Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road in Tampa, will host a Kiddush luncheon on Jan. 9, following the 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services. Admission is free, but non-members should RSVP by calling the office at (813) 962-6338.
01/11/2016 – Drawing workshop
Pasco Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive in New Port Richey, will host “Life Drawing” with Pat Roguz on Jan. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $20 for members, and $25 for non-members. Guests can register online at PascoArts.org or at the center. For information, call (727) 845-7322.
01/12/2016 to 01/21/2016 – Basic acting program
Live Oak Theatre Company will offer “Basic Acting and Introduction to Live Oak Theatre” on Jan. 12, Jan. 14, Jan. 19 and Jan. 21, at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mt. Fair Ave., in Brooksville. Topics will include basic acting skills and principles of acting, theatre terminology, theatre etiquette, audition techniques, and tips for kids and parents. The program is for kids ages 8 through high school. There is no tuition, but there is a $10 registration fee. To register, call (352) 797-9199, or email .
01/12/2016 – Native plant society
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The guest speaker will be Jennifer Sharples, public communications specialist for Pasco County’s Stormwater Management Division, on the topic of “Preserving Our Waterways.” There will be light refreshments and a native plant drawing. For information, call Sandy Vanno at (727) 207-1853.
01/12/2016 – Financial Peace class
The First United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will offer the nine-week Financial Peace University class on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting Jan. 12. There is a cost for materials, but payments can be made. For information or to register, call (813) 996-3533, or visit DaveRamsey.com/findaclass.
Health News 12/30/2015
Interpreting quality end-of-life care
Jennifer Chianella (center), provider representative for Gulfside Hospice, brought the ‘Brother at Rest’ painting by Jacob J. Neagle to facilities in New Port Richey for seniors to paint their own interpretation. The painting travelled with Gulfside Hospice to Regency Residence and Angels Senior Living in New Port Richey, and Trinity Regional Rehabilitation Center in Trinity. When not travelling, the painting is on display at the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care.
Robert Stuck, left, paints a scene of a peaceful, flowing river, while his wife, Barbara, paints a portrait of a singing angel to represent her mother who passed away on hospice care. Residents of various assisted living facilities painted their own interpretation of what hospice means to them.
Bringing joy to domestic violence victims
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, under the direction of Joan Collins, collected a full SUV load of donated Christmas gifts for children, their mothers and residents of two area shelters housing victims of domestic violence.
A large assortment of toys, clothing and other needed items were generously donated at the club’s recent Christmas luncheon, so these residents may enjoy some semblance of a happy holiday despite being away from their own homes.
Hospital is top performer three consecutive years
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills was recognized as a 2014 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States.
The Top Performer recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, inpatient psychiatric services, stroke, venous thromboembolism, perinatal care, immunization, tobacco treatment and substance use.
This is the third consecutive year Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has been recognized. The hospital was recognized in 2012 and 2013 for its performance on accountability measure data for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.
Gulfside looking for volunteers
Gulfside Hospital is looking for volunteers. Opportunities include sitting with patients, providing spiritual care and counseling, assisting with the Pet Peace of Mind program, and helping in the administrative offices.
Thrift shop volunteers also are needed for shifts at all five stores to help with accepting and sorting donations, organizing shelves and window displays, greeting customers and running the cash register. Volunteers also are needed at Gulfside’s Centers for Hospice Care to serve meals, answer phones and greet guests.
Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the month for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
For information, call (800) 561-4883.
Heart healthy nutrition
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will offer a class on “Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Heart” on Jan. 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Rao Musunuru MD Conference Center, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson. Topics will include how diet and eating habits can prevent and treat heart disease, the role of different types of fats, cholesterol, sodium and fiber, and food label reading, recipe modification and more. Reservations are required. For information, call (888) 741-5119.
General cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road in Trinity, will host a general cancer support group meeting Jan. 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting is for anyone who has been touched by cancer, not just patients. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are advised. For information, call (727) 808-4818.
Natural healing lecture
Natural healing lecture Access Health Care LLC, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will offer a lecture called “Using Herbs, Enzymes & Other Natural Healing Items for You and Your Family” on Jan. 7 from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. For information or to register, call (352) 688-8116, ext. 4344.
Chatterboxes meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a Chatterboxes support group meeting on Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. The group assists individuals suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend. For information, call (727) 834-4445