The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

There’s nothing like a Polish Christmas

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It didn’t matter if the tree wasn’t always real. Or that we weren’t wealthy.

What mattered was that we spent the holiday celebrating the birth of Christ in the company of family and friends — Polish style.

My parents saw that our Polish heritage played a huge part in celebrating Christmas when I was growing up. There are so many memorable traditions, a few of which I try to carry on today.

The Christmas wafer, or oplatek, comes in an ornate envelope depicting a traditional Polish Christmas Eve. (Mary Rathman/Staff Photo)
The Christmas wafer, or oplatek, comes in an ornate envelope depicting a traditional Polish Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Eve, or “Wigilia,” was our most important holiday tradition. We’d eat delicious pierogi and break bread. The bread, or Christmas wafer called oplatek, was imprinted with a holy picture. We offered our oplatek to family and friends to ask for their forgiveness, or to extend a wish for happiness.

Also on Christmas Eve, I or one of my three sisters would add hay to our crèche in preparation for the Christ child. We’d then dress in our Sunday best, pile in the car and attend midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Even though we didn’t understand the language of our parents — no matter how hard they tried to teach us — just listening to the Polish Christmas carols gave me more reasons to love the season.

And even though I can barely stay awake for a midnight Mass today, to this day, hearing Polish carols transports me back to my childhood.

My parents always did their best to make sure we had wonderful presents to open. But while the presents nestled under the tree brought sparkles to our eyes, it was the manger that took center stage in our home.

Baby Jesus was not added to the crèche until Christmas morning, and the scene would remain center stage until the three kings arrived Jan. 6.

For us, that one solitary life changed the world. Nothing meant more than honoring the birth of Christ with the breaking of oplatek and a Christmas toast among family and friends.

The faith my parents instilled is a constant with me today. My crèche for baby Jesus always has a prominent place in my home. My parents still mail me oplatek so I can break bread with my family and friends.

I may sing Christmas carols in English, but the English does not diminish the feelings brought on by the beautiful Polish verses.

I am so very grateful to my incredible parents for honoring our heritage over the years, teaching us that no matter what you believe, we should treat each other with love, dignity and respect.

Mary Rathman is the editorial assistant at The Laker/Lutz News, joining the paper in 2002. In addition to proofing stories, advertisements and pages, she compiles the What’s Happening, Health and Chalk Talk columns.

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Health 12-10-14

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Chatterboxes meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers a support group for individuals with communications deficits.

The Chatterboxes group will meet Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

The group assists individuals suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

CoDA group meets
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the Co-Dependence Anonymous group every Thursday at 7 p.m., at its West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey.

Upcoming meetings are Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

For information, call (727) 816-8678 or (727) 858-3013.

Infant CPR class
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends Infant CPR class Dec. 13 at 9 a.m.

The cost is $15 per person, or $25 for two.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Lodge offers TOPS program
J.F. Swartsel Lodge, 3309 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, offers the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program every Wednesday.

Weigh-in is at 9 a.m., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

For information, call Mary Clark at (813) 908-3587.

Breast-feeding seminar
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a breast-feeding class Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.

The class will cover the health benefits of breast-feeding, with a focus on fundamentals and how to access support.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for senior citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $5 per session for Anytime Fitness members, and $8 for non-members.

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

Obstetrics tours
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers tours through its obstetrics program.

The next tour is Dec. 13 at noon.

Guests can visit the mother-baby and birthing suites, and observe the infant safety and security program.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Breast cancer support
The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, offerS a breast cancer support group the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

The next meeting is Dec. 17.

The meetings will include available resources, in-depth discussions, guest speakers, and the sharing of stories.

Both breast cancer patients and survivors are encouraged to attend.

To register, call (813) 929-5432, or visit FHWesleyChapel.org/events.

Caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

The group is open to anyone who has a loved one with any form of dementia.

Topics include caregiving frustrations and successes.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 996-1361, or email .

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Senior citizen strength classes
The Groves Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, offers a Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

These are low-impact classes to improve flexibility and balance.

Classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 for non-members.

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

Chalk Talk 12-10-14

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo honored for grounds maintenance
The Professional Grounds Management Society recently recognized Saint Leo University with an Honor Award in the Society’s 2014 Green Star Awards competition.

The award was given in the University and College Grounds category for exceptional grounds maintenance.

The building that houses the Donald R. Tapia School of Business at University Campus was built in 2011 and is LEED Gold certified.

The building’s landscaping is maintained with native plants and roof water irrigation, the beds were designed in-house with plants from an on-site nursery, and the multi-colored rock border keeps the mulch in place and off the pathways.

The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscaping design and construction.

Peace poster contest winners
The Lutz Land O’ Lakes Lions Club has announced the winners of this year’s Peace Poster Contest. The club worked with the art department students at Academy at the Lakes.

The top winners were Dion Loutas, first place; Nataley Riggs, second place; and Victoria Yanez, third place.

Schools interested in participating in next year’s contest can call Jeanine Talbot at (813) 355-3452.

Still time to enroll in spring classes
Students who are currently enrolled or returning to Pasco-Hernando State College are encouraged to register for spring classes as soon as possible. Classes begin Jan. 12.

New students interested in spring classes should visit PHSC.edu/wise for admissions information.

The application fee is $25, with an additional $20 fee assessed during the late registration period, Jan. 12 to Jan. 16.

All PHSC locations will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 4 for winter break.

The last day for students to register in person at the Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill or Wesley Chapel campus for spring classes is Dec. 17.

Current students can register online during the winter break.

Application period starts for magnet school
The application period for Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, runs through Jan. 15.

The school is located at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes and is scheduled to open August 2015.

For information, and a virtual tour, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Sanders banner at the top.

Scholarship endowment helps veteran students
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received a $1,000 scholarship endowment gift from The Florida Suncoast Chapter of Military Officers Association of America.

The scholarship is awarded to eligible PHSC military veteran students and their families.

To date, the organization has contributed $14,000 to its scholarship endowment.

For information on the PHSC Foundation, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation.

Health 11-19-14

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Huntington’s disease support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call Nina Qualters at (727) 236-3578, or email .

Yoga to de-stress
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will have a lecture on using yoga to reduce stress Nov. 20 at 5:15 p.m.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing to perform exercises.

For information, call (352) 688-8116.

NAMI honors community members
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond to help those with mental illness and their families.

This year’s award recipients were:

  • Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year: Curtis Adams, Pasco County sheriff’s deputy
  • Provider of the Year: Kim Treanor, BayCare
  • Advocate of the Year: Rick Barrett, NAMI member
  • Media Award for East Pasco: Heather Grzelka, Madeira Public Relations
  • Media Award for West Pasco: Rose Marie Seiber, Seiber Graphics
  • Humanitarian of the Year: Nancy Chancey, former head of ER nursing at Tampa General Hospital
  • Legislator of the Year, Bob Dillinger, public defender

Senior health fair
The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will host a Senior Health Fair and Yard Sale Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Forest Glen Lodge, 7435 Plathe Road in New Port Richey.

For information, call Lynn Hecht at (727) 309-6535.

Myotonic dystrophy group
The Tampa Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group will meet Nov. 22 at 1 p.m., at Temple Elijah, 21021 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Dr. Laura Ranum will discuss the latest research, trials and therapies for this common form of muscular dystrophy in adults.

For information, call Elizabeth Melendez at (813) 949-9917, or email .

Caring for Cancer
Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host a Caring for Cancer support group meeting Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

The group is open to anyone who is dealing with cancer, cancer survivors, family members and caregivers.

Participants will receive educational material about cancer and cancer treatment.

For information, call Julie DiRenzo at (352) 597-6030.

Ostomy support group
The Medical Center of Trinity will have a support group for ostomy patients and their families Nov. 26 at 5 p.m., at the Medical Arts Building, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 302. For more information, call (727) 834-4450.

General cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a general cancer support group meeting Nov. 26 at 6 p.m., at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

For information, call (727) 808-4818.

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Free copies of Five Wishes
Throughout the month of November, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will offer free copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information, while supplies last.

Copies can be picked up at any of the Gulfside thrift shops.

There is a limit of one per person. Spanish versions are available by calling Gulfside Hospice.

For information, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707, or email .

Lodge offers TOPS program
J.F. Swartsel Lodge, 3309 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, offers the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program every Wednesday.

Weigh-in is at 9 a.m., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

For information, call Mary Clark at (813) 908-3587.

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.

Senior strength classes
The Groves Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, offers a Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

These are low-impact classes to improve flexibility and balance.

Classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 for non-members.

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

Alzheimer’s caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts a meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.

The group is for caregivers who have a loved one with dementia.

For information, call Phyllis Bross at (813) 996-1361, or email .

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for seniors citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

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

 

Health 11-12-14

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Osteoarthritis presentation
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will host a presentation on “Osteoarthritis: New Advances from Supplements to Surgery” Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., at the Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center, 14100 Fivay Road in Hudson.

Dr. Juan Raposo will discuss current treatments.

Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.

For information or reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Infant care class
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer an infant care class Nov. 18 and Nov. 25, at 6 p.m.

The course consists of two classes on two consecutive weeks.

The cost is $40.

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

Health insurance discussion
A.L. Saland Insurance Solutions will host “Ask The Health Insurance Expert” Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Les and April Saland will share information on 2015 ACA Health Insurance Enrollment.

For information, call (813) 995-0292.

‘Look Good…Feel Better’
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good…Feel Better” program Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., at its Medical Arts building, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 402.

The program includes educational information as well as wigs, hats, turbans and prostheses.

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

Veteran hotline launches
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has launched a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Medicare seminars
The Cumming Group, a local Florida Blue agency, will host two Medicare seminars Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites, 2740 Cypress Ridge Road in Wesley Chapel.

For information, call (813) 286-7650.

One Blood drive
Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive in Trinity, will host a One Blood blood drive Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first 10 donors will receive a $10 Walmart gift card.

Holiday grief workshop
HPH Hospice will offer a holiday grief workshop Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 38640 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The workshop is for adults who anticipate a difficult holiday season due to the death of a loved one under any circumstances.

Admission is free.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Free Ebola lecture
The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will present “Ebola: Facts & Fiction” Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., at the back campus of the hospital, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson.

The guest speaker is Dr. K.V. Sundaresh.

To make a reservation, call (727) 869-5498.

Lung cancer seminar
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will host Dr. Martin Britos-Bay on the topic of new tests for detecting lung cancer Nov. 18 at noon.

Dr. Britos-Bay will present information on low-dose computed tomography screening.

A free lunch will be provided.

To make a reservation, call (813) 929-5432, or visit FHWesleyChapel.org.

Chalk Talk 11-12-14

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WRHS hosts book fair, fundraiser
The Wiregrass Ranch High School Art Department will host a book fair and fundraiser at Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event will include drama improvisations, music ensembles, a balloon artist, face painting, free gift-wrapping, story telling and raffles.

To support the school online, visit BN.com/bookfairs Nov. 20-23 and use the code 114653098 at checkout.

Fall fundraiser for academy
New LEAPS Academy in Wesley Chapel will host its first Fall Harvest Fundraiser Gala Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

There will be food, entertainment, door prizes, raffles and a cash bar. Tickets are $50.

For information and tickets, call Sam Natale at (813) 469-6936, email or .

School teams with mission group to send care packages
Throughout the month of October, families and staff of Land O’ Lakes Christian School and First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes donated supplies and grocery items to be sent to military men and women serving overseas for Christmas.

Coordinating with the Military Matthew 5 Missions organization and founder Leslie Futch, more than 130 care packages will be shipped out through GTE Financial Nov. 12 to troops serving in Afghanistan.

Statewide poetry contest
The Florida State Poets Association is looking for middle and high school students to enter its 25th annual Student Poetry Contest.

The contest offers cash awards in both the junior and senior divisions.

Winning poems will be published in FSPA’s annual anthology and entered in the national Manningham Trust Student Contest.

Poems must be postmarked by Dec. 1.

Requirement and details can be found at FloridaStatePoetsAssociation.org.

Concept College receives grant
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received a $10,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support its Concept College program.

Concept College is an outreach program for high school students who are economically disadvantaged, minorities, teen parents, disabled, migrant, retrieved dropouts, or otherwise non-traditional.

The program is coordinated with Pasco and Hernando County school districts to identify at-risk students.

For information on the PHSC Foundation or Concept College, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation.

Library of Congress offers free interactive e-books
The Library of Congress is offering students a set of free interactive e-books for tablets.

The new Library of Congress Student Discovery Sets bring together historical artifacts and one-of-a-kind documents in a range of topics from history to science to literature.

Interactive tools let students zoom in for close examination, draw to highlight interesting details, and make notes about what they discover.

The first six Student Discovery Sets are available now for iPad, and can be downloaded for free on iBooks. These sets cover the U.S. Constitution, Symbols of the United States, Immigration, the Dust Bowl, the Harlem Renaissance, and Understanding the Cosmos.

For information, visit LOC.gov/teachers/student-discovery-sets/.

 

 

Business Digest 11-12-14

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Pasco home sales drop in October
Home sales in Pasco County were down quite a bit in October, but median sales are on the rise.

An unofficial analysis of home sales by The Laker/Lutz News through the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office showed 771 residential properties changing hands through the traditional warranty deed method last month, totaling $100.1 million. That was down from 1,016 properties sold the year before for $121.1 million.

Yet, both the medial price and the average square foot price were on the rise for homes in Pasco. The median grew from $90,000 last year to $105,000 this year, while home prices themselves rose from $71 per square foot, to $81.

Distressed sales, typically created by foreclosures, also rose from the previous year by 43 percent, with $16.7 million changing hands through the certificate of title process, compared to $8.9 million in 2013. However, the median price of those sales also rose from $32,100 to $43,050. Square foot prices expanded from $35 to $44.

Pasco sold 79 mobile homes in October at a median price of $36,500, or $39 per square foot. At the same time, 28 condominiums were sold at a median price of $44,000, or $52 per square foot. Both are down from October 2013 numbers where 101 mobile homes and 64 condos sold.

The mobile homes had a median price then of $44,750, or $39 per square foot, while the median price for the condos were $45,000, or $54 per square foot.

The most expensive single-family home sold in October was for $710,000 at 5952 Thomas Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

Wesley Chapel chamber hosting job fairThe Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a job fair with Spherion Staffing Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the chamber office, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Admission is free.

For information, visit Spherion.com/naturecoast-fl.

Kumquat Festival selling sponsorship packages
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservation packages for the 2015 Kumquat Festival, set to take place Jan. 31.

Packages start at $500, and include logos and links on the KumquatFestival.org website, as well as booth space at the festival. Premier packages, which run from $1,000 to $5,000, include additional features.

The event is expected to draw 45,000 people from Florida, who live here seasonally, and who are visiting.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email .

CareerSource job fair attracts 315 people
More than 300 people decided to “race to work,” taking part in a job fair through CareerSource Pasco Hernando.

RACE to Work — the Reemployment Assistance Community Event — attracted 315 job-seekers and 50 employers according to a release. It took place at three sites in Dade City, New Port Richey and Spring Hill, and was designed to help pair people who have received or exhausted unemployment benefits, with employers with job openings.

Employers taking part included Target, Alumni Guard, Toys R Us, Communication Concepts and Sparton Electronics, as well as the county’s largest employer, Pasco County Schools.

Each industry was looking to hire up to 70 new employees for both seasonal and permanent positions.

For more information on the organization, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, or call Sunnye Fredia at (352) 247-0761.

Dade City business expo
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host its 2014 Community & Business Expo Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Pasco County Fairground’s Dan Cannon Auditorium, on State Road 52, in Dade City.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email him at .

Open house for Restored Hope
Restored Hope will host a community open house Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 13703 17th St., in Dade City.

Restored Hope is a Christian organization that helps people in need or at risk in the community by providing food, and the means to become self-sufficient.

To RSVP, call (325) 437-4815.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group meets every other week at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming speakers include:

  • Vicki Jones, manager of Palm Tree Acres, and author Madonna Wise, Nov. 25
  • Scott Lindner, pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church, Dec. 9
  • Michael Smith, pastor of Fair Haven Baptist Church and principal of Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Vendors sought for business expo
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for vendors for its upcoming Community Business Expo, which will take place Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Vendor fees begin at $50 for chamber members, with bundle fees available for $150, which includes space at the expo plus a year membership with the chamber. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $500.

For information, call John Moors or Melody Floyd at (352) 567-3769, or email them at , or .

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

 

Health 11-05-14

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Smoking cessation program
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will present “Tools to Quit,” a smoking cessation program, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will cover the necessary tools and resources to quit smoking and includes free nicotine replacement products.

To register, call (813) 929-1000, ext. 208.

Dairy, gluten lecture
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will present a lecture on dairy and gluten, and what the products do to the body, Nov. 6 at 5:15 p.m.

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

Women’s care facility open house
LifeChoices Women’s Care, 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is hosting an open house Nov. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The event begins with a mass at 6:30 p.m., followed by food, fellowship and fun, and will conclude with a closing prayer at 8:30 p.m.

For information, call Susan Connelly at (813) 948-7734.

Sertoma fall fundraiser
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida will host a Las Vegas casino night fundraiser for the Children’s Hearing Help Fund Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the West Pasco Board of Realtors, 5409 Sunset Road in New Port Richey.

The event includes casino games, an auction, music, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $40 per person at the door, and $60 per couple.

Guests may dress in the Las Vegas casino night theme.

For information, call (727) 834-5479.

Self-management for chronic disease
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will present the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program starting Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

The workshop is free and will meet once a week, for six weeks.

Topics will include techniques to deal with fatigue and pain, exercise for strength and flexibility, the use of medications, nutrition, and how to evaluate treatments.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Heart nutrition class
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer a heart healthy nutrition class Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.

Topics will include eating habits, food label reading, recipe modification, and the types of fats and cholesterol.

Handouts will be provided for take-home reference.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Discussion on aging parents
Wells Fargo Advisors, 11300 State Road 54, Suite 100, in Trinity, will present a panel discussion on aging parents Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Topics will include advanced directives, the aging process, home health care, planning for medical costs, and wills.

To RSVP by Nov. 10, call (727) 815-3023.

Lunch with a doctor
Dr. Alexander Pappas will present “Common Foot and Ankle Ailments” during a lunch Nov. 12 at noon, at CARES Rao Musunuru M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway in Hudson.

Admission is free.

To make a reservation, call (727) 863-6868.

Medicare seminars
The Cumming Group, a local Florida Blue agency, will host two medicare seminars Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites, 2740 Cypress Ridge Road in Wesley Chapel.

For information, call (813) 286-7650.

Free copies of Five Wishes
Throughout the month of November, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will offer free copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information, while supplies last.

Copies can be picked up at any of the Gulfside thrift shops.

There is a limit of one per person. Spanish versions are available by calling Gulfside Hospice.

For information, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707, or email .

RMCBP names employees of the month
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recently recognized two employees for making a difference at the center.

George Jasman III, a registered pharmacy technician, was named the September employee of the month.

Danuta Tymon Haranek, a sterile processing tech, was named the October employee of the month.

Both individuals received a pin, a blanket gift, a reception, a gift card, and a front row parking spot for one month.

Matthew Hinkle appointed to surgical services
Tampa Community Hospital has appointed Matthew Hinkle as director of surgical services.

He will be responsible for and will manage the hiring, firing, competency and supervision of personnel in that area.

Hinkle comes to Tampa Community Hospital from Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

Hinkle is a certified operating room nurse and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Lodge offers TOPS program
J.F. Swartsel Lodge, 3309 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, offers the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program every Wednesday.

Weigh-in is at 9 a.m., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

For information, call Mary Clark at (813) 908-3587.

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.

Business Digest 11-05-14

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(Courtesy of Mike Ossola)
(Courtesy of Mike Ossola)

Thirsting for knowledge
Community members, local government officials and employees at Zephyrhills water enjoy a day of family fun and water education at the Zephyrhills community open house on Oct. 25. The day included a tour of the bottling facility, and a visit to the kid-friendly, educational WaterVentures Learning Lab.

Allstate premier agent in Lutz
Lisette Fernandez has been named an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014.

The designation for the Lutz agent is given to less than half of Allstate’s 10,000 agency owners across the country. Fernandez received it because of what the insurance carrier described as her outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of her work.

Fernandez’s agency is located at 4935 Van Dyke Road, and can be reached at (813) 269-5707.

Upcoming meeting for Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge will meet Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker, and networking.

Cost is $15 for members, and $18 for guests.

For information, visit Women-n-Charge.com, or call (813) 600-9848.

Award winners and officers at Dade City chamber
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recently honored some of its top members during its annual banquet Oct. 16 at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club.

Winners included:

  • Business Leader of the Year — Bonnie Krummen, vice president and branch manager of CenterState Bank
  • Large Business of the Year — CenterState Bank
  • Small Business of the Year — Dade City Animal Clinic
  • Civic Association of the Year — Restored Hope
  • Citizen of the Year — Salvador Jaurequi and Joey Wubbena
  • Ambassador of the Year — Kelly Sinn of Sunrise Pasco County
  • Chamber Member of the Year — Cliff Martin of Jarrett Ford
    • Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award — Billy Brown of the Withlacoochee River Cooperative
  • President’s Award — Jimmy Adcock of Teco

Also during the banquet, the chamber installed its new board, including Bob Van Allen of Farm Bureau Insurance as president, Randy Stovall of Pasco-Hernando State College as president-elect, Randy Surber of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills as second vice president, Steven Hickman of First National Bank of Pasco as treasurer, Kelly Sinn of Sunrise of Pasco County as secretary, and Bonnie Krummen of CenterState Bank as the past president.

Zephyrhills water donated $50,000
Nestle Waters North America, the corporate producer of Zephyrhills bottled water, donated $50,000 in honor of its 50th anniversary Oct. 25 that help support cleanup and education events at parks along the Hillsborough River.

Splitting the donation were Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and Tampa Bay Watch.

The donation was supported by a social media campaign conducted by Nestle that invited consumers to share their favorite things about Florida. More than 23,700 items were shared, which Nestle donated a dollar for each, and then rounded up to the $50,000 donation.

The Zephyrhills plant, located at 4330 20th St., in Zephyrhills, employs 250 people locally, and 900 throughout the region. Nestle bought the brand in 1982, part of a company that was originally founded in 1964.

Upcoming SCORE seminars
The Pasco-Hernando Chapter of SCORE, which historically stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives, will host the following upcoming free seminars. For information, visit SCORE439.org.

  • Using the Internet in Your Business — Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m., at Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road, in New Port Richey; Nov. 12 at 10 a.m., at SmartStart New Port Richey, 6345 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey; Nov. 12 at 5 p.m., at West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., in Brooksville. After reviewing the various roles a website can support in enhancing a business, participants will be walked through an eight-step process of key activities needed to quickly leverage this technology in many businesses.
  • E-Marketing Concepts —Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m., at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey; Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m., at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. Attendees can obtain an understanding of e-marketing technologies and how they may help to enhance the ability of a small business to reach customers and communicate their brand, products and services.
  • Introduction to QuickBooks — Nov. 12 at 1 p.m., at Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. This is a basic hands-on introduction to the QuickBooks software, but is not designed for advanced users.
  • How to Apply for a Business Loan — Nov. 12 at 5 p.m., at South Holiday Branch Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive in Holiday; Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m., at Centennial Park Branch Library, 5640 Moog Road in Holiday. This workshop focuses on the individual requirements of the participants, including startups, mature businesses and purchasing of existing businesses. Loan sources for amounts ranging from $5,000 to $5 million will be covered, as well as business plans to accompany loan applications.

On The Agenda 11-05-14

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Doctor speaking at Democratic Women’s
The Democratic Women’s Club of Pasco County will have its regular meeting Nov. 8 at 11 a.m., at the Jasmine Lakes Civic Club, 7137 Jasmine Blvd., in Port Richey.

Guest speaker is Dr. Lawrence Floriani, an educational lecturer on the Affordable Care Act. He is a member of Doctors for America.

For information, call (727) 372-9321.

Library board to meet in Land O’ Lakes
The Pasco County Library Advisory Board will host its annual library supporters meeting Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

At this informal meeting, the Library Foundation and other groups will present information about activities going on at the individual cooperative branches, as well as within the overall library system.

It is open to the public.

Workshops planned for transportation plans
The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is looking for public input on its 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.

This plan includes highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects over the next 25 years. A formal 30-day comment period extends through Nov. 23, with a draft of the plan available at PascoMPO.net.

Two workshops are planned for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19. The Tuesday gathering will be at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The second will take place at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Both workshops begin at 5:30 p.m.

For information, visit Mobility2040Pasco.com.

Hillsborough government office to close
The majority of Hillsborough County offices and facilities will be closed Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

Closed facilities include the administrative offices county government, all libraries, recreation centers, Head Start/Early head Start centers, and senior citizen centers and nutrition sites.

Collection of garbage, recyclables and yard waste will continue on a normal Tuesday schedule in the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County. That service area includes Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green and New Tampa. All disposal facilities also will be open.

Additional county facilities that will be closed on Veterans Day include:

  • The Pet Resource Center — A limited number of animal safety and enforcement officers will be on duty for emergencies only at (813) 744-5660. The Pets-For-Vets adoption special will be offered throughout November, with more information at HillsboroughCounty.org/Pets.
  • Hillsborough County’s Information and Service Center line at (813) 272-5900
  • All county recreation centers, skate parks, the Bakas Equestrian Center, and the administrative offices of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation department.
  • The Sunshine Line transportation service
  • All social service community resource centers
  • The call center for the Public Utilities Department, and water/wastewater customer service centers in Northdale and Brandon. Emergency water calls can be directed to (813) 744-5600.

All regional parks as well as the Southeast County Landfill and transfer stations will remain open.