The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

05/19/2016 – Indoor pest seminar

By

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a seminar on “What’s Bugging You: Florida’s Indoor Pests” on May 19 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for adults. Guests can learn how to keep pests from bugging you, how they contaminate food and spread disease, how to avoid bringing them into your home or allowing access, how to spot the signs that tell you the bugs are there, and how to rid your home of these unwelcome pests. The program is sponsored by the Pasco/UF/IFAS Extension Office. Admission is free. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Chalk Talk 05/11/2016

By

Faculty and staff art show
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru, M.D. Art Gallery will present the seventh annual Faculty and Staff Summer Art Show. An opening reception, sponsored by the PHSC Chapter of the Association of Florida Colleges, will be held in the art gallery on May 18, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The exhibit, which features photography, textiles, clay, ink, pencil drawings, acrylics and other forms of art, will run through Aug. 3. Summer gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. There is no admission charge. For more information, call (727) 816-3231

Bundled online classes
Pasco-Hernando State College, in partnership with Ed2Go, is now offering new “bundled suites” of noncredit online courses. The instructor-led, comprehensive programs combine similar courses to enhance the learning experience. Students receive expert instruction and the opportunity to interact with fellow participants.

“Bundled suites” topics include entrepreneur, business and leadership suites; creative writing, grant writing, photography, web design and more.

The new courses begin May 18.

To view a complete list of all PHSC Ed2Go courses, or to register for the noncredit online courses, visit Ed2Go.com/phsc.

Saint Leo adult education
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at University Campus will hold an information session on May 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pasco County School Board office at 20425 Gator Lane, Portable A, in Land O’ Lakes. Another session is scheduled for May 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in TECO Hall in the School of Business building at the university’s main campus in St. Leo. A 10 percent discount is offered for all bachelor’s degree programs through the Pasco County School Board corporate partnership with Saint Leo University.

Prom Promise at Wiregrass Ranch
Prom Promise brings together local first responders who visit high schools during prom season to inform students of the importance of making good decisions on prom night.

Using student actors from each high school who are dressed in prom attire and splattered with fake blood, the first responders illustrate the tragic events that can occur when a student gets drunk at the prom, and then drives away and crashes into another carload of prom-goers.

After the crash, the firefighters, paramedics and police officers converge on the scene, and students see the intense activity that follows, including a Bayflite helicopter ready to transport the trauma patients.

The presentations are coordinated with school SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) groups and the school resource officers.

Prom Promise will make an appearance at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd, in Wesley Chapel, on May 20 at 8:30 a.m., in the stadium.

Virtual school opens enrollment
Florida Virtual School Full Time, a statewide online public school, will open enrollment for grades six to 12 on June 1.

Combining Florida-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools and community experiences, FLVS Full Time delivers a high-quality, online education to students who benefit from an individualized approach to learning.

Parents can enroll students online at FLVSFT.com.

Summer VPK enrollment
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a summer PVK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) program for eligible families and children. This is a free program for children who have not yet used a VPK voucher and turned 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2015.

Classes will begin on June 14 through Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour rest at 12:30 p.m.

To learn more about Primrose School and how to enroll your child in the free VPK program, call Angella Hart at (813) 242-7800.

Pasco Education Foundation is charity of the month
During the month of May, the Pasco Education Foundation/Take Stock in Children program is the charity of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office.

The Pasco-based organization provides scholarships and related services to students who attend Pasco County schools, and money raised can also be used to supplement student services and provide grant opportunities for teacher development

There are three ways for customers to make a donation to the program: check the charitable organization’s box on the back of an automobile renewal notice, purchase a “Support Education” license plate, or make a cash donation at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information, visit PascoTaxes.com.

50-year class reunion
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.

If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to

If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.

Health News 05/11/2016

By

Hospital needs volunteers
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills needs volunteers to help its staff and doctors provide services. Volunteer positions cover a variety of disciplines, helping participants build unique skills and gain experience in a state-of-the-art health care facility.

Volunteer areas include clerical/administrative services escorting, kitchen duties, gift shop and patient services.

Time commitments begin at one four-hour shift per week, and volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.

Those interested can pick up an application at the hospital’s volunteer office or main desk, or go online to FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills/volunteer.

For information, call (813) 779-6256.

Ombudsman advocates needed
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Hillsborough County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

Training and certification are provided, and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.

Candidates need to:

  • enjoy working with seniors and those with disabilities
  • plan to volunteer 20 hours a month
  • pass a background check (paid for by the program)
  • complete certification training
  • communicate well
  • attend a monthly meeting

Those interested in becoming an ombudsman, can visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com, or call (888) 831-0404.

Free neuropathy clinic
A free, volunteer-run clinic is open for the education and support of people who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.

CARE TampaBay provides education and support in the following areas: coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management. The clinic is available by appointment only, and is now taking appointments for May and June.

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

Strength & balance class
The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, will host the “Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance Class” on Wednesdays, at 9 a.m. and Fridays, at 10:30 a.m.

These are low-impact classes for men and women to help improve flexibility and balance, which may help prevent falls, broken hips and other injuries. Strength exercises may include lifting handheld weights, using tubing, and your own body resistance and core muscles.

The classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 per session ($30 per calendar month) for non-members.

For information, contact Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984 or .

Oak Hill appoints chief medical officer
Oak Hill Hospital has appointed Dr. Edward P. Nast as its chief medical officer. Nast comes to Oak Hill from Arnot Health in Elmira, New York, where he served as chief of the department of surgery. He also practiced cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

Nast is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his medical degree from the University of Maryland.

Center for veterans
The Pasco County Vet Center, 5139 Deer Park Drive in New Port Richey, provides counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, and resources for benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.

The center is open Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some Saturday appointments are available.

All services are confidential and provided at no cost to the veteran and family members.

To learn more, or to schedule a tour of the facility, call (727) 372-1854.

Information is also available at www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Lutz Nar-Anon family group
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. The 12-step program offers shared experiences, strength and hope.

The Lutz Nar-Anon group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

For information on the program, visit NarAnonFl.org, or call the help line at (888) 947-8885.

Lung lecture

By

Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will host a lecture called “Breath of Life: Your Lungs Are Divine Entities” on May 12 from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh will discuss the impact of the environment, bad lifestyle choices, and the best approach to save your lungs.

For information or to register, call (352) 688-8116, ext. 4344.

Childbirth refresher

By

The Maternity Suites at Oak Hill Hospital, 11307 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, will offer a childbirth preparation refresher class for expectant parents on May 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Topics will include planning and preparing for birth, stages and phases of labor, comfort measures and relaxation, medical procedures overview, and newborn appearances and procedures.

The class will be followed by a tour of the facilities.

Admission is free. For information or to register, call (352) 597-6333.

Super sibling class

By

The Maternity Suites at Oak Hill Hospital, 11307 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, will host a super sibling class on May 14 at 9 a.m.

Participants can learn preparedness with fun and engaging videos and activities, can practice holding and calming baby, and helping mom with baby care routines. Activity booklets will be provided for every sibling, as well as a super sibling certificate of completion.

Admission is free. For information or to register, call (352) 597-6333.

Mole seminar

By

The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will host “Mole Mystery” on May 17, at noon. Participants can learn the warning signs of melanoma and other skin cancers, as well as the different colors, shapes and sizes of moles.

Reservations are required. For information, call (813) 929-5432.

Dementia care

By

United Way of Hernando County will host a free dementia care seminar for families and professional caregivers on May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Brooksville Wesleyan Church, 22319 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

The guest speakers will be Gary LeBlanc, a local author and caregiver; Linda Burhans, national speaker on caregiver advocacy; and Andrea Read, Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care dementia specialist.

Participants can learn helpful tips and hear motivating stories.

For information and to RSVP, call Gary LeBlanc at (352) 345-6270, or email .

Parkinson’s support

By

The Tampa Area Parkinson’s Support Group will meet May 18 at 1 p.m., at the North Tampa Library on North Boulevard in Tampa, for anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Caregivers, family members and friends can also attend. Refreshments will be served. Meetings usually end by 3 p.m.

For information, call Adele Ida Walter at (813) 932-6902.

Sleep and well-being

By

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, will offer a sleep seminar called “Sleep for Health & Well Being” on May 18, at noon.

Dr. Ravi Singareddy, board certified in sleep medicine, internal medicine and psychiatry, will discuss the importance of sleep for our health and well-being, the common symptoms of various sleep disorders, and treatment modalities for those disorders.

Admission is free. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Reservations are required.

For information and to RSVP, call (727) 834-5630.