The Laker/Lutz News

Land O' Lakes Library

Libraries plan more outreach, programs and events

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The 2021-2024 Strategic Plan for Pasco County’s library system calls for more outreach, more programs and cultural events, to enhance the system’s services and to attract new users.

The Pasco County Commission approved the system’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan during the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative, also known as Pasco County Libraries, must create a new strategic plan every three years, and that plan must be approved by the county board, in order for the system to qualify for state aid for public libraries.

Candice Kyle, of Dade City, helps Kaizer, her 4-year-old son, to build a tower out of blocks. The mother and son were bonding during the playtime portion of the Preschool Storytime program, in January 2020 at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, before the pandemic. The library is now closed for renovations. (File)

Nancy Fredericks, a library administrator, told commissioners that the new plan was developed by the county’s library team, along with the help of Leon Donovan, a consultant, to obtain community feedback through planning sessions, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. The effort included two surveys, too.

Besides telling the board about efforts to develop the plan, Fredericks shared a video that outlined the key points.

The board’s agenda materials also spelled out the primary elements of the strategic plan.

In essence, it identifies three major focus areas: Community, Culture and Education. It also contains goals, and strategies to achieve those goals.

Priority area: Community
In this focus area, the library system plans to increase outreach opportunities for community members and for organizations to become involved with the library.

It has identified activities to help achieve those goals.

For instance, it plans to establish Pop-Up library services to expand access to resources and services. It also is planning to provide 20 hours of service per month beginning in the first quarter of 2022.

It will promote library resources at a minimum of 20 meetings per year for community groups, civic organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies.

And, it plans to coordinate with the Friends of the Library on an annual campaign to help increase membership and raise funds.

Priority area: Education
In this area, the library system has identified the goal of providing access to a collection of print, non-print, and electronic resources that support the diverse needs and interests of Pasco County residents.

Rebecca Jackson, of Lutz, enjoys helping her children, 7-year-old Joel, left, and 3-year-old Hope, as they create their paint-by-string artwork during an event held shortly before pandemic restrictions kicked in, in 2020. The activity occurred at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, which is now closed for renovations.

It also aims to provide resources and programming to support lifelong learning, and skill and knowledge development across multiple literacies.

To help achieve those goals, it plans to partner with the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties to provide four programs per year.

It also plans to develop an Adult Literacy/ESL training program, and to train 15 volunteers per year to teach basic literacy and ESL to Pasco County citizens.

Also, it will offer two digital literacy activities per quarter to increase skill development in finding, evaluating, creating and communicating information on digital platforms.

Plus, it intends to create a Library of Things to circulate nontraditional materials, with a focus on items that support makerspace activities. It aims to add three new items per year to the Library of Things.

Other activities include:

  • Selecting 15 new items per year to be added to the Adaptive Toy Collection
  • Providing at least one staff training session per quarter focused on skill development, which relates to content creation
  • Offering two programs per quarter that educate the public on how to produce professional content for various media platforms

Priority area: Culture
The library system intends to foster culture within Pasco County by offering a wide range of programs at its branch libraries and outreach locations. The programming and activities will support self-expression, innovation, and community-based well-being.

Activities will include:

  • Deploying the Mobile Makerspace three times per quarter, to provide hands-on learning experiences
  • Collaborating with local performers, artists, and experts, to expand cultural experiences and learning opportunities
  • Offering 20 cultural programs or events per year at any location in the county
  • Offering two programs per quarter that showcase cultural content created in association with the Pasco County Library Cooperative
  • Supporting the development of a cultural affairs advisory council in Pasco County by hosting at least four meetings per year and serving as a liaison/coordinator for the council

In addition to programming efforts, the library system also is in the midst of updating and upgrading its facilities.

The massive makeovers are being supported by a bond issue approved by voters.

The cooperative library system includes these branch libraries: Hugh Embry, New River, Land O’ Lakes, Starkey Ranch TLC, Centennial Park, South Holiday, Regency Park and Hudson. It also includes the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Published October 06, 2021

Library branch to reduce hours, then close for remodeling

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will be operating on reduced hours through Aug. 13, then will close on Aug. 14 for renovations, according to a Pasco County news release.

The library’s hours through Aug. 13 will be:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During its renovation, the library will undergo a complete, floor-to-ceiling upgrade.

The work is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum, which Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

Each library in the county’s system is being remodeled to provide a better user experience.

When the renovations are completed, libraries throughout the system will have updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air-conditioning and faster internet.

Materials on hold can be picked up at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, next to the library, on select days.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the remodeling can be found at PascoLibraries.org/lol-remodel/.

For additional information, in general, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published August 04, 2021

County approves purchase of new library furniture

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The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase and installation of new furniture in conjunction with library renovations at the Hugh Embry, Land O’ Lakes, Regency Park and South Holiday libraries.

The purchases include new library furniture, shelving, book trucks, waste and

recycling receptacles, according to Pasco County Commission agenda documents.

The contracts call for purchases not to exceed:

  • $269,235.57 for the Hugh Embry Library
  • $491,252.12 for the Land O’ Lakes Library
  • $483,452.64 for the Regency Park Library
  • $289,326.90 for the South Holiday Library

The total for all four is slightly more than $1.53 million.

The new furniture is part of the library improvements being funded through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds that were approved by voters.

The interiors of the Hugh Embry, Land O’ Lakes, Regency Park, and South Holiday libraries will be completely renovated and restructured, the county documents say.

Renovations include removal of existing partitions, doors, windows, fixtures, devices, furnishings, lighting, HVAC, and finishes throughout the interior spaces.

New construction for the interior includes new doors and windows, storefront, partitions, fixtures, finishes, visual display, HVAC, plumbing, electrical lighting, and a security system. The new library furniture and shelving will be compatible with the new design.

The purchase of new library furniture, multi-purpose furnishings, library shelving, library book trucks, and recycling and waste receptacles from a single vendor is required to maintain standardization, and will benefit the county by maintaining interchangeability and compatibility with other libraries, the agenda documents say.

This purchase has been budgeted as part of the furniture, fixtures and equipment of the overall renovation project.

Published September 30, 2020

Voting locations to expand

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Election supervisors in Pasco and Hillsborough counties plan to expand opportunities to voters in the coming General Election, to make it easier for them to have their voices heard.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced plans to add more early voting sites for this year’s Presidential Election.

The county also will extend the length of the early voting period, according to a news release from Corley’s office.

The changes are being made “in anticipation of increased voter turnout and the inevitable potential for long lines and wait times due to social distancing and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)-recommended cleaning guidelines,” the release says.

The early voting period in Pasco County is Oct. 18 through Oct. 31, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including weekends.

The county also has increased the number of early voting sites.

“A longer voting period and a total of 14 locations marks a new high for Pasco County,” the release from Corley’s office reports.

“In partnership with Pasco County Administration, we have secured additional sites to include Veterans Memorial Park Gymnasium, J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex Gymnasium, Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Gymnasium and Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus,” Corley says, in the release. “The response from Dan Biles, County Administrator, was without hesitation and completely in the spirit of being on the same team.”

The release also notes that the addition of county sports complexes and gymnasiums will give Pasco voters more options for casting their ballot in-person, and, in terms of size, will accommodate more voters while still social distancing. The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Gymnasium will replace the Land O’ Lakes Library. The library, which is next to the recreation complex, has been a well-attended early voting site, the release says.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer reports that his county has 24 early voting locations — offering convenient options for voters throughout the county.

Hillsborough County will begin mailing out vote-by-mail ballots on Sept. 24. Ballots must be return to the supervisor’s office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, which is Election Day.

Hillsborough also is adding curbside drop-off tents at Latimer’s four offices, which will operate seven days a week, beginning Oct. 1.

Early voting in Hillsborough is Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Nationally, President Donald Trump has raised questions about the integrity of the vote-by-mail process, although he has said that Florida’s vote-by-mail system is safe and secure.

Latimer assured voters that “in Florida, our systems will not allow us to accept more than one ballot from a voter.

“A voter’s record is updated to show that a mail ballot has been mailed to them, and updated again when the voted mail ballot has been received and verified.

“Poll workers have this information during early voting and Election Day. If a voter has received a vote-by-mail ballot and shows up to vote in person, one of two things happen: “If the ballot has not been received yet, the voter may vote in person and their mail ballot will be canceled. If the mail ballot arrives at the office after they voted in person, the mail ballot will not be accepted.

“If that voter’s vote-by-mail ballot has already been received, it is deemed “cast” and they will not be allowed to cast an in-person vote,” Latimer said, via email.

For a list of early voting locations and other election information, visit PascoVotes.gov.

For the same type of information in Hillsborough County, visit VoteHillsborough.org.

Published September 09, 2020

Places you can turn to for help in Pasco, Hillsborough counties

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Pick up paper unemployment forms
Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties are handing out paper unemployment forms at specific libraries.

Hillsborough County
The location near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area is at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. The library’s drive-thru will be open seven days a week, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Once completed, residents also can drop off the forms at either drive-through, and library staff will mail the documents for them.

Pasco County
Printed unemployment forms will be available just outside the entrance to these libraries, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City

If you’re unable to visit a library in person and would like to request a blank application form by mail, please contact the library at "> or through the “Ask A Librarian” feature at PascoLibraries.org.

Once completed, residents can mail the form to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content,  programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Hillsborough County emergency help
As the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) fallout continues, Hillsborough County officials are reminding residents about assistance available to help people meet their food needs.

Here is a look at some programs:

  • Hillsborough residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally funded program. To find out more, call (813) 2727-5250.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay is offering drive-thru distribution of free, pre-packaged groceries to Hillsborough County residents in need. Distribution is on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., in Tampa. Check Feeding Tampa Bay’s website before the events, to be sure there have been no changes. To find out about other food assistance programs and information, visit FeedingTampaBay.org, or call (813) 254-1190.
  • Tampa YMCA Veggie Van is distributing free pre-packaged bags of produce in several neighborhoods in Hillsborough County. No ID, paperwork or pre-screening is required to receive the food. Learn more, visit Tampa Veggie Van on Facebook.
  • SNAP recipients across the state starting April 21 will be able to use EBT cards to make eligible food purchases from Walmart and Amazon online.

Pasco Planning and development open online
Pasco County’s planning and development department is only accepting electronic submittals via its online portals. It is not accepting hard copy application packages, hard copy re-submittals or checks.

All project information must be uploaded in Accela and all payments must be made online via e-check ($1.99 fee) or credit card (2.65% fee) through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal.

To communicate with the department, reach out to a specific staff member, via email or telephone. You can email general questions to , or call (727) 847-8142.

Tips for reducing stress
Here are some suggestions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help reduce potential stress and anxiety, as the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic disrupts our daily lives.

Manage how you consume information
Equip yourself with information from credible, reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). See “Basic information” section for more links.

Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help:

  • Watching or listening to the same news constantly can increase stress. Reading can be an easier medium to control how much and what kind of information you’re absorbing.
  • Set limits on when and for how long you consume news and information, including through social media. It may help you to choose a couple of 15-minute blocks each day when you will check news/social media and limit your news consumption to that time.
  • False information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health. Always verify sources and make sure they are reputable, especially before sharing anything.

Follow healthy daily routines as much as possible
Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being.

Even simple actions can make a difference:

  • Make your bed
  • Get dressed
  • Connect with loved ones
  • Move your body
  • Make time for breaks
  • If possible, take regular short breaks during work or between shifts. During these breaks, go outside and engage in physical activity if you can.
  • Practice good hygiene, especially by cleaning your hands
  • Get enough regular sleep, it is critical for your immune system
  • Eat nutritious food as much as possible, especially fruits and vegetables

Published April 22, 2020

Halloween traditions have an ancient past

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It’s that time again this year when many pumpkins are mutilated into grotesque-looking faces.

It’s the season of black cats, bats and skeleton decorations.

And, it’s that time when little kids, and some adults, too, get dressed in costumes to go trick-or-treating in neighborhoods, or go trunk-or-treating at Halloween events.

Eleven-year-old Vanessa Vanhoose, left, and her twin sister, Jasmine, hang out with their 9-year-old friend, Alexa Contreras, all from San Antonio, at the Trunk or Treat event, at San Antonio Elementary School on Oct. 25. The girls dressed up as an angel, a bumblebee and a cat. (Christine Holtzman)

It’s a night of monsters and princesses, athletes and nuns.

It’s a night to pretend, and of course, to collect candy.

Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is observed in many countries each year on Oct. 31.

It is the day before the Christian holiday, All Saints Day (All Hallows’ Day).

Early origins of Halloween are believed to date back to the ancient Celtic people living in present day Ireland, Scotland and England, according to the History Channel’s website, History.com.

Articles on the website detail how the Halloween season have evolved over time.

The Celts celebrated ‘Samhain,’ which signified the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the website says. The ancient Samhain festivities included community bonfires with Druid priests, cattle sacrifice and fortune-telling.

Seven-year-old Jillian Massa, of Land O’ Lakes, scoops out the guts of a pumpkin, as her mother, Carly, reacts. The duo was working together on carving and designing a traditional jack o’ lantern at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library’s Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 26.

It was also believed during Samhain that the barrier between the physical world and the spiritual world was thin, and that the dead would be able to cross over to visit. They would leave food around the home, and in the fields, as an offering for these unworldly guests.

The Celts also believed that evil spirits were able to walk among the living during this time, so they would dress up as animals and monsters, as a way to keep these spirits away, the website reports.

As time went on, another way to scare off malevolent entities became increasingly popular.

Even though the practice of carving vegetables is known throughout time in many cultures around the world, the earliest form of the Halloween jack o’ lantern began popping up outside of homes in Ireland and Scotland in the early 19th century.

While History.com reports that jack o’ lanterns from this era were made from turnips, other websites report that they were also made from potatoes, rutabagas and beets, as well.

Frightening faces would be carved into these vegetables, and small coals or candles were placed inside. They were placed inside windows and around the home in hopes to keep the wicked spirits at bay.

The name jack o’ lantern or ‘jack of the lantern’ originates from the Irish folklore story, ‘The Legend of Stingy Jack.’ The story is about a man named Jack, who after being banished from both Heaven and Hell, began to roam the Earth with just a burning coal that he placed inside of a turnip as he searches for a place to rest, according to History.com.

Joe Massa, of Land O’ Lakes, left, watches as his 8-year-old son, Joey, helps use a power tool to cut open the top of their pumpkin, with Land O’ Lakes Branch Library volunteer, Fred Hoffman. Joey was hoping to make a ghost or a ghoulish-looking jack o’ lantern during the library’s Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 26.

In the mid-1880s, the Irish and Scottish began settling in North America, bringing along their Halloween traditions.

And, it was here in America, that the pumpkin was first used to create their jack o’ lanterns — now the iconic symbol of Halloween.

Halloween became a major holiday in North America during the early part of the 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that going door-to-door in costumes became known as trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating also has an interesting history.

In his book, “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” Nicholas Rogers explains that it evolved from the ancient practices of “mumming,” “guising” and “souling.”

Early “mumming” and “guising” involved going door-to-door in costume, to recite a poem, perform a song, a joke, a skit, or some kind of ‘trick,’ in exchange for food or drink.

In later years, poor people would visit wealthy homes to pray for the souls of the homeowner’s dead relatives, in exchange for pastries called ‘soul cakes’ and money. That practice was called “souling.”

History.com reports that it wasn’t until after World War II that the candy bar replaced the coins and cakes, becoming a popular reward for trick-or-treaters.

By Christine Holtzman

Dressed as a lady bug, 4-year-old Marianna Hudgins, of Land O’ Lakes, paints on the finishing glittery touches of her scary pumpkin. The youngster attended the Pumpkin Fest at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library with her ‘Yia Yia’ and ‘Papou’ (Greek for grandmother and grandfather), Katherine and Robert Frank.

Witches and goblins, and candy galore
It’s a season for trips to the pumpkin patch, kids dressing to go trick-or-treating and families passing out candy from their front porch, or from the trunk of their car.

Local churches, libraries and schools got in on the act, and offered a variety of activities for all ages.

In Land O’ Lakes, Harvester Community Church hosted its annual pumpkin patch for kids to play in, and choose their favorite pumpkin to take home.

San Antonio Elementary School in Dade City drew a crowd of people to its Trunk or Treat, where costumed kids got to trick-or-treat among Halloween-themed cars.

And, at the Land O’ Lakes Library, families could carve, decorate and paint pumpkins, to celebrate the holiday.

By Mary Rathman

Published October 30, 2019

Two-year-old Rhyler Mauer, of Dade City, picks out his favorite pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at the Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Rhyler was there with his mother Aubrie, his friend Payton Cruz, and her mother, Emily.
After making their selections at the Harvester Community Church pumpkin patch, a group of kids from Land O’ Lakes carry their pumpkins back to their cars. From left: 11-year-old Bailie Yarbrough, 9-year-old Steven Yarbrough, 9-year-old Jacob Casillas, 6-year-old Mason Casillas and his twin brother, Jackson.
Steve Yarbrough, left, and his friend, Javier Casillas, both from Land O’ Lakes, each hold a large pumpkin that they bought for their families. Both families met up at Harvester Community Church on Collier Parkway to purchase pumpkins for upcoming fall festivities.

Will election be ‘one for the ages?’

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When he looks ahead to the 2020 Presidential Election, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley predicts, “that’s going to be one for the ages.”

For one thing, there are already attorneys being lined up in Florida, on both sides of the aisle, for next year, Corley said, during a luncheon meeting last week of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, at  St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

But, the elections supervisor added: “We’re used to the scrutiny.

“Florida is always going to be in the perennial spotlight. It’s the largest battleground state in the country, and it’s always close.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley expects the 2020 Presidential Election ‘to be one for the ages.’ (B.C. Manion)

“Why is that? There’s a good sampling of Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Voters tend to choose their own way,” Corley said.

On top of that, “Florida is now the nation’s third largest state,” he said.

The elections official also touched on the Mueller Report, officially known as the Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election.

Corley said he has read the entire report.

He also noted that depending on which news channel people watch, they tend to call the report “fake news,” or tend to say “It definitely happened. The president needs to be impeached.” Corley did not offer his personal opinion.

But, he did say, “When you read the report, it lays out, in explicit detail, what happened. “

He also cited these words, from Mueller: “There were multiple systematic attempts to interfere in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.”

Corley said citizens do need to be concerned about any attempts by foreign governments to meddle in our elections.

He also raised concerns about the misuse of social media.

“We are unknowingly aiding those who want to destroy us from within,” Corley said.

“In 2016, over 72,000 Americans RSVP’d to a political event on Facebook, that truly was fake news. It was created by some knucklehead in another country.

“That’s troubling, when you think about it,” he added.

There were fake Twitter accounts set up, such as @TenneseeGOP, Corley said.

“Using social media, they did millions of dollars of ads to pit us against each other. In the morning, it would be a Pro Black Lives Matter. In the afternoon, it would be pictures of Rebel flags, saying anti-Black Lives Matter messages. Pro Hillary, anti-Hillary. Pro Trump.

“It was trying to polarize us against each other,” Corley said.

“What was their goal in 2016? Their goal was to erode voter confidence, delegitimize the winner, and polarize America. Hmm. Sound like they were pretty successful?”

He also talked about the damage that polarization is causing in personal relationships.

“I actually know somebody — a father and a son — who were bickering about who to vote for on Facebook,” he said.

One unfriended the other, he noted.

“These are blood. (They) Stopped talking. To this day, they don’t talk,” he said.

The forum doesn’t lend itself to thoughtful discussions, Corley added.

“Have you ever seen something on Facebook, and  you’ve written to somebody about a political issue? And the person has written back, ‘Wow, that’s an excellent point. I have never thought of that point of view, thank you.’

“No, they write back, ‘You’re an idiot,’ or some clever little meme describing you,” Corley said.

He has even noticed a change in the atmosphere at local polling places during the past three general elections.

“I look back, during early voting, the presidential general in 2012, Land O’ Lakes Library, (on the) last day. There was a line.

“But, it was like a block party atmosphere. People of different races, ethnicities, genders, political backgrounds. They were talking to their neighbors. They don’t know each other. Just chatting. No one cared who was going to vote for whom. You were either going to vote for Mitt Romney or President Obama,” he said.

But, he noted, in 2016, “It wasn’t that way.

“It was palpable. You could see people in the polling places and in early voting, they were there on a mission. They were either there to vote for (Donald) Trump, or vote for Hillary (Clinton) — and don’t talk to me.

“It was just like robotic. It was troubling, to be honest with you,” Corley said.

And, in 2018, he added, “I’m comfortable saying, I saw a little more return to civility.

“We need civility. Civility is not a dirty word.

“Have your discussions, your debates, your disagreements. But, at the end of the day, we’re all Americans. We’re united as Americans,” Corley said.

Corley also addressed the importance to protecting election results against cyber threats.

Security will be enhanced, but those steps must remain confidential, Corley said.

He also pointed out that the system recently was tested because of the need for three recounts in the 2018 election.

“We had lawyers from Washington, Tallahassee, representatives locally of the different campaigns, the different local parties. Different sides of the aisle, clearly. But, they were there for the whole thing, several days. They got to witness the transparency.

“It instilled confidence in the system. That’s what we need, in this day and age,” Corley said.

Published June 19, 2019

Painting rocks with a spring theme

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The Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently hosted a rock painting event where participants were encouraged to channel their inner artist by painting rocks with a spring theme, in honor of Earth Day. Acrylic paints were used to design bumble bees, ladybugs and garden flowers. The library hosts a rock painting class one Wednesday a month. Earth Day is on April 22.

Joyce Steinmiller, of Zephyrhills, uses a hairdryer to speed up the drying process of a painted rock. She and a group of friends usually paint rocks in order to hide them in area parks, in hopes of bringing a smile to the face of the person that finds it. (Christine Holtzman)
Adult Services Librarian Catherine Seavey, holds a map of Pasco County, while showing the class how they can use stickers to mark the approximate locations of previously hidden rocks. Library Tech Alesha Hassard is seen on left.
Jelysbeth Bobadilla, of Land O’Lakes, paints the fine details of her bumblebee. She is making the rock for her fiancé, because his favorite soccer team has a bee as their mascot.
A close-up look at a painted rock featuring a garden of flowers. This masterpiece belongs to Arlene Stonestreet, of Wesley Chapel.

Charlie the Dog helps children read at local library

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While many dogs know how to fetch and roll, Charlie has an unusual talent: He can encourage children to read.

Using the illustrations, 22-month-old Harper Ruff, of New Tampa, interprets the Louise Yates book ‘Dog Loves Drawing’ to Victoria Hanley, left, Charlie, the toddler’s mother Peiying Ruff, center, and her father Michael Ruff during her reading session at the Land O’ Lakes library. (Christine Holtzman)

Charlie is a therapy dog and is part of the R.E.A.D. team, along with library assistant Victoria Hanley, of Lutz.

The pair are involved in a new program at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, called “Read with Charlie the Dog.”

R.E.A.D. is an international program that seeks to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors.

Dogs like Charlie must complete a rigorous training period followed by passing a series of tests to qualify as a “Reading Education Assistance Dog.”

Hanley and Charlie each completed their training with Courteous Canine Inc., in Lutz, in December of 2017, to become an official R.E.A.D. team.

Victoria Hanley lets Charlie help pick out a book to add to his personal collection affectionately called ‘Charlie’s Favorites.’

Hanley said she was inspired to become a R.E.A.D. volunteer many years ago when she first encountered the program in Lee County.

At the time, both her young daughters were diagnosed with dyslexia, and she found that just being in the presence of a therapy dog had strong physiological effects, a calming influence that helped her children gain the confidence to read aloud.

Hanley also noted that reading to a dog helps on all fronts because a dog is nonjudgmental and helps children relax. The experience often helps to increase a child’s desire to develop his or her own reading skills.

The program is being offered for children at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Tuesdays, with four sessions available per afternoon.

Children taking part get 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Charlie and can bring their own book or choose one from Charlie’s personal collection affectionately known as “Charlie’s Favorites.”

A signed waiver is required.

To schedule an appointment with the R.E.A.D. team, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

By Christine Holtzman

Published April 11, 2018

Six-year-old Emma Jane DeKort, left, reads the Dr. Seuss book ‘King Looie Katz’ from her iPad to Charlie and his handler Victoria Hanley. Emma Jane chose this book because she thought Charlie would enjoy hearing about the King’s tail, since Charlie has a tail, too.
Three-year-old Travis West, left, pets Charlie, while his 5-year-old brother, Jordan, reads with Charlie’s handler Victoria Hanley.

Halloween tricks, treats and traditions on tap

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Halloween, you’ll find plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., is hosting a Family Fun Festival that it’s calling “Light the Night.”

The event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Oct. 31.

Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals. (File Photos)
Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals.
(File Photos)

Cars will be decorated with favorite kid-friendly themes and will line up on the Yellow parking lot and grounds outside the church’s Gatheria.

The cars’ trunks will be full of candy for children through fifth grade.

Each car also will provide a game, face painting, puppet show or other opportunity for fun.

Other highlights will be inflatables, balloon animals and a hayride.

Bring a camera to take advantage of photo opportunities.

Admission is $3 per person, with a maximum charge of $15 per family.

Children age 2 and under will be admitted without charge.

Hungry Harry’s BBQ will be available for purchase for $5, and other food items also will be available through the church’s kitchen.

The trunks will be open for children to pick up candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The inflatables will be available the entire evening.

Register by Oct. 30 at Idlewild.org/children, to avoid waiting in long lines. To find out more, call (813) 264-1515, ext. 1561.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the 12th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival is set for Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, at 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd.

This year, the event has added a day to give families more time to enjoy carnival food, midway games and rides.

These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.
These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.

The festival will be from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 29; and, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Oct. 30.

Highlights on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 will include live music, a business expo, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, fall foods and beverages, food trucks, interactive craft activities, arts and crafts exhibitors, vendors, a doggie fun area and pet adoption event.

Kids can celebrate Halloween in a safe environment on Oct. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Trunk or Treat activity.

For more information on the festival, a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce event, visit GroveShopping.com. Visit DreamlandAmusements.com for coupon savings on ride wristbands, ride tickets and carnival food.

Meanwhile, over in St. Leo, Saint Leo University’s Office of Residence Life is inviting the community to Haunted Marmion, an event set for Oct. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Marmion-Snyder Hall, 33701 State Road 52.

All floors of the residence halls will be transformed into a themed haunted house. Trick-or-treating will occur on two floors of Snyder Hall. There will be games and other activities in the Lion’s Den (a common area for both halls) for those not participating in the haunted house or trick-or-treating.

The event is free; however, those attending are asked to donate one or more canned/nonperishable food items at check-in, which will be given to a local food bank for distribution to those in need in the community.

In Land O’ Lakes, those who enjoy a good scare may want to drop by the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to experience The Haunted House on 41.

The event, slated for Oct. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., promises three nights of bone-chilling terror.

Admission is $1 each. Some scenes, the organizers with Pasco County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources say, may be too intense for young children.

For those who enjoy staying active, the Northdale 5K Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Family Run/Walk may be just the thing.

The event is set for Oct. 29, at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center, 4015 Ragg Road in Tampa.

The chip-timed race will have a costume contest and is dog friendly. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Bob Sierra Y’s annual campaign to ensure the facility keeps its doors open to all, regardless of an individual’s financial hardship.

For more information, call (813) 962-3220.

Some area high schools are also hosting special events.

Sunlake High School, at 3203 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is holding a “Trick or Treat Around the Track” on Oct. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.

Wesley Chapel High School, at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, is hosting a “Halloween Safe Zone,” on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the school’s cafeteria and parking lot.

For more details about these events, contact Sunlake High and Wesley Chapel High.

Area libraries also are holding special events.

Land O’ Lakes Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, is hosting a Pumpkin Fest for all ages on Oct. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event involves decorating pumpkins, using a wide variety of techniques.

New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, has three Halloween events planned.

On Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the library is welcoming infants through 5-year-olds to wear their favorite costume to the library’s Costume Story Time.

The library also is hosting a Halloween Movie & S’Mores for fourth-graders and older on Oct. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And, on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s hosting a Fall Family Night.  The evening will feature crafts, refreshments and a costume contest.

The Carrollwood Toastmasters are also getting into the Halloween spirit by hosting an open house on Oct. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. There will be free food, fun and prizes. Feel free to wear a costume and bring a friend.

Published October 26, 2016