Mary Rathman

Health News 11/15/2017

November 15, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Hospital team receives award
The St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team was named the Environmental Services Department of the Year by the American Hospital Association’s Association for the Healthcare Environment. The award was presented to just two hospital facilities nationwide.

St. Joseph’s department was recognized for its professionalism, expertise, patient satisfaction, and efficiency, surpassing other entries in the “Up to 249 Beds” category.

Seventeen of its 26 team members have completed the training necessary to become a certified healthcare environmental services technician through the AHE. The certification program sets national standards in infection prevention, effective communication, evidence-based cleaning protocols and more.

National Hospice Month
The Board of Commissioners for Pasco County has proclaimed the month of November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and commended the staff from Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care for its service to the residents of Pasco County.

County Commissioner Mike Wells, District 4, visited Gulfside’s West Clinical Office in New Port Richey to present the proclamation to Gulfside’s team.

In the last year, Gulfside’s staff of interdisciplinary professionals has cared for 2,445 patients facing a life-limiting illness in Pasco County.

In celebration of National Hospice Month, Gulfside Hospice is offering complimentary copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information prior to becoming seriously ill.

To receive a free copy, contact the Community Relations Department at (800) 561-4883 or , or stop by Gulfside’s Corporate Resource Center at 2061 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Chalk Talk 11/15/2017

November 15, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Connerton collects coins for hurricane relief

Shown here, from left, are Connerton Elementary Principal John Abernathy, Jhiana Acosta, Destiny Burgess, Wyatt Mann, Michelle Bubis, Katy Wyrick, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hulll, Lucy Folstad, Madison Welch, Hayden Reed, Fourth grade teacher Cary Wyrick, Fourth grade teacher Rachel Foster. Second row: Mackenzie Yates Peyton Noll, Baylee Sharpe, Riley Brown, Hunter Reed, Dillon Foster, Addison Mols, Emmy Hertz, Amaiya Davis, Brody Marks. Third Row: Emily Baldree, Lyla Folstad, Trey Page, Isabel Cula, Colton Greene. Not Pictured: Cristian Cameron.

Constitution Essay winners
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s fifth annual Constitution Essay Contest drew a record 72 entries, nearly 70 percent more than in 2016.

The top prize in the contest was awarded to Bailey Keyes, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary School, for “her grasp of individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution,” and noting personal examples along with her “clear beginning and logical ending,” according to a press release.

Ryleigh McQueen, a fifth-grader at Woodland Elementary School, won second place; and, Nathan Grimes, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary School, won third place.

The winners will be awarded trophies at the Pasco County School Board meeting Dec. 19. Keyes also will receive a tour of the Pasco courthouse of her choice, plus lunch with Clerk & Comptroller Paula S. O’ Neil.

Students participate in Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day activities throughout Pasco and Hernando counties drew the participation of more than 2,000 students.

Approximately 500 students attended tours of local manufacturers, while 1,800 more students throughout Pasco and Hernando high schools and middle schools were educated about manufacturing through a virtual tour of a local Pasco County manufacturer, Arete Industries.

Two local fundraisers also took place, as well as library events to inform the public about manufacturing, and the opportunities manufacturing offers to jobseekers and the local economy.

Timothy Beard joins tech council
Timothy Beard, Ph.D., president of Pasco-Hernando State College, is the newest member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

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 selected to serve as the college’s fourth president in 2015.

Enrollment at PHSC has increased by 40 percent under Beard’s leadership.

Beard’s expertise and knowledge in higher education and workforce development will help guide The Corridor in its mission to grow high tech industry and innovation through partnerships that support research, marketing, workforce and entrepreneurship.

Student toy drive
Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Moore and the Pasco County District School Board will collect new toys for Pasco County children through its inaugural Holiday Toy Drive, through Nov. 27.

All toys will be donated to students through Pasco County District Schools.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5 to 13 can be dropped off at any of these locations:

Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills
West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey

Several Pasco County community partners also will accept toy donations.

For information, visit bit.ly/2gEK4lz.

Donate stocking stuffers
A group of International Baccalaureate students at Land O’ Lakes High School will be collecting stockings to be donated to foster children through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco County, as part of a service project.

The group needs donations of stockings, as well as small toys, socks, toothbrushes, coloring books, art supplies, puzzles and other small items. No food will be accepted.

Completely assembled stockings and individual items can be donated.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 11 at the Wilderness Lake Clubhouse, Meadow Pointe Clubhouse, Lake Bernadette Clubhouse and at Land O’ Lakes High School (for students).

For information, email .

Apply for student scholarship
Simplified IT Products LLC, the makers of Picture Keeper, will offer a scholarship to two students who are chasing their dreams.

The first-place winner will receive a $1,500 award, second place will receive a $1,000 award, and third place will receive a Picture Keeper Connect.

The fall scholarship is available to apply for until Dec. 31.

Applicants must be a high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student, and submit the following:

A 200-word to 300-word written essay on “What are you doing to follow your dreams and how does this picture portray it?”
A photo on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #PictureKeeper, so Simplified can find your photo on social media. Your Instagram or Twitter account must be public to qualify.
A transcript showing a high school graduate (or equivalent) 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA. University or business school applicants also must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

Send the URL of your social media post, along with your essay and transcript, to .

To learn more about the program, visit PictureKeeper.com/pages/scholarships.

Health News 11/08/2017

November 8, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of U.S. Postal Service Headquarters)

Alzheimer’s fundraising stamp
The U.S. Postal Service will issue an Alzheimer’s Semipostal Fundraising stamp Nov. 30. The stamp will be sold for 60 cents. The price includes the first-class single-piece postage rate in effect at the time of purchase, plus an amount to fund Alzheimer’s research.

By law, revenue from the sales of the stamp (minus the postage paid and the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred by the Postal Service) is to be distributed to the National Institutes of Health, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y8nkuurt.

Access Health adds speech pathologist
Access Health Care Physicians welcomes Jeannine A. Lovell, a speech language pathologist to its staff at Access Physical Therapy, 5362B Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill. Lovell also will be available, as needed, at 11463 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.

Lovell specializes in strokes, aphasia, apraxia, voice disorders, swallowing, accent reduction, traumatic brain injury, and sign language.

Patients of all ages from pediatrics through geriatrics can make appointments.

For information, call (352) 200-2192.

Chalk Talk 11/08/2017

November 8, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Jonathan Shoemaker, Saint Leo University)

Residence hall transforms for Halloween
Saint Leo University hosted its annual Haunted Marmion in Marmion-Snyder Hall, with game, crafts, snacks and trick-or-treating. All floors of the residence were transformed into the Haunted Marmion Mad House. Donations were accepted for a local food bank. Little ones, including this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, did some trick-or-treating at Saint Leo’s residence halls during the event.

Schools host Veterans Day ceremonies
Students and schools throughout Pasco County will participate in Veterans Day ceremonies at their schools in the community.

The following is a list of local events:

Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.: Bexley Elementary School, 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., Land O’ Lakes — Second-graders will perform during the school’s Veterans Day concert. Call (813) 346-4300.
Nov. 10 at 7 a.m.: Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St. — the school’s ROTC and chorus will salute and honor staff veterans before school. Call (813) 794-6100.
Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.: Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City — Veterans will visit classrooms, and talk about the holiday and their service. Students will talk about family members who have served and hang photos of them on a Wall of Heroes. Call (352) 524-5600.
Nov. 10 at 10 a.m.: Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz — The school will recognize more than 75 veterans from all branches of the military. Fourth and fifth-graders will perform songs; student council members will speak; the PTA will provide breakfast; student art will be displayed; and a local Boy Scouts troop will present the flag. Call (813) 794-1600.
Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Veterans Elementary School, 26940 Progress Parkway in Wesley Chapel — A barbecue will be hosted in honor of veterans. All community members who have served in the military can attend. RSVP at (813) 346-1400, or email .
Nov. 10 at 11:30 a.m. — Odessa Elementary School, 12810 Interlaken Road, New Port Richey — Anyone related to Odessa Elementary can attend the celebration. The school’s chorus and Seven Springs Middle School chorus will sing, and the Mitchell High School Color Guard will perform. There also will be lunch, a parade and live music. Call (727) 246-3700.
Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.: Chester W. Taylor Elementary School, 3638 Morris Bridge Road in Zephyrhills — The school’s chorus and the Zephyrhills High School JROTC, jazz band and chorus will perform. The guest speaker will be Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning. Call (813) 794-6900.
Nov. 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: West Zephyrhills Elementary School, 37900 14th Ave. — There will be live music, and students and staff will wear red, white and blue. Community members should bring chairs. Event is on the basketball courts. Call (813) 794-6300.
Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m.: Quail Hollow Elementary School, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., in Wesley Chapel — The school will host a Fall Festival Veterans Day Celebration with a musical performance and the students will honor veterans and our country. Call (813) 794-1100.

Holocaust scholar to speak
Victoria Barnett, a scholar at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, will present “Theologian against the Nazis: New Questions, New Findings about Dietrich Bonhoeffer” Nov. 9 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Admission is free, and the public is invited.

Parties of 15 people or more, and guests who need assistance, are asked to RSVP to .

PHSC community seminar
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch will host a community seminar Nov. 15 at 11 a.m., on “Driving Under the Influence Awareness,” at the school’s conference center, Building B, Room 303, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The seminar is open to students, teachers, staff and the community.

Free opera program for home-schoolers
Patel Conservatory will offer a free Homeschool Assembly with Opera Tampa Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m., at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Opera Tampa singers will perform for home-schooled students in this introduction to opera. Students can learn about the art form, opera etiquette and various types of operatic voices.

To register, call (813) 222-1040.

Bully prevention assembly

Gulfside Elementary School will host “Lizzie Sider’s Bully Prevention Assembly” Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m., for students and staff.

Anti-bullying speaker Lizzie Sider will give a presentation on her personal experiences with elementary and middle school students.

For information, call (727) 774-6000.

Short story contest
The third annual Stair Prize in Writing contest is open for Hillsborough County students in seventh and eighth grades.

Students can submit a short story based on the theme “An Act of Kindness.”

A $500 cash prize will be awarded to a single winner.

The deadline for entry is Nov. 17.

The prize winner will be notified Dec. 8 and awarded the prize Dec. 20.

For information and details, visit HCPLC.org.

All toys will be donated to students through Pasco County District Schools.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5 to 13 can be dropped off at any of these locations:

Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills
West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey

Several Pasco County community partners also will accept toy donations.

For information, visit bit.ly/2gEK4lz.

Girl Scouts earn first aid patch

November 1, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Oak Hill Hospital welcomed a visit from Girl Scout Troop 305 to its Pediatric ER, where certified emergency nurses Claire Bell and Taneka Wilkerson taught the Scouts basic first aid skills and how to wrap each other’s wrists in Ace bandages, helping the girls earn a first aid patch. Front row, from left: Kaylee Stake, Jordynlynn Davis, Kinsey Gonzales, Olive Dudley, Karoline Stonecypher and MiaBella Morris. Second row, from left: Trista Rawald, Janyah Webster, Madilyn Dudley, Trinity Rawald, Mikayla Sinnett and Natalie Russell. Third row: Taneka Wilkerson, left, and Claire Bell.

Chalk Talk 11/01/2017

November 1, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Top Dogs at Stewart Middle
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills hosted the First Quarter Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School at a Hungry Howie’s lunch. The club started the program more than 30 years ago to honor students for academics and leadership roles in the school. Those honored were (pictured) Shelby Mills, Serenity Rommel, Arnel Ramdath, Yiting Gao, Adara Cruz, Jeremy Hecker and Dustin Day; and, (not pictured) Beatrice Yarborough and Tatum Suggs.

All toys will be donated to students through Pasco County District Schools.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5 to 13 can be dropped off at any of these locations:

Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills
West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey

Several Pasco County community partners also will accept toy donations.

For information, visit bit.ly/2gEK4lz.

IB community info nights
The Land O’ Lakes High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme will host three IB Community Information Nights for prospective applicants seeking ninth grade admission in the 2018-2019 school year. Parents and guardians of current eighth grade public, charter and private school students can attend to learn about the program. All sessions are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nov. 2, Land O’ Lakes High School mini-theater, 20325 Gator Lane, Land O’ Lakes
Nov. 7, Weightman Middle School, cafeteria, 30649 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel
Nov. 14, Dr. John Long Middle School, cafeteria, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel

For information, call Jeff Morgenstein at (813) 794-9429.

Barbecue for veterans
Veterans Elementary School will have a barbecue to honor veterans 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, call (813) 346-1400 to RSVP by Nov. 3.

Awards program offered
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will grant two Florida recipients $1,000, a medallion and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C.

Students in grades five through 12 can apply for the awards, if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities within the past 12 months.

The application is available at Spirit.Prudential.com and NASSP.org/spirit.

The application deadline is Nov. 7.

Drama club benefit
The 1983 ZHS Alumni will host the “Back in Time” tour with magician Steve Marshall Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., in the Zephyrhills High School Activities Center. The event will benefit the school’s Drama Club. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children age 5 and younger.

For information, call (813) 794-6100.

Admission is free, and the public is invited.

Parties of 15 people or more, and guests who need assistance, are asked to RSVP to .

Students lead Florida in independent reading
New River Elementary school finished first in Florida and has been named “Best in the State” in the 2017 Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge for recording 5,536,782 independent reading minutes from May 8 to Sep. 7.

Besides coming in No. 1 in Florida, the school came in second for the nation.

The school has shown consistent improvement in independent reading minutes.

Last year, the school’s students logged more than 2 million minutes, which earned it second place in Florida and a top 10 in the United States.

New River hosted an on-campus student celebration on Oct. 6, where students were rewarded with Kona Ice.

Scholastic plans to feature New River Elementary in their 2018 Book of World Records, and the school will be sent a plaque and celebration kit.

The seminar is open to students, teachers, staff and the community.

Short story contest
The third annual Stair Prize in Writing contest is open for Hillsborough County students in seventh and eighth grades.

Students can submit a short story based on the theme “An Act of Kindness.”

A $500 cash prize will be awarded to a single winner.

The deadline for entry is Nov. 17.

The prize winner will be notified Dec. 8 and awarded the prize Dec. 20.

For information and details, visit HCPLC.org.

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

The two programs are:

Math Circle, an afterschool activity for middle school students 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 arrange for a child to participate, or to get more information, 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 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. The test will be given 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 at MAA.org/math-competitions/amc-8. Late registration deadline is Nov. 7.

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.

Magnet schools earn certification
Six Hillsborough County schools are among the first in the country to earn national certifications awarded by the Magnet Schools of America.

The recognized programs are: Jefferson High School (College Preparatory Leadership Academies); Lee Elementary Magnet of World Studies and Technology; Middleton High School (Pre-Collegiate STEM Academy); Shore Elementary Magnet Center of the Arts; Sligh Middle Magnet for Medical Studies and Explorations; and, Stewart Middle Magnet for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The certificates were given after a nine-month review of the schools, based on Magnet School Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of magnet schools: diversity; innovative curriculum and professional development; academic excellence; high-quality instructional systems; and, family and community partnerships.

Chalk Talk 10/04/2017

October 4, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Free student flu vaccines

Pasco County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, and Healthy Schools LLC will once again offer students free immunizations to fight influenza Oct. 4 through Oct. 12, as part of the “Teach Flu a Lesson” program.

The immunizations will be administered by Healthy Schools nurses to students with parental consent in every participating Pasco County public school.

The program is voluntary and only children with consent forms signed and completed by a parent or guardian will be vaccinated.

Forms are available at PascoSchools.org, by clicking on the flue vaccine banner.

There also is a vaccination schedule link on the page.

Academic calendar adjusted

Pasco-Hernando State College has adjusted its 2017-2018 academic calendar and commencement dates due to the interruptions in college operations caused by Hurricane Irma.

The plan effectively addresses the loss of seven instructional days, and ensures that instructors and students have the time needed to cover course content for effective learning outcomes.

The changes include:

Oct. 5: full day of classes for students; the previously scheduled All College Day, faculty and staff professional development event will take place during the spring semester
Oct. 18: Term IA ends, extended from Oct. 13
Oct. 19: Term IB begins, instead of Oct. 16
Dec. 8: full instructional day, instead of the last day of classes for the semester
Dec. 11: full instructional day/evening
Dec. 12: full instructional day/evening
Dec. 13: final instructional day/evening for the semester. The Nursing Pinning Ceremony will take place in the evening at the West Campus in New Port Richey.
Dec. 14: Winter commencement ceremonies

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Hammond Elementary collecting donations

Hammond Elementary School, 8008 N. Mobley Road in Odessa, will accept hurricane relief donations.

Donations can be sent in with a child to school or dropped off at the school’s office during normal business hours. PTA volunteers also will be available to pick up donations from the car line on the mornings of Oct. 4, Oct. 5 and Oct. 6.

The school also will host a donation drive Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., in which donations can be dropped off at the rear entrance to the cafeteria.

Items needed include water, Gatorade, hand sanitizer, baby wipes/diapers, first aid supplies, mosquito repellant, dish soap, trash bags, gloves, paper towels and more. School supplies needed include pencils, pens, paper, folders, new and used books, and more.

For information, call (813) 792-5120.

Manufacturing Day

CareerSource Pasco-Hernando announced the fifth annual Manufacturing Day will take place Oct. 6.

More than 26 manufacturers and more than 650 high school students will tour local manufacturers in Pasco and Hernando counties. Also, more than 1,800 virtual manufacturing tours will be viewed by high school and middle school students.

For information about tour locations and times, visit MfgDay.com, or call CareerSource at (352) 200-3020.

Saint Leo open house

Saint Leo University will host its Undergraduate Admissions Fall Open House Oct. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the university’s community.

Current high school seniors or students who are looking to transfer can complete an application and meet with an admissions counselor on-site during the open house.

Students who bring official copies of transcripts and test scores may also be reviewed for instant on-site admission into the university.

For information, or for special accommodations, call (352) 588-8283, or email .

Application deadline extended

Pasco-Hernando State College has extended the application deadline for the practical nursing program until Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The extension is due to the school’s closure in response to Hurricane Irma.

In addition to applying to the college, those wishing to enter the Practical Nursing program that begins in January, must also be accepted into the program. Admission to the college does not imply acceptance into the program.

Students must submit a specific program application, along with a completed application checklist, and meet all admission requirements for consideration, found at bit.do/practical-nursing.

Also, due to the hurricane, notifications of selection to the Registered Nursing Generic Program and the Registered Nursing Transition Program for LPN have been delayed.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Sukkot celebration

Hillel Academy, at private Jewish Community Day School at 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host a Sukkot Celebration Oct. 9 from 5:30 p.m., for Hillel students, families and staff.

Sukkot is often referred to as The Harvest Festival, which commemorates the wanderings of the Israelites in the desert after the revelation at Mount Sinai.

There will be a service, and light appetizers and beverages.

For information, call (813) 963-2242.

College nights

Pasco-Hernando State College will host its annual College Nights events from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as follows:

Oct. 11 at East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road
Oct. 12 at West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road

College Night at Nature Coast Technical High School will not be rescheduled.

Representatives from PHSC and many public and private colleges, universities other educational institutions, as well as the military participate to provide residents in PHSC’s service area with a one-stop opportunity to get information about admissions, financial aid and programs for post-secondary study. High school students, their parents and prospective students of all ages are encouraged to attend.

College Night is free and open to the public.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Health News 10/04/2017

October 4, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Thrift shop volunteer wins national award

Courtney Urban, a volunteer at the Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes since 2013, received an award at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization’s annual conference in San Diego, California. Urban was honored with the National Hospice Foundation’s 2017 Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award in the category of Young Leader. From left: Tammy Johnson, director of thrift shops; Allison Maughn, CFO; Courtney Urban; and, Jennifer Mavor, Lutz Thrift Shoppe and volunteer manager.

Hospital receives two awards

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received two awards for quality acute care from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

The hospital received the Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center Silver Achievement Award and the Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Both honor the hospital’s efforts in implementing specific quality improvement measures for the treatment of severe heart attacks (ST elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI) and stroke.

Award-winning volunteers

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announced the recipients of its second quarter volunteer Star Awards.

Sandra Heck, Five Star Award, began volunteering in October 2014, and has accumulated more than 2,100 life hours and more than 2,500 merit hours. Heck greets at Welcome A and assists in the Wound Care Center.

Barbara Mead, Five Star Award, has greeted visitors at Welcome A every Sunday morning for almost nine years. Mead also is a team leader for the couriers on Sunday morning. She has close to 4,800 life hours and 5,000 merit hours.

Roseann Santore, Five Star Award, has been volunteering since December 2014 at Welcome A. Santore and has more than 5,700 merit hours.

Luvon Crafton, One Star Award, started volunteering in May 2015 at Welcome D, also volunteers at Welcome A, and is a team leader for the couriers on Saturday night. Crafton has accumulated more than 2,500 merit hours.

Charlotte Craven, One Star Ward, is a courier who started in November 2014 and has accumulated more than 1,500 merit hours.

Jenna McClooney has been volunteering since 2012 and has more than 1,000 volunteer merit hours.

Apply for basic eye care

The Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road, accepts applications from Pasco County residents for basic eye care through its Sight Program, on the first Thursday of every month between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

To qualify, visit the list of required documents at e-clubhouse.org/sites/Zephyrhills, or by calling the clubhouse at (813) 788-1441 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Those interested must have the required documentation when applying to be considered for approval.

Al-Anon support group

The Al-Anon Family Groups are relatives and friends of alcoholics who share experiences, strength and hope in order to solve common problems.

There are local day and evening groups that meet weekly.

For meeting locations and times, and more information, visit the Pasco-Hernando-Citrus website at nfldistrict5.com.

For information, call (352) 697-0497.

Diabetic screenings

The Wesley Chapel Lions Club offers free monthly diabetic screenings at the Lexington Oaks Activity Center, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p. m., prior to the club’s monthly meeting.

The club meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Screenings are open to anyone in the community.

For information, visit Wesley Chapel Lions Club on Facebook.

New pregnancy center hours

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes, has a new schedule of hours.

The center will be open Mondays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Clients are seen by appointment, but walk-ins also are welcome.

NAMI support meetings

The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers two types of support group meetings every month.

The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a structured closed group, open only to those with a mental illness diagnosis. The group is for individuals age 18 and older, who are interested in the recovery process, sharing coping skills and being with others who understand the daily challenges of living with a mental illness. Trained peers will facilitate the group.

The recovery group meets every second and fourth Friday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. Other locations are also available.

The NAMI Family Support Group is for family members and caregivers of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis.

The support meetings cover all brain disorders including, but not limited to, OCD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, multiple personalities and more.

The family group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. There also is a group available in New Port Richey.

For information, call (727) 992-9653, or visit NamiPasco.org.

Chalk Talk 09/27/2017

September 27, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools)

A witness to hard-working volunteers
Anthony Jones, principal of Walker Middle Magnet School in Odessa, appreciated all those who served at various shelters to provide for anyone seeking safety from Hurricane Irma. Staff, including the principals of Hammond Elementary, Lowry Elementary, Northwest Elementary and Walker Middle schools manned the hurricane shelter at Hammond in Odessa, where Jones and his family rode out the storm.

No hurricane makeup days for Pasco
After receiving confirmation from the Florida commissioner of education that the state is forgiving the two days Gov. Rick Scott ordered all Florida schools closed for Hurricane Irma, Pasco County Schools leaders have determined that the other four hurricane days can be made up without cancelling planned days off.

There will be no school on any day during Thanksgiving week, and no days will be added to the end of the school year.

Instead, 11 schools are adding time to class schedules by having shorter passing time between classes, reducing the length of homeroom, or starting earlier or dismissing later.

None of these changes take any teacher below the contractual minimums for weekly planning time, daily planning periods or daily lunchtime.

Individual schools notified students, teachers and staff of the adjusted bell schedules, which started Sept. 25.

Students glimpse city government
Gulf Middle High School students will get an inside look at government agency operations, meet city officials and have a complimentary lunch Sept. 29 from 7:45 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., for Student Government Day with the City of New Port Richey.

The school’s student council members will tour the New Port Richey police, fire, and public works departments, as well as the water filtration and waste treatment facilities.

The tour will start at City Hall, and then the students will be paired with city officials, and experience a mock City Council meeting.

For information, call Elizabeth Kuhns at (727) 774-8018.

Manufacturing Day
CareerSource Pasco-Hernando announced the fifth annual Manufacturing Day will take place Oct. 6.

For information about tour locations and times, visit MfgDay.com, or call CareerSource at (352) 200-3020.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University will host its Undergraduate Admissions Fall Open House Oct. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the university’s community.

Current high school seniors or students who are looking to transfer can complete an application and meet with an admissions counselor on-site during the open house.

Students who bring official copies of transcripts and test scores may also be reviewed for instant on-site admission into the university.

For information, or for special accommodations, call (352) 588-8283, or email .

Teacher evaluation agreement reached
The United School Employees of Pasco and Pasco County Schools signed a revised agreement for the 2017-2018 teacher evaluations.

The one-year agreement is the result of joint efforts to improve evaluations, so that more emphasis is placed on professional coaching and growth. The procedural revisions are expected to reduce or eliminate the concern previously reported as a byproduct of the evaluation process and allow for a more collaborative approach.

Key elements in the agreement include:

Observations conducted over time through multiple informal classroom visits
Timely feedback, no later than 10 days from visit
Post-conferences available on request following classroom visit feedback
Scores for classroom practices finalized no later than the end of the third quarter
Elimination of paperwork and documentation associated with scoring of multiple domains
Deliberate practice will remain additive, weighted at 20 percent instead of 15 percent

The district and the union are committed to working toward a further improved evaluation system for the 2018-2019 school year.

Class reunion
The Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 1977 will host its 40^th reunion Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. Events will include the Land O’ Lakes homecoming game on Friday, and a dinner party on Saturday. The dinner will be $25.
Guests should RSVP and pay by Oct. 14.
For all details, including times and cost, email , or go to the Facebook group Land O’ Lakes Class of 1977 Alumni.

Academy open house
Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host an open house Oct. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hillel is the city’s only private Jewish day school.

Topics will be academic secular programming, Hebrew and Judaics, art, music, physical education and technology programs. There also will be door prizes, tours, goody bags and refreshments.

For information or to RSVP, call (813) 963-2242, email , or visit HillelAcademyTampa.com/admissions.

Family doctor joins BayCare

September 27, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Dr. Aaron Lozano has joined BayCare Medical Group, specializing in family medicine. Lozano will accept new patients at Oak View Family Care, 2044 Trinity Oaks Blvd., in Trinity. Lozano received an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida, earned a Doctor of Medicine from USF Morsani College of Medicine, and completed his family medicine residency at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. He is a former recipient of the University of South Florida’s Charles E. Aucremann Excellence in Family Medicine award. For information, call (727) 372-2501.