The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Hospital earns nursing designation

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has achieved the Pathway to Excellence designation, a national nursing recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center that identifies health care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel.

To qualify, organizations need to meet six practice standards essential to an ideal nursing environment: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being, and professional development.

Applicants must undergo a thorough review process that documents the integration of those standards in the organization’s practices, policies and culture.

Chalk Talk 09/20/2017

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(Courtesy of Joe Humphrey)

Hands-on technology enhances learning
Christy Pelphrey, a fourth-grade teacher at Schwarzkopf Elementary School in Lutz, moderates an intense interactive Kahoot! quiz program with Lian Brewer, Patrick Yazbeck and Christian Yazbeck. Kahoot! allows teachers, and students, to design quizzes that can be taken from phones, tablets and computers.

 

 

CORRECTION: Students get Cinderella treatment
Due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, the Cinderella Project has been rescheduled for Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Project also will be rescheduled at Gulf High.

The Cinderella Project of Pasco County will provide new and gently used dresses and shoes to indigent young female students in Pasco County schools in time for this year’s homecoming festivities. The garments are available in a boutique setting.

The Project was originally set to visit Gulf High School, in New Port Richey, on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, but will be rescheduled; and, will be at Fivay High School, in Hudson, on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more about The Cinderella Project, where to donate clothing and how to make cash donations, visit the organization’s Facebook page at The Cinderella Project Pasco County, or call Julie Rockwell at (727) 372-2530.

Free Homecoming dresses
The Belle of the Ball Project will give away free homecoming dresses and accessories Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater, to in-need high school girls. It also will provide dresses Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21.

The organization respects the honor system. No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed. A $1 to $5 donation is requested, but not required. Dresses are for high school dances only.

Donations of dresses and accessories can also be made at the site, dates and times listed above.

For a list of other year-round donation sites and information, call (727) 386-4502, or visit BelleOfTheBallProject.com.

A National Guard visit
The National Guard will visit Hudson High School Sept. 26 at 7:30 a.m., to provide JROTC students with a military experience.

There will be a military Humvee and howitzer artillery gun, and a firing of blank rounds from a canon at the beginning of the first, second, third and sixth periods.

The Guard also will provide ready-to-eat meals (MREs) and talk to the students about careers that its Florida force offers.

For information, call Timothy Root at (727) 774-4255.

College planning workshop
Thrivent Financial will host a free College Planning Strategies Workshop Sept. 26 at North Pointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive in Lutz, for parents and students in seventh grade and higher.

Participants can learn how academics, admissions and financial strategies can work together to help save money on college.

There will be tips about FAFSA; what COA, OOP and EFC are, and the importance of each; timelines for taking the SAT/ACT; and, strategies to select a college.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Space is limited.

To RSVP, call (813) 626-5489, email , or visit Thrivent.com/uplan and select “FL.”

Aviation degrees
Pasco-Hernando State College received approvals to include an Aviation Administration degree program and a College Credit Certificate program in Cybersecurity in the scope of its current accreditation.

The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reviewed the materials for approval of the Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology and Aviation Administration degree programs.

The offering of the two degrees for the fall semester began Aug. 21.

For information on PHSC’s aviation programs, visit PHSC.edu/aviation.

The College Credit Certificate in Cybersecurity is a component of the Associate of Science in Network Systems Technology degree.

For information on the Cybersecurity certificate, visit PHSC.edu/program/cybersecurity-certificate.

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.

Class reunion
“Lordy Lordy, it’s been 40!

Forty years have come and gone,

Can’t believe it’s been that long.

Don’t let anymore time come to pass.

Join our 1977 class.

Let this be the Blue and Golden Rule,

First event to be held at school.

October 27 is the homecoming game.

Come watch the Gators put Mitchell to shame.

But, don’t let this be the end.

Come eat and play games with your old high school friends

At a tailgate party on October 28,

Saturday afternoon. It’ll be great!

The cost is $20 each.

We’ll have lots of food and light drinks.”

-Diane Butler

Join Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 1977 for its 40th reunion.

Reservations and payment must be made by Oct. 14.

For details, including times and cost, email , or go to Facebook group Land O’ Lakes Class of 1977 Alumni.  

For information, call (813) 949-3913 or (813) 833-7472.

 

Health News 09/13/2017

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(Courtesy of Oak Hill Hospital)

Stitching for infants
The Knit & Crochet Group of Atria Evergreen Woods donated 50 knitted/crocheted hats to The Maternity Suites at Oak Hill Hospital, in Brooksville. The group meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From left: Joan Quast, Jan Curren, Gloria Thonton, Jeannine LaRoche, Feeby Carreiro, Pat Stolberg, Ellen Corbett and Marg Kusnierczak.

 

 

 

New ambulance added
Pasco County Fire Rescue has added ambulance service to Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 37, 18015 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. The station is near the entrance of the Ballantrae neighborhood.

Rescue 37 went into service Sept. 1 and will provide coverage for the western area of Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and surrounding areas.

Six paramedics and EMTs also are being added to cover 24-hour shifts to staff the new truck.

For information, visit PascoCountyFL.net/firerescue.

Chalk Talk 09/13/2017

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(Courtesy of Kelly Bonin)

Engaging students in agriculture
Two Pine View Middle School FFA members recently attended the Florida FFA Chapter Presidents’ Conference. FFA (which includes agriculturalists and farmers) gives students the chance to learn about agriculture education, develop critical thinking skills and leadership skills. From left, Autumn Gaddie, Kelly Bonin (advisor) and Gianna Suarez.

 

 

Pasco Schools convenes Congress
Pasco County high schools have appointed two students each to a new Student Leadership Congress to give students a voice in implementing change in schools countywide.

The goal of the Congress is to promote innovative idea sharing and to challenge student leaders to create actionable steps to implement positive change in their schools in collaboration with their principals.

River Ridge High School’s principal has already implemented change by revamping student government, to put an emphasis on service projects and required services hours, increase the number of representatives, and have students commit to service hours in order to run for office.

Other ideas schools replicated centered around student engagement and recognition:

  • Allowing seniors to paint their parking spaces for enhanced connectedness to the school
  • Placing yard signs in the front yards of students to recognize them for high achievement on FSA and Advanced Placement exams
  • Using a bull horn and confetti to recognize teachers and students.

A meeting scheduled for Sept. 13 at Rasmussen College in Land O’ Lakes will include topics such as:

  • United Day overview/success at Zephyrhills High School
  • Drug/alcohol/safety discussion surrounding homecoming activities
  • Innovative ways to support Red Ribbon Week
  • Feedback on the Safety Pledge implementation and ways to reinforce the message throughout the year
  • Strategies to improve school attendance, student promotion, and graduation

*POSTPONED* – PHSC board meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Sept. 19 board meeting at 6 p.m., at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, faculty and staff.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation dates, visit PHSC.edu/courses/proposed-new-fee-adjustments.

Day of Service
Academy at the Lakes, in Land O’ Lakes, will kickoff its 25th anniversary celebration with a school-wide Day of Service Sept. 20, the 25th day of the school year.

Faculty and students in grades five and six will visit a local nursing home; grades seven and eight will volunteer with area charities, including Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, Crystal Springs Preserve and the Old Lutz School House.

The school also has adopted a section of Collier Parkway and will start cleanup efforts with faculty and students in grades nine to 12.

Students and faculty in Pre-K3 through fourth grade will plant “pollinators” such as sunflowers, throughout the Academy’s campus, as part of The Great Sunflower Project (GreatSunflower.org).

Academy at the Lakes first opened its doors in 1992 with an enrollment of 32 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Since then, the school has grown to become one of Tampa Bay’s best college preparatory schools.

The school employs more than 100 faculty and staff members, and partners with area businesses to be a resource for the broader community.

College planning workshop
Thrivent Financial will host a free College Planning Strategies Workshop Sept. 26 at North Pointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive in Lutz, for parents and students in seventh grade and higher.

Participants can learn how academics, admissions and financial strategies can work together to help save money on college.

There will be tips about FAFSA; what COA, OOP and EFC are, and the importance of each; timelines for taking the SAT/ACT; and, strategies to select a college.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Space is limited.

To RSVP, call (813) 626-5489, email , or visit Thrivent.com/uplan and select “FL.”

Local student news

  • Paige Leggio, of Odessa, graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Nathan Shane, of Lutz, was among 47 other cadets to be named to the President’s List for the spring semester at The Citadel South Carolina Corps of Cadets. The honor indicates excellence in academics and military duties.

Julia Ruddock joins Saint Leo University
Julia Ruddock has joined Saint Leo University as director of Employer Development & Experiential Learning. Ruddock brings 10 years of professional experience in the defense, banking and higher education industries to the new position.

Ruddock will develop and coordinate programs to enhance student learning and increase career placement; she also will work with Tampa Bay area businesses, organizations and community partners to secure internships and job placements.

Most recently, Ruddock served as manager of employer development for the University of Tampa.

Quail Hollow golf course set for redevelopment

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Plans to close Quail Hollow Golf Course and redevelop the land are moving into the next phase.

Pasco County commissioners voted 5-1 in July to rezone the property, with Chairman Mike Moore dissenting.

A pre-application meeting was set for Aug. 14 between Pasco County planners and representatives of golf course owner Andre Carollo.

The owner of the Quail Hollow Golf Course is moving ahead with plans to replace the golf course with houses, retail, offices and a day care center. (File)

That meeting is a preliminary step before additional documents and a detailed site plan are submitted for county review.

Plans call for 388 single-family houses, according to the pre-application form filed with the county.

The approved rezoning allows up to 400 single-family houses, 30,000 square-feet of office/retail and a 10,000-square-foot day care center.

The project was approved despite stiff opposition from Quail Hollow residents during public hearings.

Opponents said the redevelopment would devalue their properties, harm the neighborhood’s residential character, cause flooding and add more traffic to inadequate roads.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing Carollo, said the course was not profitable, and Carollo’s request for rezoning was for redevelopment that would be less intense than the site’s existing zoning allowed.

The debate often centered on property rights of Carollo.

Area residents countered that their property rights were being ignored.

They noted that developers marketed their homes, years ago, as part of a golf course community.

But, Wilhite said the golf course was built first, and that the Quail Hollow subdivision was separate from the golf course.

Published September 6, 2017

Chalk Talk 09/06/2017

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(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Pearson-Adams reappointed to board
Gov. Rick Scott has reappointed Marilyn Pearson-Adams to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees. Pearson-Adams, of Brooksville, is the president of Century 21 Alliance Realty, vice president of the board for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and a former board member of the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board. Pearson-Adams was reassigned for a term from Aug. 21, 2017 to May 31, 2021. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

 

 

 

Woman’s club donates school supplies
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collected school supplies during the summer to donate to local schools in need.

Pat Wagner, the club’s education chair, delivered several SUV-filled loads to Shady Hills Elementary School.

The woman’s club supports local schools throughout the year, as well as volunteering.

For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

CANCELLED: Middle school fundraiser
The ninth annual Taste of Trinity will be Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Seven Springs Middle School, 2441 Little Road, to benefit the school.

There will be stage music, a bounce house, a business expo, and food and desserts.

Proceeds will help the school purchase cutting-edge technology for its students.

Admission is $5 per person, or a family four-pack for $15.

For information, contact Maria Johnson at (727) 934-0940 or .

Registration is available online at WPBA.biz, by clicking on the event link.

Still time to donate
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Antonio, the San Antonio Farmers Market will celebrate “School Days” Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the city park.

Students needs supplies throughout the year, not just at the beginning of the school year. Shoppers and vendors are asked to bring school supplies to be donated to San Antonio Elementary School. Anyone who donates will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket.

The farmers market, which takes place the second Saturday of the month, includes vendors, free arts and crafts for kids, lemonade and hot dogs.

For information, contact Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

Preschool anniversary
Messiah Lutheran Preschool, 14920 Hutchinson Road in Tampa, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an event Sept. 10.

There will be an ice cream social at 2 p.m.; Master Bubble Performer, Magician and Balloon Artist Blaise Ryndes at 2:30 p.m.; and more.

To ensure there will be enough seats and food, RSVP to Jody Schweichler at .

For information, visit MessiahTampa.com.

Discussion and movie
Hillel Academy will host a free film and discussion on “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” Sept. 12.

Light refreshments will be offered at 6 p.m., at the academy, at 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., followed by the movie at 6:30 p.m., which will be shown next door at Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave.

Topics will include social media, video games, academics and internet addiction.

The event is for parents, teachers and other concerned adults, as well as students in fifth grade and higher, with caregivers.

The group discussion will be moderated by Dr. Wendy Rice, a licensed psychologist and founder of Rice Psychology Group.

For information on the movie, visit ScreenagersMovie.com.

For general information, call Cosmo Kunzelmann at (813) 963-2242.

To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/yatr5b4p.

Youth art contest
The Medical Center of Trinity announced its sixth annual “Expressions of Thanks” youth art contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are asked to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans, those who currently serve our great nation and their families, by submitting artwork, poetry or an essay, by Sept. 15.

Each participant will receive a recognition certificate.

First-place winners in each grade level will receive a $25 gift card.

The grand-prize winner will have a choice of a bicycle or iPod nano.

Participants and their families can attend a reception Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when prizes will be awarded and all artwork will be on display.

For complete details and rules, visit MedicalCenterTrinity.com.

For information, call (727) 834-4868.

College prohibits smoking & tobacco
Pasco-Hernando State College joined more than 60 Florida College System institutions and other Florida private and public universities in providing students, faculty and staff with a tobacco and smoke-free environment. As of Aug. 14, PHSC campuses are 100 percent tobacco and smoke-free.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees voted unanimously, last November, to prohibit smoking and the use of tobacco products college-wide.

The new policy states smoking or use of tobacco products, objects or devices, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigars or smokeless tobacco products are prohibited on all Pasco-Hernando State College campuses. This includes inside buildings, and anywhere on campus grounds, such as sidewalks, athletic fields and parking lots.

Part of the school’s goal is to ensure the overall well-being of students, faculty and staff by offering health tips, including resources to help current tobacco users and smokers quit.

For links to resources, visit PHSC.edu/tobacco-free.

Saint Leo gains more than 700 new students
More than 700 freshmen and transfer students moved into Saint Leo University for the 2017-2018 school season. Members of the Office of First Year Experience team, Resident Life advisors, University Ministry, upperclassmen, coaches and athletic teams, faculty, staff and administrators, were all available to help unload the students’ belongings.

Orientation volunteers chanted the new cheer, “Paws Up, Claws Out,” and welcomed the students.

Incoming students also attended a Student Leadership Fair and a welcome ceremony in the Marion Bowman Activities Center gym.

University President William J. Lennox Jr., took a selfie with the Class of 2021 before addressing the students and their families.

A significant number of incoming students will pursue bachelor degrees in biology, with an emphasis on biomedical and health sciences, with 91 incoming students declaring that major.

The most popular majors with the new class included business, criminal justice, sport business, computer sciences, elementary education, management and psychology.

Health News 09/06/2017

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A bit of comfort for patients
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club worked hard stuffing and sewing handmade ‘comfort’ pillows for area hospital patients who are recuperating from surgery.

Margee Carpenter (standing), project chair, recently delivered more than 180 pillows to Florida Hospital Tampa for distribution to various local hospitals, wherever needed. For information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

 

(Courtesy of Access Health Care)

Meet & Greet
Access Health Care Physicians hosted a Meet & Greet for Dr. Abdel-Karim Jibawi at his new location, 2173 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill. This office is in addition to seeing patients at Access’ main office. Dr. Jibawi, known for putting patients at ease, plays with a patient’s dog during the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New CEO for hospital
Amanda Maggard has been named CEO for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, effective Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who was recently promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center. Maggard is the administrator for Florida Hospital Winter Garden.

Maggard earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University in Orlando, and a bachelor degree in business administration and communication from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She received the Mardian J. Blair Family Scholarship for Health Care Management during her undergraduate studies and graduated from the Florida Hospital Physical Leadership Development Program in 2015.

Maggard is certified by the American Society of Training and Development in the fields of training, instructional design and organizational change.

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 as of Sept. 5.

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.

Chalk Talk 08/30/2017

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(Courtesy of Pasco Education Foundation)

Mentors get Congressional Recognition
Mentors from Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, were awarded Congressional Recognition at the ‘Heroes Among Us’ event hosted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus. The individuals were recognized for their time, dedication and loyalty to the students they mentor on a regular basis throughout the course of several years. From left: Melba Hamilton, Bob Memoli, Joyce Martin, Betsy Wunderlich and Fern Aefsky. Mentor Dee Murray is not pictured.

Schools join environmental campaign
Pasco County Schools will kickoff “A Bag’s Life” Aug. 31 at 10:30 a.m., at Gulf Trace Elementary School, 3303 Gulf Trace Blvd., in Holiday.

The district and its partners have joined this national educational campaign that unites nonprofits, businesses, communities and government organizations to promote the importance of the three Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle — for plastic bags and wraps.

Students from 23 district schools can learn about environmental stewardship and compete for prizes based on recycling efforts.

The guest speakers will be Superintendent Kurt Browning, Gulf Trace Principal Hope Schooler, and representatives from Pasco Schools Conservation and Recycling Operations, Walmart and Keep Pasco Beautiful.

For information, call Salinda Strandberg at (813) 794-2380.

Fashion design program
The Dali Museum will introduce a hands-on fashion design program for high school students in the Tampa Bay area, in conjunction with the museum’s special exhibit, “Dali & Shiaparelli,” which opens Oct. 18.

Teens in grades 9 to 12 can take part in “Fashion Design at The Dali,” a free 13-week course to learn the fundamentals of fashion design, construction and runway presentation, from artists and designers.

Sessions will be on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 17 through Dec. 10, at The Dali and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School.

Applications for the program will be accepted at the museum through Sept. 4. Space is limited.

For information or to apply, visit TheDali.org/fashion, or call Denisse De Leon at (727) 623-4754.

Middle school fundraiser
The ninth annual Taste of Trinity will be Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Seven Springs Middle School, 2441 Little Road, to benefit the school.

There will be stage music, a bounce house, a business expo, and food and desserts.

Proceeds will help the school purchase cutting-edge technology for its students.

Admission is $5 per person, or a family four-pack for $15.

For information, contact Maria Johnson at (727) 934-0940 or .

Registration is available online at WPBA.biz, by clicking on the event link.

Youth art contest
The Medical Center of Trinity announced its sixth annual “Expressions of Thanks” youth art contest, which started Aug. 14.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are asked to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans, those who currently serve our great nation and their families, by submitting artwork, poetry or an essay, by Sept. 15.

Each participant will receive a recognition certificate.

First-place winners in each grade level will receive a $25 gift card.

The grand-prize winner will have a choice of a bicycle or iPod nano.

Participants and their families can attend a reception Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when prizes will be awarded and all artwork will be on display.

For complete details and rules, visit MedicalCenterTrinity.com.

For information, call (727) 834-4868.

Pasco District a healthy employer
Pasco County Schools has again been recognized as one of the 100 Healthiest Employers in the country.

The school district ranked 35th on the 100 Healthiest Employers list in 2014. The exact ranking for 2017 will be announced Sept. 18.

In the last five years, Pasco County Schools has won numerous awards for health and wellness for taking proactive steps to employee wellness, such as eliminating smoking on all district property and opening two additional wellness centers.

Healthiest Employers is an awards program that recognizes organizations that proactively shape the health of its employees.

To learn more, visit HealthiestEmployers.com and SpringBuk.com.

Hearing screenings
The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida screened more than 16,000 students at 74 schools last year, and is looking for volunteers to do the same this year.

No previous training is required. Volunteers are free to choose which schools they would prefer. The average screening time is about two hours to three hours.

All volunteers must pass the School Board background check to help.

Prospective volunteers can access 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.

For information, call (727) 312-3881.

English class
An English as a Second Language (ESL) class will meet on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church, 19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The first class is Sept. 6.

Classes are taught using several ESL and Bible study resources.

There are classes for beginners through intermediate level speakers.

The cost is $40 per semester, which covers the workbook and class materials.

Child care also will be available.

For information or to register, call (813) 360-2077.

Health News 08/30/2017

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New director of patient services
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has promoted Bethany Wells to director of patient services, overseeing all nursing personnel. Wells assumed the position July 17.

Bethany Wells

Her duties will include leading and evaluating the nursing team; setting objectives and long-term goals for the nursing department; and organizing and coordinating admission, nursing and patient-care procedures.

Wells joined St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa in 2000 as a patient care technician, and progressed academically and professionally becoming a registered nurse in the medical-surgical department, and then the charge nurse of the orthopedic unit.

She relocated to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North as an education specialist when it opened. Most recently, Wells was the nurse manager of nursing administration, managing a team of 37 nurses and support professionals.

After earning a nursing degree, Wells received a Bachelor of Science in health care administration from Saint Leo University, and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in nursing leadership and administration from Capella University.

Third cardiac lab opens
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, opened a third, 860-square-foot interventional services lab, simultaneously expanding its cardiovascular services to now include electrophysiology.

The state-of-the-art lab includes real-time radiation management software — for patient, physician and staff safety — and the latest 3-D precision imaging software to navigate the heart with accuracy.

In addition to electrophysiology (the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders), the three-lab cardiac unit performs cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiac procedures.

Oak Hill expands program
Oak Hill Hospital has been accredited by the American Osteopathic Association for a three-year GME residency program in family medicine. The program is accredited for up to eight residents per year, for a total of 24 additional residents training in Hernando County.

The Family Medicine Residency Program provides an educational experience to prepare residents to become competent family physicians, capable of providing comprehensive and coordinated care to patients and families.

For information, visit OakHillHospital.com/About/Newsroom.

Oak Hill Hospital awards
Oak Hill Hospital has recognized Dr. Pariksith Singh with this year’s Frist Humanitarian Physician Award.

Named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr., the founder of HCA and renowned humanitarian, the award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment.

Liz Jennings, a registered nurse and certified perianesthesia nurse, was recognized by the Business & Professional Women of Florida with the Elaine Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, in memory of former State Representative Elaine Gordon, is given to those individuals who promote full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency for Florida’s working women.

In the past, Jennings also had been recognized as an employee Frist Humanitarian Award winner.

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.

Mail call touches veterans on ‘mission’ flight

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Everyone likes to get mail. Especially when it includes a sincere thank you, a special drawing or personal thoughts.

Mary Rathman, of Land O’ Lakes, and a group of friends wrote almost 100 thank-you cards to veterans for an upcoming ‘mission’ through Honor Flight West Central Florida.

Honor Flight West Central Florida provides all-expense paid flights for war-era veterans in the Tampa Bay area to visit their memorials in Washington D.C.

These “missions” include about 80 World War II, Korean and Vietnam war veterans each time they fly.

During the flight’s return to the Tampa Bay area, every veteran on board receives a mail call — an envelope filled with cards, notes, drawings and more — from family and friends, as well as groups such as Soldiers’ Angels. The mail is meant to show appreciation for those who have served in honor of our country.

There are many ways to volunteer for the Honor Flight, including helping with preflight orientation, participating in the send-off and Welcome Home celebrations, helping to identify possible funding resources, becoming an Honor Flight Ambassador, spreading the word and encouraging war-era veterans to apply, and writing letters for mail call.

For information regarding the Honor Flight, visit HonorFlightWCF.org, or email .

To volunteer, contact (727) 498-6079 or .

Anyone interested in writing thank-you cards or letters, or sending in drawings from kids, can mail them to Honor Flight West Central Florida, P.O. Box 55661, St. Petersburg, FL 33732. Each piece of mail should be addressed to “An Honored Veteran.” The “missions” appreciate any help so that each veteran isn’t forgotten.

Published August 23, 2017