The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Holiday gatherings should include a heaping helping of COVID precaution

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It’s Thanksgiving. Tradition says it’s best spent in a full house of family and friends, carving the turkey, sharing a table, then strategizing the busy weekend shopping plans.

Medical experts have this advice: Maybe next year.

With COVID-19 again on the rise, holiday traditions probably need to be temporarily halted — or at least revised.

“People have to be much more cautious,’’ said Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. “We know the nationwide (COVID) numbers and now they are definitely increasing in Florida. Most of it has been through community spread. Any of these gatherings have the potential for some negative effects.’’

Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, said people should take the proper precautions at holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

But, in many cases, Vaaler said he knows Thanksgiving gatherings will go on as planned. If so, he advises they should be held with reasonable precautions.

“If you are at-risk, someone over 65, with diabetes or obesity, you should think long and hard about whether this is a year you can get by without a traditional Thanksgiving,’’ Vaaler said. “The general rule of thumb is 10 or less (people), which is usually difficult to do for a Thanksgiving gathering.

“Then it’s about common sense. Social distancing and masks. You shouldn’t bring in family or friends who you haven’t been in contact with or you’re not sure where they’ve been. We’re blessed with good weather in Florida, so I would recommend holding it outside, if possible. That would be a very good idea.’’

Vaaler said he knows his recommendations might cause some raised eyebrows from families that have clamored for the holidays.

He said that’s understandable. People are seeking normalcy after a mostly rough 2020 for schools, businesses and almost every other walk of life.

“I do have a fear that the holidays could bring even more rough times,’’ Vaaler said. “People are very, very tired of wearing masks, observing social distancing and all the rest. I think some folks will say, ‘I’m getting together with my family, no matter what,’ and they’ll conduct activities and proceed like these are normal times.

“There have been studies where a super spreader event is traced back to just one person in the gathering being positive. But, afterward, dozens were infected. Although I understand people being fatigued by COVID, it’s just a good idea to wear the masks and take precautions, especially if you’re around people you’re not normally exposed to on a daily basis.’’

Vaaler said he’s not surprised Florida is in its current state of rising COVID cases. When the numbers dropped a few months back, he detected some complacency. Anecdotally, he has noticed more people declining to get a flu shot because they feel they’re fine with masking and social distancing.

It’s a similar attitude to holiday gatherings.

“You try to warn people, but some just don’t want to hear it, or be told what to do,’’ Vaaler said. “They’re family. They want to hug and kiss because that’s how you express appreciation and love.

“The point is you can still have these gatherings if you limit the people and adhere to precautions. Stay outdoors if you can. Maybe it’s not a normal Thanksgiving, but it’s the best approach for everyone’s sake.’’

Beyond the holidays, Vaaler cautioned that there’s no quick end in sight.

“I’m pretty convinced we’ve got several more months of pain ahead of us,’’ Vaaler said. “We’re getting encouraging news about the effectiveness of vaccines to mitigate the spread, but realistically that’s at least summertime until we get enough people vaccinated.

“In the short term, I believe we’re still in a situation where COVID is part of our lives. My optimistic viewpoint is the summertime (for a return to normal). My pessimistic view is toward the end of next year. Until it’s all clear, all of us must continue to take the proper precautions.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 1,000 Pasco Families Every Year

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November is National Hospice Month, and hospice is the bridge that helps terminally ill patients and their families navigate the health care system in the final stages of life, while also providing emotional and social services support for the entire family.

In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 30 years, and helps over 3,000 families every year care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey.

Heading up hospice services at Gulfside is Kathy Postiglione, who started work at the agency 15 years ago as a registered nurse, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president.

“As a nurse, what attracted me to hospice care in the beginning, and still captures my heart today, is its holistic approach to patient care that is driven by the patient and family,” said Postiglione. “It is the most personal type of care found in nursing, and one that has not changed much since the hospice movement was founded in the 1970s.”

The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a team of professionals who addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

“Our team of nurses, physicians, chaplains and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discuss the best options for his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione.

Hospice care begins with a discussion between the doctor and terminally ill patient and the family, who together agree to bring hospice in for a consultation.

“Often it’s the patient who says, ‘I’m done, and no longer wants additional treatments,’” explains Postiglione.

The initial meeting can be in a patient’s home, hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, and include nurses, both RN and LPNs, hospice medical staff, social worker and chaplain.

“We also work with the patient to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to re-connect with family members and friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Postiglione.

Once a patient enters hospice care, the Gulfside team provides interdisciplinary medical support and services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has resources to help with legal and financial services involving end-of-life care.

“Patients and families are often so overwhelmed by what needs to be done, that they are very anxious.  We break down the tasks and set up a plan to help them accomplish their goals, while providing the care the patient needs to relieve pain, and make the journey as peaceful and comfortable as possible,” explains Postiglione.

Being in hospice care does not mean patients need to give up treatments, and often continue to see their own doctors.

“Patients sometimes want to continue their treatments, and we are here to support the patient in any way we can,” said Postiglione.

Since its establishment in 1989, Gulfside Hospice has grown from an organization run primarily by volunteers, to a full-service health care entity that employs nearly 400 people with an average census of 650 patients.  When Gulfside began operations, it had just 15 employees and was servicing 50 patients.

While most patients are older adults and seniors, often diagnosed with cancer, Gulfside Hospice also cares for terminally ill children and young adults. Patients come into hospice when their prognosis is less than six months, and the average length of stay in the program is 70 days.

One area that makes Gulfside Hospice unique compared to other hospice organizations is its ability to provide patients with more expensive medications.

“When a patient has a need for a more expensive medication, we never deny the request, because we have the resources to provide medication that Medicare may not pay for,” said Postiglione.

Gulfside has been able to keep up with Pasco’s population growth because of its ability to attract top professionals to its team.

“We place a tremendous value on our employees, and consistently seek feedback from them on their challenges, equipment they need, the schedules that work best for their families,” said Postiglione. “We have a very dedicated group of people, most whom have worked here for many years, because of the high satisfaction they get by working with our patients and families.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services also works with over 300 volunteers, many who become involved after hospice has cared for a loved one.

“Many of our volunteers give the gift of presence  —  which is staying with patients who may not have family or friends close by, until they pass. Others work in our dietary area, bringing meals to patients in our in-patient facilities. We also have volunteers who take care of patients’ pets, play music for patients, and many volunteer at our thrift stores, do office work and help at fundraising events,” said Postiglione.

For patients needing critical nursing care, Gulfside Hospice operates the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills and the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill Healthcare Center in New Port Richey. Its thrift shops are located in Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson.

“People are often surprised at the range of services we offer at Gulfside Hospice,” said Postiglione. “We are proud of our ability to help many Pasco families in one of their greatest times of need.”

Address: 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
Website: Gulfside.org
Info: (800) 561-4883

Published November 18, 2020

Pasco drivers can save money on fines this week

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Operation Green Light gives motorists a chance to pay unpaid court fines and fees, and get back onto the road, at a reduced price.

The event is happening in Pasco County from Nov. 18 through Nov. 20.

By paying their fines during this window of opportunity, drivers can save big on collections, penalties, and interest, according to a news release from the office of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

“This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Alvarez-Sowles said, in the release. “So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive.

“During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too.”

There are three ways to participate: in person, phone, online.

Deputy Clerks will be available at both courthouses – the Robert Sumner Judicial Center (Dade City) and the West Pasco Judicial Center (New Port Richey) – during business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for in-person assistance.

Sidelined motorists can skip the trip and get squared away by telephone: (352) 521-4542, Option 1; or (727) 847-8031, Option 2, between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

And, anytime during the three-day event, access will be offered to a special Operation Green Light web page: https://www.pascoclerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light.

Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate, according to the release.

Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status here: https://services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

Published November 18, 2020

Donations top $5,600 for Sunrise of Pasco

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Donations exceeding $5,600 came in to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office during the month of September to support the Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Violence Center.

Representatives of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office and from Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Violence Center stand near the tax collector’s office with a check representing the amount of contributions raised for the group. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano)

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices collected the donations, which will be used to benefit the center that aims to end domestic and sexual violence, by providing prevention and intervention services to those in need, according to a release from Fasano’s office.

“We greatly appreciate you for supporting us through your Charity of the Month Program,”  Kelly Sinn, CEO of Sunrise of Pasco, told Fasano, in the news release. “We are beyond grateful that you selected us for this opportunity and are overwhelmed by the generous donations from our amazing community members. Your donation of $5,624.92 will help Sunrise of Pasco carry out our mission of assisting survivors of abuse.”

In the release, Fasano responded: “Sunrise of Pasco has made a positive impact on our community for decades. Our office was honored to be able to help advance their efforts by including Sunrise of Pasco as part of our Charity of the Month program. We know that every dollar raised will be spent to help families, mothers and their children, right here in Pasco County. Despite the challenges, financial and otherwise, that COVID has brought to so many people this year, the fact that over $5,600 was raised for Sunrise of Pasco speaks volumes as to the generosity of our community and to the fine reputation Sunrise of Pasco has earned over the years.”

The Charity of the Month program is a year-round effort to bring as much attention to as many charities, both big and small, who serve those in need or are less fortunate. For more information about the charitable giving program at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com. For more information about services provided at Sunrise of Pasco, please call Vicki Wiggins, director of development at (352) 521-3358.

Published November 18, 2020

North Tampa Bay Chamber awards bestowed

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The North Tampa Bay Chamber presented its 2020 Celebrating Excellence Awards, honoring local companies and individuals that have benefited the community, and have demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year.

Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the chamber reimagined its annual awards ceremony — bestowing the honors on companies exemplifying the chamber’s core values of integrity, inclusivity, collaboration and innovation, according to a chamber news release.

The chamber also recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve the community, presenting them with Community Hero awards. And, it recognized an individual who embodies all of the chamber’s core values, through the organization’s chairman’s award.

The awards ceremony was held virtually, on Nov. 12. A number of organizations hosted watch parties in different locations, while some chamber members watched from the comfort of their own homes.

Recipients of this year’s honors are:

Excellence in Integrity Award: The Laker/Lutz News. This award honors an organization that demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year has benefited the community and region.

Excellence in Collaboration Award: Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center. This award honors an organization that has sought to build bridges and partner with individuals and groups that has strengthened the community and region during the past year.

Excellence in Inclusivity Award: Pasco-Hernando State College — Porter Campus. This award honors an organization that has demonstrated, through its organizational culture or in service to the community, leadership in diversity and inclusion practice during the past year.

Excellence in Innovation Award: Pinot’s Palette. This award honors an organization that demonstrated unique ingenuity during the past year has benefited the community and region.

Community Heroes: Ghada and Lufti Judallah; Troy Stevenson; and, Dr. Paula O’Neil. Through their efforts, these individuals exemplified their concern and a compassionate response to the pandemic.

Chairman’s Award: Roberto Saez. This award honors the myriad ways that Roberto Saez has contributed to creating a better community. He has given generously to charitable causes, has supported scholarships and has shared his talents, without charge, on chamber projects.

Published November 18, 2020

Veterans honored in surprise drive-by parade

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As the 50-vehicle red, white and blue parade of cars, trucks, minivans and campers wound its way — twice — around a circular drive at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, the sight that stood out most was the group of surprised and delighted spectators.

Forty residents from the 120-bed facility — who served in American wars dating back to the Korean Conflict —had been wheeled outside for their most significant fresh-air time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March.

Linn Rexroat, Pam Smith and Harry Provan, of the Santa Drill Team, prepare for the drive-by parade. (Joey Johnston)

They were socially distanced and wore masks.

They also waved American flags. They smiled. They cheered and applauded. Some teared up a bit.

It was a Veterans Day celebration — two days late — that was appreciated and treasured.

The event was conceived by Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a nonprofit agency that flies military veterans to Washington and honors their service.

Many elderly veterans can’t make that trip, so an “Honor Flight at Home’’ was planned, complete with a speaker from MacDill Air Force Base, shirts, hats, a clap-out parade and a redistribution of the medals earned during military service.

Those plans were canceled by the virus. The nursing-home lockdown lasted through the summer and still remains strict for safety purposes.

Veterans Day brought another opportunity — and some creativity.

The drive-by parade, which was staged and organized about a mile away at the First United Methodist Church, included the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Fire Department, Mission Barbecue, the Rough Riders, the Santa Drill Team, Operation Patriot and private citizens.

A variety of signs were displayed to honor the veterans.

“It was wonderful,’’ said Johanna Snee, activities director at the Baldomero Lopez facility. “It’s definitely a boost. It gave our residents a little bit of normalcy.’’

Or, as one of the drive-by banners read: “You Are Not Forgotten!’’

April Currie, Honor Flight president, said her group has taken 40 flights to Washington with approximately 3,000 veterans. The “Honor Flight at Home’’ program has honored nearly 600 more veterans.

Given the virus and safety stipulations, Currie said she was delighted to see great participation in the drive-by ceremony for the Baldomero Lopez facility veterans.

“We tried to make it a big surprise and everyone was told, ‘Let’s go outside and enjoy the weather,’ ‘’ Currie said. “We really cannot do enough for our veterans. We want them to know we love them, we respect them and we appreciate them. We feel like we got those messages across, even though the health circumstances dictated us doing things a little differently than we originally planned.’’

Spectators wave, as a parade passed by the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home.

It was just fine for Sharon Richmond, a member of Operation Patriot, a nonprofit group of former and current employees with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our purpose is to help the veterans and if they have a need that the VA can’t pay for, they often turn to us,’’ Richmond said. “Honoring the veterans with this parade was awesome. It was beyond my imagination. I’m so grateful because I was up here two or three times a week before the lockdown and I’m so happy they get recognized like this.’’

Richmond said she visited one of her veteran friends during the lockdown, but she could only come up to his window.

“He’s legally blind and hard of hearing and I couldn’t hear what he was saying either,’’ Richmond said. “He put his hand up to the glass and he wanted me to put my hand up to the glass. Then I cried all the way home.

“Just being here means so much. It’s our way of letting them know they are important and they are not forgotten.’’

The Santa Drill Team — a group of holiday Santa Clauses that honors veterans — added to the memories by displaying the flags from all military branches and the American flag on the rear of its truck.

“It’s more of an honor for us than it is for them,’’ said Pam Smith, of the Santa Drill Team. “It gives me goosebumps. We need to do more events like this. It’s so special and so meaningful. These veterans mean so much to our country, and we’re proud to honor them.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 18, 2020

Volkswagen enthusiasts turn out in droves

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The weather was perfect for this gathering of Volkswagen lovers, and there was plenty to see and do, at the 32nd annual Bug Jam, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, in Dade City.

There was food and entertainment, as well as a VW car show and plenty of parts — and stories — to swap.

Rafael Correa, of Jacksonville, relaxes while waiting for judging of his 1966 Micro bus at the Florida Bug Jam. (Randy Underhill)

 

 

 

Carlos Arias, of Miami, poses with his 1966 Rat Rod (Elbicho). He’s been taking part in the Florida Bug Jam for three years. He doesn’t just show his car at car shows, he drives it every day.
This 1965 replica of Herbie the Love Bug was shown at the Florida Bug Jam. It is owned by Stephen Love, of Clermont.
This is a closer look at the front of one of Volkswagens on display at the Florida Bug Jam.

Local event overrun with ‘Bugs’

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The 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam lived up to its name, attracting Volkswagen enthusiasts eager to show off their Bugs, to swap parts and to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people.

This beautiful 1962 Volkswagen Bug — complete with matching luggage — belongs to Jose m.Reyes Nieve. It was among the pristine, interesting and unusual VWs on display at the 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam, held Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City. (Randy Underhill)

The partly sunny, breezy weekend made the weather ideal for huge crowds on both days of the event.

The Jam is a magnet for people across the country to converge on the Pasco County Fairgrounds, in Dade City, to show off their vintage Volkswagen Bugs and VW vans of yesteryear.

Besides the classic Bugs and vans, there were VW dune buggies, Baja Bugs, and the “Thing” on display at the car show on Nov. 8.

Randy Yoho, of Kry Inc., was the show’s promoter.

On Nov. 7, the first day of the two-day event, there was a poker run, a parade to downtown Dade City, an off-road course, a pre-jam party and a concert.

The next day’s events included a car show and swap meet.

Campsites were available, and event-goers could grab a bite to eat and do some shopping, too.

By Randy Underhill

Published November 11, 2020

Alice Encio, of Tampa, adjusts her props that are part of her Alice in Wonderland theme in her 1967 Volkswagen at the Florida Bug Jam car show on Nov. 8, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.
Owner Jack Cook, of Brooksville, proudly sits near his 1972 Ford Grabber blue-colored VW Karmann Ghia at the 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam, on Nov. 7, inside the Pasco County Fairgrounds. It took Cook a year to build the car, which placed third for two years in a row in the competition.
Dave MacDougall, of Fort Lauderdale, sits near his sage green 1976 Volkswagen van, with its matching trailer. He and his son, who did not make it to the Bug Jam, have traveled to all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in four seasons starting in 2015.
Fifteen-year-old Conner Sorenson, left, of Stuart, stands with his dad, Justin Sorenson, in front of the family’s 1967 Volkswagen bug on Nov. 7 at the Bug Jam.
The 32nd annual Bug Jam enjoyed good weather and attracted a big crowd of Volkswagen enthusiasts during the two-day event at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

Pasco school choice expos going virtual

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Pasco County Schools is showcasing the district’s choice programs in two virtual events this year.

The goal is the same as it has been in years past — to inform families about the upcoming school choice application window and to highlight the innovative program options.

The Nov. 16 Virtual Pasco Pathways Expo, presented at 5 p.m., will be the east side program.

The Nov. 19 Virtual Pathways Expo, presented at 5 p.m., will be the west side program.

The events will feature informational sessions that cover the general application process.

In addition, many of Pasco County’s schools will showcase unique educational options like STEM and STEAM magnets, the Cambridge International Education Programme, International Baccalaureate, Career Pathways, and more.

Those in attendance will have the chance to learn about Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Pasco eSchool, and the soon-to-be open Starkey Ranch K-8.

The school choice application window will run from Jan. 7 to Jan. 21, for all schools and grade levels.

For information and to register to attend a virtual expo, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/expo.

Published November 11, 2020

Pasco’s branding effort wins big award

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Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — Pasco County’s brand for its tourism efforts — has received Sports ETA’s 2019 “Destination Branding & Marketing Campaign of the Year” for places with a population exceeding 500,000.

The award goes to the destination member “with the most outstanding comprehensive marketing campaign for its organization during the 2019 calendar year,” according to a news release from Sports ETA.

The effort can include “a variety of types of marketing: print ads, newsletters, email blasts, digital marketing, press releases, media coverage or any other promotional program. The campaign should promote the sports destination.”

To update its brand and increase awareness of itself as a destination, Pasco County rebranded itself as Experience Florida’s Sports Coast.

“The new name and campaign showcase not only sport tourism activities, but consumer experiences in the area. The campaign included a new innovative website, which gives viewers a look at the state-of-the-art facilities, winning attractions and experiences that can be enjoyed in Pasco County,” the release says.

Adam Thomas, tourism director at Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, reacted to the award this way: “We are extremely honored and grateful to even be included in the conversation for a branding and marketing award from Sports ETA.

“The Florida’s Sports Coast team has been working hard on promoting the destination and really creating that brand awareness in the marketplace for our visitors,” he said.

The 28th annual Sports ETA Symposium was cancelled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2019 award winners also will be recognized at next year’s Symposium from April 26 through April 29 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Published November 11, 2020