The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Health News 07/21/2021

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Gulfside launches new website
Gulfside Healthcare Services announced the launch of its new website, providing a user-friendly online experience with even more access to care options and resources for the community, according to a news release.

The new website can be found at Gulfside.org, and features information about the organization’s three primary health care services and resources for caregivers. It also has a frequently asked questions (FAQ) video library, a collection of grief articles, easy-to-complete contact forms, downloadable care guides, and more.

“Gulfside Healthcare Service’s new website reflects our three values of patient-centered care, honoring our staff, and community-supporting service,” Linda Ward, president & CEO of Gulfside, said in the release.

Gulfside has been serving the community since 1989, as a hospice provider. It also offers palliative care for chronic illness, and skilled home health and rehab services.

The organization also provides bereavement counseling and caregiver support to the community, and operates five thrift shops to support charity care for those in need.

The new website features virtual tours of the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care, as well as testimonials about the care provided by Gulfside’s team, Ward said.

Other featured sections include upcoming events, ways to donate, and various programs that provide specialized care for patients and families.

Food initiative for teens
AdventHealth has launched a teen-focused Food is Health initiative to teach healthy habits, and to help reduce food insecurity and poverty.

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida and AdventHealth Carrollwood have partnered with the Hispanic Services Council and The Skills Center, a sports-based youth development organization, to pilot a youth version of the health system’s Food is Health program, at Armature Works and The City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation.

The program aims to increase access to health education and fresh, healthy foods to improve the overall health of local communities.

“We are committed to caring for all who need us, whether they’re in our care in an AdventHealth hospital or out in the community,” said Kimberly Williams, director of community benefit, AdventHealth West Florida Division.

Twenty-five students from The Skills Center will participate in nutrition classes that incorporate Share Our Strength’s “Cooking Matters at Home Lessons,” taught by the Hispanic Services Council, and learn hands-on cooking techniques.

Students also will receive free vouchers to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables on site, to prepare nutritious meals at home with their families.

Chalk Talk 07/21/2021

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Alexandra Barath (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

Fine Arts award
The Heritage Arts Center Association presented the $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award to Alexandra Barath, a recent graduate of Pasco High School.

The award is given in memory of Gordon and Jean Nereim, the founding members of the organization.

Barath submitted a digital computer drawing entitled, “Pink Cityscape,” that referenced her fascination for both perspective and vast cityscapes.

Her artwork will be featured at next year’s Heritage Arts’ “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and art show, in February.

Barath will attend the University of Central Florida with a major in experimental animation.

For more information, visit HeritageArts.org.

 

Conference proposals sought
The Florida Organization for Human Services Inc. (FLOHS) will host a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. The theme is “Resilient Horizons: Breaking Down Barriers.”

The educational nonprofit is seeing workshop proposals on how to be resilient through trying times, and should focus on how to provide knowledge and skills to help others.

The audience will include students, new practitioners and more established professionals.

Submissions may include interventions, skills, knowledge and wellness, as related to assisting Human Services professionals to master their craft and become more effective leaders.

Presentations are typically 60 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Proposals should target one of the following areas:

  • Ethics in Helping Relationships
  • Interviewing and Intervention Skills
  • Group Work
  • Case Management
  • Human Development
  • Social and Cultural Issues
  • Social Problems
  • Assessment/Treatment Planning
  • Intervention Models/Theories
  • Human Behavior
  • Social Welfare and Public Policy
  • Research, Program Evaluation and Supervision

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 1, and must include a CV/resume, a video (with an introduction of yourself and summary topic) or a 100-word to 300-word abstract.

All applicants that are approved will be notified by Aug. 15.

For additional submission details, or to email a proposal, contact .

Back to School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade.

One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

SkillsUSA recognition
Elena Banet, of New Port Richey and a student at Marchman Technical College, was awarded the high school bronze medal in nail care, at the 2021 SkillsUSA Championships, that took place in June.

Students were invited to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 107 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions, including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.

Industry leaders from 650 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their individual standards for entry-level workers.

More than 3,700 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education, and more than 1,100 gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to students.

Many winners also received industry prizes, tools of their trade or scholarships.

The championship event takes place every year for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.

Student achievements
• Brady Lindauer, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona.
• Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was recognized to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Financial aid tip
High school seniors should keep a close eye on deadlines when applying for college financial aid, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Staying on top of deadlines can help students earn more in free student aid so they won’t have to depend as much on student loans.

KHEAA offers these tips:

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, beginning Oct. 1. To qualify for most state and federal student aid, a student must submit to FAFSA.
  • Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which the student has applied, to determine if they require any forms other than the FAFSA.
  • Look for scholarships using the free online scholarship search at CareerOneStop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx.
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid seminars. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that students can do that for themselves for free. If the student decides to pay, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

Local firm steps up for students

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Christian Social Service (CSS) is a nonprofit organization that supports the Pasco County area, with most of the requested help made by families and single mothers.

From left: DAVRON employees Eric Maddox and David Coreen; Jacquie Petet, Christian Social Services executive director; and, DAVRON employees Leah Stevens, Blake Coen and Matthew Noble. (Courtesy of Lacy McElfresh)

The CSS thrift store and food pantry, at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is filled with donations from local churches and private contributors.

DAVRON, a Land O’ Lakes-based executive search and outplacement firm, reached out to Jacquie Petet, executive director of CSS, to see how the company could help, according to a news release.

Petet expressed the most urgent need was for school supplies and backpacks because students will return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year, and CSS was expecting to help hundreds of families. The nonprofit provides each student with a backpack, school supplies, and $20 toward its thrift store for back-to-school clothing.

In answer to Petet’s request, DAVRON hosted a School Supply Drive. With the help of the community and The Laker/Lutz News readers, DAVRON was able to donate 80 brand new backpacks and a multitude of school supply items to CSS.

These local businesses, as well as other private donors, stepped up to the plate, as well: Hungry Harry’s, Aroma Joe’s, Sweet Frog, The Flying Squirrel, Land O’ Lakes Family Fitness and Station House BBQ.

In addition, DAVRON employees contributed $1,550 to the nonprofit, which they raised at their own Charity Challenge Fishing Tournament.

Christian Social Services currently is accepting donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and can be reached at 813-995-0088.

Published July 14, 2021

DAVRON employees, back row: Austin Lopez, Diana Allen, Julia Byrd, Jeremy Jacobs, Blake Coen, Jesse Blunt, Dalton Fitzgerald, Kenneth Beiter, Matthew Noble and Wyatt Durney. Middle row: Adrianna Marquez, Ashley Jachens, Merinn Jacobs, Lacy McElfresh, Sasha Ortiz, Nicholas Bertrand and Christian Cornier. Front row: Megan McKee, Leah Stevens, Elijah Gallatin, David Coreen and Eric Maddox.
The DAVRON team collected, organized and donated a variety of school supply items, to help Christian Social Services serve students in need.
David Coreen and Wyatt Durney display a couple of the fish they caught during DAVRON’s charity fishing tournament, to benefit Christian Social Services.
The DAVRON team collected and donated 80 backpacks as part of its School Supply Drive to benefit Christian Social Services.

Getting out and cleaning up

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From left: Joanne O’ Ryan, Brooke Gerrity, Hayley O’ Ryan and Shay O’ Ryan were among the many volunteers at the first Keep Pasco Beautiful World Oceans Day. (Courtesy of Kristen King)

The first Keep Pasco Beautiful World Oceans Day cleanup event was hailed a success – with the environment reeling in the biggest benefits, according to a news release.

Pasco County has more than 20 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

In Central Pasco and East Pasco, there are several watersheds that lead to Tampa Bay and various rivers.

Volunteers donated their time in June, at two Pasco County locations: Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday and Cypress Creek Preserve in Land O’ Lakes.

Combing the roadways and shoreline, they removed everything from televisions and sofa cushions to car bumpers and tires.

“Trash along the roadways ends up in the stormwater system, which ultimately leads to the Gulf,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King. “We live in an amazing place, and we all have to do our part to protect it.”

Here are statistics from the event:

  • 1,460 poundsof trash collected
  • 59 volunteers
  • 118 volunteer hourslogged
  • $3,368 cost benefit(Volunteer Time Value)

To volunteer or learn more about Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published July 14, 2021

Lightning scores Stanley Cup — second time in a row

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(Courtesy of Kimberly Eberhard)

There was jubilation on July 7 in Thunder Alley, when the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 1-0, to secure the Bolts’ second consecutive Stanley Cup win.

David Eberhard, of Wesley Chapel, his daughter, Kimberly, and some of Kimberly’s teacher friends from Twin Lakes Elementary School were there to soak in the joy-filled atmosphere.

Fans couldn’t be there in person last year to watch the Bolts win the Stanley Cup because of COVID-19, but they went into overdrive this year — creating their own kind of thunder — to celebrate their victorious Bolts.

Here are a few scenes from Amalie Arena, on the series-clinching Game 5 of the finals.

Twin Lakes Elementary teachers cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning, during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals. From left: Dawn Rogers, Kimberly Eberhard and Lauren Stamm.

 

 

Health News 07/14/2021

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Kyle and Allie Mosher donated a Cuddle Cot to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in memory of their daughter, Aubrey. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Cuddle Cot donation
The family of Aubrey Mosher has partnered with Madison’s Miracles to donate a Cuddle Cot to The Baby Place at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

Aubrey’s mom, Allie, suffered complications during birth, and thanks to the Cuddle Cot, the Mosher family was able to hold Aubrey, create memories and honor her presence.

The Mosher family did not deliver baby Aubrey at the Wesley Chapel hospital, but worked with Madison’s Miracles to make the donation.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel now will have the ability to provide the additional comfort to honor the needs of grieving families in its care.

Madison’s Miracles was founded by Chris and Christina Stamper following the loss of their daughter, Madison Elizabeth Stamper, and is dedicated to honoring all babies gone too soon, every day.

For more information, visit MadisonsMiracles.org.

Baker Act services
TransCare Medical Transportation Services, a division of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has expanded its Baker/Marchman Act transportation services to include the transfer of students from Pasco County Schools to mental health receiving facilities, according to a news release.

TransCare has established a partnership with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to manage all Baker Act transports initiated at Pasco County Schools.

It is common for these transports to be done in the back of patrol cars, even though these individuals have not committed a crime and are not being arrested.

When a student is on a Pasco County Schools campus and needs to be Baker Acted, the school resource officer contacts TransCare to request a transport.

TransCare staff then report to the designated school and safely transport the student to a Baker Act receiving facility for evaluation.

TransCare has two vehicles stationed within Pasco County during school hours for easy travel throughout the county.

Since implementing this arrangement in February, Pasco Sheriff’s deputies have been able to utitlize this program on 54 occasions, reducing the stigma and trauma related to a Baker Act while assisting those in need.

The initial contract for TransCare to provide these services will remain in effect through the remainder of the year.

For information, visit CrisisCenter.com.

Business as usual
All West Florida Division hospital and emergency room locations in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco and Pinellas counties are open for business as usual at this time, according to a news release.

All AdventHealth Medical Group practices, AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens, and AdventHealth Centra Care locations in Tampa Bay are reopen for in-person visits.

The specific regional AdventHealth Centra Care locations include:

  • AdventHealth Centra Care Brandon
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Carrollwood
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Citrus Park
  • AdventHealth Centra Care South Tampa
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Temple Terrace
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Trinity
  • AdventHealth Centra Care Wesley Chapel

AdventHealth video visits remain available 24/7 through the AdventHeath app.

Chalk Talk 07/14/2021

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Monika Perez

Pepin Academies names new COO
Pepin Academies has named Monika Perez as its chief operating officer (COO), to oversee its three campuses in Hillsborough and Pasco counties that serve students with learning and learning-related disabilities. She will oversee internal operations across the Pepin campuses, and implement program and facility expansions.

This newly created position comes as part of Pepin Academies’ long-term development plan.

Perez has served Pepin Academies for the past 17 years.

She began her career with the schools as director of Pepin Academy High School, then a ninth through 12th grade charter school, in 2004, and has assumed roles as assistant principal and principal, as well.

Perez received a Bachelor of Science in communication disorders from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of South Florida.

In addition to her roles at Pepin, she also has served on numerous charter school application review committees to advance educational choice in the community.

Her service to Pepin Academies and the community earned her Pepin’s Peregrine Falcon Outstanding Employee award in 2017.

For more information about the schools, visit PepinAcademies.com.

Super Saturday
Saint Leo University will host Super Saturday on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Students committed to joining Saint Leo for the fall semester, as well as those who are still making a college decision, can acquaint themselves with the school’s academics, community, and student services, while completing preparations for August classes.

Admission to the event is free. Family and friends can attend.

The event will include games, novelties, crafts, music, food trucks, prizes and a large giveaway.

A VIP reception for the incoming class will provide guests with the chance to meet future classmates and other Saint Leo families.

Those attending will have access to class registration, financial aid meetings, department presentations, housing selection, parking registration, student ID photos, tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Students also can bring transcripts for the final round of the fall 2021 instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit a deposit, and meet with staff from various departments.

The use of face coverings or masks is required for all individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 while on campus.

To register for Super Saturday, visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For information and questions, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .

B.E.S.T. Academy back on campus
AdventHealth Tampa on June 29 welcomed students from the Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T.) Academy back on campus for the first time since the pandemic.

The high school students learned hands-only CPR, experienced a coding exercise, and heard from an AdventHealth heart surgeon.

The summer program provides students with hands-on clinical experience in the hospital setting, and teaches students the skills to continue their education and pursue future careers in health care.

To learn more about the academy, visit BestMedicalAcademy.org.

Constitution seminar
Saint Leo University’s Department of Criminal Justice will host its Summer Institute seminar program, with four days focused on a discussion of “The Constitution, Social Justice, and Modern America.”

Criminal justice faculty and guest speakers will delve into several constitutional amendments, and the contemporary discussions and legal arguments about how the amendments are interpreted.

The institute is scheduled for July 19 through July 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Those who attend will be issued a certificate, upon completion of the seminar.

To sign up, email , with the words “2021 Summer Institute” in the email subject line, to request a Zoom registration link.

Course fee adjustments
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its July 20 board meeting at 6 p.m., at the West Campus in New Port Richey.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees, and fee implementation details, visit Policies.PHSC.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Employment Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its sixth annual Pasco Community Public Employment Fair on July 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson.

Those in attendance can meet managers from Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Emergency Services, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Tax Collector, Pasco Board of County Commissioners, and more.

Register online at bit.ly/3vR7Kr8.

Capstone program grant
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) celebrated the success of the Achievement Capstone Program, a scholarship program that grants financial assistance to high-achieving, underrepresented college graduates of historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly Black institutions.

The NMSC joined the UNCF at Clark Atlanta University, to commemorate the scholarship’s five-year milestone, where NMSC President Timothy E. McGuire presented UNCF President Dr. Michael L. Lomax with an additional $2.1 million grant for the program.

“UNCF is honored to continue the legacy of a program that has meant so much to Black college students who struggled to finance their higher education,” said Lomax, in a news release.

“I am proud of the work that UNCF has done with this program in helping ensure a college degree is not only a dream but a possibility.”

McGuire added that NMSC is proud of its partnership with UNCF and the work and stewardship to carry on the name, mission and legacy of the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which has recognized and honored many Black American scholars since the first awards were presented in 1965.

“We believe this further investment in the Achievement Capstone Program is proof of our great confidence in UNCF to carry on this important mission for many years to come,” said McGuire, in the release.

Living the good life

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Caden was rescued from a high-kill shelter about five years ago. Now, one of his favorite things in life is just floating around and dozing in the pool. Caden lives with his mom, Laurie Lunde, in Land O’ Lakes.

A serene spot

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Rick Zelko spotted this little one taking advantage of the shade in his backyard in Land O’ Lakes.

Shop a little, give a little back

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While running routine weekly errands, area residents can help to reduce single-use plastic in the environment — while also giving back to the community — by shopping at the Dade City Winn Dixie.

Through Winn Dixie’s Reusable Bag Program, with every $2.50 reusable community bag purchase, a $1 donation is made to a nonprofit that is local to the grocery store at which it was bought.

The nonprofit Pioneer Florida Museum & Village has been selected by store leadership at Winn Dixie, 12649 U.S. 301 in Dade City, to benefit from the program during the month of July.

The museum will receive $1 for every reusable bag sold at this location.

“It’s more important than ever to help reduce single-use plastic in the environment,” Stephanie Bracknell Black, executive director of the museum, said in a news release.

“Nonprofits at the local level, like us, are in need of community support. This program offers the perfect solution to multiple issues of the world today. We hope you’ll support us in July by purchasing one – or two – community bags at our local Dade City Winn Dixie,” Black said.

For information about the reusable bag program, visit WinnDixie.com.

Published July 07, 2021