The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

DESSERT THEATER AT BETMAR

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The Dessert Theater at Betmar Acres, 37145 Lakewood Drive in Zephyrhills, will present two one-act plays Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., Jan. 24 at 2 p.m., and Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. The plays are “Let’s Party” and “Fourteen.” The actors will serve dessert during intermission. Admission is $5. For tickets, call Gerrie Heyl at (813) 788-0727.

THE BAND ANASTAZJA

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The Band Anastazja will perform at First Christian Church, 6040 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. General seating and doors open at 5 p.m. The family band hails from upstate New York and entertains with real life stories and songs. The instruments include a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass and the spoons. Donations will be accepted at the door. For information, call (813) 782-1071.

Health 01-14-15

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(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)
(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

One-of-a-kind remembrance
Gulfside Hospice hosted its annual Mending Hearts Holiday Celebration for children to make holiday ornaments to remember a loved one. Noah Potkay took part in the celebration and wrote a holiday memory on a piece of paper to tuck inside an ornament with tinsel and glitter. The party, part of Gulfside’s bereavement program, helped children deal with a loss.

Donation drive for domestic violence
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office has started a donation drive for the Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program.

All five tax collector’s offices in Pasco County will accept donations throughout January, via collection jars.

All funds will go directly to the program.

For information and office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com and click on the Salvation Army End Domestic Violence banner.

Tampa General opens Wesley Chapel center
Tampa General Hospital has expanded into Wesley Chapel with the Jan. 7 opening of its Tampa General Medical Group Family Care Center.

The facility, located at 2324 Oak Myrtle Lane, will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Stephanie Talton-Williamson and Dr. Cheryl Roberson will provide medical care to patients ages 12 years and older. Services will include annual physicals, immunizations, visits for illnesses, and management of chronic health conditions.

Talton-Williamson is board certified in internal medicine.

Roberson is board certified in family medicine.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support
The local Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group will meet the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

Admission is free.

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

Senior citizen strength classes
The Groves Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, offers a Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Adopt a 2015 tree at FHZH
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., is looking for sponsors for its 31st annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in December.

Available trees for 2015 are New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon and Rhode Island.

The hospital provides live trees with lights and individuals, groups or organizations decorate the tree.

The program also includes family friendly activities, a Christmas program with live musical performances, readings and fireworks.

To sponsor a tree or for information, call Jane Freeman at (813) 783-6192.

Huntington’s disease support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Free weight loss seminar
Paradise Palms Chiropractic & Spa, 19011 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, will host a free weight loss event Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. 

The guest speakers will be Dr. Heidi Pickering and Jason Walsh.

Guests can learn how to get your body back in shape after the holidays.

To reserve a spot, call (813) 948-1781.

Expectant parent seminar
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will present a “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” seminar Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Individuals and couples can also tour The Baby Place.

A free, light dinner will be served, and those attending will receive a baby tote.

To RSVP by Jan. 16, call (877) 534-3108.

For information, visit FHZeph.org.

Weight loss, wellness workshop
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is hosting a free weight loss and wellness workshop Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., presented by A Focus on Fitness.

To RSVP by Jan. 17, call (813) 344-3325.

Autism support group meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a Helping HANDs meeting Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.

The group is for parents, family members and friends affected by autism and related neurological disorders.

For information, call Jonica Chittum at (813) 402-9442, (727) 534-8230, or email .

Open house at The Baby Place
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host an open house at The Baby Place Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guests can tour the all-private spacious maternity suites, meet the staff and physicians, and learn about family-centered care.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information and reservations, call (813) 929-5432.

Dealing with the grief of miscarriage
Working through the grief of a miscarriage can seem overwhelming, but help is available. Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers offers a booklet called “Embracing Hope: Comfort & encouragement after miscarriage,” published by Focus on the Family.

It also can provide a DVD, “Miscarriage-Footprints on our Hearts,” to help people process their grief.

Oasis is located at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes.

You can call Oasis at (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

3K HEART WALK/RUN FEB. 7

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The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will hold its 3K Run For Life and 3K Heart Walk on Feb. 7. Walkers and runners will begin at their conference center, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. A reception with music and drawings will follow. For more information, call (727) 869-5500.

LEARN TO GET ORGANIZED

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Betty Arnold will present “The Organizing Queen” Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m., at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. Guests can learn simple organizing tips and practices, ways to reduce clutter, free up time and energy, and enhance living space, both physical and emotional. For information, call (813) 273-3652.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

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Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host Martin Luther King Day Jr. festivities Jan. 19 and Jan. 20. On Jan. 19, there will be a children’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including face painting, sand art and inflatables. Cinematographer George Silano will speak at 3 p.m., and will screen an interview with Martin Luther King Jr. On Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., guest speaker Heather Parker will present a program titled “The Global Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.” Admission is free. For information, call (800) 334-5532.

SUNCOAST ARTS FEST

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The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, will host The Suncoast Arts Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 17 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 18. The Sunlake High School Jazz Band will open the entertainment Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. The event will include about 120 artists and crafters, and a Chalk Art Walk. For information, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Business Digest 01-14-15

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Lutz Rotary Club to hear from business college dean
Moez Limayem, dean of the college of business at the University of South Florida, will be the special guest speaker at the 7 a.m. meeting on Jan. 20 of the Rotary Club of Lutz. Limayem will talk about the intersection of technology with the consumer in business and academic worlds.

The Rotary Club of Lutz meets on Tuesday at 7 a.m., at the Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway. The meeting charge is $10, which includes a continental breakfast.

For information on Rotary, visit Rotary6890.org, or call Doug Andrews at (813) 857-7089.

Central Pasco Orientation
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its new member orientation on Jan. 20 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes. The session is for anyone who would like to join and any new member who has not yet attended an orientation session.

Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., and the orientation is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting is free, but guests must RSVP by Jan. 16 by calling (813) 909-2722.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group now meets at Rose’s Café at 38426 5th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office is scheduled to speak on Jan. 27.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business development week luncheon
If you’re interested in finding out more about the economy’s outlook and how the markets are likely to perform in 2015, you may want to attend the Business Development Week Luncheon Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 11500 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio.

Dade City chamber needs volunteers
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for some volunteers to help with the chamber event season.

With winter residents returning to the area, there are a number of activities the chamber needs help to staff. The chamber is looking for people who are friendly and outgoing, who have knowledge of the local area and activities, and are team-oriented.

For information, email .

Christian business group to meet
Christian Business Connections-Central Pasco will have its next meeting Jan. 8 at 7:45 a.m., at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Laurie Hill, a member of the Christian Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay and author of the book “I Am in Business,” will be the speaker.

Admission is $9, which includes a buffet.

For information, contact Rene Van Hout at , or at (813) 300-7511.

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

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

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

Volunteer tax preparers needed
United Way of Pasco County is looking for help this coming tax season with volunteer tax preparers.

Last year, more than 8,000 county residents used United Way’s tax preparation service, and received more than $8 million in total refunds.

Interest in being a tax preparer does not require experience, and comes with comprehensive training.

For more information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.

Chalk Talk 01-07-15

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(Courtesy of Woodland Elementary School)
(Courtesy of Woodland Elementary School)

Super Kids named for DecemberThe Kiwanis Club of Zephyrhills has named its Super Kids for December. Given the recognition from Woodland Elementary School were, from left, Morgan Griffith, Jack Dixon, Jasmine Vasquez, Desiree Schoelzel, Justin Hicks, Carlos Torres and Yovanni Gordillo. The club chooses one student per grade level and one exceptional student education student for good citizenship and consistently following the rules.

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

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

The focus of the school is on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

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

Open house at Countryside
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students and families can tour the campus, and learn more about the school and how to apply for the upcoming school year.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSMontessori.com.

Civil Air Patrol at teach-in
Squadron mascot Bodhi Price and 2nd Lt. Warren Osceola, members of the Zephyr Airport Cadet Squadron ER-FL 459 of the Civil Air Patrol, addressed more than 300 students at West Zephyrhills Elementary School’s Great American Teach-In.

Price is a student at Woodland Elementary School, and Osceola attends Zephyrhills High School.

The presentation covered topics of airplanes and flying, leadership, integrity, striving to attain personal best in all aspects of life, self-discipline, following directions and learning how and when to be a leader.

For information about the Civil Air Patrol, email .

Library foundation launches website
The Pasco Library Foundation recently launched its new website, making it easier to learn about the library foundation and support the Pasco County Library System.

Donations to the library foundation make great gifts for anyone who loves books and the library.

Donations can be dedicated to a certain type of purchase or a particular program.

Personalized bookplates also can be inserted into a book of your choice.

The library foundation will also send a holiday card to inform the gift recipient that a donation was made in their name.

For information, visit PascoLibraryFoundation.org.

Chamber recognizes Student Citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recently had a ceremony to recognize Students Citizens for December.

These students are honored for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to school, family and community.

Students honored were Cadence Uzarraga, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Kierstin Bolhuis, Chester Taylor Elementary; Gracie Cameron, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Laila Fleming, The Broach School; Emily Hoskins, Woodland Elementary; Victoria Noelle Perez, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Nicholas Dester, The Monarch School; Jacob Navarro, Heritage Academy; and Kayla McCarter, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School.

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

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

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

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