Mary Rathman

Christmas tree recycling

December 23, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County asks that you recycle your live Christmas trees to help the environment.

Drop-off locations will accept Christmas trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 8. The trees will be chipped and made into mulch for landscaping.

Locations include:

Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road (north end at Overpass Road)
John S. Burks Memorial Park, 1322 Gene Nelson Blvd., Dade City
Sam W. Pasco Recreational Complex, 9835 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills

All tinsel, metal hooks and decorations should be removed.

For additional locations and information, call (727) 856-4539.

Patriotic fifth-graders give their thoughts on Constitution
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office’s annual Constitution Essay Contest drew in 82 entries from eight schools in Pasco County. Reporter Tom Jackson, author Gail Diederich and former Chief Deputy Clerk Barbara Rulison served as judges. Students had to answer the question, ‘Why is the U.S. Constitution Important?’ From left, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning; Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil; first-place winner Eric Ly, Wesley Chapel Elementary; second-place winner Dakota Lambert, Deer Park Elementary; third-place winner Jenny Delcastillo, West Zephyrhills Elementary; author Gail Diederich and School Board Chairman Joanne Hurley.

Lacoochee students get civics lesson
Sen. Wilton Simpson visited Lacoochee Elementary School fifth-graders and staff on Dec. 7 to teach a civics lesson.

Lisa Mazza’s fifth-grade class had been studying the three branches of government and recently went on a tour of the state capitol. Simpson discussed government, the Constitution and his experience in Tallahassee as a state legislator. He also shared his perspective and explained to students how to become more involved in state government.

PHSC receives support for health programs
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received a $71,500 gift from Hernando Healthcare Foundation to support its health programs. The gift will be used to purchase equipment for the EMS and nursing programs, and provide annual and endowed scholarship support for Hernando County residents enrolled in a PHSC health program.

HHF is a Florida Blue matching funds partner for annual scholarship support provided through the Florida College System Foundation.

To date, HHF has provided 150 scholarship awards to 96 PHSC students.

Bright Ideas contest
Belle of the Ball Project is supporting Bright House Networks’ program, “Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth,” to help youth develop into innovative entrepreneurs. In the program, students are encouraged to submit a new idea, powered by STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) that can help make the world a better place.

By entering, high school students will vie for the opportunity to compete head-to-head on TV, in front of a studio audience in Orlando. The winner will have the chance to work with a leading innovation firm.

The program is currently open and available for students ages 14 to 19. The deadline to enter is Jan. 4.

To enter, visit BrightIdeas.BrightHouse.com/.

Magnet school offers tour
Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a school tour on Jan. 8, to show parents and prospective students the programs and facilities.

Principal Jason Petry and staff will lead parents through each grade level area, the collaboration center, outdoor classroom areas, boardwalk, and athletic facilities. Sanders is Pasco County’s first magnet school and was designed to focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

For information, call Kristie Newsome at (813) 794-1500.

Thursday Musicale offers scholarships
The Thursday Musicale, a women’s choral group formed to promote music in Pasco and Hernando counties, offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Pasco and Hernando counties who plan to study music in college and make it a career.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Jan. 22. Auditions will be Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs in New Port Richey.

For applications, contact your high school career counselor and/or music director.

For information, email .

Toy drive for Mort Elementary
The Children’s Home Society of Florida is hosting a “Holiday Toy Drive” for students at Mort Elementary, on Bearss Avenue in Tampa. The drive’s goal is to collect 1,500 toys for more than 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Donations can be dropped off at Joshua House, 1515 Michelin Court in Lutz on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those donating should ask for Rachelle Duroseau.

For information, visit CHSFL.org/HolidayDrive, or email Duroseau at .

Health News 12/16/2015

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

A group of students practice suturing on a board during the Perry Outreach Program at Medical Center of Trinity. (Photos courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity) — A group of students practice suturing on a board during the Perry Outreach Program at Medical Center of Trinity.
(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Aspiring surgeons perform mock surgeries
The Medical Center of Trinity collaborated with the Perry Initiative, a national nonprofit working to recruit women to be orthopedic surgeons, and hosted the Perry Outreach Program to introduce students to women leaders in the field.

Students used oscillating saws and surgical nails to model femur bones, and performed mock surgeries to try their hands at the in-demand field of orthopedic surgery.

The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a national shortfall of 46,100 surgeons/specialists by the year 2020.

CARES honors woman’s club
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club was honored by CARES of Pasco County, a senior social agency, for its monetary donations and volunteer hours. Since 1987, the club members have volunteered at the call center and made weekly reassurance calls to area infirm and shut-ins.

CARES recognized the club as a “Bronze Sponsor” for its annual donations in excess of $500.

For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandoLakesWomansClub.org.

Hospitals earn A for patient safety
The Medical Center of Trinity, Oak Hill Hospital and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point have been recognized with an “A” safety score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The score was awarded based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

To see the hospitals’ scores compared nationally, visit HospitalSafetyScore.org.

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Trinity welcomes new doctor
Dr. Nay G. Hoche, obstetrician and gynecologist, has joined Obstetrics & Gynecology of Trinity and is located at her new practice at Medical Center of Trinity, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 406.

Hoche received her master’s degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She also holds a Master of Science degree in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown, and received her undergraduate degree in psychobiology and neuroscience with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami.

For information, call (727) 376-3798.

Breast cancer support

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Florida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road in Trinity, will offer a breast cancer support group meeting on Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is an open-discussion group for anyone who has been touched by breast cancer, and breast cancer survivors. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call (727) 236-0302

Prostate cancer group

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Florida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road in Trinity, will host “Man-to-Man” sessions co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the third Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. The discussions include the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms, prognosis, disease stages, incontinence, impotence, treatment options and more. There will be guest speakers, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested. For information, call (727) 808-4818.

Weight lecture

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will host a lecture on “How to Win Your Weight Battles: Discussion and Demonstration of Techniques to Use to Your Benefit” on Dec. 17 from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. For information, call (352) 688-8116, ext. 4344.

Lymphedema support

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will have a lymphedema support group meeting on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually affecting an arm or leg that sometimes occurs as a side effect of cancer treatment. Reservations are required. For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Huntington’s disease

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a monthly support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease. The next meeting is Dec. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, contact Nina Qualters at (727) 236-3578 or .

Diabetes and wounds

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

The Florida Limb Saving Institute at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a monthly support group meeting for those affected by diabetes or chronic wounds called “Wounded Not Broken.” The next meeting is Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. For information, call (727) 834-4450.

Tobacco cessation

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the IQuit tobacco cessation class on Dec. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The class is free and includes nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges (while supplies last and if medically appropriate). Registration is required. For information, call Deann Marasco at (813) 929-1000, ext. 205.