B.C. Manion

Gearing up for Cypress Creek Middle School

October 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

A new middle school is expected to open next to Cypress Creek Middle High School, allowing the existing school to focus on high school only.

The new middle school will accommodate 1,675 students on a 15-acre site, just north of the current school, which opened in August at 8701 Old Pasco Road, for students in grades six through 11.

The estimated construction budget is $43.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2018, with opening planned for August 2020.

The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with architects Harvard Jolly, to reuse the design of the 1,400-student station Innovation Middle School in Orange County, for the new middle school, according to school board documents.

Pasco school district staff members recently toured Innovation Middle School and found that the school “to be cost effective, attractive and extremely safe and a school that will successfully meet the educational needs” of the district, according to district documents.

“Many of the preferred features of this school are already found in a number of our educational facilities,” the document added. “Our version of the school will be expanded to approximately 1,600 student stations to accommodate future growth in this region of the district.”

Cypress Creek Middle High is slated to add a senior class next school year.

When the school opened, it affected boundaries for Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

The district initially had hoped to open Cypress Creek as a high school only, but was forced to use it for more grades because it lacked sufficient construction funds.

Published October 25, 2017

Toast of Tampa brings home honors

October 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus placed fourth at the Sweet Adelines International 71st annual Convention & Competition, which wrapped up on Oct. 14, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

This was the 13th time the group has competed on the international stage, and the group’s success is consistent with its past performances.

The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus once again demonstrated its consistent excellence by capturing fourth place at the Sweet Adelines International 71st annual Convention and Competition in Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Toast of Tampa)

In 2015 and in 2013, it took third-place at the international level, in 1993 it won the top prize, and in between it had a number of top-10 finishes.

“We took 108 ladies on stage,” Beth Bosserman Curts said, via email.

“All choruses sing a 6-minute semifinals compulsory ballad and uptune,” she said. This year, there were 33 choruses representing the best of regions in 15 countries in the competition.

Those who finished in the top 10 proceeded to the finals, Curts added.

In the finals, competing choruses present a 15-minute show package.

Of the 10, the winner and second place choruses were from opposite sides of Canada, Curts said. The ninth-place winner was from Stockholm, Sweden, and the other top finishers were from Chicago, Florida, Ohio, Baltimore, California and New Jersey.

“The top five choruses sang at very, very high levels,” Curts said.

“Of the quartets, four chapter and one regional quartets sang,” Curts added.

They, too, turned in excellent performances. Windsor placed third and GQ placed fifth.

Toast of Tampa is a group of female a cappella singers that performs in four-part harmony. Its members range from age 10 to 85.

They sing under the direction of internationally recognized Tony De Rosa, performing modern, complex arrangements.

Chorus members come from throughout Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida, including Jacksonville, The Villages, Sarasota, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Orlando, Melbourne and Crystal River.

Toast of Tampa draws members from all walks of life, including military veterans, new moms, grandmothers, real estate agents, accountants and others.

Members audition to join the group and are expected to meet high expectations.

Toast of Tampa practices on Tuesdays, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional weeks off. The sessions are at the TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa.

Those interested are welcome to come to a rehearsal to see if joining the chorus is something they wish to pursue.

Anyone wanting to know more about the group should call Toast of Tampa Show Chorus at (813) 963-7464, or email .

Toast of Tampa Show Chorus presents Standing Room Only, featuring special guest Voctive
Where: University of South Florida Music Concert Hall, 3755 Holly Drive in Tampa
When: Nov. 4, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 patron; $25 regular
Details: The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus is an internationally recognized female chorus that performs four-part a cappella singing. As they perform, they sing and move with emotion and precision.

Published October 25, 2017

Health News 10/25/2017

October 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Aaron Preston named director of medical/surgical
Aaron Preston has been named director of medical/surgical at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson.

Preston was promoted from his position in Infection Control Management. He joined the hospital in 2010. He served as a nursing supervisor from 2014 to 2015.

Before beginning his nursing career, he served in the United States Marine Corps, where he helped oversee communications during two combat tours.

He has a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from St. Petersburg College and an Associate in Science in nursing degree from Pasco-Hernando State College.

Dr. Majusri Vennamaneni receives national recognition

The Access Health Care Physicians LLL, office of Dr. Manjusri Vennamaneni recently was recognized for excellence in diabetes care by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The certificate of recognition is valid until Feb. 15, 2020.

Vennamaneni is chief medical director for Access Health Care and practices at Access Health Care’s main office at 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

Physicians recognized for quality care
Several Access Health Care physicians recently were honored for achieving high scores in quality care. These physicians were honored for receiving Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) awards. Providers receiving recognition were: Hend Abdelmalek, Michelle Arrieta, Shammi Bali, Dalton Benson, Luis Contreras, Christopher Coppola, Dhammika Ekanayake, Robert Hartzell, Jr., David Herndon, Akila Iyer, Raghu Juvvadi, Brian Kroll, Jennifer Laman, Oscar Lindo, Jose Lopez, Harish Madnani, Gaurav Malhotra, David Miller, Anthony Ngo, Anita Patel, Vakesh Rajani, Jagdeep Sandhu, Apurva Shah, Pariksith Singh, Veselin Stoyanov and Grigor Varlakov.

In addition, Dr. Manjusri Vennamaneni received a special award for her dedication to work with Freedom and Optimum, and the Access providers to improve quality score. The award was presented for “Leading your organization in the achievement of outstanding HEDIS® scores in recognition of your leadership, devotion, and commitment to our quality program.”

Corey D. Campbell named director of Medical Telemetry
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, has appointed Corey D. Campbell to be the hospital’s director of medical telemetry.

Campbell joined the hospital in 2012 as a nurse intern. Most recently, he was the RN staff educator and co-manager of Medical Telemetry.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Tampa, where he is a member of the Phi Tau Kappa Honor Society. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando State College, graduating with honors and also as a member of Phi Tau Kappa Honor Society.

Before attending nursing school, he served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2010.

Chalk Talk 10/25/2017

October 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Zephyrhills Student Citizens of the month
Twenty students were honored as the Greater Zephyrhills Students of the Month at an Oct. 18 ceremony at The Church at Chancey Road.

Students honored for September were: Mateo Guerrero, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Bailey Coombs, The Broach School; Joseph Mohler, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Zoei Harper, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jailen DiLornzo, Heritage Academy; Hailey Daffron, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Adara Cruz Ruiz, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Katiana Salazar, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Issac Dupre, Woodland Elementary School; and, Dale Redditt, Zephyrhills High School.

Students honored for October were: Shane Holloway, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Lucas Rojas, The Broach School; Sah’ria Everett, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Matilda Howard, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Aiden Tilley, Heritage Academy; Luke Danchik, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Bryanna O’ Malley, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Kayla Gonzalez, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Amiyah Walton, Woodland Elementary School; and, Annica Morgan, Zephyrhills High School.

Students honored by the Zephyrhills Chamber’s Citizen of the Month program are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The Zephyrhills chamber has recognized students with this program each month of the school year for nearly 20 years.

Pasco County Schools’ surplus sale
Pasco County Schools Surplus Store will have a sale Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 7301 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 1, in Land O’ Lakes. All items are sold “as-is.” There will be no returns or refunds; all sales are cash only; no loading assistance will be provided; and, no children under age 18 will be permitted. The school district has a vast inventory of items that are no longer needed that will be sold at this sale.

Helping hurricane victims
Woodland Elementary School’s National Elementary Honor Society collected $530 through a coin drive to donate to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. The students continued to collect donations even as Hurricane Irma was threatening Tampa Bay, according to an item posted on the Pasco County Schools website.

Jobs and internship fair
Pasco-Hernando State College and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a job and internship fair Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be at PHSC’s West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, Room R151. Local employers with open positions and future opportunities will meet and greet job seekers from the community, and PHSC students seeking employment and internships. Job seekers interested in attending the job and internship fair must preregister for the event at https://jobandinternshipjobfairoctober26.eventbrite.com/.

For more information, contact Jackie Eden (727) 816-3334 or .

PHSC community seminars
Pasco County State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch will host two upcoming community seminars.

They are:

Medical Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Awareness Seminar, Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Driving Under the Influence Awareness Seminar, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to noon.

These seminars are open to students, teachers, staff and the community. Both sessions will be in the Conference Center, Building B., Room 303, at Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd.

Out of the darkness community walk
Pasco County will have its third annual Out of The Darkness Community Walk on Oct. 28 at 9:30 a.m., at Sims Park, at Grand Boulevard and Bank Street in New Port Richey.

The walk raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Last year more than 700 walkers raised $30,000 for the cause.

This year’s goal is to attract 1,000 registered walkers and to raise $35,000.

Join a team by going to this link: http://bit.ly/2waWwzy.

Pasco County ranked fourth in Florida in 2012 for the highest number of suicides.

This annual walk is aimed at raising awareness about depression and suicide, and is intended to provide comfort and support to those who have lost someone to suicide.

For more information, call Dawn Daniels Hahn, Gulf High School social worker, at (727) 774-3457.

‘He had lots of ideas and wanted to do things’

October 18, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Seventy-three-year-old Ray Mason died suddenly after a medical emergency during a vacation.

From left, Ray Mason, Elaine Stoots, Jim Evans, Lyle Watson and Fred Wilsky, members of American Legion Post 108 gathered earlier this year to talk about the post’s 80th birthday. (File)

Mason’s death was “a terrible shock,” said Lyle Watson, who came to know Mason during their time together as members of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108.

“He bought into the Legion 150 percent,” Watson said.

“He very quickly made a name for himself and made everybody take notice,” Watson added.

Mason served in the Navy, from 1962 to 1968, as a commissary store keeper. More recently, he served as adjutant of Post 108, assisting commanders and then later became a commander himself.

Watson served as Mason’s adjutant.

Bill Garrison, a former post commander, said Mason’s death “was definitely a loss” for Post 108.

Garrison described Mason as “the glue that held Post 108 together.

“He went above and beyond, both as commander and adjutant. He loved veterans,” Garrison said.

Ray Mason, of American Legion Post 108, helps place flags at gravestones of veterans at Lutz Cemetery, to honor their service to the country. (File)

Richard Fernandez, another former commander, said Mason accomplished a great deal during his tenure with Post 108, perhaps more than any other commander in recent years.

“He loved being involved in it,” said Mason’s wife, Mary.

The Land O’ Lakes couple was married for 48 years and had four children. Their sons are Brian and Tim, and their daughters are Terry Aurie and Karen Kulzer.

Before moving to the area in 1984, Mason lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he owned a meat shop. When he moved here, he worked in the meat department at several different Publix stores, serving as an assistant manager, his wife said.

“He was very helpful. He was everybody’s go-to person,” said his daughter, Karen. “He was a great father, a great husband.”

His wife added: “He was a great friend.”

“If someone had a problem, or something they needed, they’d call him,” she said.

If they wanted to borrow something, he was always willing to help — although sometimes it could take a day or two for him to find the requested item.

When Mason joined Post 108 he was determined to get things done, said Watson, noting he’ll miss his friend. “He was a great guy.”

Over the years, Post 108’s membership has waxed and waned.

Mason was always looking for ways to expand its membership.

During an interview about Post 108’s 80^th anniversary earlier this year, Mason talked about the increasing losses suffered by the post, as aging members died.

Now, he too, has joined those ranks.

He died during a vacation, after visiting Gettysburg, a place he always wanted to see, his wife said.

Arrangements are pending, but the family plans to hold a ceremony with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Bexley Elementary celebrates its formal dedication

October 18, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Bexley Elementary was formally dedicated last week.

Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce join administrators from Pasco County Schools and members of the Pasco County School Board during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the formal dedication of Bexley Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

It was a festive event, with Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning making some remarks, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Sunlake High School band performing a few numbers.

There was cake, of course.

And, cupcakes, too.

The cafeteria was crowded with families celebrating the new school, and many of the guests took advantage of the opportunity to go on self-guided tours to see the classrooms and meet school staff.

The school, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., opened in August to relieve overcrowding at Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools. The formal dedication was on the evening of Oct. 10.

In a tour before the school open, Principal Vicki Wolin described Bexley’s emphasis on research, enrichment opportunities and collaboration.

Bexley, which is in a subdivision developed by Newland Communities, is the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built.

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

Wolin was one of the principals weighing in on that design — which is intended to facilitate enriching learning opportunities for children.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

San Antonio gears up for 51st Rattlesnake Fest

October 18, 2017 By B.C. Manion

The 51^st annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, slated for this coming weekend, is borrowing from old traditions and introducing new activities, too, according to organizers of the event.

Children enjoy riding around in a barrel train during a previous San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival. The barrel train rides are just one of many fun activities available for children during this year’s event. (File)

The two-day event is set for Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As in the past, the festival will have a snake show, wooden gopher tortoise races, a pumpkin patch and live entertainment.

And, like before, admission is free.

In addition to the rides, food, music and other activities, the festival also has a 1-mile and 5-mile run.

Children’s activities planned for this year’s event include children’s games and crafts, inflatables, pony rides, a farm animal exhibit, barrel train rides and entertainers, according to the event’s website.

The Town of St. Leo will sponsor a pumpkin patch, offering photo opportunities, and pumpkins, of course.

The festival began in 1967 as a Jaycee project.

Later, The Rattlesnake and Gopher Enthusiasts (R.A.G.E., Inc.) took over and expanded the festival, managing it until 2012.

The following year, six of the Eastside Pasco County Rotary Clubs operated the event as a fundraiser for local charities, and then The Rotary Club of San Antonio assumed leadership of the event.

This year, the Thomas Promise Foundation has stepped in to continue the community festival. Thomas Promise is a charitable organization that provides food in backpacks to help children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend when school meals are not available.

51^st annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio

When: Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Details: Food and craft vendors, live entertainment, a snake show, wooden gopher tortoise races, a beer garden, a pumpkin patch and more.

Information: Call (813) 782-0000 or visit RattlesnakeFestival.com

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Chalk Talk 10/18/2017

October 18, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Sunlake Junior Cheer Clinic
Sunlake High School Cheerleaders are presenting the 2017 Junior Cheer Clinic on Oct. 21, from 9 .m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunlake High School football field. The clinic is open for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The school is at 3023 Sunlake Blvd. in Lutz. Register on the day of the camp by 8:45 a.m. cost is $35. Bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. For additional information, text questions to (813) 300-7505 or email . This is the first time the cheerleaders have offered this camp, but they expect it to become an annual event.

Saint Leo helps college students during hurricanes
Saint Leo University has assisted students during a hurricane season that has produced one massive storm after another.

Throughout the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, Saint Leo University has served to shelter students and to ensure their education could continue uninterrupted.

During Hurricane Irma, the university sheltered more than 600 students.

With the support of generous donors, the university also established an emergency scholarship fund for students who were in the path of the three storms—including those who study at University Campus, at 27 teaching locations, and online, according to a Saint Leo news release.

The university also has announced a special program for college students in Puerto Rico whose education was affected by the aftermath of the hurricanes.

For the semester beginning in January, Saint Leo will provide these students with free room and board, as well as a discounted tuition rate of $8,500. While these students will be responsible for the cost of books, Saint Leo also will waive their student fees to further aid in these students’ ability to continue their educations. Federal financial aid and other private scholarships may be utilized to help pay the discounted tuition rate.

“At Saint Leo we live by six core values, one of which is community,” Dr. William J. Lennox Jr., university president, said in the release. “We are happy to extend this helping hand and extend our community to those who have had their college careers interrupted by this devastation.”

PHSC president joins high tech council

Dr. Timothy Beard
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Pasco-Hernando State College president Timothy Beard is the newest member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

The corridor council is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF).

The corridor council’s mission is to expand high tech in the corridor and encourage innovation through partnerships that support research, marketing, workforce and entrepreneurship, according to a news release announcing Beard’s addition to the council.

The corridor council is a partnership involving more than 25 local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs), 14 state colleges and 12 CareerSource boards.

Beard joined PHSC in 2007 as the vice president of student development and enrollment management after more than 30 years in education and student services. He was named the college’s fourth president in 2015.

During Beard’s tenure, PHSC’s enrollment has increased by 40 percent. Several programs at the college also have been recognized as “Exemplary Best Practices” by the Association of Florida Colleges.

Beard’s expertise and knowledge in higher education and workforce development is expected to help guide the corridor council in its mission to grow high tech industry and innovation through partnerships that support research, marketing, workforce and entrepreneurship, according to the release.

Strike up the orchestra
Pasco County Schools music students will be performing with the Florida Orchestra in the Florida Orchestra Youth Concert Series.

Four shows are planned.

The first two shows are at Center for the Arts at River Ridge on Oct. 18. The first show is at 10:30 a.m. and the second show is at noon. That auditorium is at 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

The second set of shows is at Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel. The first show is on Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. The second show is at 11:45 a.m. That auditorium at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The Florida Orchestra is celebrating its 50^th anniversary, and select music students from Pasco County Schools will rehearse and perform alongside it. The students will perform only during the second performance each day. All performances are open to the public. Tickets are $7 each.

PHSC community seminars
Pasco County State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch is hosting two upcoming community seminars.

They are:

Medical Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Awareness Seminar, Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Driving Under the Influence Awareness Seminar, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to noon

These seminars are open to students, teachers, staff and the community. Both sessions will be in the Conference Center, Building B., Room 303 at Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd.

Out of the darkness community walk
Pasco County is having its third annual Out of The Darkness Community Walk on Oct. 28, at 9:30 a.m. at Sims Park, at Grand Boulevard and Bank Street in New Port Richey.

The walk raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Last year more than 700 walkers raised $30,000 for the cause.

This year’s goal is to attract 1,000 registered walkers and to raise $35,000.

Join a team by going to this link: http://bit.ly/2waWwzy.

Pasco County ranked fourth in Florida in 2012 for the highest number of suicides.

This annual walk is aimed at raising awareness about depression and suicide, and is intended to provide comfort and support to those who have lost someone to suicide.

For more information, contact Dawn Daniels Hahn, Gulf High School social worker at (727) 774-3457.

Free middle-school math enrichment programs
Saint Leo University is offering students, parents and teachers two free educational offerings to help middle-schoolers develop their confidence and enjoyment of mathematics.

The two programs are:

Math Circle, an after-school activity for middle-school students held every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Lewis Hall, Room 131, under the direction of Professor Monika Kiss.

The program features hands-on and fun activities to help children enjoy mathematics, and to boost their confidence. To arrange for a child to participate, or to get more information, please email Dr. Kiss at with the words Math Circle in the subject line. Or, call Dr. Kiss at (352) 588-8836.

Free entry for middle schools into the American Mathematics Competition being held at the Saint Leo University campus in November. The national competition, developed by the Mathematical Association of America, seeks to help young students develop positive attitudes about mathematics and analytical thinking by allowing them to apply their classroom learning to a 25-question, multiple-choice exam given in a friendly environment.

Saint Leo is able to accommodate 30 students. Mathematics faculty will monitor, and the test will be given on Nov. 14, at 5:45 p.m., in TECO Hall in the School of Business building. Students have 40 minutes to complete the test, and can learn more about it here: https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8.

To participate, parents must contact mathematics Professor Kiss in advance at and include the words AMC 8 in the subject line. Alternately, parents may call Dr. Kiss at (352) 588-8836.

Saint Leo University is at 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo, 33574. Free parking is available without any restrictions in the evenings in surface lots and in the campus garage.

‘Your vote is your voice’ contest
Pasco seventh-graders are invited to enter the Pasco Supervisor of Elections video contest. The contest deadline is Nov. 3. Video submissions must be between 3 minutes and 5 minutes long and must communicate:

How your vote is your voice
How we affect change and make a difference together
The importance of participating in the democratic process

Check with the Pasco Supervisor of Elections Office for more information.

Veterans Elementary Veterans BBQ
Veterans Elementary School will have a barbeque to honor veterans on Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you are a veteran or know a neighbor, community member, or family member who is, please call 813-346-1400 to RSVP or email Sharon Zurita by Nov. 3.

Health News 10/18/2017

October 18, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Gulfside Hospice ‘deficiency free’
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care has been declared deficiency-free after two in-depth inspections by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), according to a news release from Gulfside.

“Our team’s hard work, attention to detail and execution in compliance, quality and risk management was evident to the surveyors throughout the entire routine process,” Linda Ward, President and CEO of Gulfside, said in the release. “Thank you and congratulations to everyone on our team for providing service and care that keeps our organization always at the highest level of standards!”

The AHCA conducted two unannounced routine surveys, the Overall Company Licensing Inspection and the Life Safety Inspection. Throughout the process, surveyors examined policies, procedures and clinical practices, as well as toured the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care and interviewed various employees.

Both inspections resulted in 100 percent compliance in all aspects with zero deficiencies found in the organization.

Gulfside Hospice serves more than 375 hospice patients and more than 100 palliative patients daily. It has more than 250 employees and more than 300 volunteers.

To find out more, call (800) 561-4883 or visit www.GHPPC.org.

Jeffrey Visag (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Jeffrey Visag named employee of the month
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s employee of the month for August was Jeffrey Visag, the hospital’s lead X-Ray technologist.

He was recognized as someone who leads by example in the areas of customer service, optimal imaging, and promoting the patient experience.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is at 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson.

NAMI Pasco support group meetings
The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers two types of support group meetings each month. One is for those living with mental illness and the other is for family and friends of those living with mental illness. This covers all brain disorders, including, but not limited to OCD, depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia, multiple personalities and so on. For more information, call (727) 992-9653 or visit www.namipasco.org

Volunteers needed at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is seeking volunteers in a variety of positions, including information desk, escorting, administrative and patient services. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and time commitments begin at one four-hour shift each week.

Pick up an application from the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Volunteer Office, the Main Information Desk or www.floridahospital.com/zephyrhills/volunteer

For more information, call (813) 779-6256.

Lessons learned from Hurricane Maria

October 11, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Hurricane Maria left a trail of death and destruction and continues to impose extreme hardships to those living in its path — and it also offered the Zloty family of Land O’ Lakes, dramatic reminders of the power of faith, the fragile nature of life, and the importance of gratitude.

From left, Martin, Justin and Colleen Zloty, are together again in their Land O’ Lakes home. Justin, 22, is a medical student at Ross Medical School, which is being forced to relocate from Dominica following Hurricane Maria’s devastation there. (B.C. Manion)

Hurricane Maria’s impact on Colleen and Martin Zloty’s family began on Sept. 18 when they heard a hurricane was building strength near the island of Dominica, where 22-year-old Justin Zloty was in his first year at Ross Medical School.

Knowing that a hurricane was brewing, Colleen turned on The Weather Channel when she arrived home from her job as an instructional assistant at Sand Pine Elementary School.

At that point, Hurricane Maria was a Category 2.

By 7 p.m. it had ramped up to a Category 5 and was headed straight toward Dominica.

In a national news report, NBC News meteorologist Bill Karins characterized Hurricane Maria as one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes in recent history. He said it strengthened so rapidly that those in its path didn’t have time to get ready.

Hurricane Maria’s winds were so fierce they not only knocked down trees, but also stripped the bark off them. (Courtesy of Justin Zloty)

As Maria churned, Colleen and Martin’s concern grew.

“We were texting back and forth with him,” Colleen said. “I said, ‘You know, your roof is not going to hold for a Category 5 Hurricane. It has winds of 160 mph.’”

Justin responded that he was in a concrete block building with strong walls, that had weathered storms.

Colleen warned: “This is getting really strong now. It’s serious. You need to know of another place you can go.”

Justin replied: “If it gets real bad, I’ll go downstairs to a neighbor.”

As Maria approached, Justin told his mom: “It does sound like they say. It’s like a roaring train.”

Then, they lost contact.

“We’re trying to give him advice. Do this. Do this. Do this.

“Then all of a sudden, no contact. And then you think, ‘OK, maybe he’ll get back online. Maybe they’ll re-establish power,” Martin said.

Their last communication was about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, Colleen said.

“It was silent for two days,” Martin said.

Fears mount as Maria strengthens

While his parents worried in their Land O’ Lakes home, Justin’s apprehension was increasing in his Dominica apartment.

“All of a sudden, the power went out and the water stopped working and the Internet went out,” Justin said.

When a corner of his ceiling popped down and broke. Justin hid under a table for protection.

The third-floor apartment started flooding. Justin worried he could get electrocuted if the power went back on.

“I was really scared,” he said.

When more ceiling began falling, Justin decided it was time to leave.

Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc across Dominica, including tearing the roof off of Justin Zloty’s third-floor apartment, getting everything wet and blowing debris everywhere. (Courtesy of Justin Zloty)

He ran downstairs — clinging to a railing as winds whipped him about.

He stayed overnight with his landlord and his landlord’s wife.

“I continued to hear trees snapping and aluminum things just flying around.

“Around 6 a.m., the storm had settled down,” Justin said.

He decided to check on his apartment. It was flooded, his belongings were strewn about and the roof was gone.

He packed some clothes and food and headed to Ross’ student center, where he’d been told a roll call would be taken.

Normally, the student center is a 10-minute walk from Justin’s apartment.

But he couldn’t take the usual route. The area was unrecognizable. Trees were snapped. Bark was blown off. Power lines were down and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

When he arrived at the student center, it was chaos.

He was stuck there, waiting for the roll call and to find out what would happen next.

There was no running water, so he bathed and washed his clothes in the river. He slept on the floor.

Meanwhile, his parents still had not heard a word.

“That was terrible,” Colleen said. “Who could survive? I knew that the roof was not going to hold.”

The Zlotys, who attend First Baptist Church in Land O’ Lakes, relied on their faith.

“We were praying and praying. That’s how we got through it,” Colleen said. She called a friend and asked her to pray for Justin.

Her friend got a prayer chain going.

“These are ladies — they are on their knees when they’re praying,” Colleen said.

“It just wrenches you,” Martin said. “The mind would go crazy: Is he hurt? Is he calling out for help? Is he alive?

“So, then you say, ‘Lord, I know you are there. This is all in your timing. I know you’ve got this under control.’,” Martin said.

Colleen added: “I kept thinking about that verse, ‘All of the days ordained for me are written in your book, before one of them came to be.’ It’s in Psalm 139:16.”

She continued: “God knows what’s going on. He’s got a plan for Justin. I’ve loved having him for my son, and I wanted to still be able to treasure and find great joy in the years I’ve had with him, not let the thought of all this grief, overwhelm that.”

While waiting, they worked

Martin, a nuclear medicine physician at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, said he knew working would help keep his mind occupied.

Colleen went to her job because she wanted to honor Justin, who had encouraged her to do the work she does.

The wait, however, “was really agonizing,” Colleen said.

This is the pirate cruise ship that Justin Zloty sailed on from Dominica, past Martinique to St. Lucia. The trip normally would take a few hours, but took 12 hours because of the high seas. (Courtesy of Justin Zloty)

Martin replayed his emotions during that time.

“You go back and you think of all of the baby pictures. All of the times you were with him. Even the last conversation you had with him, you think, maybe that’s all there is now.

“You start to come to grips: Do I have to say bye to him? And, how do I deal with that?” Martin said.

Finally, on Sept. 20, they found out Justin was OK.

“As soon as I heard, I just started crying,” Colleen said.

Martin added: “I was just, ‘Thank you, Lord.’”

That gratitude hasn’t flagged.

“I’m still thanking the Lord every morning on my way to work. It had been just begging the Lord to spare his life,” Colleen said.

Justin’s return to Land O’ Lakes started with a taxi ride on Dominica to catch a ride on a pirate cruise ship that took 12 hours to make a trip on rough waters to St. Lucia. Then, it was another long taxi ride to catch a chartered flight to Miami.

Finally, he flew on a commercial jet to Tampa International Airport.

Since returning to Land O’ Lakes, Justin has been enjoying time with his parents, and his three brothers, Joshua, 24; Weston, 18; and, Daniel, 15.

Martin and Colleen said they’re grateful Justin is safely home, but they realize how terrible the conditions are for people in Dominica, Puerto Rico and other places ravaged by Hurricane Maria.

Justin understands, too.

“I was able to fly away from that island and come home here. But the island people, they live on that island. That’s their home,” he said.

Published Oct. 11, 2017