilize EXOS programming and the Resilience Center in the short time it’s been around.

It’s been well-received thus far.

“The reaction we’re getting is they’re very excited about it,” Nocco said. “As the word spreads, as success spreads, people want to get involved in this.”

“We’re seeing a lot of interest,” Jacquard added. “The deputies, for the most part, have been highly receptive. You look at an opportunity to perform better, and accessing resources like this that (you) wouldn’t typically see in a civilian setting. We’ve had a lot of participation in the program so far and we’ve really only been around for four weeks.”

The Resilience Center was instituted at the Land O’ Lakes jail, Nocco said, because of its centralized location in the county and because it features “the largest amount of members we have at the sheriff’s office congregated at one place.”

The agency, however, plans to add similar training facilities and related wellness programming to its other district offices in Dade City, Trinity and New Port Richey.

Published March 27, 2019

Sister Helen Lange’s life comes to a close at age 105

March 27, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Sister Helen Lange, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, was remembered last week at two masses at Holy Name Monastery, in St. Leo, and at a reception at St. Anthony Parish Hall.

She was 105 at the time of her death.

Sister Helen, formerly known as Laurina Lange, was still a teenager when she traveled by train from Texas to Florida to pursue the religious life, according to a memoir she wrote, called “Kicking the Habit.”

A look at Sister Helen Lange, before she shed her religious habit. She later wrote a memoir, entitled ‘Kicking the Habit.’ (Courtesy of Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

The year was 1930, and she was accompanied by four of her cousins — Irma Multer, Pauline Block, and Rosaria and Rosanna Matthiesen, who also had decided to answer God’s call.

In her memoir, Sister Helen described growing up on a farm in Olfen, Texas.

She grew up in a family that prayed often, enjoyed making music, and had frequent gatherings with friends and relatives, the account says.

She enjoyed shopping days with her mother. Once the necessary household items were purchased, she and her mother would stop by the drugstore for an ice cream soda, which only cost 25 cents back then, the account adds.

Easter season was one of her favorite times of the year.

“Holy Week was truly Holy Week. There were no radios, no running around, no dancing or partying,” her memoir says.

“On Holy Saturday, all of us kids were sent out to pick flowers to build Easter nests for the bunny to come. While we were out hunting the flowers, little did we know that mom was busy dying the eggs — which we never saw until Easter morning.

“We made small nests with the wildflowers we picked out in the fields.

“On Easter Sunday morning, we all tumbled out of bed to see what the Easter bunny had brought. There were eggs of all colors neatly laying in our nest of flowers. What a beautiful day!”

Over the years, Sister Helen would be a teacher, a band director and a principal. She would oversee a hostel for visitors from other countries. And, later, she would work in elder care.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles during her 103rd birthday celebration at Heritage Park in Dade City. (File)

She also moved around quite a bit. Her first assignment took her back to Texas, but she also worked in New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana, and in various parts of Florida, including San Antonio, Venice, Sarasota, North Miami, Ocala and Jacksonville Beach.

Most recently, she was living at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dade City.

That’s where Sister Helen celebrated her 105th birthday on Sept. 28, surrounded by 75 guests.

Besides other sisters from her community, guests included friends and relatives. Sister Helen’s cousin, Joan Schmidt, from Brandon, was there, as well as her niece, Monica “Shotsie” Keyes, who traveled from Salem, Virginia, and Keyes’ daughter, Stefanie Martin.

In a 2016 interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Sister Helen said one of the hardest things she had to do during her religious life was to leave one assignment for the next, because she had always developed deep attachments to the people where she was.

But then, she said, she’d form new attachments in her next assignment.

Ultimately, she wound up loving each of her assignments, whether she was teaching kindergarten or sixth grade, or working as a principal.

“The sixth grade was the most joyful. There were a lot of boys in the class. I loved teaching boys,” said the nun, who described herself as a tomboy at heart.

During that Laker/Lutz News interview, which occurred when she was 102, Sister Helen said she had “no regrets” about boarding that train to go join the Benedictine Sisters of Florida — to follow her spiritual call where it led her.

“I’d do it all over again,” Sister Helen said.

Donations in honor of Sister Helen may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574-2450.

Published March 27, 2019

Workshops aim to boost your financial literacy

March 27, 2019 By B.C. Manion

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your knowledge when it comes to money, a financial literacy expo being offered by Pasco County Schools may help get you started.

The school district has assembled a number of financial experts to provide the free information sessions.

Two upcoming free financial seminars being offered by Pasco County Schools can help you to make the most of your money. (Christine Holtzman)

The first one is scheduled for April 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey.

The second one will be on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Parents, guardians, employees, community members and students are welcome to attend either, or both sessions, to learn about financial planning.

There will be an expo-style event in the dining room, featuring various financial experts. And, there will brief informational sessions, which those attending can sign up for in advance.

Topics that will be covered include information on college scholarships, college funding, retirement planning, careers in personal financial planning, applications for federal student aid, estate planning for business owners, budgeting, financial planning 101 and more.

Presenters include:

The University of South Florida Stavros Center
Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay
State Farm Insurance
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
Jacksonville Federal Treasury
Everfi
Tampa Electric Co.
Pasco-Hernando State College

Anyone can attend, and it’s not necessary to preregister, but those wishing to attend specific sessions should preregister. Once you have decided on which sessions you wish to attend, print out a copy of the schedule and bring it with you because schedules won’t be available on campus during the events.

To register for the Marchman event, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoWestsi2019.sched.com/.

For Wesley Chapel High, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoEastsi2019.sched.com/.

If you’re having any trouble signing on or making your schedule, call (813) 794-2027.

Published March 27, 2019

Jelly Bean Fling ushers in Spring

March 27, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

It’s time to grab those Easter egg baskets for the annual Jelly Bean Fling in Dade City.

The event, now in its third year, will be on April 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids will be provided baskets for an all-day egg hunt. Each plastic egg will contain sweet treats inside.

The Jelly Bean Fling just isn’t complete without a special visit from Jasper, the Easter bunny. He will be one of the event’s attractions on April 6. (File)

Other activities offered through the day include a barrel train ride with Conductor Joe at the helm, and a chance to explore the interior of various vehicles with Touch-a-Truck.

A bounce house with a slide will be available, as well as pony rides.

Other animals will be there, too, as the Blake Veterinary Hospital will be offering a petting zoo.

There will be carnival attractions inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, which kids can enjoy with five free tickets they receive at admission.

Face painting, rock painting, hat decorating and making tulip crafts will be the featured activities there.

Everyone’s favorite bunny, Jasper, will make an appearance – posing for free snapshots with guests from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Food trucks will be on site, for those who want to grab a bite to eat, and there will be vendors offering wreaths, clothing, soaps, honey, jewelry and other items.

The event also features live music from Mr. Tommy, who will encourage guests to sing along at his shows, scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The function will be at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Parking is free, while admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for those under age 5.

Additional tickets for the barn games can be purchased at 50 cents each.

For more information, contact Brenda Minton at (352) 567-0262 or at .

Jelly Bean Fling
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: April 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for those under age 5
Details: The public is invited to attend an Easter-themed event with an egg hunt, petting zoo, kids’ rides, games and a visit from the Easter bunny.
Info: Contact Brenda Minton at (352) 567-0262 or at .

Published March 27, 2019

Online registration now available for camps

March 27, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Online-only registration is replacing the long lines of years past, making signups for summer camps easier and just a click away.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) will open online summer day camp registration on April 6 at 10 a.m.

The seven-week camps for elementary and middle school children will run from June 10 to July 26.

Campers can experience activities such as games, sports, arts and crafts, field trips, movies, guest speakers, special events and more.

Camps will be offered weekdays at these locations:

Centennial Middle School
J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex
James Irvin Civic Center
Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex
Odessa Park Community Center
Rushe Middle School
Shady Hills Community Center
Starkey Park (Nature Camp)
Veterans Memorial Park

The first day of registration is for Pasco County residents only, and space is limited.

It is recommended by PRNR that parents or guardians create or update their account information prior to registration opening.

For account creation and registration, visit bit.ly/PascoCreateAccount.

Children can be registered for the entire summer, or select weeks.

Day camp fees, ages and times vary at each location.

Payment is due in full at the time of registration.

A free lunch and snack will be available at qualifying summer day camp locations.

For more information, visit bit.ly/PascoSummerDayCamp, or call (813) 929-1229.

Published March 27, 2019

‘Strut Your Mutt’ Fashion Show wows residents

March 27, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

The Beach House at Wiregrass Ranch, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, hosted its inaugural ‘Strut Your Mutt’ Doggie Fashion show on March 16. All breeds were welcome to take part and free refreshments were offered after the show. Vendors sold goods and the event benefited the Alzheimer’s Association.