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Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

Easter services are evolving, amidst pandemic

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There was so much uncertainty last year about COVID-19 that many churches changed up their Easter celebrations, to reduce potential spread of the disease.

A year later, many churches across the region continue to use a variety of approaches in celebrating Christianity’s most significant holy day.

Last year, for instance, Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz, relied on online services to celebrate Easter. This year, it will be holding a number of in-person services.

The First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., livestreamed its Easter service last year. This year, it will have an in-person service.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, at 2348 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, created a more personal touch for its online services last year, by attaching photographs of parishioners on chairs — so officiants could look at them, while saying Mass.

This year, the church will have in-person services — while limiting the size of the crowds.

Last year, Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2018 Riegler Road, in Land O’ Lakes had a drive-in Easter service and it will do that again this year, on April 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, Grace Community Church, at 7107 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, will switch from the drive-in service it had last year to an in-person worship service on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. After the service, families will be able to take advantage of a photo booth, to pose for their Easter pictures. Last year, families shot selfies in their cars.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will have its 36th annual Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., on April 4, virtually, via Facebook.com/adventhealthzephyrhills. The event was held virtually last year, too, after decades of conducting the service on the hospital’s lawn.

Meanwhile, across the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes has kept protocols in place for the nearly 500,000 Catholics in Tampa Bay Area, according to a Diocesan news release.

Those protective measures include social distancing, sanitizing and the use of face coverings.

Church holy water fonts remain empty and collection baskets are not circulated, the news release says.

Bishop Parkes also has kept in place the general dispensation from Sunday Mass at this time.

If you’re interested in attending an Easter service, be sure to check your local church to get the latest details on services. Many places of worship require reservations, so be sure to check soon to reserve your spot.

Published March 31, 2021

Girls-only troops work on camping, leadership skills

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Girls had a chance to learn outdoor skills, build teamwork and develop leadership at the Back to Brownsea program in Odessa.

The program is for members of the girls-only troops of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), according to a news release.

Ten-year-old Stella DeStefano, of Cub Scout Pack 37 at Learning Gate School, learns how to use a saw at Back to Brownsea, at Camp Brorein, March 12 through March 14, in Odessa. (Courtesy of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America)

Seventeen-year-old Isabella Trevino, a Gaither High student, was at the camp — held March 12 through March 14 — because she wanted to give something back, by helping the younger girls who were there, the release says.

The younger girls had just “crossed over” to the Scouts BSA program, for ages 11 to 17, from family oriented Cub Scouts packs, which include elementary school-aged boys and girls.

Trevino served as the senior patrol leader (the highest level of youth leadership) for the weekend event, which drew more than 50 participants, including girls as instructors and students and adult leaders, to Boy Scout Camp Brorein, 16901 Boy Scout Road, the release adds.

“People involved in this grow into real good adults,” Trevino said, in the release. “And, we learn a lot about leadership and skills.”

The event was sponsored by the Fort Brooke District of the Greater Tampa Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America, which serves nine west-central Florida counties. It was organized by Terri Hunter, a member of the district’s Activities and Civic Services Committee.

The hands-on activities, taught by older Scouts BSA members, included fire-building, wood-splitting, knot-tying and other basic scout skills exercises to prepare them for independent camping, using the patrol method.

Paisley Murphy, 13, a Pasco Middle School student, with Troop 34, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes, helped the younger girls work on tying knots.

She said she enjoyed teaching the skill, according to the release.

Her father, Ryan Murphy, an adult leader with the troop, said, “This was a good opportunity to get more experience in leadership roles.”

Published March 24, 2021

Christmas celebrations vary, during COVID-19

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Some churches are issuing tickets for admission.

Many are limiting seating.

At least one is offering drive-in services, and many places of worship plan to conduct candlelight services.

And, based on internet searches, it appears the vast majority have some sort of safety protocols in place, in light of COVID-19.

Some churches have already had their Christmas services, opting to celebrate the weekend before Christmas.

And, at least one — First United Methodist Church of Dade City — has decided to drop its traditional Christmas Eve service and its Sunday service Dec. 27 because of uncertainty of crowd size, according to a posting on the church’s Facebook page.

Still, those who are seeking to attend a religious service to celebrate Christmas will have plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Beyond traditional scriptural readings, some churches will offer special music and will feature festive decorations.

Some will have services indoors and out. Many will offer remote streaming options.

Chances are, you’ve already made your plans to celebrate — after all Christmas Eve is this coming Thursday and Christmas Day, on Friday.

But, if you’re still considering your options, be sure to visit your preferred church’s website to be certain you have current information. Also, you’ll need to check ahead to guarantee you can still get tickets if you need them, and can become familiar with any precautions you’ll need to take, to comply with the church’s COVID-19 protocols.

There are literally hundreds of churches across the newspaper’s coverage area. So, here’s a sampling of some churches in our coverage area, and their Christmas plans — based on Facebook and website postings — for this year.

LUTZ

  • Christmas at Idlewild, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.: Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., face coverings recommended; Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., masks optional; Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., masks optional. Tickets are available through the church’s website.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road: Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., following guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing. The website notes: “We respectfully request everyone wear a mask while at church.”
  • First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41: Online and in-person candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. According to the website: Balcony is mask only; auditorium is mask optional.
  • Bay Hope Lakeshore Campus, 17030 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Streaming on Bay Hope TV on Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
  • St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The service will be held in the main church sanctuary, with livestreaming to the parish hall and an outside courtyard. Eucharistic ministers will distribute communion in livestream areas.
  • Crosspointe Family Church, 919 DeBuel Road: Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road: Family candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., candlelight worship on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
  • Unity North Tampa, 19530 Holly Lane: Burning Bowl Service, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. A ceremony to release what is unwanted in your life and affirm new blessings for the New Year.

LAND O’ LAKES

  • Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway: The church is following guidelines for sanitizing, social distancing and masks. There’s an outdoor mass on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., no signup is required. Other Christmas Eve masses are: 6 p.m., signup and livestream; 10 p.m., signup; midnight, signup and Life Team. On Christmas Day, the mass times are 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., which are both signup; and 11:30 a.m., which is signup and livestream.
  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., candlelight worship service with communion.

WESLEY CHAPEL

  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Christmas Eve in-car service on Dec. 24 at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. RSVP, first come, first served. Those signing up on the church’s website are asked to indicate if they are driving a car, an SUV, a truck or a van. They also are asked to indicate how many people will be receiving communion. RSVP by calling 813-973-2211.
  • Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road: Service on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m., and on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Faith Lutheran Church, 27221 Foamflower Blvd., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Cypress Creek Church (meets at North Tampa Christian Academy, 5585 County Line Road): Christmas with the Family Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. The church’s website notes: “We have the restaurant rule. You are required to wear a mask as you step on and off the church campus, but once you are at your seat you may take off your mask.” Church staff and its Dream Team will wear masks as they serve. Also, temperatures will be taken, before each person enters the building.
  • First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54: Christmas service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Grace Community Church, 7107 Boyette Road: Candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Previously known as Wesley Chapel Episcopal), 38356 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101: Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m., with a musical prelude at 10 p.m. Masks and reservations required. Incense will be used during the service.

ZEPHYRHILLS

  • St. Joseph Catholic Church, 38710 Fifth Ave.: Dec. 24 services at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Dec. 25 services at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Its website notes that masks are required for every person at every service and social distancing is required, too.
  • ZFA Church, 36322 State Road 52: Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service.

DADE CITY

  • First Presbyterian Church of Dade City, 37412 Church Ave.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Services also available via Facebook and YouTube.

SAN ANTONIO

  • St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32885 Rhode Island Ave.: Services on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. On Dec. 25, the service will be at 10 a.m., and it will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Published December 23, 2020

Local woman hopes to make faith-filled impact on national level

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Zephyrhills resident Michele Bowman, raised in the Catholic Church, has always embraced faith as her life’s foundation.

“Really, it has given me everything,’’ Bowman said.

Now, she has a rare opportunity to give back.

Bowman recently was elected as one of nine National Directors for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), an organization that promotes spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service and sisterhood.

Zephyrhills resident Michele Bowman recently was elected as a National Director for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, becoming the fourth Floridian to reach that level in the organization’s 117-year history. (Courtesy of Michele Bowman)

In the CDA’s 117-year history, Bowman is the fourth National Director from Florida.

Bowman, who worships at St. Joseph Catholic Church, has been active as a charter member of the 43-woman Court Mother Teresa in Zephyrhills. The chapter is one of CDA’s 1,150 local chapters. She has held several CDA positions on the state and local level, but said she’s looking forward to making connections on the national level. She’s beginning a two-year term.

“It’s a big deal and quite an honor for Michele,’’ said Kathy Brady, a regent with Court Mother Teresa. “She will be able to give her opinion and be a liaison at the highest level of our organization. She will be hands-on with a lot of big issues, and it’s going to be a great experience.’’

Bowman grew up in North Tampa, where her home parish was St. Mary Catholic Church in the Lake Magdalene area.

During her initial time as a Zephyrhills resident, she attended Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes when it was a small church, then saw it grow exponentially as the area’s population increased.

For nearly three decades, she has called St. Joseph home. When she first heard about the formation of Court Mother Teresa, she joined immediately. It became an important factor in her spiritual maturation.

“It appealed to me to be around a group of Catholic women, to grow in faith, to be of service to the community,’’ said Bowman, who was elected by mail voting as part of the CDA’s 58th Biennial National Convention, which was scheduled for Dallas but held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a great way to meet people in my parish. I thought the faith-based emphasis, plus the service and social aspects, were really nice,” Bowman said.

“But, it became more than I would have imagined. It has really extended my self-confidence in speaking to people and meeting new people. At one time, I could look around my church and hardly not know anyone. Now, I look around and I know so many people, their stories, their backgrounds. I will now get a chance to do that on a national level. I wasn’t super shy, but this sort of involvement has made me more outgoing.’’

It has also given Bowman ideas about growing an organization.

At Court Mother Teresa, the group has worked with Meals on Wheels and the Trinity Cafe. It has organized a Christmas Toy Drive for children of migrant workers. It has held yard sales and bunco games to raise money for charities.

Fundraising is good.

Charity is good.

But, Bowman wants to expand those concepts. The membership must grow. And, it needs a youth movement.

Court Mother Teresa is one of only seven courts in Florida.

“There should be more, I think, probably many more, but getting things going might be a little harder than it looks,’’ Bowman said. “I think as a national director, that’s part of my job, but it’s part of all of our jobs, really. You have to continually reach out to people, go to parishes, ask the priests if you can give a talk. You try to get the interest going.

“There are many benefits not only to the church community, but to the individuals as well. I would absolutely like to see us increase our membership, and I believe we must attract some younger women. It’s a problem when your membership starts to age out. We may have to change the way we approach things, and I’d like to have a voice in this because I believe it’s a big issue. We should be proactive.’’

As a national director, Bowman will have oversight of several states and interaction with the CDA’s big-picture issues.

But, she knows local involvement is the key to growth.

“I would tell people who want to join a court that it’s a great way to make lifelong meaningful friends with like-minded values,’’ Bowman said. “It’s a way to provide service to others. You become unified in your faith and it empowers you in a way where you know you can make a difference.

“We’re connected by our Catholic faith. By working together, we reach out to each other, encourage each other and enhance our own faith. It’s always nice to pray together. You see how someone professes their faith and strength, how they handle themselves. We are always stronger when we work together. That’s always what I want to encourage,” she said.

For more information on Court Mother Teresa, contact Brady at (813) 625-5556 or Bowman at (813) 838-3804. For more information on the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, log onto CatholicDaughters.org.

By Joey Johnston

Published September 02, 2020

Schools end unusual year on high note

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Normal end-of-the-school year traditions were out this year, due to COVID-19, so schools put on their thinking caps to find new ways to honor and celebrate the students.

Sand Pine Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, held its Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony, in the school’s parking lot.

Names of fifth-graders from Sand Pine Elementary were written in chalk in the school’s parking lot, to treat the children like royalty during the school’s Fifth Grade Moving Up ceremony. (Courtesy of Sand Pine Elementary)

After a parade through the school’s parking loop, each fifth-grader’s name was written in chalk on a parking spot.

Then, their belongings were loaded into the trunk of their car, along with a balloon and a middle school T-shirt, according to Sue Urban, the principal’s secretary.

“Everyone had a great time, even while social distancing,” she said, via email.

At Academy at the Lakes, an independent school in Land O’ Lakes, students drove by in a parade — and picked up their yearbooks, locker stuff, art projects and science projects — all packed in an Academy tote bag with personalized notes from their teachers.

Voluntary prekindergarten graduates from Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church were honored, too.

To bring a special ending to the year, staff from the school did an individual “graduation” ceremony at each child’s house, according to Corrine Ertl, center director.

From left, members of the Stoppa family: Anne (mom), Jeeho (Mary’s House graduate), Jackson and Michael (dad). (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)

“First, we gathered all their addresses, divided by subdivision, and mapped out all the addresses, Ertl said, via email.

“Well, we started on Monday and after four days and 489 miles we finished.

“Every child was full of joy. Most of the children had dressed up in their cap and gown, we placed their sign in the yard, played pomp and circumstance through our mobile Bluetooth speaker,” she wrote.

Every child and his or her siblings received cupcakes, and the graduates received their candy class ring, just like they would at graduation, Ertl wrote.

Meanwhile, Pasco and Hillsborough county high schools had to push off their traditional ceremonies because of COVID-19, so other ways were found to honor the seniors until those formal commencement exercises can be held.

In Pasco County, the school district had virtual ceremonies, complete with pomp and circumstance, performed remotely, by students from several bands from across Pasco County.

Drive-by celebrations were held for the Class of 2020 at The Grove in Wesley Chapel and at SunWest Park in Hudson. The city of Zephyrhills had a parade for seniors, too.

Published June 10, 2020

Academy at the Lakes seniors Jordan Whit, left, and Kate Erin McCormick (in car) swing by to pick up their stuff. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)
From left, members of the Sievert family: Carmen, Kimberley (mom), Tony (dad), Alicia (Mary’s House graduate) and Dominic. (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)
All four children of the Iglesias family attended Mary’s House, and Rosie, the youngest of those children, was the last one to graduate from the VPK program. From left, Isabella, Dennis (dad), Cecilia, Nicholas, Jaclyn (mom) and Rosalia. (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)

Finding creative ways to express faith at Easter

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Instead of having thousands of members arriving for Easter services at Idlewild Baptist Church, in Lutz, Senior Pastor Ken Whitten expects they’ll be tuning in instead.

The church’s 15,000 members will be able to watch on Vimeo, Facebook or Idlewild.org the services, which will be presented in English and American Sign Language, and translated into Spanish.

First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes will be livestreaming its Easter service. Many churches are using different approaches this year in light of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (B.C. Manion)

Those presenting the service will be social distancing, Whitten said.

“We’ll be 6 feet apart. From the praise band to the camera people and myself, there’s never any more than 10 people,” he said.

COVID-19 has presented unique challenges, the pastor said.

“In all of my life, I’ve never ever experienced anything like this. We’ve had hurricanes, where we’ve missed two Sundays, but this will be our fourth Sunday doing online church,” Whitten said.

Being unable to connect in person is difficult for people, Whitten said.

“God made us for relationships, and God made us to want to be together.

“So, there’s something inside of us — I think an ache — inside the whole world right now,” he said.

Legally, the church could hold its large gatherings, because despite a Stay-at-Home order issued by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, religious assemblies are deemed an essential service.

“We might by law be able to congregate,” Whitten said. “Here’s the question, ‘Is that even the right thing to do?

Jesus said the two greatest commandments are “to love the lord thy God with all thy heart, mind and strength” and “to love your neighbor as yourself.

“I don’t think you can fulfill that second commandment and be a vector of infection, and bring a disease to people you are saying that you love,” Whitten said.

“The reason we’re not meeting is because we’re trying to do our part.

“Keep in mind, the church is not the only one who has been asked to stand down. We have no sports. We have no NASCAR.

“It doesn’t matter, no matter what you are normally used to, (it) is not there.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church created a more personal touch for its online services, by asking parishioners to submit photos of themselves, so the officiants can look at them, while saying the Mass. (Courtesy of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)

“There’s no Master’s. March Madness didn’t happen. It became March sadness, didn’t it,” Whitten said.

COVID-19 has created a medical and economic crisis.

In the midst of that, Whitten said, “I think the message we need to give people right now is this: Live one day at a time, with trust, trusting that God’s got this. That he hasn’t taken his eye off us. He knows what tomorrow brings.

“The best thing we can do is to continue to put our trust in him and continue to be an encouragement to the people around us that need that trust,” Whitten said.

Others using technology to share Easter services include NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive; Bay Hope Church, at 17030 Lakeshore Road; St. Timothy Catholic Church, at 17512 Lakeshore Road; and, First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41, all in Lutz.

Land O’ Lakes churches using that approach include Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will be using technology, too, but to make it more personal, the church has placed enlarged photographs of church members on chairs within the church.

Meanwhile, Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, at 2018 Reigler Road in Land O’Lakes, will be having Drive-In Church on  April 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Members of Grace Community Church will be celebrating together, while staying apart, in drive-in church services on Easter. (Courtesy of Grace Community Church)

“You will simply drive into our parking lot and tune in on an FM channel (which will be displayed on our slide truck) and worship with us from the comfort of your own car.  We will celebrate communion together with commercially purchased, prepackaged, individual communion elements and collect our offering in free-standing receptacles as you exit the parking lot,” the church’s website says.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the county, Grace Community Church also will be having  drive-in services.

Normally, members would arrive in their Easter finery, celebrate their faith together and pose afterwards for family portraits, said Pastor Jeff Olsen.

But, this year, they’ll drive to the church 7107 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, and they’ll stay in their cars — for either the Sunrise service at 7:15 a.m., or the 10:30 a.m. gathering.

Instead of spending a couple of minutes at the beginning of the service greeting each other personally, they’ll take out their cellphones to text or call other members who are there; or reach out to church members who couldn’t make it to the service.

Jessie Koschman and her family, left to right, Jessie, Kaylei, Christopher and Greg, pose for a selfie inside their car. This will be a new twist on a traditional Easter family portrait at Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Jessie Koschman)

Then, at the conclusion, instead of posing for family portraits, they’ll whip out their cellphones and take family selfies.

Even though the service could be livestreamed, Olsen said he prefers having the congregation there — even if they need to stay in their cars.

“It seems like there’s more that can be done when we’re in a common space,” the pastor said, noting the church has already tried out this model and it seems to be working well.

Olsen said the central message of the sermon he plans to deliver will be something like this: “Because the grave is empty and Jesus is alive, we have living hope — even when things seem hopeless.”

Others are adapting services, as well.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will have its 35th annual Easter Sunrise Service online, instead of on the hospital’s lawn.

The service will be streamed online on Easter Sunday, April 12 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and will be available for replay on the hospital’s Facebook page, according to a hospital news release.

Pastor Dennis Harmeson, of Awake Wesleyan Church, will deliver this year’s sermon and Darling Giordani will provide a musical selection.

The shift to online breaks an East Pasco tradition that dates back for more than three decades.

It was done, according to the hospital, “out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety and well-being of the community due to the spread of COVID-19.

“AdventHealth is committed to caring for the community – body, mind and spirit, as we live out our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ,” a release says.

At St. Joseph Catholic Church, at 38710 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, videos of Holy Week and Easter services, featuring the Rev. Allan Tupa, will be available on the church’s website.

On that website, the pastor told parishioners, “Your safety and health are my primary concerns as we confront the sobering and unsettling realities of this pandemic.”

He added: “This severe moment that is unfolding throughout the world enables us to see the profound truth underlying the season of Lent: Life is fragile, and our flesh is weak. Yet scripture assures us in Psalm 46 that God is ‘an ever-present help in time of distress.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 7333 Adventist Church, at 7333 Dairy Road in Zephyrhills, will continue to hold online-only services through April 30.

Published April 08, 2020

Threat of COVID-19 disrupts rhythms of daily life

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Health and economic threats loom large in light of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but there have been great costs, as well, on a personal level.

Life as we knew it, just a few weeks ago, has been turned upside down.

Recommendations to limit gatherings to 10 people are killing plans for personal celebrations — such as weddings, graduations and retirements, as well as birthday and anniversary milestones.

Concerns about spreading COVID-19 are causing parents to keep their children away from the grandparents.

Spring break trips and visits to theme parks — that families had been looking forward to for months, were cancelled.

And, even memorial services for loved ones are being postponed to allow for a larger celebration of life, later.

Retired teachers Judy and Glenn Alvarez, of Lutz, said the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unwanted cancellation in their life.

“We were supposed to go the Master’s — a bucket list thing,” Judy said.

She also noted that it’s annoying to be unable to find things in the grocery store. “Chicken, for example, there wasn’t any fresh chicken.”

The retired Lutz Elementary School teacher said she’d be surprised if schools reopen this year.

“I think that’s disappointing, too. Kids — playing their last game — not knowing they were playing their last game,” she said.

Glenn, a former baseball coach added: “If you’re a senior, this was your big chance in high school to shine. And, all of a sudden, it’s shut down.”

People across The Laker/Lutz News region noted that some view COVID-19 as a serious threat, while others, not so much.

Eighty-four-year old Bettie Coupland, of Dade City, said precautions are necessary.

“It’s a very serious thing,” she said. “We only go where we have to go.”

In fact, she and her husband, Lester, weren’t sure whether they would head to the polls on March 17 for the Presidential Preference Primary.

Ultimately, they decided to go — but, they wore masks.

Charissa Garcia, of Zephyrhills, said “a lot of people are not taking it seriously.”

Her husband, Joe, agreed: “We’re not preparing enough. We’re not ready for what’s coming, and everybody around here is acting like, ‘Oh, it’s just the common cold,’ and all this other stuff, and there’s going to be a rude awakening here.”

He also noted that there’s a lack of consistent messaging from the government and a lack of available tests.

“We’re all walking time bombs, and we don’t know who has what. We could all be carrying it asymptomatic and we don’t know that, and we’ve got nothing but snowbirds around us that are ready to migrate back home,” Joe said.

The couple said they’re doing their best to stay out of public places.

Even though the government is urging people to use social distancing — that is staying 6 feet away from each other to avoid spreading the virus — many are failing to comply.

“I see what’s going on in Italy, and they were in this same situation 10 days ago, and us being Americans — we’ve never dealt with something like this here,” Joe said.

He also noted that Americans tend to believe that things that happen in other countries couldn’t happen here.

So, he said, “people aren’t taking it seriously, and we’ve got a lot of tough times to go through.”

Thirty-four-year-old Brandon Bristow, an educator from Zephyrhills, said he thinks people need to take necessary precautions — but, he also believes that the threat has been blown out of proportion.

At the same time, though, he added: “It’s better safe than sorry.”

Bristow said he works with children, so he’s constantly washing his hands.

“Also, I am watching how much people interaction I’m having,” he added, and being sure to use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces.

Church congregations are being affected, too.

Instead of holding regular services, churches are livestreaming them.

Fred Perkins, the pastor of New River Methodist Church, off State Road 54, in Zephyrhills, planned to broadcast his service on YouTube, according to his daughter-in-law, Amanda Perkins.

The church has been broadcasting its contemporary service on My Facebook Live for a couple of years, she said. But, the church has two other services that are primarily attended by senior citizens.

“They’re not able to come to those, so we are going to be, for the first time, going to be broadcasting on a YouTube channel this weekend, so they can hopefully tune in,” she said.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, also live-streamed two Masses on March 22, one in English at 9:30 a.m., and one in Spanish at 11:30 a.m.

To give the services a more personal touch, the parish asked families to email a photo of their family to the church office.

They planned to enlarge the photos to place them on chairs in the church, so the priests could see the faces, while celebrating the Masses.

Kevin Weiss contributed to this story

Published March 25, 2020

Coronavirus poses dangers, disrupts daily life

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This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. (Courtesy of the CDC)

The ever-evolving threat posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has forced schools across Florida to shut down, blocked visitors from nursing homes, caused wide-ranging travel and event cancellations, and stripped grocery aisles — especially of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Locally, parents of students in the Pasco and Hillsborough county school districts are bracing to prepare for an extended state-ordered spring break.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also closed schools and early childhood centers through March 20. The diocese already had scheduled March 16 and March 17 as days off for students. Virtual learning will be conducted March 16 through March 20, according to a Diocese news release.

The additional school closures have left thousands of families scrambling to arrange child care, although the impact may be lessened to some degree as many companies are asking workers to work at home, if possible.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic; President Donald Trump has declared a national state of emergency. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state emergency, and Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared local states of emergency.

As of the morning of March 16, there had been four deaths reported in Florida linked to COVID-19, according to the Florida Health Department, which is the lead agency responding to the threat.

The health department also reported 684 negative test results and 514 pending tests. Also, there were 442 people being monitored for the virus and 1,573 had been monitored.

Health officials are trying to limit the spread of the virus — to avoid overloading hospitals — by urging people to avoid large crowds and wash their hands frequently.

The virus can spread person to person, through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may land on objects and surfaces.

Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surface, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath — and may appear as early as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure.

Most people recover from COVID-19 without requiring special treatment, but people with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk.

Impacts from the virus are being felt from Wall Street to Main Street. The stock market has plunged repeatedly, and local businesses are losing revenues because of the uncertainty created by the pandemic.

Huge events have been cancelled or postponed.

On the local front, cancellations include:

  • The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Land O’ Lakes Music Festival, March 21
  • Dog Days in Dade City, March 21
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce/Pasco-Hernando State College Distinguished Women’s Leadership Breakfast, March 24
  • The fourth annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Pasco/New Tampa), March 28
  • The Taste of North Tampa Bay, March 29
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership breakfast, April 7
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon, April 8
  • All SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice.

Attractions also have temporarily ceased operations, including Disney World and a number of regional venues. They include:

  • ZooTampa, through March 29.
  • Tampa Museum of Art, through March 29
  • The Glazer Children’s Museum, through March 29
  • Henry B. Plant Museum, through March 29
  • The Florida Aquarium, through March 29
  • The Museum of Science and Industry, through March 29
  • Tampa Theatre, through March 31

The Knights of Columbus, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, have cancelled until further notice, their meetings, their Lenten Fish Frys, their doughnuts on Sunday and soccer, both games and concessions.

The Savage Race, which was set for March 14 and March 15, at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, was postponed.

And, a Spring Market Day, planned for March 21 at the Old Lutz School, was cancelled because vendors were concerned about setting up, because of the threat of COVID-19.

Both the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and North Tampa Chamber have announced they would be holding off on varied activities, pending future decisions, in light of the evolving nature of the coronavirus threat.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has been keeping parents and staff informed about the district’s response to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 threat through a series of videos posted on the district’s website.

“I know that everyone remains concerned about the possibility of an outbreak,” Browning said, and the district is taking steps to attempt to limit the spread.

It also has conducted a brief phone survey to evaluate its capacity to provide distance learning, the superintendent said, noting the district needs to be prepared.

The district also has announced a plan to provide meals to students at seven designated sites, beginning on March 23. The food will be offered on a drive-thru basis at specific sites. The pre-packaged meals are for children under 18 years old and will include lunch as well as breakfast for the next day. Information about the program can be obtained by going to the school district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the coronavirus information link.

Impacts also are being felt by colleges.

Schools within the state’s university system were instructed to make plans to transition to remote instruction as soon as possible.

Saint Leo University suspended classes for its university campus students, in St. Leo, from March 16 to March 20, to allow its faculty to prepare to deliver all classes online beginning March 23, according to a university news release.

All residential students are being asked to return to their permanent residence following spring break, rather than returning to campus and to remain at home during this period of online instruction.

The university also has suspended all fall and winter sports, indefinitely. And, is canceling all large, group events.

The virus is affecting churches, too.

Concerns about potential spread of the virus also prompted the Diocese of St. Petersburg to take these steps, effective March 12, until further notice:

  • End the distribution of communal wine from a common cup
  • Remove Holy Water fonts, including the baptismal font
  • Avoid physical contact, including during the Sign of Peace

Bishop Gregory Parkes also granted dispensation from Sunday Mass in the Saint Petersburg Diocese through the end of March, to those wishing to avoid large gatherings.

Prevent the spread
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Source: Florida Department of Health

For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Published March 18, 2020

Troop 33 honors 11 Eagle Scouts

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An Eagle Court of Honor celebrated the accomplishments of 11 young men recently at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes.

Each of these members of Troop 33 received the rank of Eagle Scout: Evan Hernandez, Gabriel Vega, Michael Thibeau, Miguel Mockabee, Phillip Morrical, Spencer Huffman, John A. Turbessi, Cesar Arthur Castillo, Ethan Fuhrmeister, Louis Mooney Jr. and Matthew Gansemer.

The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest that a Scout can achieve in Boy Scouts of America.

These 11 Eagle Scouts were honored at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor, presented by Troop 33, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes. On left, front to back: Louis Mooney Jr., Ethan Fuhrmeister, John A. Turbessi, Cesar Arthur Castillo, Phillip Morrical and Matthew Gansemer. On right, front to back: Michael Thibeau, Evan Hernandez, Miguel Mockabee, Spencer Huffman and Gabriel Vega. (Courtesy of Samantha Petzold/Boy Scout Troop 33)

A video message from Frank Tsuru, chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association, put their accomplishment into perspective: “Rare is there a time when 11 young men are awarded the Eagle award at one time, from a single troop,” Tsuru said.

Still, that accomplishment is just the beginning of what being an Eagle Scout means, Tsuru continued.

He said they will be tested in life.

“As a businessman, it’s easy to be swayed to cut corners, hide some things, or not be fully transparent, in order to get ahead in business. By maintaining the Scout Oath and the Scout Law as your guiding principles, you will maintain honor, truthfulness, and give all of the glory to God for your successes.

“At the end of the day, principle-centered businesses see more successes than business that does not embrace these core principles.

“I want to remind you that your job has just begun.”

Plus, Tsuru added: “I’m asking you to give back and make an impact on a younger scout.”

Families and friends gathered to mark the occasion, at a ceremony that was planned and conducted by Scouts in Troop 33.

It was a dignified event, which began with performances by Roses in the Sawgrass, a choral group that served as a prelude to the program.

Scout John Turbessi, who was among those receiving the rank of Eagle Scout, provided a trumpet call, and members of the Troop 33 Color Guard presented the colors.

There were numerous speakers, including the Hon. Judge Ralph C. Stoddard, who was there to represent Chief Judge Ron Ficarrotta of the 13th Judicial Court.

Judge Stoddard told the audience, “No one understands perhaps better than we do, the consequences of failed parenting, or the benefits of good parenting.

“Here, today, we’re here to celebrate you because of the wonderful things that you have done for these young men and for our community.”

He also read a letter sent by the chief judge: “In achieving the Eagle Scout status, you’ve demonstrated that you are worthy of honor, which we know that you share with your family and troop today.

“Because we understand that this was an arduous task and most worthy of celebration, we join you in commemoration of this achievement.”

Chris McBride, director of youth ministry at Our Lady of the Rosary, was the keynote speaker.

He reminded the Scouts being honored: “You’re not self-made guys. None of us are, here. Be sure to be grateful and to give back.

“Always check in with yourself and say, ‘How am I living? How is my life making a difference for others?’” he said.

Monsignor Ron Aubin, pastor of the church, said “Congratulations to all of our Eagle Scouts. You make Our Lady of the Rosary parish very proud this afternoon. I know your parents are proud. Your Scout leaders are proud. And, I am very particularly proud of each and every one of you.

“You have achieved a significant goal,” the pastor said.

He also told the audience about a book he read many years ago that helped him to realize that the happiest people are those who set goals.

“People without goals become listless. They experience discontent, maybe even depression. It is people who are setting reasonable goals and working toward those goals that find authentic joy in life,” the pastor said.

“I want to encourage you to set reasonable goals on a regular basis. Multiple goals. Goals that you might achieve in the next few months. Goals that might be in the next few years. And maybe even goals that are long-term.

“It’s with moving toward these goals, and striving toward them, that we grow,” he said.

The pastor also thanked the Scouts, noting several of their projects have enhanced the church grounds.

Bob Hall, Scoutmaster of Troop 33, thanked the 19 assistant scoutmasters, the parents and others for their support.

“I don’t want people to think of us as an Eagle factory. Our troop is not about producing Eagles. What we’re about is producing leaders, and putting good leaders into the community,” Hall said.

The Scoutmaster also reminded the young men being honored: “Even though we help you along the way, this is something that you did. Not something that we did for you.”

“The accomplishment is only reached by about 4% that try for Eagle.

“I’m proud of you guys. I’m proud of what you stand for,” Hall said.

He told the audience that the Scouts being honored have different ambitions, ranging from becoming professors, to pursuing environmental science, to becoming lawyers, scientists, computer hackers, a politician and even a sports car designer.

And, three of the Scouts are going to be assistant scoutmasters, Hall added.

“Getting Eagle, it’s in your heart. It’s not the badge that I put on your chest. It’s not the scarf that you’re going to be wearing around your neck. It’s not the certificate that’s signed by somebody famous. Eagle is something that you’re going to carry for the rest of your life.

“And, how you carry that torch is up to you,” Hall said.

In addition to the presentation of the Eagle awards, certificates also were presented from Judge Stoddard and Ben Strakos, of the Knights of Columbus.

Each of the new Eagle Scouts also offered a few comments. Some were funny, and some were touching — but all of them offered a sense of appreciation for the help they received along the way.

Afterwards, there was a reception for the Scouts and guests, followed by a special Mass.

Published December 11, 2019

Eagle Scout stats
Total merit badges: 290
Project hours (personal): 752
Project hours (total): 3,095
Donations (total) $47,519.9

Making a difference
Eagle Scout projects completed by members of Troop 33:

  • Ethan Fuhrmeister restored plantings and benches at the 9/11 Memorial Garden at Freedom High School. He was helped by community members, teachers, sports teams and sports clubs. He comes from a family in which his father, four cousins, two uncles and two great uncles are Eagle Scouts.
  • Evan Hernandez built a Butterfly Garden and Finch Aviary at the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Hudson. He is grateful to Patricia Norton for the opportunity to beautify the entrance of the sanctuary and provide a habitat for the 30 finches and attract local butterflies.
  • Phillip Morrical focused on creating multiple habitats and nesting boxes for the Florida scrub jay. He built six nesting boxes at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes. He also provided education to the local community about the plight of the bird and sold nesting boxes to local residents who wanted to help save it.
  • John A. Turbessi, a first generation Venezuelan-American, designed his service project to help Venezuelan families in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis there. He organized a food and supply drive, and with the help of the Our Lady of the Rosary parish community and others, he was able to send  boxes containing more than 1,500 pounds of food, first aid and personal supplies — helping 20 families and 89 people in the process.
  • Gabriel N. Vega enlisted the aid of others to help him construct a Rosary Garden at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, and to purchase a large Virgin Mary statue centerpiece.
  • Spencer Huffman did a project that linked into Gabriel Vega’s Rosary Garden. The two scouts divided a major request by a parishioner, that included a wish list of a 200-foot pathway for the 14 Stations of the Cross in “The Way of the Cross Garden.” The two projects were combined to produce an area of worship.
  • Michael Thibeau responded to Monsignor Ron Aubin’s vision for the landscaping surrounding the church’s newly constructed youth center. The scout took the pastor’s vision and combined it with his father’s landscaping expertise to create a representation of the Garden of Gethsemane at the Mount of Olives.
  • Miguel Mockabee created additional space for the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pasco at Our Lady of the Rosary church that had been needing space for dignity and privacy of its clients.
  • Louis Mooney Jr. created a GaGa Pit at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church to promote more outdoor recreation for children of the parish and its youth ministry.
  • Cesar A Castillo did a GaGa Pit project at an elementary school in Tampa.
  • Matthew Gansemer helped to refurbish the food pantry for St. Vincent de Paul.

Published December 18, 2019

Sunlake student wins ‘Outstanding Senior’ honor

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Whether its focusing on rigorous academics or taking part in extracurriculars and church activities, Sunlake High’s Alexis Paredes enjoys being busy.

Actually, “having so much to do” is how the 17-year-old senior thrives best.

“I like to keep moving. I know if I don’t, I’ll get bored,” she said.

Sunlake High School senior Alexis Paredes has been awarded Pasco County School District’s 2019-2020 Outstanding Senior Award. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

It’s that self-starter mindset that earned Paredes the Pasco County School District’s 2019-2020 Outstanding Senior Award.

The annual honor is bestowed based on academic record, service, leadership, citizenship, and  commitment to school and community.

Students considered for the award are nominated by the student body, principals, faculty and staff. Nominees from each of the 16 Pasco County high schools then are interviewed by a panel of Pasco County Schools district employees and community members who ultimately narrow the selection to one student to represent the school system.

Paredes marks the second Sunlake student to win the honor in as many years, joining Jillian Gordy who won the district’s 2018-2019 Outstanding Senior Award.

Paredes was humbled to win the prestigious countywide honor.

“I wasn’t expecting it. I wasn’t even expected to get outstanding senior for my school, much less district,” she said. “I still can’t believe that I beat the ‘best of the best.’”

Her resume, though, indicates she’s deserving.

She maintains a 4.4 weighted grade point average while taking multiple Advanced Placement classes.

She is a representative in the school’s student council, secretary of the school’s National Honor Society Chapter, and a member of a youth leadership at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes.

Yet, her involvement in the school’s Junior State of America (JSA) chapter is what she considers her “biggest accomplishment” and the one that makes her most proud.

The nationwide organization labels itself as a nonpartisan debate and activism club.

Paredes serves as the school’s JSA club president and also holds the title of the organization’s chapter internal affairs agent for the Southeast region, where she keeps tabs on other JSA chapter presidents throughout Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and Georgia. She summed up the role like this: “Basically, I get to contact different chapter presidents and make sure their chapters are running efficiently and giving them advice on how to run their chapter, how to structure a meeting, how to build fundraisers.”

Alexis Paredes, Pasco County School District’s 2019-2020 Outstanding Senior, stands alongside Sunlake High principal Michael Cloyd. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

Paredes, a JSA member since her freshman year, said the club is “something I’m really passionate about, because I’m very much for activism and fighting political apathy.”

She also noted that JSA is “a great avenue to talk about politics, to talk to kids my age that may not agree with me, but may agree with me as well, and try to see a compromise or unity.”

Along with that, Paredes is spearheading a daylong convention in January that will bring together up to 300 students from other JSA clubs throughout the Tampa Bay area, to debate such issues like gun control, capital punishment, reparations for slavery, mandatory vaccinations in public schools, merits of the Electoral College, and more.

The event’s keynote speaker is former Florida Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell.

Paredes has dreamed of organizing such a convention “since probably my sophomore year. “We’re going to have a bunch of kids come and debate…and just share in the spirit of democracy,” she said.

The Sunlake senior has other big plans ahead, too.

In the fall, she will be attending the University of Chicago on a full-ride academic scholarship. She plans to major in political science, then attend law school with hopes of someday going into politics and becoming a policymaker.

Paredes chose the out-of-state university “because it’s obviously a prestigious school, but at the same time, it’s a little more modern than Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale.”

The school’s bevy of music concerts and location in the heart of the Windy City were some other major selling points, she said.

Besides her own drive and motivation to be successful, Paredes credited her mother and grandmother as being big influences, as well as some “amazing” teachers at Sunlake.

She said the classes she’s gotten the most out of are social studies classes at Sunlake, such as AP Human Geography and U.S. History. Those types of subjects, she said, taught her “a lot of life lessons.”

She quipped: “You wouldn’t think the Compromise of 1850 would be relevant to a 17-year-old in 2019, but I found learning about history teaches me about the present as well…”

As the senior gears up for her final semester at Sunlake, she’s already looking back fondly on her many memories on campus.

The amount of school spirit that radiates among the student body and faculty stands out, in particular, she said.

“Something I’ll definitely miss is the community, like the sense of unity our school has,” Paredes said. “If you go to our football games, we’re always riled up. We’re screaming cheers. We have a great sense of community spirit.”

She added: “I feel like our clubs are pretty solid, too, so if you’re joining a club, you don’t feel like it’s useless. You feel like the kids want to be there, the sponsors want to be there.”

Published December 11, 2019