The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Zephyrhills Senior Center gets kitchen makeover

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The Zephyrhills Senior Center has upgraded its kitchen.

The Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Division reopened the Zephyrhills Senior Center on June 5, after a nine-month kitchen renovation.

The facility, at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., closed in September after black mold was discovered next to a kitchen cabinet.

The Zephyrhills Senior Center is located at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St. It officially reopened June 5, after a nine-month kitchen renovation. (Kevin Weiss)

A kitchen renovation project had been planned, but discovery of the mold expedited the process, according to Karen Blackburn, the center’s nutrition site attendant. “It had to be addressed right away,” she said.

The $33,000 in upgrades was completely funded by the church, which has a public-private partnership with Pasco County Elderly Nutrition, a division of Pasco County Community Services.

Improvements include several stainless-steel, commercial-grade appliances, including a dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven range and hand-washing station.

Other notable features include newly installed cabinets and countertops, plus brick-style floors and fresh lighting.

From old kitchen to new, the transformation is “unbelievable,” Blackburn said.

“It’s like night and day,” said Blackburn, who’s worked at the senior center for about two years. “It was just like a little country kitchen that the church used that wasn’t designed to accommodate dozens of seniors.”

“It’s definitely 100 percent so much better,” said George Papadopolous, Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Division manager.

It’s also up to proper specifications.

Stainless steel, commercial-grade appliances are some of the improvements in the newly renovated kitchen.

“We have everything that’s required from the county, and it works out really well,” Blackburn said.

Senior center patrons are in awe of the new kitchen features.

Eighty-year old Tooty Quin is a fan of the enhancements.

She often assists Blackburn with serving and cleanup.

“It’s a lot better,” Quin said. “We’ve got more room; it’s more efficient.”

Fellow senior Gary Morgan agrees.

“They just did a super good job on it,” said Morgan, 71. “It seems like there’s more stainless than it was before. And, it’s just more convenient for the (workers).”

During the nine-month closure, seniors were redirected to the Dade City Senior Center for meals and activities.

Those are two of six facilities operated by Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Services. Others are located in Port Richey, New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes and Shady Hills.

At each facility, hot, balanced meals are served five days a week, free to seniors age 60 and older.

About 1,000 seniors take part in countywide programs each day.

Nutrition site attendant Karen Blackburn checks the temperature on food arrivals at the Zephyrhills Nutrition Center. The congregate meals come pre-prepared by GA Foods, a vendor based in St. Petersburg.

The congregate meals come pre-prepared by GA Foods, a food vendor based in St. Petersburg.

The specialized maker of “highly nutritious meals” works closely with Wendy Perry, the county’s licensed dietician.

The meals are low in sodium, fat, cholesterol and sugar, while satisfying a third of seniors’ Dietary Reference Intake/Adequate Intake as established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.

Yet, efforts are made to ensure meals are varied and tasty.

“They’re always looking to make it more appealing and give them different flavors; a lot of the food has a nice flavor to it,” said Karen Ceccofiglio, Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Division program coordinator.

As opposed to cooking, the senior center kitchens instead are used for checking food temperatures, measuring portion sizes and post-meal cleanup.

The Zephyrhills Senior Center — like its counterparts — is about more than just eating, however.

Specifically, it offers a place for seniors to socialize and have a good time.

“It is so much more beneficial if they come together, have a meal, enjoy the activities, rather than being in the house for the whole day,” Papadopolous said.

Card games, bingo and puzzles are some of the regularly scheduled events at the Zephyrhills Senior Center.

Movies, live music and guest speakers are also presented each month.

“I come Monday through Friday; I enjoy it,” Morgan said. “It breaks the day up. It gives me something to look forward to every day.”

“I like the camaraderie,” Quin added. “We go over politics and news; there’s discussion groups and all kinds of things.”

The seniors even organize field trips, visiting regional museums and parks a few times a year.

Those opportunities, Papadopoulos said, “promote social, physical and emotional well-being, as well as encourage maximum independence and enhance quality of life.”
“It makes sense what we do, and it gives that dignity and respect to our seniors that they so dearly deserve,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Services offers home-delivered meals.

They’re funded in part by the Older Americans Act (OAA) channeled through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.

Still, one out of six seniors are food-insecure in Pasco.

Moreover, there are currently more than 200 homebound senior citizens on the waiting list for one meal a day.

That may change, come Oct. 1.

According to Papadopolous, GA Foods is expected to begin producing meals on-site at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Center, to distribute to each of the other county facilities.

The contract — if finally approved by the Pasco County Commissioners — will result in a cost savings of over $100,000, and will decrease the home-delivered waiting list by more than 50 senior citizens.

Published July 12, 2017

Merger yields largest chamber in Pasco

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The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce have merged to create the largest chamber in Pasco County.

Mike Cox, chairman of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce; and Hope Allen, president and chief executive officer of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, shake hands on a deal to merge their chambers.
(Courtesy of Stephen John Photography)

The new chamber has more than 860 members, and it is growing. Wesley Chapel contributed about 615 members in the merger, and Greater Pasco nearly 250 members.

The first event of the merged chambers will be a Final Friday mixer on July 28 at the Cheval Golf and Athletic Club, in Tampa.

A consolidation resolution received approval in mid-June from the chambers’ board members.

The merger was announced on June 28 at a press conference at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Land O’ Lakes High School. Hope Allen, president and chief executive officer of the Wesley Chapel chamber; Michael Cox, chairman of the Greater Pasco chamber; Bill Cronin, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council; and, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore were among those who attended.

Allen will assume leadership duties of the new chamber.

“I don’t have a crystal ball on what the impact will be, but we hope our impact is to be the voice of the business community,” said Allen. “We can speak with one voice, one very large voice.”

The merger follows a decision in January to sign an affiliation agreement to allow members to join both chambers at discounted fees.

“That’s what got us working together,” said Cox. “We realized it was well-received by our members.”

Bill Cronin, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council, left; Jennifer Cofini, chairwoman of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors; Hope Allen, president and chief executive officer of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce; Mike Cox, chairman of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce; and Mike Moore, chairman of the Pasco County Commission, had a press conference to announce the merger of the Wesley Chapel and Greater Pasco chambers.

It’s been a natural progression since January, said Allen.

“We were officially courting,” she said. “We were engaged and now we’re married, blending our two families.”

The new chamber and the Pasco EDC can complement one another in supporting the business community, Cox said.

Pasco EDC is a nonprofit that works with Pasco government to create jobs and attract targeted industries to locate or expand in the county.

“The chamber really picks up where the (Pasco) EDC leaves off,” Cox said. “There are a lot of businesses that aren’t targeted industries, but they are vital to our local economy.”

Some details remain to be worked out on the merger, including the new chamber’s name.

A marketing consultant will be hired to do research and gather public input on the name selection. Issues to be sorted out include names related to the geography of the new chamber, but also the Wesley Chapel branding already in place.

“We want to make sure it is a very well thought-out process,” said Allen. “We want to do it right.”

Members will be able to vote on the matter, she said.

A task force initially created to explore the merger will continue to operate until December. Task force members will aid in working through transition details as the merger proceeds.

According to the consolidation resolution, the board of directors will expand from 17 to as many as 24 members, with five to seven members from Greater Pasco added to the board.

The Lutz office of the Greater Pasco chamber will stay open for now. If needed, a new location will be found in Trinity, Odessa or Lutz.

What: Final Friday mixer for chamber members
When: July 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Prime 19 @ Cheval Golf and Athletic Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd., Tampa
Cost: Free
Information: Call Wesley Chapel chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email

Published July 12, 2017

Stigma poses obstacle to mental health care

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People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a 20 percent risk factor for suicide, Dr. Marlene Hart said, during a community seminar at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Despite that staggering risk, however, many people refuse to seek treatment for mental health problems.

That needs to change, Hart told the audience.

Dr. Marlene Hart hopes to help reduce the stigma attached to mental illness, with the goal of encouraging more people to seek the treatment they need. (B.C. Manion)

A shift in public perception about the problem could go a long way to help, she said.

“We have to fight stigma. It interferes with people getting treatment. It causes people not to come in,” Hart said.  “If there is one message that I hope people get — is that psychiatric disorders, including bipolar … are medical problems.

“The brain is the most complicated organ in the body,” Hart added. “Why would we think, for whatever reason, it doesn’t have imbalances? It’s not logical.”

There are about 5.7 million adult Americans who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is about 2.6 percent of the population, according to the National Institute on Mental Health.

Hart, who is medical director at North Tampa Behavioral Health, has worked with countless clients struggling to overcome the difficulties of managing bipolar disorder. She spent 18 years of her career in Dade City, working with patients who grew up and graduated from high school and college. She worked with them through deaths of close family members, through marriages and divorces.

She got into the field because she wanted to help. Initially, she trained to be a social worker, but later went back to get her medical degree. She has seen the challenges of mental illness up close because her sister was a schizophrenic.

When people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it is very common to find someone else in the same family who has been diagnosed with the condition, Hart said. “It is one of the genetically connected medical problems that we know of.”

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, according to the National Institute for Mental Health.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes, the NIMH reports.

Hart said the condition can be difficult to diagnose, and often can go undetected for 10 to 20 years.

“How do bipolar patients come to health care? They may be depressed,” Hart said.

“So, it looks like a major depression,” she said.

They don’t often come in when they’re manic, because they’re having a good time — unless it is causes them problems, Hart said.

When people come in to be treated for their mania, it’s generally because they got themselves into trouble, she said.

“People get into a fight at Walmart because somebody didn’t move fast enough, or didn’t get out of their way,” she said. Or, “people get into impulsive behaviors, like shoplifting. It’s the thrill. The excitement.

“When it gets severe, people run naked in the parking lot,” she added.

Or, they may go on lavish spending sprees or make foolish business decisions, she said.

Or, they become involved in sexual situations that are not the norm for them, which can lead to relationship problems.

“You can imagine if somebody is impulsively engaging in sexual behaviors they do not normally do, that this could cause a problem for their long-term relationship,” Hart said. “We have people coming in all of the time that say, ‘You know I got involved in this thing, I don’t know why I did it.’”

Excessive drinking may be another sign.

“About 40 percent of the people are estimated, who have bipolar, use alcohol to try to get themselves to sleep or calm down.”

She points to Robin Williams’ portrayal of Mork, on the television show, “Mork & Mindy” as a classic example of manic behavior.

The movie, “Silver Linings Playbook” also offers valuable insights, Hart said.

“I thought it was a really excellent portrayal of bipolar disorder,” she said.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

People having a manic episode may:

  • Feel very “up,” “high” or elated
  • Have a lot of energy
  • Have increased activity levels
  • Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Become more active than usual
  • Talk really fast about a lot of different things
  • Be agitated, irritable or “touchy”
  • Feel like their thoughts are going very fast
  • Think they can do a lot of things at once
  • Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex

People having a depressive episode may:

  • Feel very sad, down, empty or hopeless
  • Have very little energy
  • Have decreased activity levels
  • Have trouble sleeping, they may sleep too little or too much
  • Feel like they can’t enjoy anything
  • Feel worried and empty
  • Have trouble concentrating
  • Forget things a lot
  • Eat too much or too little
  • Feel tired or “slowed down”
  • Think about death or suicide

Source: National Institute for Mental Health

Published July 12, 2017

Land O’ Lakes community stage is ready for action

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After years of persistence, Land O’ Lakes finally has a place where residents can gather to hear concerts, watch plays or gather for other community events.

Construction of the Land O’ Lakes Community Stage is completed and the venue is now ready for groups to use it, said Sandy Graves, one of the prime movers behind getting the project done.

Graves has been talking for decades about the need for a venue to generate a greater sense of community and provide a place where people could gather for old-fashioned fun.

Construction has been completed on the stage at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It is expected to become a popular place for concerts, plays, movies and other community activities. (B.C. Manion)

Finally, construction of the stage has been completed, and Graves and Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, threw a topping-off party on July 6 to thank those who played a role in pulling the project off.

About 65 people were expected, Graves said.

The party featured a barbecue and entertainment by Union West, a band made up of Steve and Cindy West.

Guests also were offered a turkey leg to take home, as a memento of the evening.

The turkey legs served as a reminder of the turkey legs that volunteers with the Heritage Park Foundation sold for years at the Flapjack Festival to raise money for the stage.

Joanne Hurley, retired Pasco County School Board member, recalled those efforts. “We were raising money, a dollar at a time through the sale of those turkey legs.

“We had car shows, anything we could do to raise a little bit of money,” she said.

In the end, it took a $250,000 state grant, and a partnership between governments, businesses and community volunteers to bring the vision to life.

The open-air stage is on a grassy area, west of a fenced-in ballfield at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

It is the latest improvement at the park, which underwent a $2.3 million makeover that included additional amenities and upgraded facilities.

Union West, a band made up of Cindy and Steve West, was the first band to perform at the new stage at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

Graves said Richard Corcoran, now Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, played a critical role in securing the state’s Division of Cultural Affairs grant for the stage.

But, during the Aug. 16 groundbreaking ceremony for the stage, Corcoran credited Graves for her passionate persistence.

“Sandy — she just dogged it, day in and day out,” Corcoran said. “The perseverance is something I’ve never seen.”

Gadd played a leadership role in securing help from business partners — in the form of donated or at-cost goods or services — to complete the project within budget.

Now that the stage is complete, Hurley is excited about the potential.

“We have a venue now, where people can come for movies, or for concerts. The school is right across the field now. The school is going to use this for their productions.

“It is truly a community place where people can enjoy the arts of all kinds,” Hurley said. “Twenty people can use this, or 500,” she said. “It’s just another welcome addition to our community.”

Susan MacManus, a long-time supporter of the project, was at the party, too.

“There’s nothing like a community park to bring people together, neighbor to neighbor, business to business. It’s a good thing,” MacManus said.

Graves is thrilled by the project’s completion.

“It’s surreal. So many years, I toted that picture (of the potential stage) around,” Graves said.

The project exceeded her expectations, she said.

“It’s beautiful,” Graves said.

Now, she’s looking forward to schools using the stage for concerts and to the venue being used for other community events.

Anyone who wants to book the venue should get in touch with the parks department for information, Graves said.

Community and business partners
These people and organizations played a supporting role in bringing the Land O’ Lakes Community Stage project to life:

  • Peter Gottschalk, architect
  • Coastal Design Consultants, Paul Manuel
  • Walbridge, Richard Marshall, Tim Sewell, Mary Layton
  • DC Johnson & Associates Inc., Dan Johnson and Andy Getz
  • Copperstone Executive Suites, Mary Lynn and Gary Gorsline
  • Ervin Bishop Construction Inc., Sonny Bishop
  • Schaer Development of Central Florida, Skip Schaer
  • RIPA and Associates, Frank Ripa
  • Quality Roofing Inc., Rick Jenkins
  • JN Electric of Tampa Bay, John Narcisi
  • PSI Investigation
  • Driggers Engineering Services Inc.
  • Lowe’s Home Improvement
  • Accurate Signs on Time, Amy Daigrepont-Calkowski

Published July 12, 2017

Celebrating babies and family

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My employees and I have worked together for a long time — some for as many as 15 years.

In the beginning, we shared stories about the challenges of raising children. We went on to celebrate their graduations and weddings, and have begun to rejoice, as some of us have become grandparents.

Most of us were in our 30s and 40s when we started working together and already had children, from second-graders to high school teenagers.

But, we never had a co-worker who became a parent while working for the newspaper.

Until now.

Ashley and Matt Mistretta are the proud parents of Luna Elselene. Matt is the art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

I’m proud to report that Matt Mistretta, our art director of 10 years, and his wife, Ashley, welcomed their new daughter on March 4. Luna Elselene has the distinction of being the first Laker/Lutz News baby.

Now four months old, Luna is cuter than ever.  And, according to her parents, she is a perfect baby who is always happy and a delight to be around.

Please join me in welcoming Luna to our work community, and sending congratulations to her parents, Matt and Ashley.

Since we’re on the topic of babies, I’d like to share with you that I now have a second grandchild. Zachary Joseph was born June 28 in Louisville, Kentucky, to my son Andy Mathes and his wife, Erin.

Zachary joins his big brother Connor, who is now nearly 2 years old. Connor loves his dog Patch, dreams about bulldozers and garbage trucks, and says “grandma” with great clarity. He’s also learning to love his weeks-old brother, and not to squeeze him in a headlock, as he does Patch.

So, I guess you could say that babies are my biggest sphere of influence these days.

And that is a good thing, because babies keep you centered and remind you that the purpose of life is not our professional accomplishments, but what we do for those we love.

For most of us, those we love the greatest are members of our family — people we’re linked to through heredity and marriage, and those we include as family because of our close, trusting relationships.

The love Matt and Ashley have for Luna, and the love I have for my children and grandchildren, far surpass everything else we care about.

Connor Mathes holds his newborn brother, Zachary Joseph. The boys are the grandsons of Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.
(Diane Kortus)

That doesn’t diminish the pride I have as owner of The Laker/Lutz News, and the positive impact this newspaper has on our readers and advertisers. Or the satisfaction I get from running a business that helps support 12 employees and their families.

I never worry that The Laker/Lutz News will not publish on time every week with relevant stories for our readers. I know our printer will get our paper back to us every Tuesday morning, so our carriers can deliver the paper to your home or pick-up location by end-of-day Wednesday.

Luna’s father, Matt, is instrumental in this process. Every week he is presented with stories and photos that he puts together in an inviting design, working around our advertisements.

Matt and I are both good at our jobs because we care about the papers, our colleagues and our readers. We work, as do all of our employees, to give you a community newspaper that you welcome into your home every week.

But, at the end of the day, Luna, Connor and Zachary are what matter most. And, I’m sure it’s the same in your family. It is a joy to wake up everyday knowing that the love we share with our family gives meaning to everything else we do.

Published July 12, 2017

Mosaic’s fertilizer footprint discussed at Chamber breakfast

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As the global population is slated to reach 9 billion by 2050, food production will need to increase by 70 percent, according to Mosaic’s Ron Yasurek, the general manager of the fertilizer producer’s Plant City phosphate facility.

Yet, only a small portion of those large-scale food needs —about 10 percent — can be solved from developing additional farmland.

“We’ve got to find a way to be more efficient and effective with the land that is currently in crop production,” Yasurek said.

“The land is just not there,” said Yasurek, the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce July 6 breakfast meeting.

The general manager explained Mosaic’s history and what the company does.

Mosaic is the world’s leading integrated producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, he said, noting the Minnesota-based company was formed in 2004 by a merger of IMC Global with the crop nutrition division of Cargill.

Mosaic’s Ron Yasurek was the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce July 6 breakfast meeting. He said food production will likely need to increase by 70 percent by 2050. (Kevin Weiss)

Florida’s phosphate deposits — first discovered by an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers captain in 1881 — are the basis of an $85 billion industry that supplies three-fourths of the phosphate used in the United States.

Mosaic currently mines phosphate rock from 200,000 acres in central Florida, while potash is mined from four mines in North America, primarily in Saskatchewan.

Its products are processed into crop nutrients, and then shipped via rail, barge and ocean-going vessel to customers in major agricultural centers throughout the world.

The Plant City facility is involved in the production of phosphate fertilizers, combined heat electrical power and fluoridation ingredients. Finished products include Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP).

Globally, one of Mosaic’s ongoing initiatives is smarter agronomy — the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and land reclamation—to meet the world’s rapidly growing needs.

The company has reclaimed 48,000 acres of mined land, of which 34,000 acres has been released completely, Yasurek said.

Today, Mosaic generates about $7 billion in annual sales.

And, much of its product flows through the Port of Tampa.

Mosaic represents about 71 percent of the Port’s business, while nearly 50 percent of the jobs associated with the Port are related to the phosphate business, Yasurek said.

Mosaic, meanwhile, employs nearly 9,000 people in six countries, including 3,700 in Florida.

Over 1,200 people are employed by Mosaic in Hillsborough County alone — and 400 at the Plant City facility — not including hundreds of support contractors for ongoing capital projects.

Statewide, Mosaic divvies up about $44 million in payroll annually.

Those figures soon could see an increase in the next three decades.

Yasurek said additional growth opportunities for distribution and production are likely to occur in either in Florida or internationally, particularly Brazil.

In December, Mosaic agreed to buy Vale Fertilizantes from Brazilian mining company Vale for $2.5 billion. The deal lands Mosaic 4.8 million metric tons of phosphate crop nutrient and 500,000 metric tons of potash capacity annually. Most of the assets are in Brazil.

“As food production increases, that’s one of the countries around the world that has opportunity, both from a land, and from an increasing yield perspective,” Yasurek explained.

Meanwhile, Mosaic is monitoring potential or active threats to the fertilizer industry, such as the organic product market and overseas phosphate production.

Organic food sales in the U.S. increased 8.4 percent in 2016, reaching $43 billion annually, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Organic food now accounts for 5.3 percent of all food sales in the U.S.

Still, it remains only a “minor threat,” Yasurek said.

“When you talk about the amount of food that needs to be grown, it can’t happen (organically),” Yasurek said, noting the farming yield of crops would be about 40 percent less, if not for fertilizers.

“I hope that folks can make some more crops from organic needs, but the reality is you’re not going to get away from using macroeconomic inputs in order to boost the production,” he said.

A greater threat, Yasurek said, is the expansion of phosphate and potash production in countries such as Morocco, China and Russia.

“…From an exchange rate perspective, those guys are killing us,” he said. “If China and Russia can produce and short-sale product into the U.S., then we’ve got a threat to our jobs here. Manufacturing in the U.S. — that is under a constant threat.”

Published July 12, 2017

Lutz celebrates July Fourth in grand fashion

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People who like to run, enjoy mingling with friends or are attracted to an old-fashioned, small-town parade found all that and more at the Independence Day celebration on the Fourth of July in Lutz.

The community, just north of Tampa, is known for its traditional Independence Day celebrations, and once again, it delivered.

Clint Randles, from Tim’s Church in Lutz, helps to entertain the early arrivals at the Lutz Fourth of July festivities. The Land O’ Lakes resident performed on the deck of the old Lutz train depot. (Fred Bellet)

Carmen Rairigh, of Lutz, was there with a group of about 40 people, including family members and friends.

They settled in at the corner of First Avenue N.W. and Second Street N.W.

It’s a prime spot because it’s at a turn in the parade route, and is a great place to catch candy, beads, cups and other parade swag.

“A lot of us go to First Baptist (Church of) Lutz,” Rairigh said, adding they thought it’d be fun to watch the parade together.

There were kids in the group who attend Lutz Preparatory School, Steinbrenner and Freedom high schools, Terrace Community Middle School and Learning Gate Community School. Some of the kids are home-schooled, too.

“We’re here to celebrate America’s birthday,” Rairigh said, adding it’s especially fun to go to the Lutz parade.

The wind-blown American flag covering his face did not throw this scout from Boy Scout Troop 12 off course, during the annual Lutz Independence Day celebration.

“It’s like a small-town feel. You always, always, always see people you know. You can’t necessarily say you can do that at the Gasparilla Parade (in Tampa).

“We see people every single time,” she said.

Parade participants ranged from scouts carrying flags, to kids riding bicycles, to belly dancers shimmying down the street.

Lots of people in the parade were clearly having a great time, including Rosie Heim, the newly elected honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes.

Heim waved to friends and onlookers from the back of a convertible being driven by Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Both women smiled broadly, as they made their way down the parade route.

Some parade watchers stood under the blazing sun. Others settled on lawn chairs, shaded by ancient oaks.

Three-year-old Benjamin Field, of Land O’ Lakes, sits on his dad, Matt Field’s shoulders. It’s the perfect perch for parade watching.

Wendi Meyers, of Land O’ Lakes, came to see her dad, Maj. Steve Gay, squadron commander of the of the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the civil air patrol. He was marching in the parade.

Meyers and her 5-year-old daughter, Ayla, had to wait quite some time to see Gay, but when they did, he flashed them a huge smile and a wave.

As people passed by throwing beads, Linda Voyton, of Lutz, encouraged them to toss them a bit farther.

“Get an arm, get an arm. You’ve got to throw harder than that,” Voyton said.

“Big arm. Big arm. Throw hard. Throw hard,” she urged another bunch of bead throwers.

Voyton, who was at the parade for the first time, was accompanied by her 7-year-old grandson, Jayden Beezer, and her daughter, Nina Beezer.

Three-month-old Braylen Moore had a great viewing place for the parade, sitting on her mom’s — Emily Moore of Lutz — lap at the parade.

As a group of U.S. Army Retired veterans rode by on motorcycles, Voyton expressed her appreciation. “Thank you for your service,” she shouted.

The parade attracted most of the crowd’s attention, but there were other aspects of the event, as well, including a baking competition and auction, a train show, races before the parade, vendors and the election of a new Lutz Guv’na.

Twenty-one-year-old Kori Rankin raised the most money, winning the title of Lutz Guv’na for 2017.

She defeated Lutz Guv’na incumbent Greg Gilbert, of Beef O’ Brady’s, and Jessica Sherman, of Pinch A Penny Lutz, to win the title.

All together, the candidates raised $7,000, which will be used to support Lutz community groups.

Rankin isn’t the first member in her family to win the coveted sash. Her stepmother, Jennifer Rankin, won the honorary title in 2015.

Published July 12, 2017

Lutz draws a crowd on July Fourth

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Whether they were competing in the Cake Bake competition, driving a float in the parade, or checking out the entertainment at the old Lutz Depot — Lutz was a popular place to be on the Fourth of July.

Runners survey the course and wait for the start of the morning race. Joseph Salerno, of Wesley Chapel, finished first this year. (Fred Bellet)

Once again, the annual event was a showcase for patriotism — from a rendition of the national anthem, to the traditional raising of the American flag, to a parade which wound its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road, along Second Avenue N.W., down First Street N.W., and then in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

Scouts sold hot dogs and cheeseburgers, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sold doughnuts and coffee, and other vendors sold everything from handmade soap to smoked mullet to homemade jam.

People of all ages seemed to get into the spirit of things at Lutz’s Independence Day event — joining together to celebrate America’s birth.

Cake Bake Contest Winners
The winners for the Lutz Independence Day Cake Bake Contest:

  • Madison Levine: Best decorated, youth
  • Tracy Gaschler: Best pie
  • Samantha Evans: Cupcakes
  • Leigh Spanton: Guv’na Choice
  • Maddox Forman: Youth boys
  • Katelyn Payne: Best tasting, youth
  • Jeanne Mills: Best tasting, adult
  • Gary Krotz: Men’s division
  • Christa Evans: Judges’ choice
  • Noelle Edmonson: Most patriotic
  • Mikayla Charron: Best tasting, patriotic
  • Catherine Pramberger: Best decorated, 10 and under

The winners from the Lutz Fourth of July Parade:
Grand Marshall’s: Choice-Pack 9 Pirate Ship
Judge’s Favorite: Caroline Contractors Star Float
Walking Unit: #1 Martial Arts
Neighborhood Entry: Canine Companions for Independence
Most Patriotic: Marines Forever Veterans Group
Most Comical: American Belly Dancers
Family Entry: Fantastic First United Methodist Church
Commercial Entry: Pinch A Penny
Youth Entry: Troop 139
Bicycle Entry: Tampa BMX
Antique Vehicle: Lutz Volunteer Fire Truck

Published July 12, 2017

Vietnam veteran receives overdue honor

By

One Vietnam veteran has finally received his long-deserved welcome.

The Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite Club recognized George Voorhes on June 23 as its first recipient of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin.

Voorhes, 82, retired from the army in 1974, following 20 years of service.

He served in the Korean War and had three tours of duty in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star.

On June 23, the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite Club presented George Voorhes as its first recipient of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin. Voorhes, now 82, retired from the army in 1974, after 20 years of service. (Kevin Weiss)

A Missouri native, who now lives in Land O’ Lakes, Voorhes joined the military when he was 17.

Eventually, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class E7.

Along the way, he worked as a banker, chef and nightclub manager.

During his last 10 years of service, he was a general’s aide.

Despite the decades that have passed, details of war remain vivid in Voorhes’ mind.

Most notably is the passing of his brother-in-law, who succumbed to Agent Orange.

“I miss him,” Voorhes said, holding back tears.

“He was only a brother-in-law, but he was more like a brother to me,” he said.

The first U.S. combat troops were sent to Vietnam in 1965.

More than 9 million Americans served during the Vietnam War, representing 10 percent of their generation.

They marked the oldest and best-educated force that America ever sent into harm’s way.

The last remaining troops were withdrawn in 1973.

George Voorhes served in the Korean War and had three tours of duty in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star. He entered the service at 17 years old, and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class E7. He also worked as a banker, chef and nightclub manager.
Over the last 10 years of his service, he worked as a general’s aide. (Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

Though 97 percent would be honorably discharged, 58,307 service members died in the war, and more than 1,600 are still considered missing in action.

Upon their return to America, Vietnam troops often were greeted with silence — or worse — for having served in the controversial war.

Unlike soldiers returning from World War I and World War II, there were no ticker tape parades or triumphant marches for veterans returning from Vietnam.

Despite painful memories and personal losses, though, Voorhes remains proud of his service.

“It’s an honor to serve my country,” he said, “and I’d do it again, if I had to.”

The Rotary Club’s commemorative ceremony and breakfast was held at the Copperstone Executive Suites in Land O’ Lakes.

Voorhes received the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin from Chief George McDonald, of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. McDonald is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel.

Throughout the hour-long event, Voorhes was lavished with applause, warm greetings and countless thank-you’s from dozens of Rotarians and their guests.

Voorhes also received a dedication message and certificate form the staff of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

The congressman, who represents Florida’s 12th District and is vice chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, even had an American flag flown over the United States Capitol to honor Voorhes’ service.

Michael J. Cimmina, of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office, presented Voorhes with an American flag, which was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of his service. (Kevin Weiss)

In a letter to Voorhes, Bilirakis wrote, “There are no words that can adequately express the gratitude, admiration and respect that your military service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars has earned.”

The congressman also noted that members of the Armed Forces “who served bravely” during the Vietnam War “were caught in the crossfire of public debate regarding our nation’s involvement and did not receive the warm welcome that you all deserved.”

The Vietnam War Commemoration is a government-led initiative, engaging 10,000 event partners, ranging from the Boy Scouts of America to the NFL.

In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation creating the Vietnam War Commemoration. Obama called on communities across the country to come together and hold events between then and Veteran’s Day 2025 to recognize the 7 million living Vietnam veterans.

To date, the commemoration has reached more than 1.4 million Vietnam veterans and their family members.

Voorhes was chosen as the Rotary Club’s first recipient after his wife of 57 years, Jean Voorhes, reached out to the service organization, inquiring about the program.

The satellite Rotary Club had just recently become an official commemoration partner, through the United States Department of Defense.

That application process took about a year, said Sandy Graves, a member of the satellite club who helped coordinate the ceremony for Voorhes.

“The club’s worked very hard to become a commemorative partner with the government and do these ceremonies for Vietnam vets that kind of didn’t get that when they came home,” Graves said.

Moving forward, the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite Club plans to organize two Vietnam Commemoration ceremonies each year.

Graves said the satellite club will likely host a dinner ceremony sometime this fall, to honor multiple Rotarians that served in Vietnam.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” Graves said of the Vietnam commemoration program. “My father served in the military, I have many friends that served in the military and every night I would just implore everyone to, when you do lay down to go to sleep, think about how come you’re able to do that, and be very thankful for those that made (freedom) possible for us.”

Vietnam War (1954-1975)
U.S. Troop Statistics:
8,744,000 – Total number of U.S. Troops that served worldwide during Vietnam
3,403,000 served in Southeast Asia
2,594,000 served in South Vietnam

The total of American servicemen listed as POW/MIA at the end of the war was 2,646.

Death Toll
58,307- Total U.S. Deaths (Average age of 23.1 years old)
1.3 million – Total military deaths for all countries involved
1 million – Total civilian deaths
–Figures compiled by the U.S. Department of Defense

Published July 5, 2017

 

Family seeks help for their 5-year-old son

By

Priscilla Avila-Posey knew early on her son, Julian, was unique from others.

He looks like a typical 5-year-old, but suffers from many severe developmental and medical issues.

He has a rare micro-chromosome deletion that has been diagnosed as autism.

He is stuck mentally at the level of a toddler. He suffers from mixed expressive receptive language disorder, auditory processing disorder, sensory processing disorder and severe anxiety.

Julian Posey is pictured with his father, Mike, and mother, Priscilla. The 5-year-old suffers from many severe developmental and medical issues, including a rare micro-chromosome deletion that has been diagnosed as autism.
(Kevin Weiss)

He cannot talk, potty train, dress himself or brush his teeth.

He cannot attend school, either.

For treatment, Julian sees multiple therapists — speech, occupational, physical and applied behavioral analysis — totaling about 46 hours each week.

But, that’s not enough.

To develop the skills he needs for a normal life, additional therapy is needed at the family’s Zephyrhills home, his mother said.

However, the family’s insurance plan won’t cover the therapeutic equipment that’s needed.

Avila-Posey was forced to quit her part-time job in 2014 in order to care for Julian. Her husband, Mike, works full-time.

To help with the family’s financial needs, Avila-Posey created a GoFundMe page in May.

She set a goal of $3,000 to purchase eight items, ranging from a sensory pod to a therapeutic listening program.

She didn’t expect any donations.

But, by June 30, more than $1,300 had been raised.

Donations have poured in from friends, family members, and former teachers at Zephyrhills High School.

Even perfect strangers have pitched in.

“It was very nice to see the reaction we got, and to see that people cared,” Avila-Posey said. “It makes me happy, because I know somebody is taking time out of their day to think about him.”

Already, the Posey family has used funds to purchase a Yogibo, for deep sensory input; a platform swing and stand, for sensory integration; and, a bubble column, used as a calming mechanism during therapy.

“We didn’t want people to think that we’re just asking for money,” Avila-Posey said. “We’re fine with donations, second-hand — if anybody even wanted to have us purchase them at like a cheaper rate or reused, we’re all for that.”

Besides cognitive handicaps, Julian also has numerous health problems.

Perhaps the worst is erythromelalgia, a rare condition characterized by episodes of pain, redness and swelling in various parts of the body, particularly the hands and feet.

The episodes are usually triggered by increased body temperature, which may be caused by exercise or entering a warm room.

In the Florida heat, especially the summer, Julian can only be outside for a few minutes at a time before symptoms arise.

“He has to play somewhere where there’s A/C, in order to be physically active,” Avila-Posey explained.

Julian also suffers from asthma, acid reflux, chronic constipation, chronic sinusitis, allergies, an immune system deficiency and gait disturbance.

All told, Julian sees over eight specialists for his health issues, and has already undergone six surgeries.

He goes to doctor’s appointments all over the place — from Zephyrhills to Odessa, to St. Petersburg and Orlando.

“If it’s not one thing, it’s literally the other,” Avila-Posey said.

“It’s been like nonstop. He almost doesn’t catch a break.”

Avila-Posey acknowledges there are “bad days,” when her son screams and cries endlessly — with no solution to console him.

“It’s so sad,” she said, “because it almost makes you think you’re not doing something right because you can’t fix it.”

Formerly a childcare day care professional, Avila-Posey had experience working with special needs adolescents.

That, she said, has made caring for her son “a lot less scary.”

Still, it breaks her heart to see him struggle.

The hardest obstacle, she said, is Julian’s limited understanding.

“Some days he doesn’t know what you’re saying to him,” she said.

Forming a bond with Julian wasn’t automatic from birth.

“I had to earn that,” Avila-Posey explained. “It took years to form that bond, and it’s super strong now.

“I feel like that makes it even more special, because I had to work for it. It wasn’t unconditional. It is now, but I had to establish that.”

For the most part, Julian is a happy, fun-loving boy.

It’s evident when he visits entertainment centers like Chuck E. Cheese’s, Bangin’ Bungee Kidz Zone and 2Infinity Extreme Air Sports.

He also gets a kick out of movie monsters, dinosaurs, minions and superheroes, Avila-Posey said.

“He’s got a cute little sense of humor,” she said, joyfully. “He’s got like 20 different laughs.”

Meanwhile, her son’s various obstacles create a whole new perspective on life.

“It almost humbles you a little bit,” Avila-Posey said. “It makes you step back and take a check at your attitude, like, ‘Really, what are you complaining about today? Is your day that hard?’”

In caring for Julian, Avila-Posey takes one day at a time, finding ways to make his life easier.

She also maintains her faith in him, regardless what others may say.

“Sometimes you’re your only child’s advocate and cheerleader,” she said. “Always be their voice.”

To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/supportbabyjulian.
The Posey family will also accept second-hand items, including an adaptive stroller, tablet, therapeutic listening program, climb and slide, sensory pod, crash pad and abilitation jigglers.

Published July 5, 2017