The Laker/Lutz News

Land O' Lakes News

Benefit concert to feature patriotic music, fun

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It’s taking a village to start a new village.

In December, ground broke for the Let Us Do Good Village, a 75-acre mortgage-free community of homes for catastrophically injured veterans, surviving widows and children of fallen military and first responders. It’s located in Land O’ Lakes, right off Parkway Boulevard, about a half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff.

Ground has been broken and work is underway on the Let Us Do Good Village, a neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes devoted to giving mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans, and for surviving widows and children of fallen military and first responders. (Mike Camunas)

Now, the Land O’ Lakes and Pasco County “villages” are coming together to help the organization — the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation —  with a free benefit concert.

On May 28, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, there will be the patriotic Let’s Do Good Memorial Day Concert, featuring numerous musical acts, vendors, special guests, activities and more.

“While looking at Heritage Park, the name really felt like it went with Memorial Day,” said Kevin Wright, who, with Chandler Entertainment LLC, organized the event. “Because Memorial Day is a special day to honor those who have given their lives to our country and special effort is made to remember them. … I thought (a benefit concert) was the perfect way to not only show support for these (veterans), but for neighbors to learn more about the neighbors that will soon be here.”

The foundation was overjoyed when Wright approached it wanting to host a benefit concert and event. While the foundation has its own fleet of volunteers, the foundation’s volunteer coordinator in Florida, Christa Vutera, said Wright and his handful of volunteers are handling the whole show.

“We had about 200 volunteers approach us to work this event, but we just don’t need that many,” Vutera said. “We’ll be there, but they’ve graciously taken care of everything.

“When Kevin came to us with the idea for a concert benefiting the village, we were like, ‘Yes, please! Thank you so much for putting this together!’ Because it has been nothing but extraordinary to see how the public has come forward and embraced a mission that benefits people who need (the village). Because it takes a village to put on these events.”

Ground for the village broke back in December, with the first of 110 houses estimated to be completed and given to a veteran by this December.

The foundation provides mortgage-free homes for recipients in its Smart Home, Fallen First Responders and Gold Star Family programs. They are specially designed Smart Homes, which are one-floor homes and built on 100-foot-wide lots. The neighborhood also will feature brand-new amenities, including an indoor basketball court, pool, tennis court, an ADA-accessible gym, a theater, an outdoor playground, a game room and more. 

The neighborhood will be the first of its kind in the country.

The foundation is named after Stephen Siller, a firefighter who had finished his shift and was on his way home when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred at the Twin Towers. Siller was one of 343 firefighters who perished that day.

He left behind five young children.

Wright says ever since he heard that story and about the foundation’s Let Us Do Good Village, he just felt the need to help in any way possible.

Especially when he learned the parcel of land on which the neighborhood will be located was donated by the Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation.

“I just thought it would be a great, patriotic way for residents and people around here to express their gratitude and show support for its veterans, who have given so much for this country,” Wright said. “(The foundation which donated the land), they could have sold that and made beaucoup bucks, but they instead gave it to a great cause.

“I just thought (the concert) would give the community a chance to show how much they support these people. That’s what this is really all about,” he said.

Published on May 25, 2022.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard widening projects are a step closer

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a state-funded incentive grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) relating to the construction of a portion of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The board took the action at its May 17 meeting, with no discussion, as part of its consent agenda. The consent agenda includes several items that are approved in a single action.

The agreement with FDOT covers a stretch of the road, from north of State Road 54/State Road 56 to north of Magnolia Boulevard.

By way of background, the county board approved an incentive program agreement with FDOT on May 23, 2017, relating to acquiring right of way for the project. The estimated right of way cost for the project is $11.7 million, with FDOT contributing about $5.9 million.

The construction cost for the project is estimated at about $36.4 million, with FDOT agreeing to fund slightly more than $5.7 million, according to information in the board’s agenda packet.

The overall project includes a six-lane urban typical section roadway, with a sidewalk, bicycle lanes, a multi-use path, lighting, and new signals at the intersections of Wesley Chapel Boulevard (also known as County Road 54) and Stagecoach Village Boulevard; and, Grand Oaks Boulevard and Compark Drive. (The signals at Grand Oaks already have been installed.)

Right of way acquisition is expected to be completed in the winter of 2022/2023. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2023 and to be completed by Summer of 2025.

In another action at the May 17 meeting, the county board approved the state-funded grant agreement with FDOT for the construction of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, from north of Magnolia Boulevard to north of Old Pasco Road.

The project includes two new lanes in a 48-foot median to tie into the existing six lanes to the east and proposed six lanes to the south. Most of the lanes will be 12-feet wide, with some sections having 11-foot lanes. Traffic signal adjustments will be made to accommodate the new

six lanes, with new striping and pavement markings.

The project’s estimated cost is slightly more than $1.1 million, of which FDOT has agreed to fund about $569,400.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2023 and be completed by July 2025, according to agenda backup materials.

Published May 25, 2022

On the ‘Main(e)’ strip

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Looking to add a little flair to its establishment, Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, opted to spruce up the outside of its building — the one that has been several different local water holes in its lifetime.

Owner Sean Welton tapped local artist Lindsi Werner to paint her first mural on the front of the building. Sticking with the oyster bar theme, Werner’s piece is titled “Main(e) Hangout” and features notable landmarks and themes from the northern state. Werner, who spent nearly 30 hours painting the mural, opted for the theme because Welton hails from Maine.

This is now one of three murals on local businesses on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard between State Road 54 and Bell Lake Drive. The other two are on neighboring brewery In The Loop Brewing Company and longtime barbecue restaurant Hungry Harry’s.

Land O’ Lakes artist Lindsi Werner puts the finishing touches on her mural, ‘Maine Hangout’ on the outside of Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

Honoring Vietnam veterans at commemorative dinner

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It was a tight squeeze, so the Color Guard from Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, came out in a single file to post the colors prior to the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. From left: U.S. Air Force veteran Jess Scoggins, of Tampa; Ed O’Mara, of Tampa; Carlos Gill, of Tampa; and U.S. Navy veteran John Blidy, of Tampa. (Fred Bellet)

Soldiers returning from the Vietnam War often faced hostility and scorn.

An event commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war had a much different tone.

Here, those who served their country were regarded with respect, and their sacrifices were honored and celebrated.

About 150 people turned out for the event, hosted by American Legion Post 108, at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.

Veterans, family members and others gathered for the event, at which 44 Vietnam veterans were honored.

Tribute also was paid to those who did not return from the war — through displays in the room and the symbolic “Missing Man” table.

American Legion Post 108 Commander Randy Holeyfield welcomed those gathered, and Tampa’s American Legion Post 5 provided the ceremonial color guard and honor guard duties.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dan Biser, of Lutz, offered the opening prayer, and retired U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Gen. James Hartsell spoke on “Keeping the Legacy Alive.” Hartsell is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The atmosphere at the event was one of dignity, respect, honor and pride.

Published May 11, 2022

U.S. Army veteran Robert Hurt, of Tampa, has clear recollections of his years as a sergeant major in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1971.
United States Air Force veteran Joe Dilimone, left, was a flight line supervisor during his tours in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1968. He served in a role something like an air traffic controller, getting aircraft into the air and landing them. He attended the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Dinner with his son, Robert, of Port Richey.
Bob Szymanowski, of Land O’ Lakes, right, sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Post 108, greets veterans. His son, Keith, of Brooksville, stands beside him.
Post Commander Randy Holeyfield reflects and remembers the Vietnam War. Holeyfield, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, welcomed the nearly 150 people who attended the event at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.
Sarah Holosopple looks over a Vietnam War commemorations displays set up in the banquet room at Plantation Palms Golf Club, the site of the event held to honor veterans of the Vietnam War and to mark the 50th anniversary of the war. She attended the event with her father, Gerry Holosopple, of Land O’ Lakes, a Vietnam War veteran.

Enjoying a day out, while raising money for hospice care

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Hundreds of people turned out to the Gulfside Hospice Charity Festival of Arts, recently held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Eleven-year-old Brennen Lay, center, of Port Richey, keeps his eye on music teacher Katherine Hintz, of Land O’ Lakes, as she and violinists from Hintz Academy of Music perform. Thirteen-year-old Sasanka Sentail, left, of Land O’ Lakes, follows along. (Fred Bellet)

The event, on April 23, raised more than $20,000 to support hospice patient care and bereavement programs at Gulfside Hospice, according to a news release from the organizers.

The festival opened with the presentation of colors by the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and a performance of the national anthem by Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen, Larkin Mainwaring.

Guests enjoyed hands-on art stations, purchased art and grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks.

A talent showcase highlighted all kinds of performers, including dancers, musicians, singers, a comedy act, and more.

Miss Pasco County Anastasia Valimaki performed her signature speed painting talent for the crowd, and held a meet-and-greet with Mainwaring throughout the day.

“We are here to help hospice patients and their families receive hospice care and bereavement services. Gulfside Hospice does not turn any patient away because of an inability to pay, and that’s only possible because of the support we gather from the community,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.

“It’s a day of fun and a day that celebrates the arts, because there’s nothing that celebrates life more than creativity and art,” Armstrong added.

For more information about upcoming events to support Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising & event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .

Published May 04, 2022

Land O’ Lakes’ artist Terry Smith displays some of his paintings featuring nature scenes from the great outdoors.
‘Popcorn,’ a 10-year-old standard poodle and service dog checks out what’s on the menu, as the dog’s owner, Vivian Calabria, visits the vendor and exhibit tents.
Anshita Sahu, 12, who studies at Hintz Academy of Music, provided a soothing sound, during the academy’s performance at the Charity Festival of Arts. The Land O’ Lakes musician was accompanied by violinists.
Five-year-old Hayleigh Perkins, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a coloring book she received at the festival. She and her parents, Rich and Michelle Perkins, checked out the art projects, to vote for their favorite.
Six-year-old twins Blake and Mia Carreras select materials under one of the art project tents at the festival. They were accompanied by their parents, Yasir and Ami Carreras, of Land O’ Lakes.
Lucy Santanello votes for her favorite artwork at the Gulfside Hospice auction and art exhibit tent. Santanello and friend Millie Biggs drove to the event from New Port Richey.
Wherever Michelle Fisler went at the Charity Festival of Arts, onlookers did a double-take. After all, Rascal, a 4-year-old skunk from Florida Skunk Rescue, hitched a ride on her shoulder. Fisler said, as pets, skunks are comparable to cats.
Ileana Scopano, third from right, a volunteer member of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, dances next to the horses as music plays over the public address system at the festival. The posse took part in the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner.
The GFWC Women’s Group performs its version of, ‘I Will Follow You,’ from the movie, ‘Sister Act.’ From left: Dee Knerr of Tampa; Kay Taylor, of New Port Richey; Pam Blumenthal, of Wesley Chapel; and, Elayne Bassinger, of San Antonio.
Vocalist Doug Karl opened the event with lively, foot-stompin’ music.

 

 

In terms of awards, it’s ‘raining cats and dogs’ here

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And the award goes to …

That’s a phrase that’s become increasingly familiar to employees at Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS).

The recognitions keep rolling in.

Animal care technician Tony Vaitkevicius, of Spring Hill, makes his rounds, checking every occupied cage for anything that needs his assistance.

PCAS was named Outstanding Animal Care & Control Agency for 2021 by the National Animal Care & Control Association, and a couple of its top employees picked up awards, too.

Assistant Director Spencer Conover was named Florida’s Supervisor of the Year, while Dr. Christine Glenn was named Employee of the Year, for 2022.

“All of Pasco County, if you have any issue, dog or cat, it’s coming through our animal control,” Conover said.

The award-winning performance, he said, “has everything to do with our team. We’re not re-inventing the wheel here, we’re just doing the policies and procedures that we’ve collaborated on with a lot of other shelters.”

Yogi, a 9-year-old mixed-breed, may be suffering from kennel stress and wears a protective collar to prevent him from scratching his right ear. A national award received by the department reflects the quality of care received by animals from Pasco County Animal Services. (Fred Bellet)

One thing that sets the shelter apart, however, is the passion of its staff and its volunteers, Conover said, adding that’s not found everywhere.

In fact, the shelter has 400 volunteers, and has received a Service Enterprise Certification through Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

The passion exhibited toward animals is not always acknowledged with awards, but does create a feeling of accomplishment, Conover said.

Animal care tech Amber Katona put it like this: “We always stay very busy, but seeing dogs and animals come through us, and seeing their attitude change and get adopted, that’s the biggest thing to see. We all work real hard to make sure they get new homes.

“We do a lot of great things that are super helpful to the community,” said Katona, who has worked at PCAS for four years.

The shelter sees more than 6,500 animals per year, and prides itself on keeping its modern facilities emptier than most.

“Empty kennels is always a good day for us,” Conover said with a smile. “We love empty kennels.”

To learn more about PCAS, its volunteer and adoption programs, and more, log onto PascoCountyFl.net/4510/Contact-PCAS.

Pasco Animal Services, by the numbers

  • 93% overall save rate
  • 90% save rate since 2019
  • 97% save rate for dogs, among highest in Florida
  • $100,000 in grant funding
  • Over 900 trap, neuter, vaccinate and return surgeries for feral and community cats in 2021
  • 400 volunteers
  • 6,500 animals sheltered or seen a year
  • 50 employees
  • Two full-time vets
Pasco County Animal Services Assistant Director Spencer Connor holds the national award. The animal shelter was named Outstanding Animal Care & Control Agency for 2021.

Delivering quality, consistently
Awards received by Pasco County Animals Services from the Florida Animal Control Association or the National Animal Care and Control Association, since 2014:

2014: Animal Control Officer of the Year: Martin O’Keeffe*
2017: Supervisor of the Year: Ron Altman*
2019: Animal Control Officer of the Year; John Douglass*
2019: Animal Control Officer of the Year: Michael Northrup**
2019: Employee of the Year: Gina Botticello*
2020: Supervisor of the Year: Gina Botticello**
2021: Animal Control Officer of the Year: Stella Ickes*
2021: Supervisor of the Year: Jessica Every*
2021: Outstanding Agency of the Year**
2022: Employee of the Year: Dr. Christine Glenn*
2022: Supervisor of the Year: Spencer Conover*
* Florida Animal Control Association
** National Animal Care and Control Association

Published April 27, 2022

 

Animal care technician Whitney Mercer makes her way down the line of occupied cages, where dogs are waiting for a frozen food treat smeared with a peanut butter topping, called a ‘Kong.’
Erica Albritton, an animal care technician, works with a boisterous mixed-breed dog in a double-fenced area on the grounds of Pasco County Animal Services. Albritton, who has worked there for three years, encourages calm behavior and will eventually train the dog not to be overly excited. At that point, the dog is ready for adoption.

Beer and burgers were the stars at this fest

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The festival-goers came from as close as Land O’ Lakes, and from as far away as Jacksonville, to attend the second annual Pasco County Burger & Beer Festival.

They had a common goal: To sample all sorts of brews and to enjoy burgers at the event held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Besides being able to taste a wide selection, they also were able to vote on their favorite beer.

William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had the perfect shirt for the occasion — it said “This Guy Needs a Beer.” He was there with his wife, Michelle, to enjoy the day.

Sylvia Browe, of Jacksonville, traveled to Land O’ Lakes specifically to attend the festival. She and her friends were having fun dancing in front of the stage, as the music played.

Published April 13, 2022

From left: Laura and Mark Walsh, of Wesley Chapel; Rebecca Peterson, of Spring Hill; and, Alyssa Mascolo, of Land O’ Lakes, visited the sampling table of In The Loop Brewing, one of the brewers featured at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival. Laine Seals, of Wesley Chapel, manned the tap. (Fred Bellet)
Eighteen-month-old Ayden Cooprider will have to wait until the 20th annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival before she’s able to sample the beverages. But the little girl had plenty to see at the festival, accompanied by her mom, Sawyer, and Brett Martinez, of Land O’ Lakes.
Michael Cucuzzo, of Land O’ Lakes, is torn between the dark beer and light beer, but managed to taste one at a time prior to voting for his favorite brew. He was there with Nellie Singh, of Clermont, and Melissa Logan, of Land O’ Lakes.
Gary Woodring, a Lutz resident, chomps into a bacon cheeseburger from the Bacon Boss food truck. Woodring, his wife Denise, his mother-in-law Regina Kersten of Lutz, and friends attended the beer and burgers event. 
Patience was a virtue for those waiting for hamburgers at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Front, 8-year-old Jameson McAuley; his sister, 6-year-old Carrington; and mom and dad, Tom and Tiffany, didn’t mind the wait. Older siblings, 11-year-old Juliet and 13-year-old Braden also waited patiently for the line to move.
Tony Mozz plays guitar, as festival-goers listen from the lawn.
Shane Ryan, a vocalist for the New Port Richey-based Providence Band, was among the entertainers performing at the festival. Many festival-goers not only enjoyed listening to the music, but dancing to it, too.
The shirt said it all, and William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had a choice of beers from 12 different brewers at the second annual Beer & Burger Festival at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Rivera was there with his wife, Michelle. The couple voted for Leap Gate as their favorite beer.

 

Jail operations shifting from sheriff’s office to Pasco County

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Operation of the Pasco County Jail is shifting from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to Pasco County, but before it does, a transition audit should be performed, according to Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

“You want to know, as a county board, what you’re getting with that transfer of a major function for the county,” the clerk said, during the Pasco County Commission’s April 5 meeting.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles advised the Pasco County Commission to have a transition audit done, as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office hands off overseeing the jail operations to Pasco County. (File)

“It’s important to know what we’re getting, as a county, from the sheriff, from Day One,” she added.

“When you are going to transfer an operation from one government entity to another, it’s very important to do a transition audit,” the clerk said.

That’s important, “so, that on Sept. 30, you know what was with the sheriff, and now, we know Oct. 1, what’s going to be with the county.

“An audit like that would consist of making sure we identify all of the capital assets, all of the accounts, the reconciliation of any accounts that they have, to make sure we know what we’re getting on Day One, with the county,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey asked the clerk if her office could do the audit.

Alvarez-Sowles said it is something that her inspector general is capable of performing, but she’s operating at 50% staff, so can’t take it on.

“We wouldn’t be able to take on an audit this size, but I would like to recommend to the board to allow her to contract with an auditing firm, outside, to come in and help us with that transition,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

“I’d like to have that opportunity to do that (contract for the audit). That would be something county would have to pay for, the services,” she added.

“We have to jump quickly because an audit like this is very extensive. It takes a lot of time.

“Just from when it switched over from my predecessor, Paula O’Neil, to me, it took months, with my inspector general, and that’s all they really focused on, for months.”

Starkey asked how the county should proceed with pursuing the audit.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said: “The clerk should present it (proposal for audit) at a future board meeting.”

In addition to the audit, the clerk said she also needs information about how the shift will affect her operations. She expects it to have financial impacts and she wants to know more before turning in her proposed budget, which is due May 1.

Noting that she had just learned about the jail shift during the prior week, she told commissioners she might need some additional time to prepare her budget.

She said she needs to find out more about the impacts from County Administrator Dan Biles and from Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.

“My office is going to have probably significant operational impact, with that coming over,” she said. “It’s going to be a significant impact to my finance department, finding and understanding all of their accounts and their credit cards, and reporting for grants and capital assets. And, do they have any capital projects that are outside of the General Obligation bond? And, there’s so much more, just off the top of my head.”

It also will have an impact on IT.

It also will have an impact on the courts, both criminal and civil, she said.

“I want to make sure that we identify what role is the sheriff keeping, what role is going to be coming to the county, as it relates to that,” she added.

“There’s also some local administrative orders that we need to look at, as it impacts the role. I don’t know if it would still be with the sheriff, or if it goes to the corrections, for some of the things there,” she said.

She told the county board that she would like to attend the county’s budget workshop that is set for May 24, “so we have some good conversations around this.”

Published April 13, 2022

Renovations making progress at Land O’ Lakes library

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library is fenced off now, as the facility undergoes a major renovation. It is expected to reopen this summer, though a specific date has not been announced. (Mike Camunas)

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, closed on Aug. 14, to enable the start of a massive renovation.

But it won’t be much longer now, before eager patrons can begin streaming through the doors of the popular library.

The reopening is expected this coming summer, though a more precise date is not yet known, according to Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library System.

Harrison said the roof has been replaced.

Other elements of the project are making progress:

  • The interior walls are in place and the finish work will begin soon
  • The mechanical systems are being finalized
  • Outdoor spaces are in the works

The library’s interior will be completely updated and modernized.

That means there will be new spaces for adults, teens and kids, meeting spaces, new technology, an expanded lobby, a renovated makerspace and a central service desk.

The renovation is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) that was approved by Pasco County voters in November 2018. A GO Bond is a municipal bond secured by the issuing government’s pledge to use all available resources, including tax revenues, to repay holders of the bond.

While the renovation work continues, books and other materials can be placed on hold and picked up at other open libraries, or next door to the Land O’ Lakes Branch, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center, 3032 Collier Parkway.

For more information, about the county’s library system, log onto PascoLibraries.org.

Published April 06, 2022

This librarian isn’t a ‘book man,’ but is quite the volunteer

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Dave Langston is a librarian who doesn’t really enjoy books.

“I am not a book man,” said the U.S. Air Force veteran, who served in Vietnam. “My wife, she reads all the time.”

Langston is, however, a project man and his most recent venture led to a highly improved library at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home, at 6919 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

From left: Dave Langston; his son, Daniel; his daughter, Jennifer; and his wife, Eileen, in the newly christened Langston Library at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Rebecca Pinson)

A resident at the nursing home for three years, Langston set about to give new life to the small library just down the hall from the nursing home’s bedrooms.

Within about 2 ½ months, Langston cleared out decades of old materials and obsolete electronic equipment. He organized the library’s books, DVDs, games and other donated items.

“He reshelved everything,” said Rebecca Pinson, the Social Work Services Program manager at the nursing home. He also put up pictures and keeps the library clean and organized, she said.

Langston, she continued, “even made a military section that’s organized by categories.

“We get lots of donations, but now we have it all organized because of Dave,” Pinson said.

And what did his hard work — with help from his bookworm wife, Eileen — get him?

“Well, he’s the librarian now,” Pinson said, with a laugh. “A librarian that doesn’t like books.”

As a gesture of appreciation, the nursing home has lovingly named the revitalized space The Langston Library. It even christened it with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Langston explained his motivation.

“This all started because I just went into the library and it was a wreck,” he said. “We must have hauled out 200 books, all just falling apart. At least now we can actually walk into the library and get something to do or take it back to our rooms.”

The military veteran used a questionnaire to find out what his fellow residents would like to see more of in the library.

So, it appears the “project man” isn’t done. He’s on the prowl for more game trays residents can use in their rooms or beds.

But his next true mission? Getting Wi-Fi specifically for the 76 in-house residents, which the veterans nursing home doesn’t have and the state won’t fund.

“He’s written letters to everyone, including the governor, to try to get it,” Pinson said. “That’s his next project.”

Langston is committed to that cause.

“I think about what I went through and what they’ve been through, and the least I can do is get internet for them,” Langston said.

Published March 09, 2022