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Gulfside Hospice

Pasco Art Community Loses Great Leader With The Passing Of Jo Baughman

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The recent death of Joanne (Jo) Baughman, long-time director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), has been especially sad for art lovers in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City because her leadership was instrumental in the founding of the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery.

It was just one year ago that the executive team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel met with Baughman to offer its community’s Welcome Center as a new gallery for the Pasco Fine Arts Council. The developer also committed to building an Arts Center in its new downtown, as a permanent location when its downtown opens.

Enjoying a reception at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery are from the left: Janet Franks, Lisa Owens, Jo Baughman and Carolyn Eckerty.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, and director for the past five, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

“We’re very excited about expanding the presence of the Fine Arts Council to East Pasco County,” Baughman said, in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News in September 2019. “It will be thrilling to feature local artists and discover new artists through these events and educational opportunities made possible through this partnership.”

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there have been bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

Baughman was 75 when she died Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer. She passed away at her New Port Richey home while under the care of Gulfside Hospice, with her husband, Jack, at her side. The Baughmans were married for 57 years.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jo Bauman with her paintings, photographed when she won third place in a competition for Historical Painting of Pasco.

“Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. Our relationship with PFAC started with a couple of “what-if” conversations and quickly expanded into a blossoming presence of the arts in East Pasco County. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Bob Langford, chairman of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, said replacing Baughman will be a formidable task.

“Jo meant a great deal to our organization. She was a very capable person who not only ran the center and all of its programs, but also continued her first love of teaching,” said Langford.

Opening the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery was one of Baughman ‘s proudest achievements, Langford said. “We had been trying to do something on the east side of the county for many years, and Jo was so proud of our new center at Avalon Park.”

Langford announced that board member Susan Ray has been appointed interim director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, and that a search has begun for a new executive director.

Jo Baughman was recognized for her many contributions to the Paso Fine Arts Council by Janet Litzel, a former board member, in this 2016 photo.

“Jo had so much energy and such dedication to the center,” said Ray. ”Her love of arts was contagious, and she was an inspiration to all of us. She was an excellent teacher and so encouraging to her students, whether they were taking their first lesson or were an experienced artist.”

Rita Wilson, a Land O’ Lakes watercolor artist who took lessons from Baughman, shared the following about her mentor.

“Jo never gave up on anybody. She was easy to learn from and was very good at gentle criticism that made you a better painter. She did so much for her students and the center‚ I can’t tell you how much she will be missed,” said Wilson, who also was one of the first artists to exhibit at the East Pasco gallery.

Dozens of art lovers and former students also shared their thoughts about Baughman’s passing, on the Facebook page for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“When I began my watercolor journey, Jo was my first teacher and I was in her very first class, 19 years ago this month. She was so warm and friendly, eager to bring out the best in all her students, to help us find our artistic voice. She was the best kind of teacher and I have always felt so blessed to have found her. But most of all, she was my friend, my art ‘mom,’ always cheering me on. To say that Jo was the heart and soul of PFAC is true, but still seems inadequate. I was always in awe of her boundless energy. I will miss her warm smile, sense of humor, and our talks more than I can say. Such a wonderful, joyous lady. It has been such a privilege to know her.” – Suzanne McManus Natzke

“I’m really at a loss for words. She was a formidable mentor with boundless energy. She could juggle more tasks at one time than anyone I knew. I loved the way her students loved her and how she would encourage them. I’m so grateful she was able to keep the center going and thriving. If she was so loved, the greatest gift you can make to her memory is to keep the center moving and growing…as her legacy. Knowing her showed me there is a season for all things.” – Laura Knox

“I met Jo about 5 years ago, when I visited the Pasco Fine Art Center, after moving to Florida. I was looking for artists wishing to join the art community in the area. When I opened the Art Center’s door and introduced myself, Jo opened her heart and introduced me to her soul. Her smile was never absent on her face, and her usual greeting and good-bye was always a warm hug. Thanks to her I was able to organize my first solo exhibition in the States. She worked hard to keep the Art Center running, infusing energy to everybody through her love for the Art. Now Jo is not with us. She departed and left us her smile, her goodness, her passion. I am honored to have meet such a woman, such a person, such a friend.” – Ernesto Miguel Blanco Sanciprianm

A Catholic Memorial Service was held Sept. 28, which would have been Baughman’s 76th birthday, at Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in her memory to the Pasco Fine Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652, or online as PascoArts.org/donate.

Published September 30, 2020

Three Essential Tips For Caregivers

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As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and Stay-At-Home Order, caregivers are feeling more overwhelmed and sequestered than ever. The important thing to know is that you’re not alone, and there are essential resources available to help.

Charlie Lowry

The new Caregiver Support Services program at Gulfside Hospice is currently helping those who are caring for their hospice patients, with the goal of empathetically interacting with them to improve quality of life for them and those for whom they provide care. We have over 700 caregivers in our program right now — some who are new to Hospice whose loved one has been recently diagnosed, and others who have been caregivers for years with their loved ones entering the final phase of their life.

Some caregivers live with the patient, and some live out of the area and yet are still responsible for their loved one’s care. Either way, caregiver services are important for family members who manage their loved one’s care. That’s why we have put together this quick list of tips to help you stay organized and take time for self-care.

While love and commitment are at the core of caregiving, and it can produce feelings of joy and fulfillment, we understand the stress and chaos that can also be produced by caregiving responsibilities, especially during this time, and we want to lend a helping hand.

Take Care of Yourself
If you are a caregiver, you are the person responsible for running your household and making sure quality care is being provided. It is essential that you take care of yourself first, so you don’t get sick or run out of energy.

– View yourself as your top priority – if you aren’t healthy in mind and body, you won’t be able to properly take care of others.

– Set aside 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day, to unwind and focus on yourself. Do a crossword puzzle, work on a jigsaw puzzle or color a page with pencils or markers.

– Take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, and/or exercise along with a You Tube video.

– Schedule your personal breaks into your day planner — just like you do meals and medication.

Build Your Support System
Don’t be afraid to ask people to help. Grow your support system so you can utilize them when you need help with errands, or to help with family communications that can take up much time and be emotionally draining.

– Your support system can be family, friends, neighbors, and hospice volunteers and staff. Ask in advance if they are able to help when the need arises, and keep their contact information in an easy to remember spot, so you have it when you need it.

– Your support system can shop for groceries and other household needs, pick up medications and even fill up your gas tank. All this can be done without coming into your home and exposing them or your household during this crisis.

Get Organized
It’s important to have everything you need in one place when you are a caregiver. This includes assembling a medication list, banking information and passwords, a list of email addresses and passwords to pay utilities, mortgage and auto loans, credit cards and other monthly obligations, maintain an updated list of family names, phone numbers and email addresses, and assemble wills and other legal documents, such as do not resuscitate orders and other medical directives.

By Charlie Lowry, Director of Caregiver Support Services
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Charlie Lowry is the Director of Caregiver Support Services and has been at Gulfside Healthcare Services for three years, and has worked in hospice services since 2012. The caregiver services that Lowry’s team provides are not covered by Medicare and other insurance companies, and are dependent on fundraising events and private donations. To contribute, go to Gulfside.org/make-a-gift, or call (800) 561-4883.

Published April 15, 2020

Main Street Zephyrhills garners statewide recognition

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Main Street Zephyrhills annually puts on some of the city’s largest and most popular downtown events, such as the Festival of Lights, the Founder’s Day Parade & Heritage Festival, Music & Motorcycles, and others.

The 501c3 nonprofit, too, has been a crucial component in several large public projects of late — cultivating interactive art murals and mounting wireless electronic speakers downtown to serve up daily music for pedestrians, for example. It also works with city leadership on other initiatives, such as installing public Wi-Fi downtown and more public park benches.

Main Street Zephyrhills was designated the March 2020 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills)

The organization’s varied efforts have not gone unnoticed: It recently was designated Florida Main Street Program of the Month by Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee.

The selection was based on its development achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street program.

Since its founding in 1994, Main Street Zephyrhills has reported more than $19.5 million in public and private reinvestment, more than 1,000 new jobs, and 185 new businesses within its district boundaries. It also has accumulated more than 26,000 volunteer hours.

“I am so impressed by Main Street Zephyrhills’ growing success,” Lee said, in a release. “Their district continues to build on the community’s assets to celebrate and recognize their distinctive history and heritage.”

The monthly honor is believed to be the first for Main Street Zephyrhills, according to the organization’s coordinator, Anna Stutzriem.

“I was just floored when they called and told me about it,” she said.

Under Stutzriem’s leadership, Main Street Zephyrhills has seen business and residential membership increase more than 10-fold in the last 2 ½ years, rising from seven members to 82.

Last year, the organization achieved national accreditation by the Main Street America program “for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history.”

Stutzriem began as a Main Street volunteer about five years ago, working her way from board member to coordinator — the organization’s only city-funded employee position.

The majority of the organization’s funding comes from memberships, sponsorships and donations.

Stutzriem, who also co-owns a day care center in Zephyrhills, credited the organization’s string of accomplishments to its collection of “hard-working” and “dedicated” board members and volunteers.

She estimates the organization has roughly 130 volunteers to 150 volunteers throughout the year, ensuring events and programs run smoothly and effectively.

Main Street Zephyrhills was designated the March 2020 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. Programs are selected based on their development achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street program. Since its founding in 1994, Main Street Zephyrhills has reported more than $19.5 million in public and private reinvestment, more than 1,000 new jobs, and 185 new businesses within its district boundaries.

“They’re just people in the community that care about the community, and I think that helps a lot,” she said. “These people come in, they get paid nothing, and they give their blood, sweat and tears, and I’m just so honored to be associated with them.”

The amount of support and collaboration from City Hall has likewise led to more completed initiatives throughout the municipality, Stutzriem said.

“The support we get from the city is just amazing,” she said. “I look at the other Main Street programs, we talk, and I think we have got to be one of the most supported Main Street…and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”

Main Street Zephyrhills facilitates new business to the historic downtown district, offering commercial property listings on its website, and a resource guide for entrepreneurs to get in contact with the proper city officials, such as the planning department and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).

Within the last couple months, the organization helped welcome a new hair salon and a CBD store to Fifth Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills, Stutzriem said.

Stutzriem explained the organization’s role like this: “Our mission and our goal is to promote not only the downtown, but our local businesses, our mom and pops. We want to make our downtown a destination, and a safe, fun place for our families and our communities to come to…”

While generating more downtown business is important, Stutzriem emphasized it’s important for Zephyrhills “to keep that small town charm.”

“We’re growing leap and bounds, we’re just exploding over here in Zephyrhills with growth, but I still think it’s important to have the small town, know your neighbors, and gather with them,” she said.

The organization’s event hosting has been “improving greatly” in recent years, she also noted.

For instance, December’s Festival of Lights drew somewhere between 13,000 to 15,000 attendees. She characterized that turnout as “quite extraordinary for a small town event.”

The organization, too, has gone about drawing bigger acts to events — such as booking the Greg Billings Band for September’s Music & Motorcycles.

Event partnerships with nonprofits have expanded, Stutzriem said. Those partnerships include Gulfside Hospice on Paulie Palooza; Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association on the Harvest Festival; and Zephyrhills Pregnancy Care Center on the Founder’s Day 5K race, among others.

To find out more about Mainstreet Zephyrhills, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org, or email .

Published March 18, 2020

Music fest to liven up Zephyrhills

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This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival coincides with Leap Day, on Feb. 29.

The event will be held at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., from noon to 9 p.m., with its traditional all-day roundup of live performances.

This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival in downtown Zephyrhills will be on Feb. 29, also known as Leap Day. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Patrons will be able to listen to musical performances, browse an assortment of vendors and grab a bite to eat from a variety of food trucks.

Festival-goers also will have a chance to purchase tickets for prize drawings, or make bids on items at a silent auction.

Because of limited seating, those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. And, the event is pet-friendly, too, but pets should be on a leash.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Gulfside Hospice, which offers end of life care and treatment options for those with chronic illnesses. It also tries to help patients remain independent with skilled nursing and rehabilitation at home. These services are offered regardless of patient’s financial situation.

For more information, vendors or sponsors should contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or .

Additional information about the event can be found at Gulfside.org.

Paulie Palooza Music Festival
When: Feb. 29, from noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Zephyrhills’ festivities on Leap Day with live music, food and prizes.
Info: For vendor or sponsor information, contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or email . For additional information, visit Gulfside.org.

Published February 12, 2020

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 1,000 Pasco Families Every Year

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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 1,000 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, ministers 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. Up to 10 people can be at the initial meeting, plus staff from the facility.

“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 over 330 people with an average census of 550 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 typically 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 who 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 200 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, 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.”

Published November 20, 2019

A new home health division at Gulfside

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Talk about having a good week.

Last Wednesday, after months of organizational work, Gulfside Home Health accepted its first patient. And on Thursday, it celebrated the grand opening of its new Land O’ Lakes office with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting.

A ribbon cutting was held last week for Gulfside Home Health, a new division of Gulfside Health Services that provides skilled home nursing and therapies ordered by a physician. Celebrating with the ribbon held high is Gulfside President Linda Ward; holding the scissors is Cheryl-Ann Benn, administrator for Gulfside Home Health.

“It’s exciting to be growing and offering new services to our community,” said Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of the agency. “Providing skilled home care to patients is a perfect complement to our hospice and palliative care services that we have been providing for a long time.”

With the launch of its home health division, the nonprofit has changed its name to Gulfside Healthcare Services, with three distinct divisions — Gulfside Home Health, Gulfside Hospice and Gulfside Palliative Care.

“Gulfside has served Pasco residents since 1988, and we are well-known for our quality care and community focus for hospice and palliative care. We are bringing this same dedication to home health, and look forward to providing this much-needed service to our community,” said Ward.

Gulfside Home Health is offering skilled home health services that are ordered by a patient’s doctors, including nursing, therapy and patient education.

Gulfside’s nursing staff provides wound care, injections, IV infusions, pain management and medication oversight. And, its licensed therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapies. All services and treatments are done in a patient’s home.

“There are many advantages of taking care of someone in their home instead of in a hospital or rehab center,” said Cheryl-Ann Benn, who heads up Gulfside Home Health as its administrator.

“Patients are more comfortable at home, family is there for support, and no transportation is needed because our health care providers come to them.”

Benn adds that home care especially helps with patients who easily get confused in unfamiliar places, which is common toward the end of day when people with memory problems suffer from sun-downing effects.

“We plan our visits around a client’s schedule, right down to avoiding a favorite television show,” said Benn. “Families can choose the time that is best for them.”

Most appointments are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and only skilled care ordered by a physician is provided. Patients are not charged directly for the care they receive — Gulfside bills Medicare or private insurance, not its patients.

Benn clarifies that Gulfside’s service line features skilled nursing care and various therapies, unlike many other companies that simply offer companion care, bathing or assistance with meals and shopping.

“Our team specializes in the advanced care that must be done by a nurse or professional,” said Benn. “There are many private companies that offer non-medical services that do not qualify for payment under Medicare of private insurance.”

Benn joined Gulfside Home Health in February to prepare for Joint Commission Accreditation, to hire staff and get the office ready next to Gulfside’s thrift shop on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Gulfside Home Health received its license on April 5 for Pasco and Pinellas counties, and since then has hired RN and LPN nurses, home health aides, a social worker and physical therapist, as well as contracting for occupational and speech therapists.

“We have an outstanding staff with many years of experience — I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve put together,” said Benn.

Patient referrals come from hospitals, rehab facilities and doctors’ offices, and patients can choose which home health service best meets their needs.

Benn and Ward believe many families will chose Gulfside Home Health because of the stellar reputation of Gulfside’s hospice and palliative care services, and because it is a nonprofit.

“Being a nonprofit allows us to create programs for clients and their families they are not reimbursed for through Medicare or private insurance,” explained Ward. “We can host community events to raise funds for additional services, and are looking at developing programs on COPD, diabetic meals and foot care, caregiver support, and many others,” said Benn.

Ward added that offering home health services is taking Gulfside to a higher service level and is a logical next step. In the first few months, Gulfside Home Health expects to serve 30 to 50 patients, and then grow to over 120.

“We want to offer a continuum of service, while remaining community-based,” said Ward.

Published May 15, 2019

Having fun in downtown Zephyrhills

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The seventh annual Paulie Palooza drew hundreds to Fifth Avenue in Downtown Zephyrhills for food, music and fun on Feb. 23 The event, held at Main Street Zephyrhills, featured live music throughout the day, food trucks, vendors, face painters, auctions and drawings for prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit Gulfside Hospice and help support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents.

Cork Welsh, of Zephyrhills, right, dances with his wife of 39 years, Kelly, to the live music of the band, Backwaters Own. The couple came to the festival with friends. (Christine Holtzman)
A row of 1960s Mini’s line a section of Fifth Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills during the seventh annual Paulie Palooza festival. Dion Jardine, of D.J. Mini Parts of Wesley Chapel, organizes area meet-ups for enthusiasts of these classic cars.
Donning a cowboy hat and a smile, 10-year-old Logan Farmer, of Zephyrhills, waits for his mother, Amanda Clayton, as she parks the car. The mother and son had been in the convenience store when they saw the Paulie Palooza festival in progress and decided to check it out.
Six-year-old Peyton Thomas, of Zephyrhills, left, and her 5-year-old sister, Braelee, watch their aunt, Autumn Kimura of Tampa, as she packages freshly made kettle corn into a bag for a customer. Kimura and her step-father own Monkey Business Concessions.

 

Spotlighting Pasco County for a good cause

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Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays? Stop by any Gulfside Hospice thrift shop and pick up a 2019 calendar.

The 15-month calendar features photos taken exclusively in Pasco County, a product of the Gulfside’s annual photo contest.

‘Welcome to the World’ by Debbie Olavarria (April) (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

More than 300 photos of Pasco events, places, landmarks and wildlife were submitted for judging, and winning photos were chosen to make up the calendar honoring Gulfside’s 30th anniversary.

“I always look forward to looking through all the wonderful photos submitted for our annual contest,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside, in a release.

Ward added that she loves to see the highlights of the community through the eyes of Pasco’s local photographers.

Each winning photographer received a gift certificate to Gulfside’s thrift shops and a complimentary calendar.

Calendars are available for $5 at all thrift locations, which can be found online at GHPPC.org. All proceeds will help support Gulfside hospice care and bereavement services.

Each store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published December 12, 2018

2017 had it all: A sinkhole, Hurricane Irma, wildfires and floods

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But, it also was a year of significant growth, notable achievements and touching moments, too.

It’s not often that Land O’ Lakes makes the international news, but it did just that in July when a massive sinkhole swallowed two homes in Lake Padgett Estates.

This is an aerial view of a giant sinkhole that developed in Lake Padgett Estates, swallowing two homes and causing several others to be condemned. (File)

Then, just a few months later in September, the world’s attention turned to Florida as a potential category 5 Hurricane Irma appeared heading straight toward Tampa Bay.

The year also was marked by severe flooding and wildfires in Pasco County.

It also was a year for the changing of the guard, as Dan Biles was named Pasco County’s administrator to replace Michele Baker, who retired.

Scores of headlines during 2017 involved stories about the area’s congested roadways — and projects that are planned, underway or being discussed to improve traffic flow.

Major road projects that have begun or are planned include improvements to Interstate 75 and state roads 54 and 52. A four-lane extension of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, is also under construction.

With its sustained wind speeds of 185 mph, Hurricane Irma was deemed to be one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Atlantic. At one point, forecasters said it appeared headed toward making a direct hit on the Tampa Bay region.

Another improvement, known as the diverging diamond, is planned to improve traffic flow at I-75 and State Road 56.

And, discussions continue over the best ways to reduce congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54, an intersection that handles roughly 100,000 vehicles per day.

The county also appears to be making progress in its quest to secure a permit for the extension of Ridge Road, a project it has been seeking for nearly two decades. While the project can’t come soon enough for supporters, its detractors remain steadfast in their opposition.

Increasing traffic is a symptom of Pasco’s robust growth
Housing developments, retail projects, restaurants, businesses and medical facilities are sprouting up on land previously occupied by citrus groves, farms and cattle ranches.

New schools continue to pop up, or expand, too.

Zephyrhills now has a permanent venue for community events, such as the Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, a popular event, which features blues bands and tasty barbecue.

In August, Pasco County Schools opened Bexley Elementary, in the Bexley subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes and Cypress Creek Middle High School, off Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. In the coming year, it plans to begin construction of Cypress Creek Middle School.

Also, on the same campus, the school district and Pasco-Hernando State College plan to operate a new performing arts center. That center will be built by the college with $15.5 million in state funds, but both the school district and the college will use it as a teaching facility.

Meanwhile, the school district continues massive renovation projects at Land O’ Lakes High School and at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.

More public school projects are expected, as funding for school construction gets a boost from increased school impacts fees adopted by the Pasco County Commission that will begin being phased in on Jan. 1.

On the private school front, North Tampa Christian Academy is expected to begin operations in Wesley Chapel in the fall of 2018.

Roy Hardy, of Dade City, who died this year, was known for his perfect Kiwanis attendance and his fish fry fundraisers for the Hardy Benevolent Fund to help cover medical costs for others in need.

And, a charter school also has announced its intentions to open in Wesley Chapel in 2019, but has not identified its location yet.

The year also signaled changes on the spiritual scene across the region, too.

Van Dyke Church in Lutz changed its name to Bay Hope and expanded the scope of its mission. North Pointe Church settled into its first permanent home in Lutz, and the Episcopal Church announced its intentions to branch into Wesley Chapel.

The region also added to its list of amenities during the past year.

In Wesley Chapel, the 150,000-square-foot Florida Hospital Center Ice opened in January, with its Olympic-size rink, three National Hockey League-size rinks and one junior rink. Several rinks can easily be converted to accommodate basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball and events such as corporate meetings, and parties.

In Land O’ Lakes, the Heritage Park Stage opened, off of U.S. 41. The project, which was years in the making, has already become a popular gathering spot for community events.

Starkey Park District Park also opened in Land O’ Lakes, off State Road 54.

Meanwhile, across the county, Zephyrhills added a permanent venue for community events, such as Pigz in Z’Hills, a popular barbecue and blues event.

A time of milestones and transitions
While new construction made the news, 2017 was also a year of big milestones, including R.B. Cox Elementary School’s 90th birthday, in Dade City, and the Dade City Garden Club’s 70th anniversary.

Andre Pamplona, general manager for Royal Lanes, said the closing of a bowling alley has an impact on the community. Royal Lanes, which opened in the 1970s turned off the lights for the final time in May. Lots of memories were made in that building, known for its bowling leagues and birthday parties.

But, it was also the year that Royal Lanes, a community fixture in Lutz since the 1970s for bowling leagues and birthday parties, turned out the lights for the final time in May.

On a more personal level, the region mourned the loss of some of its biggest champions, including Eddie Herrmann of San Antonio, Roy T. Hardy of Dade City and Ray Mason of Land O’ Lakes. All three men were known for their deep commitment to civic causes.

Others — who captured headlines for their excellence — included Margaret Polk, the Odyssey of the Mind team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School, and Courtney Urban, a volunteer for Gulfside Hospice who received a national award for her volunteer work.

Polk, a school nurse at Pasco High School, was named the Florida Association of School Nurses’ 2017 School Nurse of the Year.

Elaine Pittman, a Lutz gardener in her 80s, grows plants and sells them to raise money for Christian Social Services. She chose that cause because it feeds people who are hungry.

Wesley Chapel Elementary School’s “Catch Us If You Can” team, finished first in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held in May at Michigan State University. Members of the team were Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta. Teachers Veronica Acosta and Janet Heyman coached the team.

And, Urban, who initially began volunteering at Gulfside’s Thrift Shoppe in Lutz so she could hang out with her grandmother, went on to serve the organization in a variety of roles.

And then, there were the people who simply extended themselves to help others.

There was Elaine Pittman, a Lutz gardener in her 80s, who nurtures plant cuttings to create plants, which she sells to raise money for Christian Social Services, an organization that provides food for people who are hungry.

And, there was Whitney C. Elmore, who oversees Pasco County Extension.

Elmore reached out to help Frogmore Fresh Farm, outside of Dade City, after Hurricane Irma uprooted and toppled about 100,000 blueberry bushes. Elmore got the ball rolling, but hundreds of volunteers responded — stepping forward to help the farm.

Two Boy Scouts also made a difference in the communities where they live.

Michael Valenti of Lutz and Gabe Vega of Land O’ Lakes each spearheaded Eagle Scout projects.

Cypress Creek Middle High School students make their way to their second class the first day of school on the new campus in Wesley Chapel. Bexley Elementary School also opened for the first time in August, for the 2017-2018 school year.

Valenti spruced up the Lutz Memorial Park in Lutz, and Vega created a Rosary Garden at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes.

And, then, there was a trio of Wesley Chapel Girl Scouts in Troop 1263 who gave new life to Karina’s Garden, behind the administrative offices of Sunrise of Pasco County, in their quest to earn a Girl Scout Silver Award.

The girls — Paige and Kaitlin Trabouley and Alyssa Duran — added flowers, plants, butterflies and statuary to create a place of repose and refreshment in the garden which honors the late Karina Abdul, a former shelter director.

The garden now provides a place to take a break and enjoy nature, according to Vicki Wiggins, director of development for Sunrise, which is a domestic and sexual violence prevention and services organization.

The garden had been choked with weeds and had fallen into disrepair.

The girls and the volunteers they enlisted changed all that.

“It’s beautiful. I’m so happy they did this. They brought it back to life,” Wiggins told The Laker/Lutz News, when the project was completed.

Published December 27, 2017

Holidays can be sorrowful for some

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Seasonal carols, tinsel-draped trees and jolly Old St. Nick convey a time of merriment and joy, but the holidays can be difficult for those grieving a significant loss.

To help people to cope with their sadness, Gulfside Hospice is offering free holiday grief support workshops on Dec. 7 in Zephyrhills and Dec. 12 in New Port Richey.

Kelly Cavagnetto, a bereavement counselor, will be conducting the sessions, which will last about 90 minutes and will be the same in both places. They aim to provide some strategies to help people trying to navigate what can become an especially challenging emotional time.

“The first holidays after somebody passes, there can be a lot of anxiety about the upcoming holiday,” Cavagnetto said. “There’s a lot of feeling unsure: ‘I don’t want to decorate, but do I have to decorate? Should I decorate?’”

Those who are grieving often worry whether familiar traditions or foods will trigger a greater sense of sadness for them, the counselor said. Someone might say: “I don’t know if I can cook the same meal they enjoyed eating.”

The grief session aims to give those grieving some tools, she said.

“Our main goal is to sort of brace them for that, and help give them some of the coping skills to kind of get through the day,” she said.

It’s a good idea to begin preparing, Cavagnetto said, because “Christmas, Hanukkah — those winter holidays are coming whether we want them to, or not. We can’t really avoid them.”

In her session, she talks about the importance of “self-care.”

Find ways to help reduce stress, she suggested, which can include listening to music, meditating, drawing or other techniques.

It’s a good idea to have a family meeting to talk about expectations and needs, she said.

The meeting can start something like this, she said: “We’ve had some big changes this year. This is how I’m feeling about it. What do you guys expect from me? What do you expect from the season? How can we pull this off? Can we pull this off?

“We really encourage our families to talk it out amongst themselves, because everyone has different expectations and different needs,” the counselor said.

“Maybe if there’s a young child in the home, they expect a tree to go up. But, maybe that’s not something we’re going to do. So, if they can come up to some type of a compromise where they have a small tree in their room, where somehow everyone’s needs are fulfilled, she said.

Consider creating new traditions, Cavagnetto said.

“Sometime we can’t do the same old thing, there’s too much emotion attached to it. So, if your family always cooked at home, and your spouse was a big part of cooking that meal, or your parent was a big part of cooking that meal, it’s OK to think about going out this year,” she said.

Another strategy involves finding a way to memorialize your loved one.

“Maybe there was a special decoration that mom always had to have out on the tree, or displayed somewhere special,” she said.

Or, maybe you want to make a new ornament, or set a place at the table for your loved one, or find another way to honor the loved one’s memory, she said.

Some people light a candle in the loved one’s favorite scent.

“You can even do that year-round, when you’re having a rough day, thinking of them,” she said.

It’s also important to realize that emotional triggers often occur unexpectedly, the counselor added.

For instance, lately she’s been hearing a lot about people being upset about memories popping up on Facebook.

“Those pictures are coming back up for people, and they might not expect them to be there,” she said.

People who are grieving often don’t know if they can handle attending a holiday gathering, Cavagnetto said.

“I tell my clients: ‘Always have an escape plan.’

“If you typically carpooled to a holiday party, maybe this year you want to drive by yourself.

“You always want to able to exit, when you’re ready to exit,” she said.

She also tells them to be aware of their emotional levels.

“It’s OK if you’re only there for 15 minutes, and you get your hellos and your happy holidays in, and make a break for it,” she said.

It’s also important for those who are grieving to identify where they can turn for support, whether it’s a counselor, or family member or friend.

For those wanting to show support to someone who is suffering a loss, it’s a good idea to check with them to be sure they’re OK.

“See if they have any holiday plans. If they say they don’t want to do anything this year, just let them know what you’re doing, and let them know that they’re invited. They might change their mind, day of. Or, they might get to that point where they’re really lonely, and they might need somebody to reach out, so it’s important to know who’s there,” Cavagnetto said.

“People can feel really alone. If it has been a few months, they feel that other people have settled back into their routine and don’t even talk about their loved one anymore, their spouse or their parent, or their child, whoever it was,” she said.

Sometimes, they’ll want to talk about their loved one, other times they won’t, she said. The important thing is to be willing to listen, to talk and to share memories, if they’d like to.

When it comes to grieving a loved one, Cavagnetto said, “there is no cookie-cutter answer.”

Holiday Grief Support Workshops
Where: Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills
When: Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.
Or: Gulfside Bereavement and Community Outreach Center, 6230 Lafayette St., Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.
Both of these sessions will be free, and those attending will talk about techniques to help them cope with their grief during the holidays. Both sessions are expected to last about 90 minutes and will cover the same content.

Information: Call Kelly Cavagnetto at (727) 845-5707.

Published December 6, 2017