The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 07/18/2018

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(Courtesy of Lighthouse Preschool)

Lighthouse Preschool coming soon
Lighthouse Preschool will open its doors in August, but families with 3- and 4-year-olds are invited to visit now to learn more about its early childhood programs. The school is at 7017 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call (813) 994-8678, or visit LighthousePreK.com or Facebook.com/lighthouseprek.

Hearing screenings
The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation of Florida screened more than 17,000 students at more than 60 schools last year and is looking for volunteers to do the same this year when school begins in August.

No previous training is required. The screening process is simple and a brief demonstration is provided. The average screening time is two hours to three hours.

Volunteers are free to choose which schools they would prefer.

All volunteers must pass a background check.

Prospective volunteers can fill in an application at Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the Volunteer Application at the bottom of the page. Under ‘Preferences,’ choose Sertoma Speech & Hearing.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students July 21 at 10:15 a.m.

Assistance will be provided to help high school students understand resources for researching potential colleges, scholarships and other financial help, as well as how to prepare applications and get ready for the next chapter in life.

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

Program applications
Pasco-Hernando State College is accepting applications for the Bachelor of Science in nursing online degree program that will start in August.

Those interested must complete an application and submit an essay no later than 7:30 p.m., July 24.

The BSN program prepares currently licensed RNs who have an Associate in Science in nursing, or diploma graduates of nursing programs, with additional skills in management, leadership, theory and research.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Hopefest
The Freedom Center will present Hopefest on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Elementary School, 30243 Wells Road.

There will be free backpacks, school supplies, music, food, carnival games and more.

In order to receive a free backpack, each child must present a ticket.

To register, visit FreedomIsHere.org.

For information, call (813) 414-1664.

Back to School Bash
The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation will host a Back to School Bash, presented by the Standing Strong Outreach Ministry, on July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Centro De La Restaurancion, 6541 Orchid Lake Road in New Port Richey.

There will be music, face painting, bounce houses, school supplies raffles and more.

For information, call (727) 505-0108.

School supply drive
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes and the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco are partnering for a Back to School Supply Drive through July 31.

Items needed include backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, markers, notebooks, paper, pencil cases, pens, scissors and yellow pencils.

Donations will be distributed to students in need in Pasco County elementary schools at the start of the school year.

Shoppers who donate new school supplies will receive a voucher for 25 percent off a single item in the store.

For shop locations, visit GHPPC.org. For information about the drive, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707.

Back to school haircuts
My Salon Suite of New Tampa, 20707 Center Oak Drive, will provide free haircuts, in exchange for school supplies, Aug. 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For every $5 to $10 of donated school supplies, a child will receive a free haircut. The donated supplies will be given to Quail Hollow Elementary and Metropolitan Ministries.

There also will be free food, face painting and more.

For information, call (813) 501-0600.

Donate new supplies
David Weekley Homes will host its fourth School Supplies Drive through Aug. 6.

Donations can be dropped off at the Design Center, 9006 Brittany Way in Tampa, or at any David Weekley model home in the Tampa area.

For a complete list of supplies needed, visit tinyurl.com/y7bhpk3w.

Pasco Schools Childcare Department Gets New Name
Pasco County Schools has renamed its Place Department to reflect expanded programming.

The new name is the Office for After School Enrichment Programs.

To learn about the variety of programs the department operates or for enrollment information, parents should contact the school their child attends.

Scholarship fund
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce presented a check for $1,500 to The Pasco County Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Residents Scholarship Fund.

The fund helps families to attend summer camp programs in the county, and were generated from the chamber’s annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

PHSC Foundation names new board member

The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has added a new director to its board. Sharon Hayes, BSN, MBA, has been named to fill a vacant seat for a term that ends in 2019.

Hayes, of Tierra Verde, is the chief executive officer for Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson.

The PHSC Foundation is governed by a volunteer board from Pasco and Hernando counties.

Eighth annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers
United Way of Pasco County is conducting its eighth annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers. The campaign is set for Aug. 3, Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Supplies that are collected will be distributed by Pasco County Schools.

A school bus will be stationed at Walmart shopping centers to collect donations at the following locations:

  • Walmart-Port Richey, 8701 U.S. 19
  • Walmart-New Port Richey, 8745 State Road 54
  • Walmart-Lutz 1575 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
  • Walmart-Wesley Chapel 28500 State Road 54

Volunteers at all locations will hand out shopping lists and collect the donations.

On Aug. 6, volunteers will gather at the The Mike Fasano Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., in Hudson, to sort and pack the supplies.

Volunteers are needed at the donation sites and at the packing sites.

For information, contact Melinda Velez at or (727) 835-2028.

Day school turns 50
Independent Day School/Corbett Prep is turning 50 and looking for alumni who attended the Independent Day School in Tampa for an anniversary celebration scheduled for Aug. 18.

The school is asking for stories and photos from former students who were enrolled anytime between the school’s founding in 1968 to the present day.

To share memories, help with planning or attend the event, email Lisa Herscovici at , or join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/IDS50.

Independent Day School changed its name to Corbett Prep in 2012 and is located at 12015 Orange Grove Drive in Carrollwood.

For information, call (813) 961-3087.

PHSC fall registration underway
Registration is underway for fall sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College. The course schedule is available online at Info.PHSC.EDU/Course-Schedule.

New students should apply online at PHSC.EDU/Admissions.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Watching from a distance

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Siri Abeyratne, of Wesley Chapel, came upon this alligator sunning itself. An alligator will control its body temperature by basking in the sun.

Mike is a great companion

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Mike

Mike is a 9-year-old border collie that was found at a rescue eight years ago. At that time, he had never been in a car or a house and was not house-broken, due to abuse through neglect. Mike has come a long way. He has earned several obedience titles and is a certified therapy dog. Most of all, he is a wonderful companion to, and member of, the Pietropaoli family of Land O’ Lakes.

Help kids succeed, donate school supplies

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Every year, students are asked to bring supplies from an ever-growing list to school on the first day.

Efforts are underway to help students who need supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.
(File)

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is sponsoring a countywide Back-to-School Supply Drive, throughout the month of July, to help alleviate the burden of the families that may not be able to afford the supplies required.

“Gone are the days when a notebook, a pencil and some book covers, often made out of old shopping bags, were what most kids needed,” Fasano said, in a news release.

“Now in addition to backpacks, earbuds, USB drives and a variety of pens, pencils, tape, crayons and other items, they are expected to buy supplies for the classroom as well.”

Too many families struggle to provide for their own children, let alone provide towels, wipes and items for other students to use, he said.

All five tax collector offices will be collecting donations of school supplies. Cash donations also can be made, at any of the locations.

To mail a check, send to Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Note on the memo line: Back-to-School Backpack Promotion.

Schools in each community will receive the supplies soon after the promotional campaign ends.

For more information about the Pasco Tax Collector’s Back-to-School Supply Drive, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Office locations also can be found at the website.

Published July 11, 2018

Chalk Talk 07/11/2018

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Taking stock in the future
Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, awarded 44 Pasco County 12th-graders a Take Stock in Children scholarship. These students completed a multi-year commitment to the program by maintaining good grades, attendance, behavior, and remaining drug and crime-free. Each student will receive a tuition-paid scholarship for up to four years of college.

Forty-four Pasco County 12th-graders received a Take Stock in Children scholarship.
(Courtesy of Pasco Education Foundation)

Recipients pictured: Marwa Ali, Alivia Aguilar, Gabrielle Bryant Brown, Ajhani Burgess, Frankkeishia Butler, Adib Butt, Emily Chappell, Kody Condento, Elizabeth Cooper, Karina Deschamps, Kobie Doerr, Brionna DuPree, Dale Dupree, Eden Faison, Christopher Feliciano, Henry Ferreiro, Samorie Floyd, Paola Gines, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Faith Graves, Michael Guastella, Josiah Guzman, Haley Jacobs, Alyssa Laliberte, Arturo Leis-Pretto, Jordan Meath, Ashanti Mitchell, Jordan Nowak, Aviana Poole, Gwendolyn Price, Jamyra Rainey, Samantha Rodriguez, Kimberly Ruiz, Rachel Ryel, Natalie Santos, Darryl Scott, Yaisel Sifuentes Soto, Chelsea Smith, Tichino Smith, Kiersten Spatz, Shelby Stanley, Kayla Stedman, Elizabeth Sutton, Cordelia Truesdale and Katherine Wiggins.

Take Stock in Children is an award-winning program that provides scholarships, mentors and hope for a better future to deserving, yet at-risk, children.

To learn more, visit TakeStockPasco.org.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students July 21 at 10:15 a.m.

Assistance will be provided to help high school students understand resources for researching potential colleges, scholarships and other financial help, as well as how to prepare applications and get ready for the next chapter in life.

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

Program applications
Pasco-Hernando State College is accepting applications for the Bachelor of Science in nursing online degree program that will start in August.

Those interested must complete an application and submit an essay no later than 7:30 p.m., July 24.

The BSN program prepares currently licensed RNs who have an Associate in Science in nursing, or diploma graduates of nursing programs, with additional skills in management, leadership, theory and research.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Scholarships awarded
Hillsborough County officials awarded scholarships to 59 students, to assist them in reaching their goals and recognizing them for their academic achievements.

Hillsborough County Social Services partners annually with the Community Action Board to offer scholarships worth up to $5,000 to eligible students.

Recipients include both high school and college students, and are selected on thorough evaluations of their application materials.

The institutions of higher learning with award recipients include: Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Hillsborough Community College, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Lake Erie College, LIM College, Northwest Missouri State University, Saint Leo University, Southeastern University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of the Ozarks, University of South Florida, University of West Florida and Vanderbilt University.

Student achievements

Dean’s List:

  • Kelly Barry, of Odessa, Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Matthew Berube, of Lutz, Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania
  • Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe, of Odessa, Clemson University
  • Nathan Mansour, of Odessa, University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Caroline Amanda Meisner, of Lutz, Greensboro College, North Carolina
  • Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Taylor Trumbetti, of Lutz, University of Delaware

President’s List:

  • Amanda K. Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Kelly Mcdermott, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Samantha Politano, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida State University
  • Andrew Jacob Scwitzgebel, of Lutz, University of Alabama

Degrees:

  • Alexander Botex, of Lutz, Master of Engineering-mechanical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
  • Russell Ludwig Perciavalle, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science-accounting and business administration from Washington and Lee University, Virginia
  • Justin Lee Roberts, of Wesley Chapel, Associate of Arts, Rogers State University, Oklahoma
  • Jasmine Vann, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science-human services from Springfield College, Massachusetts

 

Health News 07/11/2018

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(Courtesy of Alzheimer’s Family Organization)

Project aims to help ease frustration
Members of the Brooksville Girl Scout Troop 24302 earned their sewing badges by creating Fidget Mats for the Alzheimer’s Family Organization. The mats may help sooth the agitated fidgeting of those with dementia. The West Hernando Branch of the Hernando County Library donated the space and provided free introductory sewing lessons for the project, and the scouts completed 10 fidget mats. Members of the troop are Alexa Brook, Isabel Shelby, Madeline Grob, Hannah Opyoke and Ami Rodriguez, under the leadership of Sarah Shelby and Angela Brook.

Adult day center honored
Jaime’s Adult Day Centers, of Lutz, has been recognized by the National Adult Day Services Association as an Adult Day Services Center of Distinction for its outstanding service and unique activities for its members.

The center’s monthly programming is developed by a certified recreation therapist and encompasses social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical activities.

Social wellness considers satisfaction in personal relationships with family and friends, and participation in the community

Emotional wellness considers one’s ability to recognize, accept and manage feelings, strengths and limitations.

Spiritual health considers the connection with a higher being.

Intellectual wellness looks at skills and knowledge within the individual.

And, physical well-being considers activities, such as exercise and a balanced diet.

Activities at Jaime’s range from themed parties to pet therapy with teacup goats. There also are Zumba Gold classes, resistance training and yoga; expressive arts and music therapy; daily prayer, and more.

For information, call (813) 527-6315.

Hospital adds new ER department
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital has completed the final phase of its emergency department, continuing to improve care for the West Pasco community.

Morton Plant’s new emergency department opened last December for patient care, featuring private treatment rooms, a spacious waiting area, nature-inspired artwork and contemporary design touches.

The final phase added a 15-bed unit for those requiring more observation or monitoring and four additional treatment rooms, bring the total to 28 private treatment rooms.

The permanent ambulance entrance also has opened.

The hospital is at 6600 Madison St., in New Port Richey.

 

Find your inner artist, and enter contest

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The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is accepting proposals to help in the creation of a museum mascot based on the horse found in William R. Leigh’s painting called “Tidbits.”

The art can be a painting or a graphic image, which should include the whole horse, in the likeness of the horse named Tidbits.

‘Tidbits’ by William R. Leigh, 1946
(Courtesy of The James Museum)

Entry size should not exceed 18 inches by 18 inches. Acrylic, oil, pastel and oil pastel on paper or board will be accepted. Vector or raster graphic images also will be accepted.

The submission may be a 3/4 look (as in the painting shown); straight-on, as Tidbits looks at the audience; or, a profile that includes a side view with all four legs.

Tidbits should be realistic, life-like and fun. When visitors see the painting in the gallery, they should recognize Tidbits as the museum mascot.

Tidbits has distinct features: four white socks, a white nose, a painted tail, warm eyes with a tint of blue, and an underbelly that is white with brown spots like an Appaloosa.

Tidbits does not talk, and probably needs a blanket and a halter.

The horse’s image will be used in advertising for educational programs, on a sticker, as a soft plush puppet, a stuffed animal and, eventually, will be put in motion on the museum website.

Artists and students from the Tampa Bay area can submit a proposal by mailing or dropping off entries with a $10 entry fee to Marsha Quinn, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The entry fee must be in the form of a check made payable to the James Museum.

The deadline for entries is Aug. 30.

The winner will be announced Sept. 15 and will receive $500.

For questions, contact Marsha Quinn at or (727) 892-4200, ext. 1016.

For more information, visit TampaArts.org.

Published July 4, 2018

Biagio loves warm weather

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Biagio is a 4-year-old puggle-bull mix that recently moved to Florida from Rhode Island. One of his favorite places to visit is the Honeymoon Island Dog Beach. Biagio’s proud owner is Susan Amalfitano of Land O’ Lakes.

Health News 07/04/2018

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Dr. Rao Musunuru spends time with ‘Superman’ at a 20th anniversary celebration of Kids at the Point. (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Center celebrates milestone
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of Kids at the Point, a center that has been caring and educating young children on the hospital campus since 1997.

Kids at the Point was the idea of Dr. Rao Musunuru and others who believed that employees who worked at the hospital should be able to have needed child care close-by and convenient for both themselves and their little ones.

A week of activities was dedicated to the children’s concepts of a superhero, and included creating superhero masks, watching “The Incredibles” movie, wearing superhero pajamas and having a superhero decorating contest.

Red Cross Angels
Officers of the Red Cross Angels, a support group for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross, were installed at a recent luncheon.

New officers for the 2018-2019 year are Al Van Voris, president; Glenda Barlow, vice president; Mary Jo Shenk, recording secretary; Nancy Watkins, corresponding secretary; and, Sandy Hill, treasurer.

Glenda Barlow was recognized as the Angel of the Year for her work as chairwoman of the Red Cross Angels Silver Coffee, which raised almost $40,000 for the Tampa Bay chapter.

This year’s Silver Coffee will take place Nov. 8 at a location yet to be determined.

For information about the Angels, which resume meetings in September, call (813) 348-4820.

Wound care excellence
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was recognized with the Center of Distinction Award, which was given to the hospital’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine by Healogics.

The center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal.

There were 635 centers eligible for the award, but only 427 achieved the honor.

For more information about Healogics and the distinction award, visit Healogics.com/2017-Center-of-Excellence-Winners.

Nursing awards
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized its staff with excellence in nursing awards.

Gwenn Hartley was the recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Compassionate Care Award, which is given to a nurse who demonstrates exceptional nursing knowledge and expert skills, and consistently applies both with compassion and integrity.

Crystal Drilea earned the Excellence in Nursing Professional Mentoring Award, given to a nurse who advances nursing practice in any clinical setting or nursing specialty by guiding or supporting career development for individuals or groups of nurses.

The Nurse of the Year award was given to Lezonie Burney at the 12th annual Good Samaritan Health Clinic Nurses’ Gala Bayonet Point.

A secret selection committee chose Burney upon information submitted by her nominator.

She will reign for one year and make community appearances.

Also nominated for the award was Brooke Dupont, who has been employed at Regional Medical for 13 years. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.

Patient safety recognized
Oak Hill Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and the Medical Center of Trinity each received the Healthgrades 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award, a designation that recognizes superior performance of hospitals that have prevented the occurrence of serious, potentially avoidable complications for patients during hospital stays.

The distinction places all three hospitals among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data for its excellent performance as evaluated by Healthgrades.

During the 2014 to 2016 study period, Healthgrades found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average:

  • 55.6 percent less likely to experience an accidental cut, puncture, perforation or hemorrhage during medical care
  • 52.4 percent less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest
  • 62.8 percent less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired at the hospital
  • 54.3 percent less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital