Mary Rathman

Health News 05/24/2017

May 24, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Gulfside celebrates its volunteers
In honor of National Volunteer Week, Gulfside Hospice honored its 193 patient-care volunteers, along with 200 thrift shop volunteers, throughout the county. In the past year, volunteers have donated nearly 49,000 hours of service to Gulfside. Each individual was recognized by years of service. Three volunteers receiving recognition were, from left, Goldie Klebowski, 7 years; Jeanette Tatro, 12 years; and, Barrie Fernald, 1 year.

Pregnancy center donations
The Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers accepts donations of new or slightly used baby or maternity items. The centers cannot accept car seats and breast pumps, as they must be new. Cribs must have the fixed rail.

Here is a short list of items that can give ideas on ways to help:

$35 buys a case of diapers and baby wipes
$65 buys a car seat or “pack n play”
$85 buys an electric breast pump
$150 buys a crib and mattress
$500 helps the pregnancy centers expand services to Trinity/Odessa

Oasis has two locations: 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes, and 5854 Argerian Drive, Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel.

To reach the Land O’ Lakes office, call (813) 406-4965. For Wesley Chapel, call (813) 618-5037.

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

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

Local meetings are the second and fourth Friday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

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

The family group also meets at Atonement Lutheran Church the first and third Tuesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

Premier awarded $1.2 million
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc., $1.2 million to expand services into Hernando County.

The sites will be in Brooksville and Spring Hill at medical space previously operated by the Department of Health, and will serve an estimated 84,000 patients annually.

Limited hours of operation are now available. Both sites will be fully operational on or before July 24 at these locations:

Spring Hill Family Health Center, 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd.
Brooksville Family Health Center, 300 S. Main St.

To learn more about Premier Community HealthCare, visit PremierHC.org.

Crisis Center named a top workplace
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has been named one of Tampa Bay’s Top Workplaces 2017 by the Tampa Bay Times.

The Top Workplaces in Tampa Bay program was created by the Tampa Bay Times and Workplace Dynamics, and the companies are selected based on survey results from employees, answering questions on numerous topics, including practices and policies.

For a complete list of the 2017 Top Workplaces in Tampa Bay, visit TampaBay.com/topworkplaces.

Public health nurses recognized
The Florida Department of Health-Pasco County recognized its public health nurses with a Nurses Day Tea May 12 and an educational session, as the ANA (American Nurses Association) designated 2017 as the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.”

Florida has more than 600,000 nursing professionals who work every day to provide high-quality care in a variety of settings from hospitals to doctors’ office to county health departments and schools.

Public health nurses work with individuals, families and communities as a whole to prevent disease and promote the overall health of the area. The nurses work in clinics to provide immunizations, conduct testing for diseases and infections, help people manage chronic conditions, and help people achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Chalk Talk 05/17/2017

May 17, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Fifth-graders take steps to being healthy
Barbie Monty’s fifth-grade class at Carrollwood Day School organized a half-hour health walk, inspired by the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good program, to encourage small lifestyle changes that can add up to a big difference. The class invited experts to talk about nutrition, exercise and making good choices to avoid health problems. Students also used a website and phone app called Fooducate, which rates various foods for nutritional value and healthier alternatives. With a banner supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are, front row from left: Charlie Woeste, Madison Bouie, Sonia Gohil, Aayush Patel, Logan Watson, Max Rabenstein, Ranai Gosine, Vasili Sotiropoulos. Back row from left: Hilani Blume, Bhuvi Raxwal, Payton Nipps, Bailey Scott, Ryan Hakam, Demir Dikmen, Ayedean Sharabyani.

Learning center open house
The Lutz Learning Center, 621 Sunset Lane in Lutz, will host an open house May 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Guests can tour the campus and see how the classrooms “with no walls offer education, with no ceiling.”

For information and to RSVP, visit LutzLearning.com/OpenHouse.

Graduates receive academic honors
Two graduates from the class of 2017 from Saint Leo University received special academic honors from their home college at the university, the Donald R. Tapia School of Business.

Jessica Dean, of Wesley Chapel, majored in accounting and economics, and was given the business school’s Excellence in Academic Leadership Award.

The award honors a student who created a positive impact on the academic lives of others, in addition to achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above.

Dean was a tutor and president of two student organizations, and graduated cum laude.

Kara Ennis, of San Antonio, studied health care management with a minor in accounting, and was given the business school’s Excellence in Experiential Learning Award.

The award recognizes initiative, professionalism and integrity; and application of classroom learning; and, a grade point average of 3.25 or above.

Ennis took part in a summer internship at Oak Hill Hospital and shadowed in various department, communicating with nurses, department managers and top executives. She also graduated cum laude.

Teacher of the Year awards
U.S. Rep Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) announced the nine teachers from Pasco and Pinellas schools that have been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award.

The annual award recognizes educators who have made a special impact on their students, their schools and their community.

From Pasco County: Maria Imler, McKitrick Elementary; Joshua Aguiar, Sunlake High School; Jennifer O’ Connor, Land O’ Lakes High; David Berger, Land O’ Lakes High; Jeffrey Beson Jr., Wesley Chapel High; Diane Butler, Connerton Elementary; and, Tina Stavrou-Klem, Pasco County Office of Teaching and Learning.

From Pinellas County: Despina Garos, Leila G. Davis Elementary; and, Helen Fatolitis, Tarpon Springs Elementary.

Each teacher will receive a certificate of recognition and a congressional coin.

Scholarship honors Don Vierling
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted spring commencements May 3, conferred 450 degrees and certificates witnessed by record-setting audiences in attendance at two separate ceremonies. An estimated 913 spring graduates were eligible to participate.

Dr. Rao Musunuru, PHSC trustee and renowned cardiologist, presented a $10,000 scholarship in honor of Dr. Donald Vierling, a prominent member of the community, family physician and member of the PHSC Foundation executive committee – having served on numerous committees and chairman of the board twice during his more than 30-year tenure.

The scholarship funds will support PHSC nursing students.

Musunuru plans to continue establishing $10,000 scholarships in the names of employees, friends and benefactors of PHSC.

Pharmacy program gets accreditation
The Pasco-Hernando State College Pharmacy Technician Certificate program received a full three-year accreditation from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

The college’s program is designed to prepare students to work as pharmacy technicians in retail and hospital settings under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

The limited access program provides students an opportunity to earn a certificate in less than a year, when attending full-time.

For information about the program application and admission process, visit PHSC.edu.

Top schools for online health program
GradSource.com analyzed online public health master’s programs across the country, graded on five key criteria: affordability, flexibility, program prominence, student success and related degrees.

The top 10 schools ranked by GradSource.com are:

East Carolina University
Concord University
University of South Florida – Main Campus
Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
The University of West Florida
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Idaho State University
University of Illinois at Springfield
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

For more information on rankings and methodology, visit GradSource.com.

Volunteer receives ‘President’s call’

May 17, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet)

Susan Mesi, a volunteer at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, has received the President’s Call to Service Award Certificate, from the office of the President of the United States. Recipients must have volunteered for a minimum of 15 years and logged in more than 7,500 hours of service. Mesi started volunteering more than 15 years ago, has more than 26,000 hours of service, and received the hospital’s Five Star Award in 2010. She greets patients in the outpatient services department, is chairperson of volunteers in the outpatient lab, and covers the shifts of those who are absent to make sure the greeting station is always staffed. Mesi, left, is shown with Elliot Lorenzi, volunteer president.

Health News 05/10/2017

May 10, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Volunteers elect board members
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association has elected its new board of directors. From left: Diane Ricca, president; Colleen D’Amario, vice president; Debbie Hennessy, secretary; Shirley Dunn, treasurer; Vikki Neftleberg, assistant treasurer; and, Elliot Lorenzi, Otto Ottaviano, Dixie Cagle, Joe D’Amario and Tom Runnions as directors at large.

American Stroke Month
During May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association encourages people of all ages to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and to take healthy steps to reduce stroke risk.

Stroke claims an average of nearly 900 lives every year in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and is a leading cause nationally of serious, long-term disability. Stroke is largely preventable and treatable.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Nearly one in six American adults with high blood pressure does not know it.

AHA/ASA teaches the acronym F.A.S.T., to help people recognize the most common stroke warnings signs and what to do if one occurs:

F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred, is the person unable to speak, or is the person hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T – Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

For information, visit StrokeAssociation.org/strokemonth.

Health care gala
Guiding Star Tampa hosted its annual Light of Hope Benefits Gala benefit attended by more than 300 community partners, contributors, friends and residents.

Guiding Star is a comprehensive women’s health care practice that offers medical services, education and ongoing support to women and their children, from puberty through menopause, in the Tampa Bay area. The center offers natural, holistic and whole-life medical health care.

Located in north Hillsborough County, the facility has medical examination rooms, classroom/meeting rooms for English and Spanish Mommy Support Groups, and consulting rooms for one-on-one educational sessions.

Guests can schedule a facility tour by calling (813) 948-7734.

For information, visit GuidingStarTampa.org.

Chalk Talk 05/10/2017

May 10, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Chamber recognizes student citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce honored nine Student Citizens of the Month for April, during a ceremony at The Church at Chancey Road. The students are chosen by teachers and administration of their schools for exemplary effort, achievement, and contribution to their school, family and community. From left: Ashley Ayers, Heritage Academy; Carolyn Sentelik, president, chamber board of directors; Kaylee Weirich, Woodland Elementary; Melonie Monson, chamber executive director; Laila Woolfolk, Taylor Elementary; Zechariah Mitchell, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; Hailey Turner, Stewart Middle; Roxxy Geisenheimer, chamber marketing and events coordinator; Hope Holloway, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Katy Boyd, chamber ambassador chairperson; and, Jodi Baldwin, The Broach School. Also recognized, but not present, were Christian Redmond, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; and, Kaylan Turlich, West Zephyrhills Elementary.

Sunlake Academy names new principal
The governing board members for Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, and the executive management team from Charter School Associates, has announced the appointment of Suzanne Elder as principal of the academy, effective July 1.

Elder comes from Channelside Academy of Math and Science, a K-8 charter school operated by Charter School Associates in Tampa’s Channelside District, where she served as principal since 2014.

Elder has a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the University of Florida and a master’s in educational administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix.

Sunlake Academy will open to 650 students, kindergarten through seventh grade, in August, at 18711 Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

For information, visit SunlakeAcademy.org, or call (813) 616-5099.

Dade City chamber honors students
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recognized its April Citizens of the Month with a breakfast.

The students that were honored were Miles Carter, Academy at the Farm; Bobby Rivera, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jaylen Matos, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Haylee Wall, Centennial Elementary; Kimberly Aburto, Lacoochee Elementary; Cruz Alvarez Diaz, Pasco Elementary; Eduardo Alvarez, Cox Elementary; Dalton Duncan, San Antonio Elementary; Courtney Thomas, Centennial Middle; Jada Formby, Pasco Middle; Lamour Lowe, James Irvin Education Center; and, Blake Swonger, Pasco High.

The chamber also will host a Chamber Scholarship Presentation May 16 at 7 a.m., to award three $1,000 college scholarships to graduating seniors from Pasco High. The scholarship winners are Courtney Graham, Kasey Szwast and Sydni Sinka.

ESE talent show
Pasco County Schools will celebrate the talents of its exceptional education students with a show May 17 at 11 a.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The students will perform in various disciplines, including dancing, singing/duets, lip syncing, unique talents (recalling facts, dates, etc.), comedy/telling jokes, puppet shows and more.

Admission is free, and open to the families and friends of the performers, as well as district staff and other county schools’ students to watch.

For information, call Heather Farnsworth at (813) 794-8802.

Teacher art show
Pasco County Schools’ inaugural “MyArt” teacher art show will take place through May 20, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Pasco Schools teacher-artists from kindergarten through 12th grade will exhibit a diverse array of 2-D and 3-D artwork, with the aim to inspire students-artists to be passionate about their own work.

Students and the community also will have an opportunity to interact with the teacher-artists during a closing reception May 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For information, email Tom Viking at .

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru MD Art Gallery will exhibit “Artistic Articulation: A Student Showcase” through May 31.

The annual exhibition showcases diverse talent achieved without the influence from staff or faculty. Gallery visitors can experience completed works of photography, drawing and mixed media, from past and present art students.

Summer gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Art exhibits are free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Hillel Academy
Hillel Academy Tampa, a private Jewish community day school, has appointed Wendy Leigh to the position of director of development and community relations. Leigh will be responsible for raising awareness, increasing enrollment and spreading the word about the historic school.

Leigh has degrees in both education and theater, and taught for seven years in the Hillsborough County school district.

The academy also recently hosted its Gift of Gold Gala and broke a fundraising record by raising more than $100,000, through sponsorships, donations and silent auction proceeds.

Proceeds from the gala will help fund scholarships, financial aid, teacher education and campus improvements.

For information on Hillel, call (813) 963-2242, or visit HillelAcademyTampa.com.

Health News 05/03/2017

May 3, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Buster’s job is pet therapy
Buster works for Canines for Christ as a therapy dog, and even has his own business card. He ministers to patients at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, as well as other places. When Buster is not helping to ‘heal,’ his favorite pastimes are chasing squirrels and playing with squeaky toys. Buster’s proud owner is Pat Metcalf of Lutz.

Hospital promotions
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced these promotions:

Jessica DeMauro, director of wound care. DeMauro was promoted from her position as director of patient experience. She has a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Purdue University.
Dina D. Credo, director of critical care unit. Credo has been serving as interim director of the critical care unit since last September, and has been serving in nurse management since her employment at the hospital in April 2009.
Sherry Pressner, vice president of human resources. Pressner comes from Citrus Memorial Hospital where she had the same position, and has been in various human resource positions within the HCA system since 2009.

Cup of Compassion
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay hosted the 14th annual Cup of Compassion fundraising breakfast at the Tampa Convention Center.

More than 500 guests gathered to support the center’s mission: To ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.

The event raised $360,000 through donations, pledges and sponsorships.

For information about the Crisis Center, visit CrisisCenter.com.

Chalk Talk 05/03/2017

May 3, 2017 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Christian School)

Students shine in national competition
High school students at Land O’ Lakes Christian School competed in the 40th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Approximately 1,800 students, representing 200 Christian high schools, competed in 76 categories in the five basic areas of the Bible, music, speech, art and academics. The national fine arts competition winners from Land O’ Lakes Christian were, from left: Austin Slade, second place expository preaching; Sherry Jiang, first place calligraphy; Wilson Wang, second place garment construction; Ellie Becker, second place physical science fair; Paul Wei, second place advanced math; and, Ruth Zhang, first place algebra/geometry and third place watercolor.

CORRECTION: Charity volleyball match
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office school resource officers and high school student-athletes will compete in a Charity Volleyball Challenge May 4 at 7 p.m., at Charles S. Rushe Middle School, 18654 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is designed to let students and law enforcement interact in a casual, fun competition to promote trust between the two groups.

The challenge will benefit the 2017 Together We Stand Youth & Community Summit. Funds will be generated through the admission price, corporate and community sponsors, and advance ticket sales. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the school, and a corresponding student club that is represented by the largest number of audience members.

For information, call Sunlake High at (813) 346-1000.

Gulf Middle spruces up park
Gulf Middle School science teachers, students and staff took part in an Earth Day beautification project April 22 at Frances Park in New Port Richey.

The project aimed to increase the natural beauty of the park, and raise awareness for the environment and community.

Students and staff did landscaping and planted flowers at the park’s entrance along Louisiana Avenue.

Teacher art show
Pasco County Schools’ inaugural “MyArt” teacher art show will take place May 4 through May 20, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Pasco Schools teacher-artists from kindergarten through 12th grade will exhibit a diverse array of 2-D and 3-D artwork, with the aim to inspire students-artists to be passionate about their own work.

Students and the community also will have an opportunity to interact with the teacher-artists during a closing reception May 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For information, email Tom Viking at .

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser
Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 12110 will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser May 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Peter Claver Catholic School, 1203 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, in O’ Keefe Hall.

The cost is $10 and includes spaghetti with sauce, a house salad, Cuban bread, and a soda or water. No takeout will be available.

All proceeds from the dinner will benefit St. Peter Claver’s tuition scholarship program.

For information, call (813) 267-9981 or (813) 223-6726.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration will be May 8, at all district elementary schools. Those interested should contact the school in their area for details about orientation activities and times.

Head Start/Early Head Start applications are only available at select elementary schools.

Kindergarten preregistration requirements include:

Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2017
Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date
Health examination – HRS Form 3040
HRS Certificate of Immunization
Proof of Florida residency, such as a current utility bill or lease agreement

For information, call Danielle Varcardipone in the Office of Teaching and Learning at (727) 774-2404, (813) 794-2404 or (352) 524-2404.

Expectant mothers, and parents of infants, toddlers and children through age 5 may apply for Head Start or Early Head Start. Families must meet eligibility requirements.

For more information about the Head Start programs, visit PascoSchools.org, or call Alexis Russell in Early Childhood Programs at (727) 774-2730, (813) 794-2730 or (352) 524-2730.

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru MD Art Gallery will exhibit “Artistic Articulation: A Student Showcase” through May 31.

Summer gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Art exhibits are free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Future business leaders excel
Pasco-Hernando State College students participated in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference.

North Campus student Shannon Phillips placed first in computer applications, and West Campus student John Vann placed first in future business executive, both qualifying for national competition. Phillips also placed fourth in business communications.

Second-place winners advancing to nationals are North Campus students Casey Cox in organizational behavior and leadership, and Sidney Onstad in hospitality management; West Campus students Michael Bradley II in public speaking and Leslie Barnwell in human resource management. Barnwell also placed fourth in forensic accounting, and Cox placed fifth in marketing concepts.

Other students who placed in the competition include:

Spring Hill campus students Marc Brooks, third in impromptu speaking; Manuel Cuzco, third in job interview; and, Giselle Perez, third in human resource management.

West Campus students Keith Stokes, third in both help desk and programming concept; and, Victor Miller, fifth place inn information management.

The PHSC team of North Campus students Jay Bowler, Emily Brock and Simona Rivera placed third in the small business management plan team competition.

Brock and Rivero also placed third in the desktop publishing team competition.

The annual Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National Competition will take place in June, in Anaheim, California.

Free summer VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a Summer VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) program for eligible families and their children.

The free program is for children who have not yet used their VPK voucher, and turned 4-years-old before September 2016.

Classes begin on June 6 and run through Aug. 3.

VPK hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch/rest time from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For information about the school and enrollment, contact Angella Hart, school director, at (813) 242-7800.

Chalk Talk 04/26/2017

April 26, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Pine View students recognized by Toshiba
Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes recognized a team of fourth and fifth graders as regional winners of the 25th annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision program, the world’s largest K-12 science competition. The team’s project was The Coral Reef MGS. The ‘monitored growth sanctuary’ can provide information about water temperature, acidity, and coral growth so scientists can respond to bleaching events. The Coral Reef MGS can help restore coral reefs around the world. From left: Anastasia Kelley, coach; Heather Tomasello, mentor; Caden Sessions, fifth grade; Brady Longmuir, fourth grade; Zachary Tomasello, fifth grade; and, Matthew Barnes, Toshiba Business Solutions.

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru MD Art Gallery will exhibit “Artistic Articulation: A Student Showcase” April 26 through May 31.

Summer gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Art exhibits are free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Sunray jumps for the heart
Sunray Elementary School, in Holiday, students and staff will celebrate the $4,200 in donations the school has raised for the American Heart Association through the collaborative Jump Rope for Heart event.

Representatives from the AHA will join the Sunray physical education classes on April 28 to hand out prizes to the students. There also will be snacks, and the top donors from each class will be recognized.

Lacoochee Color Run
Lacoochee Elementary School, 33815 Cummer Road in Dade City, will host its annual Lacoochee 5K School Color Run April 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Funds raised will benefit the school by helping to provide field trips, update technology, purchase specific classroom materials and provide staff incentives.

For information and to register, visit LES.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Jazz’n at the Ritz
St. Peter Claver Catholic School will host “Jazz’n at the Ritz” April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh St., in Tampa.

Tickets are $30. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction.

All proceeds will benefit the school’s hiring of a much-needed special education teacher, as well as the building of a digital infrastructure, and the daily operation of the school.

For information, call Marvin Knight at (813) 453-5690, Tom Forward at (813) 334-5705, or Joseph Capitano Sr. at (813) 267-3895.

Local students on Dean’s List
These students have been named to the Dean’s Lists at their respective schools for the 2016 fall semester:

Jonathan Schneider, of Land O’ Lakes, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Schneider is enrolled in the Olin Business School.
Lauren Dobles, of Lutz, Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Dobles is majoring in Theatre Studies: Acting.

Hillel Academy appoints Wendy Leigh
Hillel Academy Tampa, a private Jewish community day school, has appointed Wendy Leigh to the position of director of development and community relations.

Leigh will be responsible for raising awareness, increasing enrollment, and spreading the word about the historic school.

Leigh has degrees in both education and theater, and has taught for seven years in the Hillsborough County School District, as well as three summers at Bennington College in Vermont.

She also served as vice president of education at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts for 10 years.

Law Enforcement Academy director named
Pasco-Hernando State College has named Pasco Sheriff Captain Sharon Foshey as director of the Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy, at the school’s East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

Foshey began her career with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. In 2016, she was selected as captain of the School Resource Unit and Child Protective Investigations. She then transitioned to the role of Sheriff’s Office training unit supervisor.

Foshey also was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the West Pasco Bar Association, and received a Purple Heart from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

She earned a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Florida, and an MBA from the University of South Florida.

Pasta dinner fundraiser
The third annual pasta dinner fundraiser for the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation will be April 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel, 33425 State Road 54.

There will be a special ceremony and announcement at 5 p.m.

The dinner will be prepared and donated by Carl and Jessica Myers, of Little Italy’s Family Restaurant and Catering.

The Magic of Scott Barhold will provide entertainment. Local vendors will be on site.

The cost is $10. Kids ages 4 and younger are free.

To-go boxes will be available.

To purchase tickets, contact Paul Bartell or Jamie Bartell via IM on Facebook, or email .

Health News 04/26/2017

April 26, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Music festival lends a hand to Gulfside
The Paulie Palooza Music Festival, at the new Zephyrhills Community Event Venue, raised more than $10,000 to support Gulfside Hospice. The event featured local bands, vendors and a car show. All proceeds from the event go to supporting hospice patient care in Pasco County. A second festival is slated for May. The Jase Randall Band was one of seven bands to perform at the March event.

JC Audiology expands
Dr. Judith L. Reese, audiologist with JC Audiology in Lutz, has expanded her practice of nearly 12 years.

The larger facility at the North Fork Professional Center, 1519 Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 105, has a larger waiting room and a suite she created called the Tampa Bay Hearing Aid Hospital, where she and technicians will focus on repairing and servicing hearing aids, along with the everyday business of dispensing new hearing aids.

The new office will be capable of demonstrating real world sound environments to help hearing aid users with hearing adjustments.

During the month of May, JC Audiology will offer free hearing screenings, along with free demos of hearing aids.

To make an appointment, call (813) 949-1331.

Neuropathy clinic
CARE Tampa Bay provides education and support for coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management.

The free volunteer-run clinic is taking appointments for May and June. Space is limited

For information, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .

Morton Plant Mease needs volunteers
Morton Plant Mease is looking for volunteers at its Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey.

Current opportunities include van drivers, aides and schedulers for the free van transportation service; dispatchers; patient companions (inpatient bedside support); information desk assistants; patient and visitor escorts; and gift shop and resale shop assistance.

Positions are available seven days a week for ages 14 and older. Hours are flexible and can be scheduled during the day, evenings or weekends. Volunteers should be able to work one four-hour shift a week.

Information sessions take place at the hospital on a regular basis.

To find out more, call (727) 734-6262.

Donate to NAMI
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office has designated NAMI of Pasco (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as its featured charitable organization for the month of April.

Funds raised will stay in the community and be used to offer free classes, including materials and support groups, as well as maintaining a website, brochures and manuals, a small administrative office, and on-going training for new volunteer teachers and facilitators to conduct programs.

For information, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Health News 04/19/2017

April 19, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Foundation gives back to Volunteer Way
The Jean Griswold Foundation, a private charity established in 2010, was created by Griswold Home Care to raise awareness that care for the elderly and disabled should be available to all. The foundation presented $1,000 to The Volunteer Way for its efforts in assisting more than 23,000 families each month in Pasco, Hernando and surrounding counties. From left: Arthur Moseley, certified senior advisor and co-owner of Griswold; Martha O’ Brien, assistant CEO, The Volunteer Way; and Frieda Moseley, co-owner of Griswold.

Volunteers needed
Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care is looking for enthusiastic, committed individuals to join its volunteer team. The hospital’s mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ.

As a volunteer, there are opportunities to apply your skills and talents to create a positive experience for patients, visitors and staff.

For information, contact Anthony Cappellini at (813) 615-7286 or .

Hospital announces new chief operating officer
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s CEO Shayne George announced the appointment of Joe Rudisill as its new chief operating officer.

Rudisill comes from Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where he served in HCA’s Chief Operating Officer Development Program.

Prior to joining HCA, Rudisill was the director of operations at Virginia Urology.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rudisill is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.