The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

There are several resale homes available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $22,000 to $48,900. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

How and Where to Add Plants in Your Home

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So you want to become a plant parent? How do you make sure your new green “baby” will thrive in your home or apartment?

When selecting the best spaces in your home for different types of plants, it’s important to consider light, humidity and maintenance requirements, as well as the benefits that type of plant will bring to the space.

From bathrooms to bedrooms to offices, you can make the rooms of your home healthier and more inviting by becoming a plant parent.

Courtesy of StatePoint

 

 

 

Wire Road pavement work is underway in Zephyrhills

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The Wire Road pavement rehabilitation program began this week in Zephyrhills, and is expected to be completed around Sept. 17, according to a Pasco County news release.

During the project, crews will focus on road base rehabilitation, milling, resurfacing and new pavement markings, the release says.

The project includes work along the entire three-mile stretch of Wire Road, from County Road 54 to U.S. 301, which also is known as Gall Boulevard.

Northbound and southbound lanes will be under construction with single lane closures, the news release says.

The project work hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Message boards will be used to direct traffic.

The project is expected to take 32 days to complete, depending on the weather.

Asphalt Paving Systems is the contractor for this project, being done for the county’s public works department.

Published August 18, 2021

Ice center names academy director

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Hockey in Florida is hotter than hot following back-to-back championships by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Glen Metropolit, former Tampa Bay Lightning player, is the new director of AdventHealth Center Ice’s Global Prospect Academy. (Fred Bellet)

Now, AdventHealth Center Ice has strengthened its connection to the Bolts, through a new hire.

Glen Metropolit, a former Tampa Bay Lightning forward, has been selected as the new director of AdventHealth Center Ice’s Global Prospects Academy.

The academy provides a tailor-made educational approach — giving students a chance to combine intensive hockey training, along with scholastic pursuits.

Gordie Zimmermann, chief executive officer for AdventHealth Center Ice, announced Metropolit’s selection during a news conference last week at the five-rink facility, off Cypress Ridge Drive at the Interstate 75 interchange, in Pasco County.

The academy is part of ice center’s mission to build a “developmental pipeline” for future hockey players – both boys and girls – who want to play on college, professional or Olympic hockey teams.

About 30 students are expected to enroll in the program, which will more than double the previous year’s enrollment of 14,  Zimmermann said.

North Tampa Christian Academy will provide the academic curriculum, with Global Prospect Academy students attending classes at North Tampa Christian, which is about three miles from the ice rink.

Gordie Zimmermann is the owner and chief executive officer of AdventHealth Center Ice, the largest ice sports training facility in the Southeast. (Fred Bellet)

A classroom dedicated to academics also is located at the ice rink.

North Tampa Christian will provide transportation between the two sites.

The program will be crafted to meet both academic requirements and hockey training schedules. Pasco-Hernando State College also will provide college course opportunities.

“It’s a highly competitive academic program,” said Stephen Herr, North Tampa Christian’s headmaster. “They are going to get a top-notch education. They are going to get academic scholarships they hope for, in addition to athletic scholarships they and their parents have dreamed of for so long.”

The program provides an opportunity previously not available to area student-athletes, Zimmermann said.

Academy hockey players run drills on the ice as AdventHealth Center Ice officials announce Glen Metropolit as the new director of the Global Prospect Academy.

“Kids were going to Michigan or Boston to play hockey. There were no programs in Florida. In the future, we’ll grow and include other sports we have here,” he said.

Figure skating could become the second ice sport for a program like the one the academy provides for youth hockey players, Zimmermann said. It also will recruit students nationally and internationally, he added.

He mentioned one family from the Czech Republic that is considering a move to Pasco so a son can enroll in the academy to play hockey. They also have a daughter who figure skates, Zimmermann said.

They are just one example of the broad-based interest in the new academy, Zimmermann said.

Brian Bradley represented the Tampa Bay Lightning organization at the news conference. The former Tampa Bay Lightning player is an inductee into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame.

Before accepting his new role, Metropolit served as assistant director and head coach for the Lightning’s U18 Elite Training Program for high school students from grades nine through 12.

The former hockey player had stints in several national and international hockey leagues, and is an inductee into the ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League) Hall of Fame.

He also is a recipient of the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, an annual award bestowed to a hockey player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Gordie Zimmermann, left, chief executive officer of AdventHealth Center Ice; Glen Metropolit, new director of Global Prospects Academy; and Stephen Herr, headmaster of North Tampa Christian Academy, chat prior to a press conference.

Metropolit describes hockey as “the ultimate sport.”

Of his new appointment, he said: “This is just another way I can give back and help hockey players reach their goals.”

Metropolit’s staff includes Stan Neckar, former National Hockey League and Tampa Bay Lightning player; Nick Lindberg, former professional hockey player; and John Drysdale, a USA level 4 certified coach, a bronze certified goalie coach, and a former youth development director.

Zimmermann noted that the interest in hockey, in general, has grown steadily over the past five years.

“We’ve probably doubled the size of youth hockey in Florida,” he said.

AdventHealth Center Ice provides considerable opportunities for those interested in developing their talents, and for spectators who enjoy watching sports.

The facility is the largest ice sports training in the Southeast, with one Olympic-sized rink, three National Hockey League style rinks, and one mini-rink.

It also boasts locker rooms, a fitness and sports recovery center, off-ice training area, full-size restaurant and bar, concession stand and pro shop.

It hosted the 2018 U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team training program, and the team went on to win Olympic gold.

Adult and youth leagues play there, and it attracts special events — which, in turn, has a positive impact on Pasco County’s economy.

Visitors to the area to attend events at the ice center often stay in area hotels and spend money at gas stations, at restaurants and at area attractions.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 18, 2021

New irrigation system coming to recreation center

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Coastal Design Consultants Inc., has been hired by Pasco County to perform engineering and design services required to prepare construction plans for the replacement and expansion of the irrigation system at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

The engineering and design work involves providing plans for a system that will irrigate the ball fields, the soccer fields and common areas at the recreation center, at 3032 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Coastal Design must work with the county to field questions regarding the construction plans and specifications. It also must perform a limited amount of observation, to ensure construction work is proceeding in a manner that it will conform with approved plans and specifications.

The Pasco County Commission approved paying Coastal nearly $50,000, as part of the board’s consent agenda on Aug. 10. Items on the consent agenda are adopted in a single motion, without comment, unless someone wants to pull an item from the agenda for discussion.

Funding for the project is coming from the General Obligation Bond funds, approved by voters, to support improvements at the county’s parks and recreational facilities.

Published August 18, 2021

ASAP Pressure Cleaning Keeps The Mold Away

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By Kelli Carmack

Mold can be a huge problem for homeowners, especially during the summer months when humidity is higher than ever.

That’s where ASAP Pressure Cleaning comes in.

The company not only helps to get rid of mold and mildew growth, it also provides an array of other cleaning services, including gutters and downspouts, screen enclosures, exterior paint prep, fences (vinyl, wood and metal), brick/block walls, pavers, pool decks, lanais and patios, decks and stamped concrete.

“We offer a variety of services, for a variety of surfaces, from soft wash to high pressure,” says owner Austin Batchelder. “We strive to keep your property looking clean and bright.”

Batchelder defines pressure-washing as the use of high-pressure water that is sprayed from a nozzle to remove dirt, grime, dust, mold, pollen and other unwanted contaminants from hard surfaces, such as driveways, wood decks, pool decks, sidewalks and other outdoor areas.

According to Batchelder, the amount of water pressure used depends on what the needs are. Typically, high pressure is used for driveways and sidewalks, whereas soft wash is used on shingles and tiles.

ASAP Pressure Cleaning has been in business since 2012, working with both homeowners and commercial customers primarily in Pasco and Hernando counties.

Batchelder says what sets his company apart from other pressure-washing operations, besides being licensed and insured, is the level of expertise his team offers, and the equipment he owns.

“Our truck-mounted commercial grade pressure- and soft-wash equipment are commercial machines, not just basic units out of your local hardware store,” explains Batchelder. “We also have the ability to bring water to jobs, and can heat water up to 200 degrees for jobs that require very hot water.”

ASAP Pressure Cleaning has both day and night crews, giving it the ability and flexibility to accommodate when the customer needs the job done. Because of Florida’s high humidity, Batchelder recommends pressure cleaning your home every three months to six months to prevent mold and mildew buildup on walkways, decks, driveways and siding.

“I always make it transparent to my customers that my service is repeating. It’s pretty much always going to rain and be humid in Florida, so new mold and mildew buildup will always occur,” says Batchelder. “My goal is to clean and maintain, so that mother nature doesn’t take back over.”

ASAP Pressure Cleaning is currently looking to add more pressure cleaning technicians for both day and night shifts. If interested, call Batchelder at 813-501-2010.

ASAP Pressure Cleaning • 813-501-2010 • www.ASAPpressure.com

Published 08/11/2021

 

Avalon Applauds Boy Scouts of America

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Congratulations to Boy Scouts of America for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an international youth program that focuses on character development and values-based leadership training that is meant to prepare both young men and women for life.

Clarissa Castillo, the Suncoast District executive for the BSA since 2019, says the local western Florida council participates in many service projects in the area that helps give its young members a sense of community. These projects include community cleanups, food drives and much more.

“It’s quite impactful that everything that we’re doing for our community goes back into it,” says Castillo, “We help our community, which helps others around us… I feel like it’s more along the lines of the ripple effect.”

Castillo’s main duties include recruitment, scouting and forming the committees that help run and maintain each district. She also helps bring awareness to Friends of Scouting, which is an annual giving campaign that raises money for scouting programs across the nation.

According to Friends of Scouting’s website, it costs $240 to provide one year of quality program for each scout. This investment helps with camp scholarships, uniforms, registration fees, professional staff, and so much more.

“We talk to the local community about who and what we are, and a lot of that helps us continue to push forward the scouting program. It helps us keep our five camps in the area regulated and maintained,” says Castillo.

According to Castillo, not only does the BSA teach young scouts confidence and leadership skills, but it also helps them get into colleges and get jobs when they are older.

“We help develop our scouts into the leaders of tomorrow,” says Castillo, “Because of all the volunteer experience and life skills learned from BSA, our scouts will certainly impress their future employers.”

Members who participate in BSA walk away with various skills and lasting memories, so much so that a lot of alumni come back to the program and volunteer in hopes to impact the current generation of scouts, Castillo adds.

To find a local unit near you, visit BeAScout.org. If you would like to contribute to support the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, follow the link, https://boy-scouts-of-america-greater-tampa-bay-area-council.secured.atpay.com/, and select “Suncoast” as the district. You also can find a list of upcoming events on the website.

At Wilderness Lake Preserve, here’s a man who really cleans up well

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Each day for the past three years, Russ Filsinger’s afternoon routine hasn’t changed.

After hopping on his bicycle for his daily exercise, Filsinger covers every corner of his community at Wilderness Lake Preserve in Land O’ Lakes and the nearby shopping plaza.

He picks up litter.

He gathers the trash, whether it’s candy wrappers, soda cans, fast-food bags, straws, empty alcohol bottles, dog refuse, or even COVID masks (he’s up to 500 of those).

Russ Filsinger spends about two hours each afternoon picking up litter at his Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

He collects it all and disposes of it properly, recycling, if necessary.

The work usually takes about two hours, each day.

For three years.

“Russ is one of those kind people who cares about the earth and wants to keep his neighborhood clean,’’ said Franca Carlino Anderson.

She’s Filsinger’s neighbor and got to know him because she was curious about why he continually picked up trash.

“He’s an amazing part of our community. He’s not looking for accolades or even to be noticed. He just cares,” the neighbor said.

“I think it makes him happy to see the earth clean, the way God intended,’’ said Filsinger’s wife, Jeanne. “His dedication is something. I pick up things, too, if I’m walking by. But I’m not on the bike making sure every little thing is picked up. It makes our whole area look so much better. People love what he is doing.’’

Filsinger, 71, is a retired social worker from New Jersey. He has worked with homeless, gangs and drug addicts. He retired due to health reasons and moved to Florida, where he toured with a Christian rock band, then became a minister. He has been a prison chaplain and a hospice chaplain. He has volunteered as a guardian ad litem for children.

“My bio is kind of interesting,’’ said Filsinger, who now ministers at Grace Family Church.

It’s mostly about helping.

“It’s such an easy concept, but we all can do something, even if it’s a very small thing … and small things can add up,’’ Filsinger said.

Three years ago, Filsinger grew weary of incessant litter around his neighborhood; maintenance workers weren’t quick about removing it. So Filsinger took matters into his own hands — literally — and began sweeping through the area with his trash bags.

“Instead of getting mad at the people who litter, I’m determined to beat them,’’ Filsinger said. “And the best way to beat them is if I can pick it up faster than they can throw it out of their car windows.

“It became a challenge to me. You can throw out whatever you want — a box, a carton, a Big Gulp cup — but I’m going to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Everyone wins and you lose.’’

Filsinger was riding his bike anyway for fitness. He’s dealing with various physical woes, such as foot neuropathy, severe osteoarthritis and lack of function in his hands and fingers. No matter. He keeps going.

“Doing this has made my bike ride longer, but more meaningful,’’ Filsinger said. “And it’s not just trash. I take dead animals off the roads. I don’t want kids going by on their scooters, seeing these carcasses being taken apart by buzzards. I just want people to see green, bushes and flying birds, not this endless plastic stuff that’s all over our roads.’’

In addition to the area’s roads, sidewalks, pathways, ponds and green spaces, Filsinger has taken his work to Wilderness Commons, a shopping plaza at the front of Wilderness Lake Preserve. The store owners are appreciative. Filsinger combs the parking lot and also makes sure things are securely in the dumpster.

“It only takes a few minutes to get it all straight,’’ Filsinger said. “Now there’s nothing there, not even one straw wrapper. I’m pretty proud of it. This is very satisfying.’’

All the neighbors know about Filsinger now.

Cars honk their horns and people wave.

He gets thank-you wishes from passersby.

The Wildness Lake Preserve newsletter did a short write-up on Filsinger.

The final line: “His efforts are to be applauded!’’

Filsinger isn’t stopping or even slowing down. If anything, he’s picking up speed.

“I think littering is getting worse,’’ Filsinger said. “One of my goals is to get all people to care about picking up litter. We can really make a dent.

“My philosophy has been, ‘If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it?’ So the job never really stops. If I can do this at my age while having fun doing it … maybe others can get the same type of satisfaction.

“I’d love others to join in. If we all did a little something to help our world, wouldn’t this be a much better world?”

By Joey Johnston

Published August 11, 2021

‘Stuffing the bus’ for a good cause

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Florida Penguin Productions, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Premium Outlets teamed up for a ‘Stuff the Bus’ event on Aug. 8, at Tampa Premium Outlets. The idea was to gather supplies for Pasco County Schools. A number of vendors also were there, in the courtyard of the outlet mall, and some lucky kids walked away with backpacks and other freebies.

An event to collect school supplies to help others was organized by Drew Cecere, of Florida Penguin Productions, along with the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club. (Fred Bellet)
It wasn’t all about backpacks as Tim Crandall, a member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, prepares to ‘stuff the bus’ with pens, colored pencils and various other classroom items that teachers need.
The Florida Kid Care booth bustled as the organization distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, to those attending the Stuff the Bus event.
With the Pasco County Schools’ bus reflecting in her sunglasses, Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, waits with other members for walk-ups delivering school supplies to the ‘Stuff the Bus’ event.
Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, sits near the cash donation jar on the table of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club’s tent in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets.
Making his way down the narrow aisle in a school bus made for children, Drew Cecere, owner of Florida Penguin Productions, carries donated items into a Pasco County school bus.
Nine-year old Anthony Clemente emerges from the crowd carrying a free backpack he received from the Florida Kid Care booth, one of 30 vendors and businesses in the courtyard of the outlet mall. He was at the event with his parents, David and Araceli Clemente, of Clearwater.

 

 

Serving up healthy back-to-school breakfasts

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So, schools are back in session.

What are mornings like at your house?

Chaotic? Stressful? A mad dash out the door so the kids don’t miss the bus?

While school mornings tend to be frantic, be sure to squeeze in some time for a healthy breakfast — whether it’s at a table at home, or in a container to go.

Dedicating this little bit of time will go a long way in helping your child have a good school day.

All meals are important, but breakfast plays a unique role in our diet.

This omelet in a mug includes three food groups: protein, veggies and dairy. (Courtesy of MyPlate Kitchen)

When we wake up, we are in a fasted and dehydrated state — and, it’s important to start the day on the right foot.

A healthy breakfast offers a chance to get the much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber that we need daily.

Skipping breakfast means one less opportunity to get these important nutrients.

Numerous studies show that a healthy breakfast plays a role in school performance, and increases concentration and energy, and certain vitamins boost immunity, so an overall healthy diet can decrease sick days.

Fiber and protein are key to warding off hunger for longer periods.

Fiber delays gastric emptying of the stomach, so you continue to feel full, and protein creates the sensation of fullness.

Elementary schools often have a snack time in the morning, but middle and high school students don’t usually have a designated time of day to eat until lunch.

Algebra at 9 a.m. is hard enough, let alone on an empty stomach.

It’s normal not to feel hungry first thing in the morning.

Aim to eat breakfast within two hours of waking up if the kids aren’t hungry right away.

Cereal, frequently marketed as a good breakfast choice, isn’t a good selection if It is sugary and refined.

Look for a whole grain, and remember to look for high fiber and protein on the nutrition facts label.

Also, avoid “dessert-type” breakfasts such as doughnuts and breakfast pastries. Those contain too much sugar and not enough nutrition.

Here are some healthy and quick breakfast options that your kids may enjoy:

  • Plain oatmeal with milk, banana, raisins, walnuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, or other toppings
  • Cereal with banana or blueberries
  • Smoothies: Made with various fresh or frozen fruits, with milk or yogurt
  • Hard-boiled eggs sliced and topped with salsa (You can make these in advance and keep them refrigerated for 2 days to 3 days)
  • Whole wheat toast or bagel with peanut butter or hummus
  • Parfait: With a layer of yogurt, fruit, and granola or whole grain cereal
  • English muffin sandwich: Made from a toasted whole wheat English muffin, some deli meat and a slice of cheese, then heated up in a microwave. Add some spinach and sliced tomato, if you like those, too.
  • Bagel and fruit: Whole wheat bagel topped with a choice of spread (yogurt, jam, peanut butter or light cream cheese) and various fruit such as sliced banana, strawberries, pineapple or grapes
  • An omelet in a mug (see recipe below)

Don’t forget, the free breakfast program at school may be an option for your child as well. (Check your school district’s website to find out more.)

Just like reading is fundamental for education, good nutrition is essential for good health.

I wince when I think of the lack of nutritional quality in the breakfasts I ate as a kid.

My breakfasts typically included a packet of flavored instant oatmeal, containing about 12 grams of added sugar, or a sugary cereal.

On weekends, I would dunk Oreos in milk, or make a sandwich out of two waffles with vanilla ice cream, in the middle.

At the time, I suppose there wasn’t much awareness on childhood obesity and nutrition, but luckily, we know better now.

When you’re in a rush, this veggie omelet in a mug (recipe below) can be a quick and nutritious meal. You can prep the veggies the night before, to save time in the morning.

The recipe is courtesy of MyPlate Kitchen’s MyPlate.gov, from Oregon State University Extension.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe: Veggie omelet in a mug 

Ingredients
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons 1% low-fat milk (or nonfat/skim milk)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms (or your favorite vegetables)
2 Tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Instructions
Wash hands with soap and water.
Lightly grease the inside of a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug.
Use a fork to combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper in the mug, and stir well.
Mix in the vegetables and cheese.
Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds.
Stir.
Return to the microwave and cook on HIGH until the mixture has puffed and set, 60 to 90 seconds.
The omelet may look wet on the top, but it will dry as it cools.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Published August 11, 2021