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The sweet sound of savings

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Hernando Music Fest

Music festivals can be fun. You get to experience an entire day (or weekend) of diverse musical styles and groups, enjoy the atmosphere and do something different outside. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend.

It’s not really a cheap way, though. Festivals can be expensive. It’s not unusual to spend $20 or $30 to get in. And that’s just one day. A festival that runs two or three days can cost $50 to $80.

And that’s just for one person. Oh, you weren’t planning on going by yourself? Better empty your wallet.

Or, find a better festival. Let me suggest the Hernando Music Fest, which will take place this weekend at Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane in Brooksville. It’s the first year for the festival, and the schedule includes a lot of music, some extra activities for children, and a price point that will make your heart sing.

But, first things first.

Jenny Rimmer performed at last year’s Pasco Music Fest, where she was an opener for the Marshall Tucker Band. She’ll bring her country songbook to the Hernando Music Fest on Saturday and Sunday. (Courtesy of Jenny Rimmer)

A music festival, naturally, will feature music. And the Hernando Music Fest will have nearly 15 acts spread out over two days, representing talent from area counties.

It’s not just one music style, either. Whether you like jazz, rhythm and blues, country, or swing, there’s someone for you scheduled to perform. And, even if you prefer one style to another, an event like this is made for experiencing different genres and appreciating an array of musical talents. You might surprise yourself and find you like something different, after all.

So, there are plenty of performances to enjoy, but the music theme isn’t limited to the stage. A music activities tent will feature an instrument “petting zoo” for children, meaning they’ll get some hands-on experience with instruments they might have never even seen before, including the keyboard, harmonica and saxophone. There also will be art projects, giving them something to take home.

The focus on educating and inspiring youth isn’t surprising, since the event is presented by the Hernando County Arts Council, the Hernando Jazz Society, and Stir Up The Gift Talent Organization.

There also will be a food court at the festival, with wine and beer available to purchase. Coolers aren’t allowed, so that’s where you’ll go for refreshments throughout the day.

So, it seems like a full day of entertainment. Two days, actually. And that’s exactly what the Hernando County Fine Arts Council had in mind.

“Our whole goal is to give back to the community what they give to us, and in the meantime to spread the arts,” explained Jan Knowles, project coordinator for the council. If this festival goes well — like their annual Art in the Park that has been a success for many years and draws thousands — they’d like to make it an annual event, she said.

There is one thing missing, though: A famous name.

That’s what usually anchors a music festival, and that’s what accounts for a festival’s high cost.

Neither exists at the Hernando Music Fest, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of great sounds coming from the stage. They’re locally based acts with a lot of talent and some pretty impressive resumes as well.

One of those artists, Jenny Rimmer, performed at last year’s Pasco Music festival, where she served as an opener for the Marshall Tucker Band. If you like country music, from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood, you’ll recognize a lot of Rimmer’s songs. She represents several eras in country music, and will perform both days at the festival.

So the variety is there, and the talent is there. What’s not there is the price.

The Hernando Music Fest is absolutely free. That’s no admission cost either day.

The way the sponsoring organizations make money is through the parking fee, which is a paltry $5 donation. Throw in whatever you choose to eat and drink, and it’s still a pretty cheap way to enjoy a couple of days full of music. Just look at what other music festivals are charging, and you’ll see what I mean. This one isn’t too far from home, provides more than a dozen acts, features various styles and like, I said, there’s no admission charge. That’s music to my ears, and my bank account.

So, bring a chair or blanket, and have a great time.

The Hernando Music Fest runs Nov. 7 from noon until 8 p.m., and Nov. 8 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. No dogs or coolers are allowed on the premises. For more information and for a lineup of music acts, visit HernandoArts.org, or call Knowles at (352) 279-5182.

What: Music in the Park/Hernando Music Fest
Where: Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, in Brooksville
When: Nov. 7 from noon until 8 p.m.; Nov. 8, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Who: The public is welcome
How much: No admission charge, parking is $5
More info: Visit HernandoArts.org, or call Jan Knowles at (352) 279-5182.

Published November 4,  2015

Cybersecurity opportunities expand at Saint Leo

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In a world where new cyber threats constantly emerge, a new agreement between Saint Leo University and (ISC)2 will expand opportunities at the university in the arena of cybersecurity.

(ISC)2 is a nonprofit organization that primarily focuses on education and certification in the field of cybersecurity.

Saint Leo University has recently joined (ISC)2 in a Global Academic Partnership.

USF and Polk State College are other institutions in the region that also joined (ISC)2’s Global Academic Partnership.

Students are busy during a cybersecurity class at Saint Leo University. The field of cybersecurity requires technical skills, but is both financially and professionally rewarding, said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, of Saint Leo University. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Students are busy during a cybersecurity class at Saint Leo University. The field of cybersecurity requires technical skills, but is both financially and professionally rewarding, said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, of Saint Leo University.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“This is one of the largest and most respected organizations that operates in this field,” said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, assistant professor of computer science at Saint Leo University.

“It’s sort of a gold standard,” he added, noting the organization boasts a membership of more than 110,000 cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

“They also offer some of the most highly respected certifications in the field of cybersecurity,” Krishnan said.

The university benefits because the partnership provides Saint Leo students access to educational modules and certification opportunities that (ISC)2 provides for professionals, he said.

“Since we are a Global Academic Partner, our faculty, ourselves would be providing workshops, seminars and training for some of those certifications,” Krishnan said.

That will enable Saint Leo students to work with the same faculty that they’ve been taking classes from at the university, he noted.

Additionally, the partnership will give students a chance to interact with working professionals, Krishnan said.

The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving, and it’s a field that offers significant employment opportunities, Krishnan said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 37 percent increase in demand for cybersecurity specialists in the next 10 years, he added.

Jobs in this field pay well. Experts can earn from $75,000 to $125,000, with five to 10 years of experience, and the proper certifications, Krishnan said.

Many of the certifications required in job postings are certifications provided by (ISC)2, he noted.

Through the agreement, (ISC)2 will provide thousands of students and professionals across the states of Florida, Virginia and Georgia, and online students from across the country with the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and certifications.

(ISC)2 also sees a benefit by partnering with Saint Leo, because working professionals must earn continuing professional education credits to keep their certifications current.

Another benefit is that through interactions between the university, the working professionals and the (ISC)2 consortium, knowledge can be shared in the evolving field, Krishnan said.

The interactions will provide a broad view, and raise awareness about emerging threats and new ways to mitigate them.

Cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to steal data or stymie systems.

“The frequency is going up. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated,” Krishnan said.

At the same time, companies and organizations recognize that steps must be taken to ensure that data is protected.

“Upper management has fully realized the gravity of the situation, how important it is to protect the assets because there could be legal implications and there could be financial implications, reputation hits, things of that nature,” Krishnan said. “The ramifications are huge.”

The cybersecurity profession is highly technical, Krishnan said. But he added: “It’s also challenging and exciting.

“It’s a lot of cat-and-mouse kind of games.

“You can see the tracks that they leave behind. You can see how they’re impacting your network, but you cannot see the person. A lot of times, you may not even know where they’re located.”

Published November 4, 2015

Pasco Upcycle Festival is eco-friendly

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Hauling recyclable cans, bottles and paper to the curb is a habit that is second nature to many people who worry about the environment.

But, how about getting creative and upcycling a few items?

Take a pair of jeans and repurpose them as aprons. Or take costume jewelry and fabric scraps, and use them to make bookmarks.

Upcycling is defined as the process of transforming a recyclable item in to a new product of better quality or better environmental value, according to Pasco Upcycle Festival organizers.

Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders. (Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)
Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders.
(Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)

The festival aims to get people as interested in upcycling as they are in recycling.

“What can you do with these items before they ever get to the curb?” asked Kristen King, coordinator for Keep Pasco Beautiful.

The first-time festival will be on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Little Everglades Ranch, at 17951 Hamilton Road in Dade City. About 2,500 people are expected to attend.

There is no admission charge, but there will be a $5 parking fee collected by the venue to offset some of its costs.

As a first time event, there will be no fees collected from vendors. More environmentally friendly vendors are being sought, including those with fresh produce typically sold at farmers’ markets.

The festival will feature numerous upcycle vendors, including makers of pallet furniture and jewelry from recycled household items.

Vendors also will sell items such as homemade soaps and pepper jellies.

Many individual vendors who upcycle as a hobby will offer items including bracelets and pendants from utensils, or aprons made from jeans.

A hands-on demonstration will show children how to make bookmarks from recyclable items around the house.

Food trucks, including Hillbilly Farms and Philou’s Cajun on the Geaux, will be on site.

Bluegrass bands, the Michigan Misfits and Mean Mary, will provide entertainment.

drawer rgb“We are so excited to launch this new event,” King said, in a press release announcing the festival. “It gives us the opportunity to show individuals how they can not only reduce their waste, but also release their creative genius at the same time.”

Nov. 15 is National America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful. Everyone is encouraged to participate in “doing one thing” to recycle and reduce waste.

Event sponsors of Pasco Upcycle Festival are Keep Pasco Beautiful and Pasco County.

Organizers plan to make this festival an annual event.

For more information, email , or call (727) 856-7252.

For more information on Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org. For information on recycling in Pasco County, visit PascoCountyFL.net.

Published November 4, 2015

Loan program aims to attract Pasco jobs

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Pasco County has earmarked $15 million for a revolving loan program ultimately aimed at creating more jobs.

The program seeks to encourage investors to prepare sites for development, or build shell buildings for office or industrial use, thus speeding the process for companies that want to set up shop in Pasco County.

The deadline for applications for this new loan program is Nov. 13.

The revolving loan program stems from a demonstrated need in the county, said John Hagen, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

John Hagen
John Hagen

“We have kind of a product shortage here,” Hagen said. The lack of ready office or industrial space has resulted in missed opportunities for Pasco, he said.

“We’re getting these companies that are coming to us that are looking for a building, or they’re looking for a piece of land that they can go build something on immediately, and it’s not there,” Hagen said.

When there’s not something available in Pasco, they go looking elsewhere, he said.

“It’s really about speed to market,” Hagen said.

Investors may be willing to take the risk, but they have a hard time getting credit unless there are known tenants for the office or industrial space, Hagen said.

There also are sites that may be entitled for industrial uses, but they don’t have the proper infrastructure – such as a road leading to it, or proper utilities — to support it.

The revolving loan program is designed to offer terms that would encourage private investment.

Hagen believes there’s demand for this product, once it is demonstrated that inventory is available.

Ideally, as buildings go up or sites are prepared, new business ventures will step forward, which will allow the loans to be repaid and new loans to be issued, Hagen said

“We don’t know what the private sector ultimately will do, until somebody submits an application, but I think it’s a great tool for us. If we do a couple of them, it will hopefully stimulate other development, but also it will get revolved into other projects.”

The creation of the loan program is a result of combined efforts between Pasco County and the Pasco EDC’s Competitive Task Force.

Melanie Kendrick, acting program director for Pasco County’s Office of Economic Growth said the revolving loan program aims to set the stage for private investors to step forward.

“We know that the holding costs are going to be expensive for the property owners or the developers, and they don’t want to take the risks right now because they’re not sure whether or not that the market is going to support it, or they’re not going to be able to get somebody in there quickly enough to recoup their costs as quickly as they’d like to have a return on their own investment,” she said.

There are two parts to the county’s program.

The Pasco Accelerate Development Sites (PADS) program gets the site as close to development-ready as possible.

The PORS (Pasco Occupant Ready Shells) program provides buildings to shorten the time it takes for a company to set up in Pasco.

“They would build the building. It doesn’t have to be finished on the inside. It can be just the four walls and the roof. They can have a tenant build-out. It can be multi-tenant or single tenant,” Kendrick said.

Both programs have the same goal.

“They can get up and running quicker than if they had to start from scratch,” she said.

“The real end game here is that we want employers to move into a building and create some jobs,” Hagen said.

Pasco County officially distributes solicitation documents through the Florida Online Bid System. Solicitation documents may be downloaded at no cost.

Documents also may also be obtained from the county’s purchasing department in accordance with Florida Statutes that pertain to public records.

Published November 4, 2015

 

Wiregrass Sports Park on new path?

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The future of the Wiregrass Sports Park is in play, again.

A new call for proposals will be issued within the next month seeking developers who want to partner with Pasco County in building and operating a field house for indoor sports such as basketball, wrestling and volleyball.

The project also envisions the potential for four or five outdoor ball fields. And, eventually there could be tourist attractions such as an indoor zipline, indoor skydiving, and a driving range.

But, even as the county puts the project out for bid, negotiations are under way on a new proposal from the Porter family, who have played a considerable role in influencing the development of the area.

The family previously owned the land now occupied by The Shops at Wiregrass, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, as well as residential subdivisions and public schools.

The Porters donated more than 200 acres to Pasco County in 2012 with a stipulation that if a sports complex didn’t happen, then a park would be developed.

Since then, the county has sifted through one proposal after another, but none has panned out.

The family is eager to see work starting at the site.

It came down to one question for them.

“What can we do as a family to get this off the ground and make it a reality?” J.D. Porter asked.

Within the past two weeks, they presented county officials with a new vision for a town center-style community at Wiregrass with homes, hotels and retail. The proposal incorporates the field house, but also draws a grander vision for a wetlands area with trails, a convention center and/or performing arts center at PHSC’s Porter Campus, a public park and green space for Wiregrass residents.

It would all be pedestrian-friendly, interconnected space linking to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, the college and a public park. The future Raymond James commercial site, with 1 million square feet of office space within six buildings, also is plugged into the plan.

The Porter’s proposal could lead to a land swap agreement returning a portion of the donated land to the family to accommodate their town-center project and also allow for a public park. The land could be split re-divided along several geographic patterns.

It was a lot to digest as county commissioners met on Oct. 27 in a public workshop with the Tourist Development Council.

Pasco County Strategic Policy Administrator Richard Gehring clicked through a slide show of changing scenarios on how development could proceed, and meet everyone’s expectations.

Discussion with the Porters is ongoing.

“There are moving parts,” said Gehring. “The geography is not fixed at this time. We’re trying to make it a win-win for as many people as possible.”

Gehring said it would take about three weeks to write a proposal for the field house. Bidders would have 60 days to submit their plans.

The recommendation to build a field house emerged from a study by Chicago-based Johnson Consulting Co.

The facility would be between 85,000 and 100,000 square feet, built on five to seven acres. There would be up to eight basketball courts, four to six multi-purpose rooms and lockers. It would operate under a private/public partnership agreement.

By the fifth year of operation, about 100,000 people a year would use the facility, said Charlie Johnson, the company’s president.

In future, outdoor ball fields could be added, he said.

“You can start with indoor, and grow from there,” Johnson said.

The field house and the Porter’s future development project is a sound one, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“To me, we’re getting everything the (Johnson Consulting) report stated but above and beyond,” he said. “I’m excited…looking at it.”

Porter said the proposal allows the family to “control our destiny,” while also providing park space to county residents.

He anticipates consulting with Pasco parks and recreation officials to determine how to develop the park.

“We’ll ask them what they are lacking there,” Porter said.

If the land swap is done, he added, “We’d start immediately laying it out as amenities, not just for Wiregrass but everybody.”

Published November 4, 2015

Dade City chamber hosts business expo

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Businesses have the chance to shine in the spotlight at the 2015 Annual Community & Business Expo, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The annual event will be held Nov. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

More than 60 businesses to date have signed up to take part in the expo, which is open to the public free of charge.

People will have the chance to mingle with business owners and find out more about the goods and services the businesses offer. There will be door prizes, as well, and two grand prizes, valued at $250 each.

Local restaurants will offer food samples from their menus.

For instance, A Healthy Convenience will have samples of Amish foods, snacks, bread and granola, and will display the wines and beers that it sells at the store.

Participating businesses include Bay News 9, Mander Law Group, A Healthy Convenience, the Garden Café, Faithful Friends Pet Cremation, San Antonio Antiques, Pasco-Hernando State College, Dade City Woman’s Club, Pasco Shopper, Hair With Sass, American House Zephyrhills and Spivey Karate & Tai Chi.

Exhibitor booths will have giveaways and special door prizes, including an antique cut glass vase from San Antonio Antiques, a gas card from San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, and a free custom Word Press website from Off The Chart Media.

Sponsors include Saint Leo University, The Laker/Lutz News, CenterState Bank, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, The Brass Tap Dade City, Core Care Benefit LLC, and Bright House Networks Business Solutions!

For information, call the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Published November 4, 2015

 

Dade City gets its first Publix grocery

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The grand opening of the first Publix in Dade City will be the launching pad for more retail coming soon to The Shoppes At Dade City.

The approximately 45,600-square-foot grocery store opened its doors on Oct. 22 as the anchor for the shopping plaza at U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue.

More shops are on the way.

Lee Nails and China King are in the permitting process, said Tracy Worrell, leasing agent for Crossman Company, which handles leasing for Publix properties.

“They are working to get open as soon as possible, probably before the end of the year,” Worrell said.

A giant inflatable green bag stuffed with chicken tenders and vegetables is an eye-catching site outside the new Publix, along U.S. 301 in Dade City. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A giant inflatable green bag stuffed with chicken tenders and vegetables is an eye-catching site outside the new Publix, along U.S. 301 in Dade City.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Burger King is an anticipated tenant for an adjacent outparcel. A second outparcel also is available.

And a family-oriented restaurant is a hoped-for addition inside the plaza.

The Publix store is stocked with everyday pantry items, fresh produce, sushi and seafood, meats, bakery, deli and a self-service floral department.

A Publix Liquor store is next door.

More than 125 people work at the store, including employees who transferred from other stores and about 60 new hires, according to Publix officials.

The Shoppes at Dade City sits atop a hill overlooking U.S. 301, just outside of downtown Dade City. The Florida Department of Transportation recently completed repaving a stretch of highway running parallel to Publix.

The approximately $12.5 million project is resurfacing about 6 miles of roadway from Kossik Road to Bougainvillea Avenue. A multi-use trail also will extend along the west side of U.S. 301 north to a sidewalk at Dade Avenue. Completion is expected in spring 2016. Eventually the new trail segment will be linked with Hardy Trail in Dade City.

Published November 4, 2015

It’s a small world, after all

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Richard and Juanita Wirth, of Lutz, have been traveling to Germany for years, to join in Oktoberfest festivities.

This year, though, when they stopped in Tutzing, Germany, they were surprised to find a butcher shop called Lutz, Metzgerie.

Juanita and Richard Wirth, at their comfortable home in Lutz, recount running across another place called Lutz during their recent visit to celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Juanita and Richard Wirth, at their comfortable home in Lutz, recount running across another place called Lutz during their recent visit to celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“We stopped and shared that we lived in Lutz, Florida,” Juanita Wirth said. “They were delighted to find the name had made it all of the way to Florida,” she said.

The shop is a popular place to eat lunch, and that’s where the Wirths grabbed a bite on their final day there.

They thought it was fun to find a place so far away, which shares the same name as the place that they call home.

Their Lutz got its name from two brothers, William and Charles Lutz, who both had connections with railroads that met and joined at Lutz Junction, according to research done by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan A. MacManus, co-authors of two local history books detailing the early days of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Richard Wirth poses with a sign for Lutz, Metzgerie, a butcher shop in Tutzing, Germany. The couple thought it was fun to come across a place that shares the same name as the place where they call home. The Germans they met there thought it was neat, too. (Courtesy of Juanita Wirth)
Richard Wirth poses with a sign for Lutz, Metzgerie, a butcher shop in Tutzing, Germany. The couple thought it was fun to come across a place that shares the same name as the place where they call home. The Germans they met there thought it was neat, too.
(Courtesy of Juanita Wirth)

And, the Oktoberfest that the couple so thoroughly enjoys has its roots in history, too.

The popular German festival traditionally starts in the third weekend of September. It began with the Royal Wedding, which took place on Oct. 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

As for Juanita, a retired teacher and Richard, a retired postal worker and former plant nursery owner, visiting Germany is all about enjoying the festivities, admiring the country’s beauty, interacting with its people — and, of course, having some beer.

Published November 4, 2015

Pasco County is seeking to fill teacher shortages

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Pasco County Schools is hosting a job fair in an effort to fill teacher shortages in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The job fair will be on Nov. 12 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the gymnasium at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, according to a district news release.

The district is inviting college graduates and soon-to-be graduates to attend the job fair, and it also is extending the invitation not only to education majors, but also to people who have degrees or are seeking degrees in the shortage areas identified.

The district has a Professional Development Certification program, which allows individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree, and who qualify for a temporary certificate under Florida law, to receive professional preparation and experience required to earn the Florida Professional Certificate.

The district’s benefits and certification staff will be at the event to give candidates a better understanding of the process, the news release says.

To make the event even more enticing, those attending the job fair also will be eligible to win a pair of tickets for a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game and an iPad Mini.

The district has cast a wide net, specifically inviting students from these universities:

  • Barry University
  • Bethune Cookman University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Florida International University
  • Florida Memorial University
  • Florida State University
  • Saint Leo University
  • St. Petersburg College
  • St. Thomas University
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Florida
  • University of Miami
  • University of North Florida
  • University of South Florida
  • University of Tampa
  • University of West Florida

For more information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the job fair banner at the top.

Published November 4, 2015

They’re not ‘just pets.’ They’re family.

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A woman sits inside a modest chapel in Zephyrhills, and her voice is shaking. She’s describing the loss of a loved one, and the guilt she feels about that loss.

A chaplain and a therapist sit with her and listen, then try to comfort her by sharing their own perspectives.

Mary Ann Polom attended a recent pet loss support group meeting to share her feelings after losing Annie, her toy poodle. Michael Murillo/Staff Photo
Mary Ann Polom attended a recent pet loss support group meeting to share her feelings after losing Annie, her toy poodle.
Michael Murillo/Staff Photo

Her grief is natural, they say, and a normal part of life. Beginning that afternoon, she takes important steps on her journey of mourning and healing.

It’s a scene that plays out all too often at Gulfside Hospice, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

But this time it’s different.

Mary Ann Polom isn’t grieving over the loss of a human family member. It’s her beloved toy poodle, Annie, who was put to sleep just a few weeks before.

For Polom, and many others with pets, a dog or cat isn’t like family. They are family. And the loss they feel when their pet dies is just as real and valid as other losses.

Friends and family sometimes don’t see it the same way.

They will say things like “it’s just a dog,” not realizing the depth of the connection the two shared. That can leave a pet owners feeling confused, embarrassed, and guilty over their feelings, which compounds the grief.

Shelley Schneider, vice-president of counseling and advocacy services at Gulfside Hospice, said their reaction is actually a perfectly normal response to the death of a loved one.

“Sometimes people don’t quite understand why people are grieving so hard for losing an animal,” Schneider explained. “We just really want to validate that what they’re going through is appropriate, normal, and common.”

Gulf Hospice provides that validation with a free monthly pet loss support group, and the organization is hoping to reach anyone in the community mourning a pet’s death who needs to share and be heard by people who understand.

Word of the group reached Polom in her time of grief, and she attended a recent meeting.

‘My Little Partner’

Annie’s problems started about a year earlier, when she broke her hip. A heart murmur was also detected, and after hip surgery she never healed properly. She lost her appetite, and after a long struggle the veterinarian said it was time to put her down.

Chaplain Michael Merritt, left, and Gulfside's Shelley Schneider offer words of encouragement and a safe place to share feelings and memories for pet owners grieving a serious loss. Michael Murillo/Staff Photo
Chaplain Michael Merritt, left, and Gulfside’s Shelley Schneider offer words of encouragement and a safe place to share feelings and memories for pet owners grieving a serious loss.
Michael Murillo/Staff Photo

Polom made that tough decision, and a month later she still felt guilty.

“I can’t seem to forgive myself,” she admitted. “She was like my little partner.”

One thing that sticks in her mind is how Annie seemed to be doing better right at the end of her life. It’s a common occurrence, even with humans, for the sick to experience a rally of sorts even as their condition worsens. Polom experienced the same thing with her father when he passed away.

But seeing Annie behave normally, even for a short time, makes her question if she did the right thing. And after losing her husband to cancer a decade ago, letting Annie go has left her alone.

The parallels between human and pet loss aren’t unique to Polom’s situation. According to Schneider, the grief and loss can be similar, so helping those in mourning can be similar as well.

“A lot of what we do in the pet group is what we do with families, because

we live in a society that really doesn’t educate, and doesn’t really like to talk about death and dying,” she said.

In the session, Schneider, a licensed clinical social worker, and Michael Merritt, a chaplain, offer advice and comfort. But they also do a lot of listening, from stories about Annie’s loving personality, to the guilt and grief Polom feels about losing her closest companion.

Just knowing that those feelings aren’t unusual, and being able to share their story can be extremely beneficial to those who have lost a pet. Especially when they know they’re talking to people who share that love of animals, like Schneider and Merritt, and understand the degree of closeness that owners feel.

Polom said attending the group was beneficial for her.

“I think it’s part of the journey. I think it’s a good part for me,” Polom said. “It makes me feel normal, like I’m in my element.”

Pet Peace of Mind

Schneider deals with issues related to pets outside the bereavement sessions. Gulfside Hospice received a grant for the Pet Peace of Mind program from Banfield Trust, which enables them to assist Hospice patients and their pets.

That assistance might include providing food, boarding assistance or basic veterinary care. It’s not unusual for patients to be concerned about the welfare of their pets, Schneider said, and the Pet Peace of Mind program helps alleviate those concerns. In less than two years they’ve cared for more than 80 animals, and found new homes for more than a dozen.

Knowing that Hospice will be there to assist them with anything from grooming to dog-walking to providing food and kitty litter lifts a burden from patients, and provides comfort with the knowledge that someone will step in and help care for a pet if and when an owner cannot do so anymore.

Again, Schneider notes the similarities in concern for pet welfare, and that of human family members.

“One of the great things about the Pet Peace of Mind program is that they want us to come up with an individual plan of care for the pet, just like we do for our patients,” she said.

Just like with humans, consistency of care is considered important. If a pet sees a certain veterinarian, efforts are made to ensure that relationship continues.

The pet loss support group is free, but they do accept donations to keep Pet Peace of Mind funded and active.

Whether it’s reading a pet-related poem, offering thoughts as a fellow animal-lover, or just listening to a grieving owner’s stories, Schneider wants the pet loss support group to be available for anyone in the area who needs to know that their feelings are normal, their sense of loss is valid, and they’re not alone in forging special relationships with their pets.

“It’s really to bring peace of mind and decrease their own emotional and spiritual pain and suffering,” Schneider said.

The next group is scheduled to meet Oct. 29 from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information about the pet loss support group, call Schneider at (727) 484-7995. For information about the Pet Peace of Mind program, call (800) 561-4883 or visit GHppc.org.

Published October 28, 2015