Mary Rathman

Educator offers tips for back to school

July 31, 2019 By Mary Rathman

For parents, this can be the most wonderful time of the year – back to school for students.

Baye Ballew, instructor of education for Saint Leo University (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Some children go through a ‘summer slump,’ and need help getting ready for the new school year and to prepare for academic success.

Baye Ballew, instructor of education for Saint Leo University, offers these tips to help parents:

Encourage your child to read during summer to maintain forward progression in academics
Visit public libraries because they are a good source of activities for children
Help children to adjust to a school-year schedule by starting bedtime earlier about two weeks before school (Studies show poor sleep quality and low amounts of sleep can affect student learning)
Train students to use planners to build time management skills
Take advantage of free websites that offer tutoring and academic games
Create a place in the home where students can leave planners and folders brought home from school (This establishes a place where parents to look for school news and information)
Plan a specific homework place so students can schedule a time to work and complete homework
Help kindergarteners to build strength in hand muscles for motor skills and handwriting development by having them work with molding clay.

Published July 31, 2019

Lilo loves to catch things

July 31, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Lilo is a 5-year-old Siamese mix. She was found on the side of a road in Tampa at 2 weeks old, and had to be bottle fed every few hours. Lilo spends her days trying to catch frogs in the lake, catching lizards (just to bring them inside and letting them go, creating lizard-catching games for the owners), and sleeping with her dirty paws on her owner’s pillows. Lilo’s favorite companion is the family dog who somewhat tolerates this notion. Lilo’s proud owner is Victoria Germuska, of Land O’ Lakes.

The ‘coolest bird’ around

July 31, 2019 By Mary Rathman

As Lillian Cucuzza was pulling into her driveway in Land O’ Lakes one afternoon, she saw a shadow pass over. Above her were two swallow-tailed kites flying very low over her neighbor’s house. This bird of prey, with its deeply forked tail, is sometimes called ‘the coolest bird on the planet’ (AllAboutBirds.com). Kites glide and soar through the air on thermals and updrafts. They feed on insects by capturing them with their feet in flight and then eat them ‘on the fly.’

Chalk Talk 07/31/2019

July 31, 2019 By Mary Rathman

School FUN Fest
Vine Church, 4743 Allen Road in Zephyrhills, will host a FUN Fest (Faithfully Uniting the Neighborhood) on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be food, music, free kids’ physicals, free haircuts, and book bags for all kids present (while supplies last). Arrive early to receive a book bag ticket.

For information, call (813) 298-3232.

Free school supplies
Operation Unwrap a Smile Inc., will host Back to School 2019 on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be free backpacks and school supplies.

Art contest winners
In recognition of SAMHSA National Prevention Week (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) sponsored an “Inspiring Change” art contest.

These are the winners from each age group:
Overall winner: Caleigh Brown, Charles Rushe Middle School
Kindergarten: Charles Walker, Moon Lake Elementary
First grade: Jaxson Eggers, Moon Lake Elementary
Second grade: Audrina Lawley, World of Knowledge
Third grade: Giovanni Aviles, World of Knowledge
Fourth grade: Cristalina Soares, Quail Hollow Elementary
Fifth grade: Catalyna Bronk, Moon Lake Elementary
Sixth grade: Mia Kremer, John Long Middle
Seventh grade: Hudson Middle, student’s name not available

Back-to-school physicals
Premier Community HealthCare will offer $15 back-to-school physicals through Sept. 30 at its Zephyrhills, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Lacoochee, Hudson, Dade City and Brooksville locations.

Offices are open Mondays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students can receive a complete physical examination, state-required screenings, and a free backpack with starter supplies.

Same-day appointments will be available.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations:

Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St.: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

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.

Teacher academy recognized
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce named the River Ridge High School New Teacher Academy (NTA) as the Youth Organization of the Year.

Students in the NTA receive classroom instruction on the fundamentals of becoming an educator and real-world experience working with students at elementary schools.

Students visit classrooms, teach lessons and support teachers’ curriculum.

They also have taught senior citizens about internet usage, social media access, identity theft protection, taking selfies, using mobile calendars, and using speech-to-text software.

In 2018, the New Teacher Academy was named the Florida Future Educators Association Outstanding Program of the Year.

Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

Pasco joins the mission of Seniors in Service

July 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Seniors in Service is a nonprofit organization that provides valuable resources to local communities through volunteerism.

Its main focus is helping people age 55 and older find the right volunteer opportunities for them that strengthen the local community.

Volunteers can serve and make a difference in a number of ways:

Provide companionship. Help isolated homebound elders live independently, with dignity, in their own homes. Provide respite care for worn-out caregivers. Make weekly check-in phone calls for people who need support.
Be a mentor or tutor to struggling children to help improve their academic and social skills
Help at a food pantry or food bank to help end hunger
Facilitate weekly workshops on nutrition and low-impact exercise
Facilitate small groups that share about life transitions and productive aging topics
Work with nonprofits through events, clerical, administrative duties, fundraising, advocates, advisors and more

Seniors in Service has received numerous awards, including the 2017 WEDU Be More Knowledgeable Award and the 2016 Tampa Bay Business Journal Nonprofit of the Year-Family Services.

The nonprofit also was named a finalist for the 2018 WEDU Be More Brilliant Award.

Volunteers at Seniors in Service have helped for more than 30 years in Hillsborough, Polk and Pinellas counties. Now, Pasco County also will be included.

Volunteers have flexible hours, and can choose when, where and how to pitch in.

Chris Noble is the liaison/coordinator for Pasco County and is looking to partner together to help make the community stronger.

For information on the organization, visit SeniorsInService.org.

To find out how to help, contact Chris Noble at (813) 760-3050 or .

Published July 24, 2019

Sagan is a star

July 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Sagan is shown here with his best friend, Oscar. Sagan is a rescue and likes to take walks on his leash. He protects the pool cage from frogs and lizards, and loves to have his belly rubbed. Sagan gives cuddles and kisses, wrestles, and carries his buddy Oscar around the house. His proud owners are Sheri and John Thrasher, of Wesley Chapel.

Looking to satisfy its hunger

July 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

On her way to work, Marybeth Gandiosi stopped to watch this bald eagle that was eager to eat a dead armadillo in the parking lot area of Watergrass, in Wesley Chapel. The eagle didn’t budge, even as Gandiosi hung out the car window to snap a few pictures.

Health News 07/24/2019

July 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Opening new doors to keep kids safe
Pasco Kids First had an open house and ribbon cutting at its new East Pasco office, in the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 103. The new office houses the Healthy Families Pasco-Hernando East Pasco Team and Trauma Treatment Team. There were light refreshments, and guests could meet team members and learn more about the services provided for children and families. For information, visit PascoKidsFirst.org.

Gulfside center dedicated
Gulfside Hospice honored two special people who fully embraced and represented the spirit of Gulfside: Walter and Mary Rucki. To celebrate their generosity, a dedication took place in their honor at the facility, now called Rucki Center for Hospice Care. Friends, employees and board members came together to remember these individuals and share stories about their experience at Gulfside. The commemorative plaque was unveiled at the ceremony and will remain in the center. The Rucki Center is at 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

Autism grants
Every year, the Florida Support Autism Programs Specialty License Plate generates funds that support nonprofit organizations providing direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida.

According to a news release from the Autism Services Grants Council, in 2018, nearly $99,600 was awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida, bringing to life projects across the state.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501c(3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply.

For information and to submit a proposal, visit AutismLicensePlate.com/grant-application/.

The deadline is July 31.

Hospital wins Gold Award
The Medical Center of Trinity has been awarded the Gold Winner “Best of Hospitals in West Pasco and North Pinellas” in the Suncoast Readers’ Choice Awards for 2019.

Sponsored by the Suncoast News, the Medical Center of Trinity received top honors in the hospital and medical center category.

Leah Massengill, CEO, said in a release, “It is gratifying to see that our community truly believes that we at Medical Center of Trinity walk the walk with regard to our mission, vision and values of providing the highest standards and most compassionate care to its community.”

In It Together scholarship
According to the Florida Center for Nursing, more than 40 percent of Florida nurses are approaching retirement age in the next 10 years, which could leave the state with a nursing shortage by 2025.

And, at the same time, health care jobs continue to grow in the Tampa area.

Altierus Career College in Tampa offers the “In It Together” scholarship to help make in-demand health care jobs more affordable to attain by reimbursing half of a student’s tuition, after the student completes the program and passes a certification exam.

The scholarship is for those enrolled in nursing or surgical technology programs at the school.

The nursing and tech programs at Altierus provide students with hands-on training in a realistic setting using industry-current equipment, included mannequins with functioning organs, ranging from a “mother that births babies” to infant and toddler-size mannequins.

For information, visit Altierus.edu.

Neuroscience Center hits milestone
One year ago, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point installed an x-ray imaging system for its Neuroscience Center, which allows physicians to view extremely detailed, real-time images of a patient’s head, neck and spine during stroke and other neuro-endovascular procedures that require exact precision.

The faster life-saving interventions can be performed on a patient, the greater the chances of survival and optimal recovery.

Patients at the Neuroscience Center receive treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including ischemic stroke, brain aneurism and neurovascular abnormalities.

As of July 12, Bayonet Point had successfully completed its 100th neuro-endovascular stroke intervention.

Chalk Talk 07/24/2019

July 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Funding helps student-volunteers
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association awarded a $7,000 gift toward the association’s scholarship endowment at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC). The endowment, established in 2012, helps Regional Medical’s volunteers to assist recent high school graduates enrolling at PHSC and who actively volunteer at the hospital. Front row, from left: Donna Owen, director Volunteers and Pastoral Care; John Cardelena, Diane Ricca and Roseann Santore. Back row, from left: Colleen D’ Amario, Donna Holecek, Charlie Matella, MaryEllen Yost, Chery Ferro and Lisa A. Richardson, associate vice president of Alumni and College Relations.

Back to School events
Vine Church, 4743 Allen Road in Zephyrhills, will host a FUN Fest (Faithfully Uniting the Neighborhood) on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be food, music, free kids’ physicals, free haircuts, and book bags for all kids present (while supplies last). Arrive early to receive a book bag ticket. For information, call (813) 298-3232.

Also on Aug. 3, Operation Unwrap a Smile Inc., will host Back to School 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be free backpacks and school supplies. Register at . For information, call Stephanie Roshell at (813) 748-4775.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations:

Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

For information, call (813) 400-0026.

Student achievements

Tracy De Grace, of Lutz: Bachelor of Science in nursing, Western Governors University (online)
Michael Giannulis, of Odessa: Master of Business Administration, Western Governors University
Crystal Lopez, of Trinity: Master of Science in nursing/nursing informatics, Western Governors University
Karla Marone, of Trinity: Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies K-8, Western Governors University
Steven Ramos, of Lutz: Master of Science-Physician Assistant studies, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
Maxim Stepanets, of Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in finance, Alma College, Michigan
Jordan Wheeler, of Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Riley Wood, of Land O’ Lakes: Honor Roll, Bethel University College of Arts & Sciences and College of Health Sciences, McKenzie, Tennessee

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

Extension office kicks off wellness program

July 17, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Start stepping toward a healthier future with UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, which is now offering a 12-week walking program called Let’s Walk Florida.

The program is designed to encourage community members to team up in pursuit of a lifelong walking habit.

Avid walkers Christa Lusk, left, and her husband, Roy Gilmore, take an evening stroll through their Land O’ Lakes neighborhood. (Christine Holtzman)

Anyone can participate in the program aimed at promoting physical wellness.

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more.

Walkers can choose from health, fitness and performance tracks.

And, participants can work toward goals at their own time and pace, reporting their results to the Pasco County Extension Office.

Registration for the program is $10 per person, and all ages are welcome.

Participants can sign up as teams or individually, or request to be assigned to a team.

The first 50 registrants will receive a pedometer and water bottle.

UF/IFAS will host a Let’s Walk Florida Kickoff Event on July 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

To register and reserve your spot by July 28, visit bit.ly/LetsWalkFL.

Published July 17, 2019