The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Changes coming to Sunlake and State Road 54

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, at the southwest corner of Sunlake Boulevard and State Road 54.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a specific zoning request for the land at a May 21 public hearing.

The 72.6-acre parcel, which is part of the Long Lake Ranch development, previously was designated for retail, office and residential to a planned development designation.

The change also includes a text amendment to the long-range plan to expand the general range of potential uses to include compatible light industrial, distribution, logistics, research and corporate parks, and target industries.

Among other things, the change is consistent with the comprehensive plan goal, which encourages large-scale employment opportunities in the county, according to background materials in the commissioners’ agenda packet.

The agenda backup also notes that the wetlands on the site must be protected.

On a motion by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, the board voted 4-0, with Commissioner Mike Wells absent.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a specific zoning request for the land during their May 21 public hearing, which begins at 1:30 p.m., and will be in the board’s chambers at government center in New Port Richey. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the rezoning request.

Published May 15, 2019

Town of St. Leo opposes increased density near its border

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of changes that would allow increased development on the edge of the Town of St. Leo, despite objections from Town leadership.

Planning commissioners unanimously recommended that a change to the county’s comprehensive land use plan be approved, as well as a change to zoning on 175 acres at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and Prospect Road.

Richard Christmas, mayor of St. Leo, urged planning commissioners to reject the proposed changes — which had received a recommendation of approval from the county’s staff.

Christmas said the increased density is not compatible with St. Leo’s rural character. He also cited concerns about disrupting the view shed the town now enjoys.

Planners and representatives for the applicant, however, said the proposed use of the land would be an appropriate transition between the Villages of Pasadena Hills and the Town of St. Leo.

The proposed land use change would allow a maximum of 900 dwellings, 340,000 square feet of commercial and 60,000 square feet of office.

The proposed master unit planned development zoning, which is being requested on the same acreage, would allow 600 dwellings, 340,000 square feet of commercial and 60,000 square feet of office.

The applicant requested 600 dwellings for both the land use and zoning changes, but the county’s staff recommended 900 dwellings for the land use change, to allow consideration of additional residential development if there’s a demand for it in the future, Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, said at the May 9 public hearing.

The land is currently undeveloped, with the exception of a barn.

County planners said the development provides a transition between the Villages of Pasadena Hills and would step down in intensity, as it gets closer to the town. They also said the plan would provide bicycle/pedestrian connectivity to existing trails and would seek to prevent visual intrusion.

Christmas told the planning commission that the town has been concerned about the proposed density of the plan ever since initial discussions with the applicant in December 2018.

“The Town is OK with the current zoning. The current zoning is compatible with the zoning that’s across the street, State Road 52, which is Lake Jovita, one dwelling unit per gross acre. That’s what the zoning is right now. We’re perfectly fine with that.

“What is being proposed is going beyond what their current rights are to something way more dense,” he said.

In addition to the 900 units contemplated in the land plan change, there would be “the equivalent of 3 ½ Home Depots and 60,000 square feet of office space,” Christmas said.

“The Town (of St. Leo) requests denial of the proposed comprehensive plan change,” the mayor said.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, asked Christmas if the Town of St. Leo had objected when the Villages of Pasadena Hills was created.

Christmas said there would have objections to density like this on the town border.

But, Goldstein pressed him: “Did you show up at any county public hearing?”

Goldstein continued: “It’s just interesting to me that nobody from the Town was there when we were approving the Villages of Pasadena Hills, including when we were trying to decide whether to include this piece of property. The Town wasn’t there at all.”

This property initially was going to be included in the Villages of Pasadena, and was only dropped at the last minute, Goldstein said.

“The question for you is, if this was so egregious for this to happen, where was the Town the day whether we were deciding to keep it in Pasadena Hills or not? Where were you?” Goldstein said.

But, Christmas told Goldstein that was not the issue before the Planning Commission.

Matt Armstrong, representing the applicant, told planning commissioners: “Density in the right place and in the right way can be a good thing because it does conserve the land, instead of just spreading it (development) out all over the place, without any kind of respect for what’s there.”

The new State Road 52 alignment goes through the property, and there will be an increased demand for development in the area, Armstrong said.

The master plan for the zoning also call for decreasing the density, as it approaches the edge of the Town of St. Leo, Armstrong added.

“We’re residential to residential. That’s compatible.

“When you are up against the Town, it’s only single-family. You can’t have apartments there, you can’t have multifamily there. There can’t be townhouses there,” Armstrong said.

The pedestrian and bicycle connections will make it possible for people to get to where they need to go without having a car, he said.

Attorney Wilhite reminded planning commissioners: “The comp (comprehensive) plan frowns on a Res-1 density because that is the definition of sprawl. It’s inefficient land use pattern.

“Density is not your enemy,” she added. It allows for master drainage plans, streetlights, parks and sidewalks.

“We’re proud of this project. We think it would be a very good project and a good fit,” she said, asking the Planning Commission for its approval.

But, Christmas repeated his concerns.

“To be clear, the Town’s not saying no to development, just that the development next to the Town needs to be compatible with the Town, sensitive to the topography and is not an eyesore,” Christmas said.

Planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of both the land use and rezoning for the property. The Pasco County Commission will have the final say on the requests.

Published May 15, 2019

Local teen’s giving receives national acclaim

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Thirteen-year-old Selena Schulz’s love for animals inspired her to become an accomplished author and widely known advocate – all within the span of five years.

And, her efforts in helping sheltered animals have led to recognition by Prudential Financial. She received a bronze medallion on May 14, as a Florida finalist in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Since she turned 8 years old, Selena Schulz has spent time helping raise awareness and generate the donation of supplies for animal shelters. The Land O’ Lakes student was recently honored with a bronze medallion for the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Umphie Photos)

Schulz attends Countryside Montessori Charter School, which is located in Land O’ Lakes.

The seventh-grader recalled the source of her inspiration.

“When I was 7, I visited the animal shelter with my mom and saw the dogs weren’t sleeping on beds, but stacks of newspaper piled up,” she said.

When she asked why, the shelter coordinator explained that the facility was low on supplies and money.

Selena, who owns several pets herself, said that was heartbreaking.

“It was a sharp contrast between my pets and those I saw,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to the level of my pets so they would be treated fairly.”

So, for her eighth birthday, she decided that instead of receiving gifts, she wanted to collect donations for the shelter she had visited.

That became her birthday tradition.

She also came up the idea of creating her own organization, A Bed A Buck A Buddy.

She said “A Bed” stands for the supplies that animals need. “A Buck” stands for the monetary donations needed to support them. And, “A Buddy” stands for volunteers and adopters.

The organization aims to provide animal shelters with funds for adequate supplies and to help find permanent homes for Selena’s furry friends.

Selena Schulz, 13, displays her book trilogy that educates other kids about pet adoption and animal shelters. The books have raised money to help shelters across the United States and Canada. (Brian Fernandes)

She began writing books to elevate awareness about the need for permanent homes for pets and to help raise money for shelters.

At 8, she wrote and self-published her first book, “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.”

She wrote two additional books: “Purr-fect Friends Forever” and “The Squeaky Surprise.”

The trilogy of books explain that helping sheltered animals expands far beyond just dogs and cats.

“They’re geared toward elementary school kids so they can see that they can make a difference, too,” Selena said.

Selena’s parents support her efforts, every step of the way.

“She’s so humble and doesn’t ever talk about herself,” said Jomary, Selena’s mom. “She just does it because she loves it.”

Jomary has had a hand in the effort, too, using her artistic skills to help illustrate the first two books.

Selena’s best friend stepped up to help, too, illustrating the third book.

Over the years, Selena has sold her books at numerous events.

Her efforts have raised more than $5,000 for animal shelters throughout Florida, West Virginia, New York and Canada.

At school, Selena is a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

The organization’s advisor did not want Selena’s hard work to go unnoticed and recommended her for the Prudential award.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring youth for their community service since 1995.

Although Selena has been awarded as a Florida finalist, she said her work is not finished.

Writing more books, especially novels, is at the top of her list, she said.

She would also like to see her organization expand and get involved in reaching shelters in additional states.

While Selena is happy to be involved with her charitable work, she believes her peers also are capable of doing the same. She hopes that more will get involved — helping one shelter, one animal, at a time.

Published May 15, 2019

Pasco terminates agreement with USF regarding ‘body farm’

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The Pasco County Commission has voted to terminate an agreement with the University of South Florida involving 6 acres of land, north of Central Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes.

Commissioners ended the arrangement with USF — effective May 7, 2022 —  as part of their consent agenda on May 7.

Items on the consent agenda are voted on in a single block without discussion, unless someone pulls the item for discussion.

No commissioner pulled this item for discussion, but some people from the audience signed up for public comment to ask commissioners to rethink the county’s position.

Terms of the original agreement state that it can be terminated without cause by the university or the county, upon 36 months written notice.

Speakers told commissioners that the site is well-managed, plays an important role in research and has attracted widespread attention.

Melissa Pope, of Tampa, told commissioners: “I am investigator at the Medical Examiner in Hillsborough. I’ve worked with the medical examiner that services Pasco and Pinellas, and I have either worked for or with USF anthropology for about 12 years.

“I’m here to urge you to reconsider your stance on this termination. The program is still in its infancy, but it appears to be doing very well.

“I think this is clear based on doing a Google search of how much news has come out of there, as well as the sheer number of researchers, graduate students, undergrads and law enforcement, medical and legal agencies that have been involved in training and research.

“I believe it’s been doing well because of the good leadership that has been in place so far. Dr. (Erin H.) Kimmerle has been working on this project for years.

“She has overseen everything from the infancy of the beginning of the planning up until today and, as previously mentioned, has a lot of plans for the future.

“Ultimately, this project is her intellectual property. She wrote the grant for this. I feel that the work it represents is hers, and she is the reason it has been doing so well.”

Other speakers told commissioners that Kimmerle’s reputation has attracted considerable interest in the site and the work being done there. They also cited ongoing research and training sessions that reflect well on the relationship between USF, the county and sheriff’s office, relating to the site.

Chase Daniels, policy director for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, told commissioners that the contract termination is essentially “a land use issue.”

“When this agreement was approved, it was 6 acres. USF is currently using approximately 3 acres,” Daniels said.

“We have multiple partners at this (body farm) site. We have UF, FGCU, UCF, USF, FSU and other universities that are still coming onboard,” Daniels said.

“USF was the only entity that had its own exclusive land use agreement, over 6 acres.

“We approached USF, with this desire, to have 3 acres returned,” he said, but that did not occur.

So, the decision was made to terminate the agreement, Daniels said. He also noted that USF is welcome to join with the other universities, but it won’t have an exclusive arrangement.

“The field is not going anywhere. This is just mainly to take out that exclusivity, return 3 acres back to the county for use,” Daniels said.

He also told commissioners: “We also have an additional forensics field that is coming online that this board has already approved, as well. That will be in addition to this existing field.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey responded to the agreement termination this way: “We’re not excluding anyone. We just want everyone to work together.”

Published May 15, 2019

Eiland Boulevard undergoing improvements

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Eiland Boulevard is undergoing repaving between its intersections with Handcart Road and Fort King Road in Zephyrhills.

The project, which began the week of May 13, is a result of studies showing the road’s need for resurfacing because of crevices.

“We evaluated the condition of the pavement,” stated Ainsley Caldwell, chief project manager of Pasco County. “We did some ratings on [a] number of roads and we selected that (Eiland Boulevard) for repaving.”

Construction consists of shaving off 3 inches of damaged asphalt, then repaving it with two coats of new liquid asphalt, Caldwell explained.

The work schedule will run Sundays to Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Message boards, flag crews and law enforcement are on site because the road closures result in opposing traffic having to share one lane.

No detours are planned on Eiland Boulevard, the project manager added.

Construction has begun on the eastbound lane. The westbound land will be resurfaced next.

The $3.4 million development is expected to be completed by mid-June.

Published May 15, 2019

Pasco has no plans to allow employees to carry firearms

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a measure passed by the Florida Legislature that clears the way for classroom teachers to serve as armed school guardians, but Pasco County Schools has no intention of pursuing that option, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt S. Browning

The new law implements legislative recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

Despite the measure’s approval, Superintendent Kurt Browning has made it clear that “there are no plans under consideration to allow any Pasco County Schools employees to carry firearms on school board property, unless they are employed for the specific purpose of protecting the security of students and staff.”

Browning issued that statement before DeSantis signed the new law, but in the statement, Browning noted that he expected the measure to become law.

Browning’s statement also noted that “no school board member has requested that the superintendent pursue allowing teachers or other non-security employees to carry firearms.

“School safety guards and the district’s director of safety and security are the only school board employees authorized to carry firearms on school board property. School resource officers, who are employees of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office or local police agencies, also are authorized to carry firearms on school board property in their official capacity,” according to the news release.

Published May 15, 2019

Help is available for domestic abuse survivors, experts say

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There are resources available to help survivors of domestic abuse, according to a panel of speakers who talked on the theme of “Safety and Access” on May 6 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

The panel discussion was organized by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women, and supported by the Pasco County Commission.

Cpl. Gina Yoman-Madden, left, and Det. Danni Murphy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office talked about the law enforcement agency’s efforts to help domestic abuse survivors. (Brian Fernandes)

It was the third in a series of three seminars aimed at empowering Pasco County women.

Representatives from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office explained how that agency seeks to assist abused women.

“I work with victims of intimate-partner domestic violence,” Det. Danni Murphy said.

In investigating abusive households, she works alongside victim advocates, such as Cpl. Gina Yoman-Madden.

As a team, they assist the survivor from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom hearings, providing guidance and referring them to community resources.

The unit now has five victim advocates, who are on call 24/7, Yoman-Madden said.

The advocates serve as liaisons for the survivors and often work alongside state attorneys to seek justice.

The sheriff’s office also has direct contact with offenders, and checks on the top 100 offenders each quarter, Murphy said. “It’s a way for us to be proactive,” she added.

Perpetrators are directed to resources that can help with issues such as substance abuse or anger management.

Some assistance is voluntary. Some offenders, however, must attend court-ordered counseling sessions.

Despite the availability of these services, the law enforcement professionals said there are still obstacles.

One of the biggest obstacles is that domestic violence cases often go unreported, Murphy said.

Some survivors may fail to come forward because they must rely on their abusive partner for financial help or transportation, Yoman-Madden said.

There is a program designed to help with that.

Funded with a grant, victim advocate technicians transport survivors to important engagements, such as court hearings, doctor’s appointments or counseling sessions.

Victim advocates, working out of the sheriff’s office, also help to identify people who are trapped in a cycle of abuse.

The sheriff’s office also partners with other organizations with the goal of helping survivors improve their economic prospects.

Many survivors are referred to the Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. – Domestic & Sexual Violence Center for assistance.

Noelle Polk-Clark, the center’s attorney, was another presenter at the seminar.

She talked about what Sunrise does.

She began her talk by showing a clip from the British documentary “Behind Closed Doors,” — providing an up-close glimpse of domestic violence.

Polk-Clark explained that, like the couple portrayed in the film, the abuser in a relationship often “programs” the target of their abuse to believe that the abuser’s actions are not so bad.

“The grip of control is so profound,” Polk-Clark explained.

Sunrise, which is funded through local, state and federal sources, provides a 40-bed shelter in Dade City.

It has a 24-hour hotline, a case management team, counseling, legal advocacy, support groups and a thrift store.

Polk-Clark oversees the Injunction for Protection Project (IFP).

The project relies on the testimony of the abused in order to form a case and file a request for an injunction – seeking to keep the offender away at a safe distance.

“If an injunction is in place, studies show that the incidents of violence decrease,” Polk-Clark said.

In 2009, Sunrise and the sheriff’s office collaborated to create the Intimate Violence Enhanced Service Team (InVEST).

Working together, the agencies make referrals to each other and keep one another in the loop regarding the status of survivors — aimed at reducing the risk of homicide.

Polk-Clark noted that domestic violence incidents cross economic lines.

But, homeless women are particularly vulnerable, according to Don Anderson, CEO of the Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, another panelist at the seminar.

The Homeless Coalition works with Sunrise and the sheriff’s office to address issues facing the homeless.

Anderson shared some startling statistics.

Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced physical assault, Anderson said. Sixty-three percent of those were abused by their own partner, he said.

The Homeless Coalition is supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Florida Department of Children and Families.

With these funds, programs can be implemented like the homeless prevention, to help families on the verge of losing their home.

“We’re working with individuals and families that are in trouble now,” Anderson said. “We do our best to provide back-rent, utility deposits [and] any number of things that ensure they stay in their home.”

It also provides anywhere from 300 to 400 people a month with showers, toiletries, clothes and meals at the New Port Richey office.

For additional information on Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., call (352) 521-3358, or visit SunrisePasco.org.

To learn more on the Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, call (727) 842-8605, or visit PascoHomelessCoalition.org.

Published May 15, 2019

Merged chambers to become Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce

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Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce came together last week to mark a historical milestone.

They are merging effective July 1, and a special gathering was held to announce the new chamber’s name.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and Les Saland, president of the board for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, both offered remarks during an event that marked a milestone in both chambers’ history. The gathering was held to announce the name of the new chamber being formed to unify both chambers into a single organization. (B.C. Manion)

The new chamber is expected to have more than 1,000 members and will cover an area from Wesley Chapel to the Gulf of Mexico, from county line to county line.

The recent gathering, dubbed the “Come Together Ambassador Mixer” drew a crowd .

So many people streamed to Spring Hill Suites Tampa North Land O’ Lakes in Land O’ Lakes — that parking was at a premium. The hotel’s lot filled up. Cars made their own spaces along the street. And, more parked on a nearby grassy lot.

Meanwhile, inside, the room was buzzing with conversation as members of both chambers networked, lined up for a hot food buffet and listened to live music.

Those attending also had a chance to win numerous prizes — with winners announced periodically during the celebration.

The main event was the announcement of the unified chamber’s new name.

But before that , Les Saland, president of the Central Pasco Chamber board, told the crowd that he believes the merger was meant to happen.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber, observed that it’s an opportune time for the two groups to come together.

“This new chamber of commerce sits in the center of the fastest-growing county in the United States,” Armstrong said — eliciting cheers, applause and woo-hoos from the crowd.

“What that means for every business and every citizen is unparalleled opportunity — and that’s what this new chamber is going to be all about, is bringing to our businesses unparalleled opportunity to do exactly what? More business,” Armstrong said.

Tim McClain, an executive with the West Pasco Chamber staff, announced the winner for the naming contest for the new chamber.

Tim Hoppes, of Big State Financial of Florida, won the contest with his suggestion: Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

“It overwhelmingly was the No. 1 choice,” McClain said, noting numerous people suggested the name.

Hoppes was declared the winner because he submitted it first — within the first hour of the naming contest. The rules said the winner would be the first person to suggest the selected name, McClain said.

Next up, the two chambers will come together for an awards banquet and installation of the new officers. That event is planned for June 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Published May 15, 2019

Saint Leo University receives grant to help students

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Saint Leo University’s Career Center has receive a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings to help provide career-related advice to students.

Stephanie Seymour, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings, and Felyce Starr, the company’s talent acquisition manager for the region, presented an oversized check to the university, representing the grant. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The grant was presented by Enterprise Holdings Foundation on May 6, according to a university news release, and is a part of the Enterprise partnership with the university.

“Enterprise recruits [employees] heavily at Saint Leo,” said Nancy Cheek, associate director of Career Services for Saint Leo. “And, Enterprise is always willing to send representatives to share career-related advice at both campus workshops and in webinar sessions for our Saint Leo WorldWide population.

“The company is global, and the local recruiting team does a great job of providing contacts in other parts of the country to our students who are interested in a career with Enterprise but are not in this area,” Cheek noted.

Saint Leo not only educates students at its main campus north of Tampa, but also online and at its more than 30 education centers in seven states.

Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, said Career Services may use the grant to fund an Enterprise-sponsored office dedicated to helping students and employers conduct interviews by Skype and using other technology. This would allow far-away employers to interview local students, and also let Saint Leo students located anywhere to interview with local business recruiters who might come to the new office, the release said.

Published May 15, 2019

Local veterans’ home celebrates 20 years of service

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The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home drew hundreds to a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the center’s opening in Land O’ Lakes.

The April 30 ceremony was held outside the facility, which has been home to veterans and has been a place where many community organizations have been involved for two decades.

The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home is located on Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

Marlies Sarrett, the facility administrator, opened the program with a warm welcome to all attendees, followed by words from Charlie Reese, the master of ceremony.

Members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) from Hillsborough High School added to the patriotic atmosphere.

They performed the ‘presentation of colors’ in precision, marching before the crowd, with both the U.S. and Florida flags held high.

Those who were able, stood placing their right hand over their heart. Veterans who remained seated respectfully saluted the waving flags.

Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, the JROTC instructor, then took to the stage to address the audience – especially former servicemen.

“This facility was built to honor those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation and freedom around the world – that is you,” Green said. “You are the epitome of what we want our nation to be.”

This iconic image was taken of 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez leading troops in an invasion at Inchon during the Korean War. Lopez died minutes after the photo was taken. (File)

The nursing home’s namesake, Baldomero Lopez, was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after sacrificing himself over a live grenade to spare the lives of his comrades during the Korean War.

The nursing home opened during the late 1990s, when Florida experienced a great demand for veterans’ homes.

“We were the second nursing home built from Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Sarrett explained.

Within the past two decades, six VA nursing homes have been established in the state, with two more on the way, the administrator added.

Al Carter, chief of staff for the VA’s Florida department, was present for the day’s ceremony and acknowledged the facility’s longtime staff members.

Among those singled out were Jackie Gorgen of the dietary department who has served since the building’s opening and Dr. Nancy Miranda, a pharmacist.

As each approached the stage, they were met with cheers and applause.

The 20th anniversary ceremony for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home was a special occasion bringing family together. Resident Skip Upham, left, was joined by his brother-in-law, Jim Callahan, for a special lunch after the ceremony. Upham, 78, is a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines. (Brian Fernandes)

A moment of laughter erupted when maintenance man John Mitchell left the stage shouting “Go veterans!”

Resident Walter Kochaniec expressed appreciation for the care that he receives at the nursing home.

“I like the way the people treat you,” the Vietnam veteran stated.

Olga, his wife of over 30 years, was also present at the ceremony and noted the cleanliness of the facility.

She had visited 10 nursing homes before settling on Baldomero for her husband.

After three years there, the 72-year-old said he’s made friends. He also boasted about his winning streak in bingo – one of his favorite games.

Chaplain Ruth Ann Nylen offered the opening and closing prayers at the ceremony.

Having served at Baldomero for five years, she, too, could attest to the warm service the home provides.

“This is a very highly rated place,” the chaplain said. “The staff here are so committed to the veterans. It’s not just a job for them.”

The celebration for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home’s 20th anniversary was an opportunity for former and current servicemen to congregate. Among attendees were, from left: Gerry Clement, Jerry Foray, John Mitchell, Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, Don Meath, Reggie Outlaw, Vince Krasinski and Fred Pflueger. (Brian Fernandes)

After the service, residents and guests were treated with hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, as well as coleslaw and baked beans.

Nylen and other staff walked around to greet veterans and their family members.

Outside the dining hall, the chaplain spotted John Grenier, a Korean War veteran.

Around the home, he’s known as a “very friendly, happy guy,” Nylen said.

As she approached, Grenier noticed the chaplain’s familiar face as he regularly attends her Monday morning Bible studies.

It is a testament of the relationships that have been built within the walls of the 20-year-old facility.

“It’s a treasure that most people don’t even realize is located in our community,” Sarrett mentioned.

But, the administrator and her staff are committed to helping other veterans discover what the facility has to offer.

Published May 08, 2019