The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Communicate better, with Affordable Hearing Help

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William Morehouse, a local hearing aid specialist, wants to educate and to help people in the local community who suffer from hearing loss.

Morehouse, a resident of Zephyrhills for over 20 years, opened up Affordable Hearing Help, a discount hearing aid store, in January of 2019.

His services include a no-cost hearing test, a risk-free trial, adjustments, cleanings, and repairs.

Morehouse claims more people suffer from hearing loss than one would think.

“Most people hear, but it’s not clear,” says Morehouse. “Hearing loss isn’t typically deafness, it’s usually you just can’t hear certain high tones and pitches.”

Hearing aids pick out certain frequency ranges where amplifications are needed and instantly improve your quality of life by increasing your communication with others. New advancements in hearing aid technology, like Bluetooth, have really allowed people to rejoin conversations.

“Apps are another advancement that allows my customers to adjust their hearing aids on their own without coming to my office,” says Morehouse.

Morehouse prides himself his low prices, and on treating his patients according to the golden rule. You won’t have to pay for any warranties or feel obligated to buy accessories from Affordable Hearing Help.

Morehouse claims 30% of people with a hearing loss don’t wear hearing aids due to high costs. He offers hearing aids at much lower prices than his competition – usually saving his patients not just hundreds, but thousands of dollars.

“Communication is a basic human necessity,” says Morehouse, “That’s why I try to be as affordable as possible.”

Customers who buy their hearing aids from Affordable Hearing Help also receive free adjustments and cleanings. If you come in with a hearing aid from somewhere else, you can still get adjustments and/or cleanings at a low cost.

Morehouse always offers free follow-up appointments for new customers and a risk-free trial for all hearing aids.

A common misconception is people assume all hearing aids are the same, which is not the case at all, claims Morehouse.

Nowadays, hearing aids can be tailor-made for each client, according to their personal wants and needs. This guarantees that they will easily fit in your ear, feel extremely comfortable and are nearly invisible to others.

To learn more about Affordable Hearing Help, go to AffordableHearingHelp.com, or call 813- 395-6764.

By Nicole Sanchez

Affordable Hearing Help
6144 Abbott Station Drive, Unit 102
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-395-6764
AffordableHearingHelp.com

Hillsborough consolidates COVID-19 services

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Hillsborough County has consolidated its COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, booster shots and antibody therapy treatment to a single location.

The change became effect on Nov. 27, according to a county news release.

The West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, is now the only public site supported by Hillsborough County.

It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It offers free COVID-19 testing, adult and Pfizer pediatric vaccinations, Pfizer booster shots for those who are eligible, and antibody therapy treatment. Appointments are not required.

Proof of medical insurance is recommended and should be presented at the time of the visit, however those without medical insurance still will be tested, vaccinated, or receive antibody therapy treatment for free.

Children ages 5 to 11 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can receive the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine at the site. The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to verbally confirm the child’s age.

Residents that would like to make an appointment are encouraged to visit patientportalfl.com or call 844-770-8548 for assistance.

Visit HCFLGov.net/COVID19 or Vaccines.gov  to locate pharmacies and other sites offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

For more information on COVID-19, and any other potential emergency in the county, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system.

Published December 01, 2021

Fasano Center stops monoclonal antibody treatments

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The Fasano Center has stopped providing monoclonal antibody therapy, but there are number of other sites in the county that are providing the treatment.

The Fasano Center ceased the state-supported therapy on Nov. 27, according to a news release from the Department of Health-Pasco County.

Other sites that are delivering the treatment are:

  • AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Dade City
  • Medical Center Of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Suite 401, Trinity
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., Port Richey
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills

Monoclonal antibodies  help the immune system to recognize and to respond effectively to the COVID-19 virus, according to the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment is for individuals who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment can prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients who have contracted COVID-19.

Specifically, it:

  • Reduces the risk of death/hospitalization by 70% to 85%
  • Reduces the risk of developing symptomatic disease by over 80%

The Florida Department of Health will continue to allocate doses of monoclonal antibodies to health care providers with high utilization rates and will ensure inventory levels meet county demand, according to a news release from the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment locations can be found at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov and by using the National Infusion Center Association’s treatment locator.

Published December 01, 2021

Be safe, and merry, this holiday season

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Here is a compilation of safety tips, from various sources, to help you enjoy a safe and festive holiday season:

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
The National Fire Protection Association suggests these steps to reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire in your home:

  • Choose a fresh, healthy tree with green needles that don’t fall off when you touch them.
  • Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This will help the tree to draw up water.
  • Check the water level in the stand daily and be sure to keep the tree well-watered.
  • Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a space heater, candle, fireplace or heat vent.
  • Be sure that your tree does not block an exit.
  • Use only decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Be sure light bulbs, strings and connections are not broken or damaged in any way.
  • Turn out tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Dispose of tree after Christmas, or when it is dry.
  • When disposing of tree, keep it away from your home or garage.

Shop safely
Tips from the Tampa Police Department:

  • Lock your car doors to prevent quick access for burglars.
  • When possible, shop with a companion, especially during the evening hours.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings when walking to and from your vehicle.
  • Have your keys in your hand when you are walking to your vehicle.
  • Park in well-lit parking lots.
  • Avoid parking next to large plants or shrubbery, where criminals can hide.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, in your vehicle and your home.
  • Take only the credit card or number of checks you plan to use.
  • Dispose of boxes or containers carefully, to avoid ‘advertising’ purchases.
  • Report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1, remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Choosing toys, shopping online
Tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

When choosing toys:

  • Follow age guidance and other safety information on the toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
  • Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys – and make sure that children use them.
  • Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.

When buying online:

  • Buy from stores and online retailers that you know and trust.
  • Scrutinize the product, the packaging and the label to avoid buying counterfeits. If the price seems to be too good to be true, that is a sign it could be a counterfeit.
  • Look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization and look for the manufacturer’s label on electrical products.

Food safety tips

Whether you are having a holiday gathering, or not, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the four steps of food safety, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

  • Clean: Clean hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and warm water before cooking. Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. After cleaning surfaces raw poultry has touched, apply a sanitizer.
  • Separate: Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat or poultry and foods that are ready to eat.
  • Cook: Confirm foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer. Turkey should be cooked to 165 °F, as measured in three places — the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing.
  • Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking. Don’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Published December 01, 2021

Get rid of unwanted electronics, pesticides

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Pasco County is hosting a drive-up collection for residents to get rid of old electronics, household cleaners, pesticides and other hazardous wastes.

The event will be Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7537 State St., in New Port Richey.

For a full list of hazardous waste items accepted at the drop off event, visit bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

The event is intended for anyone who lives in Pasco County.

The disposal event is free, except there is a $5 charge for televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for TVs that are 36 inches or larger.

To learn more about household hazardous waste in Pasco County, please visit bit.ly/2getW9g.

Published December 01, 2021

Spreading holiday cheer

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members recently formed assembly lines of crafters to put together Thanksgiving and Christmas treats and favors for Meals on Wheels homebound recipients. The women prepared hundreds of turkey cookie packets and elf candy canes to lend a festive surprise to the meal trays that seniors and shut-ins receive. From left: Sandi Giddens, Mary Anne Lykins, April Saland and Joan Young.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel supports local theater group

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is helping to bring theater back to the local community.

The residential community is collaborating with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a new group for Wesley Chapel residents that is banding together to create a community theater for adults.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is allowing the theater group to use its welcome center as its temporary home for all the group’s meetings and rehearsals.

“One of the most important parts of building a town is supporting the community it is comprised of,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group.

“It is our pleasure to support local, grass-roots organizations that build up the arts, especially when it provides opportunities to meet and build relationships with neighbors,” said Lerret.

One of those neighbors — and a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years— is Rodney Bueno, artistic director for The Wesley Chapel Theater Group.

Bueno explains how the group got started a couple months ago when one of its members started a Facebook page for theater lovers in the Wesley Chapel area.

“We were really looking to meet and just discuss our love for theater, and maybe get into some script readings and put on little skits for each other,” says Bueno.

“With COVID coming around, everyone re-evaluated their life and there was something missing and for us — it was performing again. We just wanted to bring that spark back to our lives and then bring it to the community.”

That love for the arts ended up turning the group into an official theater company.

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group is currently working on its first introduction performance, which consists of three short plays from local director/writer Marc Saunders.

Bueno says he’s extremely grateful for Lerret and her entire team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for allowing his group to use the welcome center for its meeting space.

“I’m very happy about it. It feels like home… It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in. I hope to do that for a long time because I plan on living here for a long time,” says Bueno.

“We were excited to learn about Rodney’s desire to bring community theater to our area and are more than thrilled to support it by providing a venue for practice, performances and also by promoting the group throughout our various avenues,” said Lerret.

Bueno says the local community can help support the theater group by following its Facebook page (The Wesley Chapel Theater Group). The group also is looking for behind-the-scenes volunteers who can help with stage work, as well as finding sponsorships.

For more information on The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, email .

Why families choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

 For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Published 11-24-21

Bella Home Market is ready for the holidays

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By Trevor Lloyd

If you’re not already in the holiday spirit, give Bella Home Market in Lutz a visit.

As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an assortment of boxes, bells and bows meant for that perfect holiday gift. Unique seasonal finds stretch from front to back, and floor to ceiling, making it hard to leave empty-handed.

“Christmas is practically here, and there’s plenty more coming,” says owner Lou Malerba.

Throughout the year, Bella Home Market is known for its upscale décor and memorable merchandise. This specialty boutique is the only elite retailer of the popular DIY paint, Dixie Belle — which means it’s the only place in Lutz where you can find every line of Dixie Belle products.

Malerba has close ties with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, too, so he’s honoring the season of giving with a great way to give back. Each donation of five dollars is sent to the Shula Fund at Moffitt. The fundraiser helps women with breast cancer find childcare and assists with medical bills. With each donation, you’re entered into a drawing at Bella Home for a one-of-a-kind Dixie Belle product.

For online orders and Dixie Belle class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. • U.S. 41, across from Walmart • Lutz, FL 33549

813-345-8038

Published on 11-24-21

Cornerstone Protection Plan Will Save You Time And Money

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Autumn is a great time to have your home comfort systems serviced, and also to consider an annual protection plan to keep your home cool, and plumbing and electrical components in tip-top shape all year long.

When choosing a company to work on your home comfort systems, you will want an established company with a solid reputation to be around during the course of your plan and in business when you need them.

Many homeowners in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties count on Cornerstone Pros, one of the area’s largest and most established three-trade contractors. The family owned Land O’ Lakes company has provided air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services for over 15 years, and its reputation for quality and affordable work has allowed it to grow to employ close to 100 local people who provide exceptional customer service. This is evident in Cornerstone’s outstanding customer reviews, which show how the company builds long-term relationships in the communities where its staff lives and works.

Home Warranty vs. Cornerstone Protection Plan

While a home warranty can provide some cost savings and protection when failures arise, it does not guarantee that a homeowner will receive the best solution at the most cost-effective pricing. Often contractors that work for home warranty companies are looking for ways to make money above and beyond the pay structure of the home warranty company. This is typically a low flat rate; therefore, the contractor then looks to pass the cost onto the homeowner, potentially costing you more.

Essentially, it takes the homeowner out of the driver’s seat as far as being in control of who you choose to work in your home and prices you are willing to pay, because the contractor is assigned and you are at the mercy of their schedule, quality and ethics. Many times, a homeowner can go days waiting for a service call or repair to be done.

With the Cornerstone Protection Plan, you have chosen upfront the contractor you want to do business with, so when issues arise, you know who you can count on without a middle man to deal with for approvals on work. It’s just you (the homeowner) and the Cornerstone team. The protection plan also provides preventative maintenance as a part of the package that gives you regular maintenance visits that help to avoid failures during peak times. With a warranty company, the homeowner pays for this as an addition to the package.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan however, offers faster response times, saves you money and reduces headaches. Here are the top five benefits of a Cornerstone protection plan vs. a warranty company:

1.) AC & Heating Cleaning and Check-ups, Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Semi-annual inspections ensure that your HVAC system is running properly, and also extends the life of your system with the performance of proper maintenance. Those services are not included in home warranties; but they are free every six months under a Cornerstone Pros protection plan. The Protection Plan also offers annual plumbing and electrical inspections.

If maintenance is not done, a home warranty company can deny any claims for repair work, stating the breakdown was due to poor maintenance. That will leave the repair up to you, the homeowner.

2. Discount on All Repairs and Service/Diagnostic Fees

A Cornerstone Protection Plan saves you money on the initial service/diagnostic call, and when work is needed, it provides discounts on repairs, parts and labor. Typically, home warranty companies place limits on what they will fix, and also require a deductible be paid prior to repairs being done.

3. Lower Utility Bills

While a home warranty is strictly focused on providing a homeowner with repair and replacement, a Cornerstone Protection plan maintains all your home comfort products and results in potential savings on your monthly electric bill. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.

4. Priority Scheduling for AC, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

When you have an emergency, a Cornerstone Protection Plan means you don’t have to wait for days for someone to come out and look at the issue. You will be placed on a priority schedule and typically receive same-day service any time of the year.

5. Trustworthy & Local

With a Cornerstone Protection Plan, you are dealing with a company you already like and trust for all of your home comfort needs. With home warranties, the homeowner does not have the option of selecting the provider.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan is a low-cost, effective way to protect your home comfort products, compared to what you would pay for a traditional warranty company plan. Cornerstone Pros is currently offering its Protection Plan at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units. Please call today or go to the website, CornerstonePros.com, to learn more and sign up for our cost savings plan.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published 11-24-21