The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

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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

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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

Pasco’s property tax rate is up for vote

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Pasco County commissioners are scheduled to set a preliminary property tax rate, known as a millage rate, at their July 11 meeting in Dade City.

The meeting starts at 10 a.m., at the Pasco County Historic Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave.

The rate determines how much revenue the county can collect in property taxes for fiscal year 2018.

Teens and pre-teens search through Legos during a Lego Day at the Land O’ Lakes Branch of the Pasco County Library System. Hours would be expanded at county libraries, under the Pasco County Commission’s proposed budget. (File)

That information must be provided to the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office in time to print and mail out annual TRIM (Truth-in-Millage) notices in August to property owners.

At a June 13 workshop, county commissioners looked at a proposed 2018 budget presented by Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

The approximately $1.3 billion budget fell short of meeting commissioners’ objectives.

They agreed to a list of new budget items, including restoration of library hours, upgrades at some parks, new ambulance purchases, and a third-year of promised salary increases to Pasco County deputies.

To cover expenses, commissioners chose to use about $7.6 million in reserve funds while maintaining the current millage rate.

A mill equals $1 in taxes per $1,000 in taxable value.

For example, a property owner would pay $100 in taxes based on a 1 mill rate and property with a $100,000 taxable value. In calculating the taxable value, the county applies qualifying deductions and exemptions.

For the general fund, the millage rate currently is about $7.60 per $1,000 of property value. For the fire district, the rate is about $1.80 per $1,000.

Some property owners still could see small increases in their taxes based on a 2.1 percent increase in overall property values.

Two public hearings must be held before a final vote on the 2018 budget, and the millage rate, in September. The fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

Once county commissioners give initial approval to the millage rate, it can’t be increased prior to the final budget vote. Commissioners could, however, choose to decrease the rate.

Published July 5, 2017

Collaboration is key word at Bexley Elementary

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When visitors step into the REC center at Bexley Elementary School, they won’t be surrounded by game tables or basketball hoops.

Instead, they’ll be in the new elementary school’s media center.

The REC center gets its name from three words — Research, Enrich and Collaborate. Those words emphasize the kind of learning experience planned for children attending the school, which is set to open in August, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

This worker is clearing off debris on the sidewalk of an interior courtyard at Bexley Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

Bexley Principal Vicki Wolin described the school’s features and aspirations during a recent tour of the campus for Pasco County School Board members, district leaders and other guests.

When the tour-takers finished that visit, most of them drove across county to visit Cypress Creek Middle High School to get a sneak preview of that campus led by Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles.

Bexley — which will relieve overcrowding at Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools — is the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built, said John Petrashek, director of construction services for the district.

Its design was a result of collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Petrashek said.

That team told the district, “this is what we need to make this a very functioning, high-performing elementary school,” the construction services director said.

“We listened. We designed … They didn’t get everything they wanted, but just about,” he said.

The resulting elementary school is rich “for teaching, learning and for achievement,” Petrashek said.

The district aims to be as frugal as possible when building new schools, but doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of construction and design, Petrashek said.

“This building is built to last. You can pay for a building and good design now, or you can cheapen this design and pay forever out of operational costs for maintenance and repair,” he said. “This building has a 50-year life expectancy.”

Petrashek praised Newland Communities, the developer of the Bexley subdivision, for being “tremendous partners.”

Newland ensured that the site was large enough to meet the district’s needs and also made sure that needed infrastructure was available, Petrashek said.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning is enthusiastic about the new school.

“We expect great things to come out of Bexley Elementary School,” Browning said. “It’s a beautiful place. It’s obviously very functional, and it will lend itself to a great learning environment for kids.”

Wolin noted the emphasis was on collaboration, efficiency of space and flexibility.

“We wanted something that was timeless, so it would be efficient in the future,” she said.

For instance, there are stools that can break apart into smaller seats, and also be adjusted so that they rock.

“We want to offer our students seating areas that best meet their needs for learning, instead of: “Sit down and sit still,’” Wolin said.

The building also is designed with spaces that can shrink or expand, allowing grade-level teams to work together and enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet the varying needs of students.

The technology also offers flexibility.

For instance, the same piece of equipment can be used to show a video or to be an interactive tool, depending on what a teacher needs for a particular lesson, Wolin said.

Even the school’s large front office is designed with families in mind, the principal said, noting it is more spacious than the typical front office at an elementary school. The idea is to give families more room as they wait to take care of school business.

At Cypress Creek Middle High School, at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, Hetzler-Nettles led the group around the campus, which initially will serve students in grades six through 11.

Much of the furniture and equipment has yet to be installed, but, like Bexley, the school will have different types of seating and spaces that can be reconfigured for different uses.

Stops on the tour included a science classroom, the school gymnasium, the cafeteria, the weight room, locker rooms, a band room, a conference room, various other classrooms and a look at the athletic fields.

For parents and students who want to see for themselves, Cypress Creek Middle High will be holding two events, designed for students in different age groups. For details, visit the school’s website at CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Bexley is planning an open house, too. For more information about Bexley, visit BES.pasco.k12.f.us.

Published July 5, 2017

New opportunities await at Cypress Creek Middle High

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Much of the furniture and equipment has yet to be installed at Cypress Creek Middle High School, but even without it, it’s easy to see that the school is designed to offer students a multitude of opportunities when it opens in August.

Cypress Creek Middle High Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles leads a tour of Pasco County School Board members, Superintendent Kurt Browning and other invited guests for a sneak preview of Cypress Creek Middle High School. (B.C. Manion)

Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and members of her administrative team recently led Pasco County School Board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning on a tour around the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Stops on the tour included a science classroom, the school gymnasium, the cafeteria, the weight room, locker rooms, a band room, a conference room, a variety of other classrooms and a look at the athletic fields.

The tour was similar to a walk-around that school board members and other guests took at Bexley Elementary, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, earlier in the afternoon. Bexley, built to relieve crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, also is set to open in August.

Both schools have different types of seating and spaces that can be reconfigured to suit the needs of teachers and students. And, both are designed to foster collaboration among teachers and among students.

Cypress Creek Middle High will serve students in grades six through 11 its initial year and will add a senior class the following year.

During the tour of that campus, Hetzler-Nettles stopped in a classroom that was flanked by classrooms on either side.

“This is an area where we could put three teachers together, they could collaborate. You could open the doors to that classroom and could open up the wall (a sliding wall),” she said.

At the same time, the principal said she’s aware that parents have raised concerns about having middle school and high school students on the same campus.

To help relieve those concerns, the principal said, “they have separate locker rooms, and they will not be crossing paths (to get to the locker rooms).”

Cypress Creek Middle High also will offer high school academies in business management, criminal justice and engineering, and middle school academics in criminal justice and engineering.

Check out this water fountain at Cypress Creek Middle High. You can get a sip of water now and fill up your water bottle for later.

It also will have separate band programs for middle and high school students.

But, it will not have an agricultural program, at least initially, Hetzler-Nettles said.

Some of the features that stood out during the recent tour included water fountains that are designed to fill water bottles, similar to the fountains in some airports. Bathrooms without exterior doors, similar to those seen at airports and other public buildings.

The shower stalls in the boys’ locker room are individual stalls and are outfitted with curtains. There’s also a stall that’s designed to be accessible for a student with a disability.

And, there’s also a chiller farm near the athletic field — attesting to the big job it will be to keep the school cool.

During their visit to Bexley Elementary, board members and guests had a chance to walk around the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built, according to John Petrashek, director of construction services for the district.

Its design was a result of collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Petrashek said.

The elementary school was built to last, Petrashek said, noting it has an expected lifespan of 50 years.

Want to know more?
Cypress Creek Middle High is inviting students and parents in for a sneak peek before classes begin. For details, visit the school’s website at CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.
For more information about Bexley Elementary School, visit BES.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published July 5, 2017

Downtown Dade City to get flood relief

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Puddle jumping in downtown Dade City is often a rainy day sport especially along Seventh Street, the spine of downtown’s business district.

Sidewalks can quickly overflow, forcing pedestrians to hunt for spots less than ankle deep to cross from one side of the street to the other. Other downtown streets, including Meridian, Pasco and Live Oak avenues, also see the waters rise.

(Courtesy of 54realty.com)

But, $1.4 million embedded in the state’s 2018 budget could go a long way toward easing the chronic flooding. The funds are among local requests that survived the budget veto pen of Gov. Rick Scott.

The money will pay to retrofit Dade City’s stormwater system by expanding a retention pond and installing a larger culvert system to drain off the rainfall.

According to the application presented to the state legislature, the project will “improve safety, attract new businesses and improve the local economy.”

It is something area business owners have wanted for a long while. They worry that the flooding keeps some customers from venturing downtown.

“We hope it will make an economic impact on our businesses,” said Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s public works director.

On rainy days, for instance, shoppers need more than an umbrella to try and stay dry in downtown Dade City. They likely need a pair of rain boots.

“It definitely is an issue, and this will help,” said John Moors, executive director for The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Bids for the project will go out after Oct. 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

Roads included in the project are Seventh, Pasco, State Road 52 and U.S. 98. The city-owned Irvin pond will be enlarged to accommodate more runoff. The estimated cost of $400,000 will be paid with a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Permits for the work have been approved.

Details on a work schedule for the entire project are to be determined, but the pond renovations will be the starting point, said DeBono.

Other community requests that were approved in the 2018 state budget include:

  • $500,000 for Youth and Family Alternatives
  • $150,000 for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for a pilot program to help first-responders suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • $1.2 million for a campus of “therapeutic safe homes” for child victims of sex trafficking.

Published July 5, 2017

Eagle Scout project honors those who served

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When Michael Valenti was looking for his Eagle Scout project, he didn’t have to look very far.

He belongs to Boy Scout Troop 12, in Lutz, and it meets just a couple of blocks away from the Lutz Memorial Park.

Michael Valenti joined scouting when he was in third grade. The 16-year-old spearheaded a project to spruce up Lutz Memorial Park. (Courtesy of Ron Valenti)

The 16-year-old said he had noticed that the Lutz Memorial Park, at 98 First Ave., N.W., needed a bit of sprucing up, and he decided it would be a fitting Eagle Scout project.

So, he organized a team of helpers, secured donations and got busy.

The base for the flagpole was already there, but it wasn’t in good shape, Valenti said.

“There was just grass all around here, so when the mowers would come, they would chip out the base,” he explained. “Some of the paint was peeling off.”

The plaque wasn’t in great shape, either.

“We removed the sign, scraped all of the paint off. We repainted it, and we got these two new signs,” Valenti said. The new plaques came from Crown Trophy in New Tampa.

Before the project began, crews from Hillsborough County’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department removed some concrete.

Then, Valenti and his volunteers went to work.

Michael Valenti, of Lutz, did an Eagle Scout project to spruce up Lutz Memorial Park. More than 40 people helped, over two weekends, to beautify the space.

“We laid the concrete, then we planted this large flower box around it,” he said.

The volunteers also built a flower box near the Lutz Memorial Park sign.

The teenager wanted plants that could tolerate the sun, the rain and the drought. In other words, he was looking for low-maintenance plants that could survive in sandy soil, he said.

Since he wasn’t sure what would be best, he turned to gardening experts for advice.

He settled on blue salvia, pink guara and firebush.

“Over the course of two weekends, we had more than 40 people,” he said, including several members of Troop 12 and friends from Freedom High School.

Several local businesses helped out, too.

“John’s Butcher Shop and Benedetto’s (Ristorante Italiano) provided the food,” he said. “People allowed us to use their facilities, like their water and their bathrooms,” he said.

“It would have been about $2,000 with everything, including food and whatnot, but Lowe’s and Home Depot gave us significant discounts,” he said. Ace Hardware, in Lutz, helped, too.

Valenti is gratified by the prospect of becoming an Eagle Scout.

These are just a few of the 48 badges that Michael Valenti has earned. He recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which involved sprucing up Lutz Memorial Park.

“It’s kind of the pinnacle of your scouting career,” said Valenti, who lives in Lutz and is the son of Ron and Rose Valenti.

“It’s taken years of hard work to get where I am,” said the teenager, who will be a junior at Freedom High School.

And, it’s an accomplishment with staying power, he noted. “Once you’re an Eagle, you’re an Eagle for life.”

Valenti was a third-grader when he joined scouts, and he hopes he will become a scout leader when he’s an adult.

“It just ingrains very important values,” he said, and prepares youths to become good citizens.

Besides being on the path to becoming an Eagle Scout, Valenti has earned 48 scouting badges and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society.

While he does well in school and plans to attend a state college, he hasn’t pinned down which career path he’d like to pursue.

Published July 5, 2017

Summertime fun with campfire cooking

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Those who grew up in the Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts, have fond memories of cooking over an open fire.

For those of who didn’t have those experiences early on, it’s not too late to join in the fun.

Don’t be intimidated by your lack of expertise.

These ingredients can create a delicious campfire meal. (Betsy Crisp)

Here are some fundamentals to help you succeed with campfire cooking.

First, be sure to build the right fire in the right place in the right weather!

Plan your cookouts on non-windy days to avoid having sparks fly, which can easily spread and create a forest fire.

Remember: You don’t want a fire that is too hot.

Preferably, build your fire in a fire pit, at least 10 feet away from any grass, tree roots or branches that can easily catch on fire.

To get your fire started, you can use dry pine needles, dry moss from trees, dryer lint or crumpled newspaper for kindling.

Place the kindling under a teepee of similarly sized dry, seasoned oak logs that will burn steadily and longer — allowing you to sing songs around the campfire after dinner. (It’s best not to use green wood, because it creates smoke and doesn’t burn well).

After you get your fire started, continue to add one or two logs at a time to keep the fire under control.

Once the logs burn down and the coals turn gray — with little or no flames – it is time to cook.

Before you get started, be sure that you have all the right items on hand: pots/pans, aluminum foil, long-handled utensils, heavy duty gloves and hot pads.

Skewers are easy for kabobs, hot dogs and marshmallows for S’mores!

A metal grill/grate works well for steak, hamburgers, chicken under a brick, etc., and those that swing in/out of the way and are adjustable for height are really nice.

Dutch ovens work really well for stews and chili, etc.

And, in Girl Scouts, we just wrapped many things in heavy-duty aluminum foil packets and placed along the coals, edge of the fire.

Here are some safety reminders:

  • Always have a bucket of sand/water or hose on hand to help keep it under control or put it out completely, when you are finished. When you finish cooking and you put out the fire, be sure there are no flames or hissing embers. Stir the ashes to be certain the fire is out.
  • Always practice proper food safety: wash hands often; avoid cross-contamination between raw foods and cooked foods; use a meat thermometer; keep hot foods hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and cold foods cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower); and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
  • Always watch kids and family pets around the campfire, to prevent an accident.

While it’s important to take precautions, it’s also good to remember that campfire cooking can be fun for people of all ages. Children can easily be involved with gathering sticks for kindling, wrapping food in aluminum foil, cooking under supervision and cleaning up.

With all of this in mind, here are a few recipes you may want to try.

Betsy Crisp is a Professor Emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.

Recipes:

Simple Campfire Meal-in-One (“tin foil” dinner for one)
Ingredients:

  • Protein (4 ounces to 5 ounces): beef/hamburger patty, venison, chicken breast or fish
  • Starchy vegetable, sliced (½ cup of one): potatoes, yams or turnips
  • Vegetables, sliced (½ cup total): celery, onion, mushrooms, carrots, green beans, squash, Brussel sprouts
  • Herbs and spices (to taste): salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, dash of cayenne, etc.
  • Liquid (2 Tablespoons): olive/canola oil/butter, broth, lemon juice, beer/wine

Instructions:
In the center of two layers of heavy duty aluminum foil (18-inch square, shiny side up), layer the above ingredients in same order as listed.

  1. Bring edges of foil together, fold down and roll over to form seal, then do same to each end to form a sealed packet.
  2. Place in hot coals, let cook 30 minutes to 45 minutes, until done.

Makes 1 serving.
If doing more than one, just repeat assembly process and be sure to count the number of packets that go in so that you pull the same number out of the fire (packages get charred/hide in the ashes!)

Campfire Luau Chicken
Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, split in half
  • 2 Tablespoons dry onion soup mix
  • 1 can (16 ounces) crushed pineapple (do not drain)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In the center of two layers of heavy duty aluminum foil (18-inch square, shiny side up), place a split breast (four times = 4 servings/packets).
  2. Place ¼ sliced vegetable on top of each piece of chicken.
  3. In a small bowl, mix soup mix and pineapple, divide by 4 and spoon on top of vegetables.
  4. Bring edges of foil together, fold down and roll over to form seal, then do same to each end to form sealed packet.
  5. Place on grill/hot coals (seam side up), let cook 45 minutes, until done.

Makes 4 servings.

Since S’mores are already well-known as the all-time favorite campfire dessert, I have included two other simple-to-make desserts that children will love to try… something new!

Campfire Brown Bears
Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • 4 Tablespoons butter/margarine, melted
  • 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated biscuit/bread dough

Instructions:

  1. Mix sugar and cinnamon together until well-blended.
  2. Melt butter in a metal cup/small metal bowl.
  3. Take the biscuits apart and roll each into a snake-like rope.
  4. Wrap/coil each piece around a skewer.
  5. Cook over a campfire until evenly browned.
  6. Use a spoon to drizzle (or brush) melted butter over cooked dough and then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Makes 8 servings.

Campfire Banana Chocolate Chip Split
Ingredients:

  • 1 banana, well-washed (water only)
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons mini-marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. With peel left on, slice banana lengthwise (do not cut all the way through).
  2. Spread the slit slightly open and fill with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
  3. Squeeze the banana closed as much as possible and wrap tightly in aluminum foil (shiny side in).
  4. Lay foil-wrapped banana on the campfire grill and let cook approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Carefully remove the banana from the fire and open foil just enough to get a spoon inside.
  6. Eating the peel is up to you (many countries, like Asia and South America, do) – Eat & Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Published July 5, 2017

 

Explore your inner artist on Tuesday afternoons

By

If you enjoy the act of creation, the Art in the Afternoon program at Zephyrhills Public Library may help you fulfill that urge.

Artist Bill Bellgraph, of Zephyrhills, works on a seascape scene, using acrylic paint. His artworks are displayed prominently in the room in this month’s exhibit.
(Fred Bellet)

The program welcomes art enthusiasts of all levels.

It’s a great way for artists to share their knowledge and mingle with other creative spirits.

Budding artists can learn techniques from those with more experience.

Artists should bring their own supplies and join those who enjoy sharing their time and talents.

The group meets at the library, at 4347 Eighth St., on Tuesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jiafu Li, of Zephyrhills, works with calligraphy and uses soft but bold strokes, as she creates characters for her bamboo tree picture.

This is just one of many programs offered at the library, said Peggy Panak, the library’s acting director.

The events calendar shows a wide range of programs offered throughout the month, including help with career searches, gardening, crafts, cooking, good health and other topics.

The library’s hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.

To find out more about what this branch offers, go to PascoLibraries.org, and search the events calendar for the Zephyrhills branch.

Published July 5, 2017

 

 

Using washable markers as his means for drawing, David Milam, of Zephyrhills, tries his hand at copying calendar art.
A look at Marian Gilbert’s detail work on her pastel sketch of a stallion.