Mary Rathman

Health News 08/21/2019

August 21, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Pasco Kids First receives grant
The Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring selected Pasco Kids First as a grant recipient. The funds from the grant will be used to provide therapy and case management services for children who have experienced a traumatic event. The Foundation of Caring was founded in 2005 and has granted more than $2.5 million to 135 local nonprofits for community needs. From left: Layton Jennings, Ashley Jennings, Dana Selfridge, Angela Pottinger, Angelita Rodriguez and Becky Bennett. To learn more, visit FMCFoundationOfCaring.org.

Hands-on experience
AdventHealth hosted the eighth annual Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T.) Academy, which provided hands-on health care experience to more than 80 teens across Tampa Bay.

Twenty-five students from across the Tampa Bay region took part in the Brain Expansions Scholastic Training Academy offered at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of AdventHealth-West Florida Division)

This the fifth year AdventHealth Zephyrhills hosted the program.

The B.E.S.T. Academy encourages high school and middle school students to focus on careers within the health care sector.

Students participate in either a one-, two- or four-week program immersed in hands-on workshops, which include lab work, triage, suturing, splinting and shadowing hospital staff on the job.

The Academy also is offered in AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

New CEO announced
AdventHealth has named Erik Wangsness to the position of CEO for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

Wangsness will assume the leadership role on Sept. 1, replacing Denyse Bales-Chubb, who recently transitioned to a new role as CEO for AdventHealth Tampa.

Recently, Wangsness served as president for Washington Adventist Hospital in the Washington D.C. region.

Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth, said in a release, “Over the years, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has grown to meet the increasing health care needs of this community, and with Erik’s guidance, I know it will continue to provide exceptional Christ-centered care and foster hope and wholeness.”

Staff achievements
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point honored its physicians and new residents at the hospital’s annual Nursing Gala.

The event recognizes the significant accomplishments of the hospital’s physicians and nurses.

Physicians are nominated for their dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate patient care.

Both physicians and new residents are nominated by the hospital’s nursing staff.

This year’s winners were Dr. Keshav Remireddy as Physician of the Year and Dr. Andrei Hetman as New Resident of the Year.

Humanitarian award
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announced that Dr. Keshav Ramireddy has been recognized as this year’s Frist Physician Humanitarian Award winner.

The award was created in 1971 to honor individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities, named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr.

The nominee is judged in four categories: level of commitment to the facility and patient care; level of commitment to the community; having a positive effect on others; and, dependability, consistency and people-oriented.

Dr. Ramireddy will receive a donation of $500 to the charity of his choice, and a Frist lapel pin and a plaque.

Chalk Talk 08/21/2019

August 21, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Alvaro Hernandez, newly elected chair (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Leaders elected to Board of Trustees
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) elected a new chair and vice chair for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Trustee Alvaro Hernandez was elected to serve as chair, succeeding Robin Schneider, and Trustee Marilyn Pearson-Adams was elected to serve as vice chair, a post previously held by Alvaro Hernandez.

Marilyn Pearson Adams, newly elected vice chair

Hernandez, of Odessa, is market vice president of Humana, and received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. He has served on the PHSC DBOT since 2017.

Pearson-Adams, of Brooksville, is the president of Century 21 Alliance Realty, a director with The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and previously served as a board member of the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board. She has served on the PHSC DBOT since 2014.

Every July, the board elects new leaders, and reviews meeting and event dates for the upcoming academic year.

College workshop
Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts will offer a free workshop, “College Bound: Figuring It Out, Part 2” on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m., for students interested in musical theater, acting, music and dance programs at the college and university level.

Topics will include tools and knowledge to navigate the various performing arts programs, how to submit a solid application, and how to prepare for prescreen and entrance auditions.

For information, call (813) 222-1040, or visit PatelConservatory.org.

Bank delivers backpacks
First National Bank of Pasco (FNBP) since 2009 has delivered about 2,500 stocked backpacks to area schools for students in need, as identified by school administration.

This year, together with the Thomas Promise Foundation, Ryman Construction, Summit Salon Academy, and Dr. Timothy Muscaro, FNBP delivered 400 backpacks to seven area schools: Chester Taylor Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, Cox Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco Middle and Zephyrhills High.

Telecommunicator course
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer a 911 Telecommunicator Operator course starting Aug. 28 at its West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The 240-hour course is offered as a hybrid course, with on-campus (face-to-face) classes that will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and two Saturdays: Sept. 7 and Nov. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The balance of the course is taken online.

The program will cover all competencies required to perform the role of a telecommunication operator in Florida, and will prepare the student to take the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Exam.

Students also will earn a CPR certification in the class.

For information on cost and credits, and to register, visit PHSC.edu.

5K for schools
The Hope 5K, “Hope for the Schools,” will take place Aug. 31 at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

Proceeds from the run will benefit Sunlake High School, Charles Rushe Middle School, Oakstead Elementary School, Chamberlain High School, Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School and Sligh Middle School.

The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run.

The Hope 5K will start at 8 a.m. Registration is $40.

The Fun Run will begin at 8:10 a.m., and costs $20.

There also will be an award ceremony and a pancake breakfast after the run.

For information, visit Idlewild.org/Hope5K.

Student debt rankings
WalletHub, the personal finance website, released its report on the 2019 States with the Most and Least Student Debt.

To determine the states that are friendliest toward student-loan debtors, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics, including average student debt, unemployment rate among the population ages 25 to 34, and the share of students with past-due loan balances.

Student debt in Florida ranked as follows (1=Most; 25=Average):

15th in availability of student jobs
26th in the unemployment rate of population ages 25 to 34
29th in student debt as percent of income (adjusted for cost of living)
34th in grant growth
40th in proportion of students with debt
43rd in average student debt
45th in percentage of student-loan borrowers ages 50 and older

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com.

Technology partnership
Campus Management and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) have formed a technology partnership to transform the institution with a modern, cloud-based student platform to help enable students to achieve academic and career success in today’s global society.

To elevate the higher education learning experience for students and faculty at PHSC’s five campuses, the school selected the Campus Management full suite of CampusNexus solutions.

The suite includes CampusNexus Engage, CampusNexus Student, CampusNexus Finance, HR & Payroll, and CampusNexus Occupation Insight, all implemented and deployed in the CampusNexus Cloud.

The solutions have a variety of benefits to students and faculty that enhance operational efficiency and academic delivery.

For instance, through the student portal, embedded analytics, financial aid automation and interactive web forms, the CampusNexus solutions will allow students to experience a more comprehensive view of their campus and the resources available to them.

Max is precocious

August 14, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Max is a 9-month-old Blue Chihuahua. He has a blue tint in his fur, especially around his ears, and an exquisitely curled tail. Max loves playing catch and tag with his toy monkey while running at stealth speed. He takes anything into his lair under the dining room table, such as paper, socks and plastic. Max’s favorite pastime is finding the biggest piece of mulch to chew on, in the front garden. He even gets jealous during hug time, which causes him to shriek and jump. Max’s proud owner is Katie Wyka, of Land O’ Lakes.

An appropriate home, for this bird

August 14, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Marisol Fontanez snapped this blue jay fittingly perched on a fence at the Blue Jay Mobile Home Park in Dade City. Blue jays are large, crested songbirds that like to mimic the call of hawks, especially red-shouldered hawks.

Chalk Talk 08/14/2019

August 14, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Pitching in to stock classrooms
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club’s Education Committee had its annual ‘Back-to-School Supplies’ fundraiser luncheon and used the proceeds to shop for supplies for local schools. Members filled several SUVs with the supplies, which were delivered to several area schools that had the greatest need. The committee will continue to collect items to stock teachers’ cabinets with necessary items, as well. Gail Howard and Carol Montgomery stand beside an SUV filled with backpacks and supplies.

Shopping for school supplies were Marcy Edmondson, Carol Montgomery, Gail Howard, Devyn Espy and Pat Wagner.

PBS workshops
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a PBS representative for two workshops on free educational resources available through the PBS website.

Aug. 19 at 11 a.m.: For prekindergarten and kindergarten
Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.: grades one to five

Parents, teachers, families and home-schoolers can attend.

Registration is required by calling (813) 929-1214.

Topics will include tools and knowledge to navigate the various performing arts programs, how to submit a solid application, and how to prepare for prescreen and entrance auditions.

For information, call (813) 222-1040, or visit PatelConservatory.org.

5K for schools
The Hope 5K, “Hope for the Schools,” will take place Aug. 31 at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

Proceeds from the run will benefit Sunlake High School, Charles Rushe Middle School, Oakstead Elementary School, Chamberlain High School, Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School and Sligh Middle School.

The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run.

The Hope 5K will start at 8 a.m. Registration through Aug. 16 is $35; Aug. 16 to Aug. 31 is $40.

The Fun Run will begin at 8:10 a.m., and costs $20.

There also will be an award ceremony and a pancake breakfast after the run.

For information, visit Idlewild.org/Hope5K.

Student record
As the academic year kicks off, Saint Leo University is expecting 815 new freshmen and 186 transfer students when classes begin on Aug. 20.

University officials believe this is the largest incoming group of students (1,001) in the school’s 130-year history. Last year’s incoming class totaled 689.

Saint Leo also will see an increase in international students, from 86 last year to 181 this year.

Notable characteristic of the incoming Fall 2019 class include:

50 percent from Florida
31 percent from out of state
19 percent from international countries
24 percent first-generation students
SAT scores increased from 1070 to 1182
Unweighted average GPA is 3.26

Students began arriving on Aug. 9 and can move in until 1 p.m., on Aug. 15.

Parents and families can join students for the first two days of orientation, starting Aug. 15 with a Welcome to the Pride at 3 p.m.

Most of the new student orientation activities on Aug. 16 will center on academics.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit SaintLeo.edu, or call (855) 300-8566.

School grades increase
Pasco County Schools saw school grade improvements with increases in the number of A and B schools, and decreases in the number of schools under state review.

These improvements reflect the dedication of Pasco County students and teachers, as the district’s grade remains a B.

Fifteen schools improved by one letter grade: Bexley, Lake Myrtle and Wiregrass elementary schools improved from a B to an A; Deer Park, Gulf Trace, Marlowe, Pine View and San Antonio elementary schools improved from a C to a B; and, Anclote, Calusa, Chasco and Richey elementary schools improved from a D to a C.

Wendell Krinn Technical High School scored an A in its opening school year.

Best LPN program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) was recently ranked first among Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Florida by NursingProcess.org, according to a press release.

There are more than 160 LPN programs in the state that are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, of which NursingProcess.org ranked the top 15 programs, with PHSC coming in first.

Each program on the rankings list received a score based on several factors including NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates, graduation rate, academic quality, and affordability.

For information about the school’s LPN program, visit PHSC.edu.

Snag a pass to children’s museum

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County Libraries has your ticket for free, family friendly fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum, a nonprofit, hands-on, interactive learning center.

The museum offers 19 themed areas and 170 exhibits, annually.

And, according to its website, guests can “Play with purpose at the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa’s interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders.”

The pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is good for free admission for up to five guests. It can only be used once within the seven-day checkout period.

Blackout dates at the museum and other restrictions may apply.

The museum is at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit GlaserMuseum.org.

Reserve the Museum Pass in person at any Pasco County Library, or online at bit.ly/GCMPass.

Published August 07, 2019

Emmie is having a bad hair day

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Emmie is a happy, healthy maltese rescue who enjoys her new life and home. After rummaging around in her bed one day, Emmie emerged looking like this! Emmie lives with Tom and Ann Kolessar, in Lutz.

A tropical, wetland bird

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Fran Sieradzki snapped this photo of a limpkin behind her home in Seven Oaks, in Wesley Chapel. The limpkin, also called carrao, courlan or crying bird, looks like a large rail, but is skeletally closer to a crane. It is found mostly in wetlands in warm parts of the Americas, from Florida to northern Argentina.

Health News 08/07/2019

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Raising funds for breast cancer
Breast Friends Forever Inc., based in Caliente Resort and Spa, raised more than $34,435 for Moffitt Cancer Center, with the support of sponsors and the community during a derby fundraiser. The money is specifically earmarked for breast cancer treatment and research. Taking part in the presentation, from left: Debra Ruyle, Diane Wiley, Pam Gerbig, Judi Miller, Debbie Wright and Hilda Holt. Member Sharon LeVand is not pictured.

Critical need for blood donors
OneBlood, a local blood center, is urging people with O-positive blood to donate as soon as possible.

Summer is a challenging time for blood donations. School is out and people are on vacation, but the need for blood does not stop, according to a release by OneBlood.

Thirty-seven percent of the population has O-positive blood, making it the most common blood type, which makes it transfused more often.

Generally, healthy people age 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.

For a list of OneBlood Donor Centers and Big Red Bus blood drives, visit OneBlood.org.

Hospital performs robotic procedure
The Medical Center of Trinity has announced the successful completion of the first robotic-assisted coronary/peripheral angioplasty in the Tampa Bay region.

According to a release, this is the first and only FDA-cleared and CE Marked medical device to bring robotic-assisted precision and control to coronary and peripheral interventional procedures.

Physicians use minimally invasive technology, which improves the precision of stent placements. Combined with the enhanced visualization of the X-ray images and robotic precision, procedures are transformed, ultimately improving patient care.

Nursing excellence
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized registered nurse Aida Guardiani for Excellence in Nursing.

The Excellence in Nursing Awards were established to honor outstanding nurses who demonstrate excellence in professional mentoring and in providing compassionate care.

Melanie Wetmore, chief nursing officer, pointed out, in a release, that Aida goes out of her way daily to go above and beyond in the care and navigation of her patients; patients and families consistently rave about the care she provides; her compassion for others is evident in everything she does; and, she ensures every interaction with patients is positive, caring and nurturing.

Guardiani received a $500 check, a plaque, a special parking spot for a year, and an lapel pin.

New staff member
Access Health Care Physicians welcomes Dr. Melitza Lopez Valle to its medical staff.

Lopez Valle comes to Access Health from Puerto Rico, where she has practiced medicine since receiving her medical degree in 2007 at that Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

She completed her residency at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.

Lopez Valle is proficient in both Spanish and English.

Access Health’s main office is at 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

Medicare information
Being uninformed of your Medicare benefits and options can result in delays in coverage, financial penalties and higher health care costs.

To learn more, speak to a local Medicare counselor that can be provided by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE Program.

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program provides free, confidential and unbiased counseling.

For information, visit the Florida Elder Helpline at FloridaShine.org, and complete the “contact us” form.

Chalk Talk 08/07/2019

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Kiwanis food drive
The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is asking for food donations on behalf of the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) East Campus Bobcat Pantry.

The pantry is a donation-based service, free to students who need assistance in having their basic needs met, as it provides supplemental food and various hygiene products to ensure no student goes without.

Students in need or individuals who would like to donate (and get a list of acceptable items) can call (855) 669-7472, or email .

Invention Convention
Student finalists in kindergarten through 12th grade from central and southwest Florida will compete at the Florida Invention Convention on Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center.

The students have participated in other Invention, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and/or STEM education programs.

Winners of the state finals advance to the National Invention Convention at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation next year.

This year’s guest speakers will be Ben Stern, a 2016 Shark Tank winner, and Carmine Denisco, event sponsor and co-found of Inventors Launchpad.

Admission is free.

For information, visit InventFlorida.org.

School supply drive
Hawkins Photography, 24034 State Road 54 in Lutz, will collect school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Learning Gate Community School, also in Lutz. Drop off any school supplies and receive a free mini photo shoot the day of the event.

For information, call (813) 400-0026.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students on Aug. 10 at 10:15 a.m., for teens.

The library will offer assistance to high school students on how to research potential colleges, scholarships, funding sources and preparation to apply to college.

The workshop will be presented in partnership with the Black Scholars Heading to College program.

For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

Student achievement
Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, has graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, earning a Bachelor of Science in community health.

Hofstra is a community of more than 11,000 students who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.

Breakfast program
Pasco County Schools is accepting free and reduced-price household meal applications for the 2019-2020 school year and will serve free breakfasts at 51 schools.

In accordance with the National School Lunch Act, households that are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

Households must complete a new application each school year. Visit PascoSchoolMeals.com for the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.

To see a list of schools where free breakfasts will be available, use the same website and click on the ‘Meal Programs’ link and then ‘National School Breakfast Program.’

Sonic Drive-In rewards teachers
As part of its Limeades for Learning initiative in partnership with the nonprofit, DonorChoose.org, Sonic Drive-In has recognized teachers and their contributions to education.

These local area teachers received monetary awards:

Meagan Brinkman, Connerton Elementary School, for the project, “The Microscopic World of Miss Brinkman’s Room” and the project, “Choose Your Learning Environment”
Patsy Hicks, Lake Myrtle Elementary, for “Flexible Seating for Learning”
Anastacia Kelley, Sanders Memorial Elementary, for “Desire to Inspire: Ron Clark Academy Training” and “Accepted to Hogwarts: Magical Room Transformation”
Stacy Haas, Sanders Memorial Elementary, “Learning with Lego Bricks”
Karen Nester, Lutz Elementary, “Award Winning Readers Need Award Winning Books”

Sonic supports teachers year-round. Visit LimeadesForLearning.com for updates on contributions, future donation matches, how to get involved and explore public school teacher projects in the community in need of support.

Shop with a Cop
The Dade City Youth Council, the Dade City Police Department and Walmart have teamed up for the annual “Summer Shop with a Cop.”

The activity is designed to build a strong relationship between students, the youth council and the police department, while providing less-fortunate students with back-to-school clothes.

This is the second year for the partnership between the organizations.

A total of 18 students from Pasco and R.B. Cox elementary and Pasco Middle schools were paired with a youth council member at the police department to shop at the Dade City Walmart.

Each student received $100 of new clothing.

For information about the program, call Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez at (352) 523-5050.