The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

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Blue Heron Senior Living, located at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting on the afternoon of April 28.

This is an exterior view of Blue Heron Senior Living, 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The facility offers assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services. (Courtesy of Sarah Dymond/Blue Heron Senior Living)

The senior living community, recently completed by TLC Management of Marion, Indiana, features assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, according to a news release.

Blue Heron focuses on the entire spectrum of each resident’s well-being; from their physical and emotional health to their needs for friendship and intellectual stimulation, the release says.

There will be 106 private suites for residents requiring 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

Those interested in taking a look at the new Blue Heron Senior Living facility are invited to an open house celebration on the afternoon of April 28. Besides providing an array of services for its residents, the facility will have more than 225 employees.

Those seeking short-term rehabilitation will be able to take advantage of a state-of-the-art therapy center, which includes a gym that’s equipped with the latest technology and equipment designed for physical, speech and occupational therapy. It also features virtual reality workout programs, the release says.

The facility also has 95 resort-style private suites for individuals needing assisted living services. Those services include assistance as needed with daily activities, along with access to a health spa, a theater, wellness gym, activity center, resident art gallery, library, bistro shop and town square.

There also is a separate wing of 22 apartments that are specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age-associated memory impairment.

Services there include everything from engaging activities, bathing, dressing and grooming assistance, to medication reminders and management, according to the news release.

Additionally, Blue Heron is creating more than 225 new jobs in Pasco County.

To find out more, visit SeniorLivingAtBlueHeron.com.

Blue Heron Senior Living open house
When: April 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.)
Where: 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Details: The public is welcome to visit this new senior living facility and learn about its features and service. Visitors also are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Published April 21, 2021

Celebrate ‘Earth Day’ with a plant-based meal

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How will you celebrate this year’s Earth Day?

Maybe you’ll plant a tree. Or perhaps start a garden.

Maybe you’ll compost your food waste.

Speaking of food and plants, let’s talk about plant-based diets.

Spaghetti and ‘cheat balls’ (also known as bean balls) are an easy plant-based alternative to regular meatballs. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

The term — which means that you consume plant-based protein, instead of protein from animal sources — has been popping up everywhere.

Did you know there’s plant-based dairy, too?

Some examples of plant-based protein sources include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, chia seeds, and other legumes.

The center of a plant-based meal usually is a vegetable, a grain — such as quinoa, rice, or spaghetti — or a plant-based protein, for instance, beans or lentils. By comparison, in the average American diet, meat is the center of the meal.

Even Burger King now offers plant-based hamburgers, and you can find meatless options throughout the Disney parks with vegan cheese and sauces.

Dozens of other restaurant chains also offer plant-based menu options as a way to attract this customer base as this food movement grows in popularity.

Some people choose plant-based proteins, only. Others, however, incorporate animal-based protein, and dairy, too.

So, if you have been thinking of eating more plant-based foods but don’t want to go entirely vegan, you have options.

Here are the differences between the varying degrees of plant-based diets:

  • Vegetarian (the most recognized one): A vegetarian won’t eat animal meat for protein (meat, poultry, seafood), but will consume eggs and animal-based dairy from an animal’s milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.). This also is known as lacto-ovo vegetarian.
  • Pescatarian: Will eat fish and seafood (but no meat or poultry). They also will eat eggs and animal-based dairy products.
  • Ovovegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or dairy, but will eat eggs.
  • Lacto-vegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, but will consume animal-based dairy.
  • Vegan: This is the strictest eating plan. Vegans don’t eat anything from an animal, including dairy and eggs. Plant-based milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, etc., are fine, and dairy foods, such as yogurt made with one of these plant-based milks (soy yogurt) also are acceptable. Plant-based cheeses and butters also exist at grocery stores and some restaurants offer it.

Whether you want to go plant-based a few days a week or permanently, it may be best to start slowly to let your body adjust to the extra fiber while building the new diet into your lifestyle.

By easing into it, part-time, you can discover new recipes that you and your family enjoy.

Remember, it’s a big commitment if you plan to make the switch permanently. So, just as is true for most lifestyle changes, consider starting off a few days a week to help you get used to the idea.

Note: Vitamin B12 is found in animal sources, and so a supplement is recommended for those eliminating animal proteins, dairy and eggs from your diet.

One plant-based recipe I like to make it is spaghetti and “cheat balls.”

Both carnivores and herbivores alike can enjoy this meal.

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

Spaghetti and “Cheatballs”

Cheatball ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped small
  • 1 (14-oz) can black beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well-cooked because you will be mashing them.)
  • 1 (14-oz) can great northern beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well cooked because you will be mashing them)
  • 3 slices bread (crumbled)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional-adds spicy flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano (or Italian if preferred)
  • 1 cup flour (but you may need more to ensure the mashed beans will stay intact while cooking)
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

  • Sautee onions until soft
  • Place beans in a mixing bowl
  • Mash the canned beans together using a potato masher and/or fork. (You may add a little water to help mash.)
  • Add onions to mashed beans, along with spices, bread crumbs and flour
  • Mix well
  • Roll balls about 1.5” in diameter
  • Cook in olive oil, turning cheatballs with tongs every few minutes until all sides are brown

Note: Sauce and spaghetti are cooked separately to your preference.

Published April 21, 2021

Rise and Shine!

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(Katie Fernandez)

The Laker/Lutz News’ social media team of Kelli Carmack and Katie Fernandez visited the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio to serve free donuts and coffee, and to get to know the members in the community. Friends and neighbors at TBGCC have a little fun during the event.

Beautiful New Homes at Crystal Lake

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Skyline St Augustine II

By Kelli Carmack

Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to a place you love. Just ask the residents of Crystal Lake in Zephyrhills.

Crystal Lake is a relaxed, resort-style 55-plus manufactured home community that offers gorgeous lakeside views, perfect for an evening stroll with family and friends.

This community was established more than 30 years ago and today has an array of beautiful amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, spa/fitness center, shuffleboards and fishing ponds. A lively clubhouse routinely hosts community events, such as bingo night, dances and dinners.

“Crystal Lake is more than just streets that have houses on them,” says sales manager Mary Sheldon. “It’s truly a community. People here are out and about on their golf carts, visiting their neighbors, enjoying all our amenities. It’s really a great place for seniors to live.”

Sheldon is excited about the growth underway at Crystal Lake — currently more than 200 new manufactured homes are being added to the community. Two new models have recently been introduced – the Casa Marina and the St. Augustine II – and both are seeing a lot of activity.

The Casa Marina is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home that also has a den that could be used as another bedroom, office space or craft room. At 1,447 square feet of living area, this floor plan has lots of attractive features, including a spacious front porch, 9-foot ceilings and a raised rear deck off the master bedroom.

Sheldon jokingly adds that the Casa Marina’s rear deck makes residents call it the “Sun Worshipers Home.” This move-in ready model is available for only $94,900.

The St. Augustine II also is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with den, at 1,440 square feet. Some impressive features of this model is its spacious open floor plan, huge walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and ample garage. This model has country charm, with a farmhouse sink and sliding farm door leading to the den. This home sells for $145,900, and there are currently three homes available for purchase.

Palm Harbor Casa Marina

Other new models include the Raleigh, Aurora, Silver Springs, Palm Beach, Ashville, Monticello and Vero. All are built with drywall construction and thermal pane windows.

“Our manufactured homes are just as well-built and strong as traditional homes in the market, but come at a fraction of the cost,” explains Sheldon. “Plus, our pricing is fabulous for being in such a desired location.”

Crystal Lake is a land-leased community— meaning buyers purchase their home, but not the land, so there are no real estate taxes for owners to pay.

Sheldon encourages anyone looking for a new home for themselves or a loved one to schedule a private tour with her at Crystal Lake.

“Seeing people move into a new home is wonderful,” says Sheldon, “I help find the right home for the right person. Matching them together is very rewarding for me.”

To schedule your private tour at Crystal Lake, call 844-276-8964. Or, to experience a virtual tour, go to MyMHCommunity.com/communities/florida/crystallake-zephyrhills.

Published 3/31/21

 

ASAP Pressure Cleaning Experienced, licensed and insured

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Austin Batchelder & family

Spring cleaning is upon us, and nothing improves the appearance of your home more remarkably and more quickly than pressure washing its exterior walls, decks, screens, fence, driveway and roof.

Hiring an experienced pressure cleaning company that is licensed and insured is important when inviting someone to work on your home. And that’s why many homeowners call on ASAP Pressure Cleaning.

The company has been in business since 2012, and serves customers in primarily Pasco and Hernando counties, working with both homeowners and commercial customers.

“We offer a variety of services, for a variety of surfaces, from soft wash to high pressure,” said owner Austin Batchelder. “Your property is your little slice of paradise, and we strive to keep it looking clean and bright.”

ASAP’s exterior cleaning services includes:

– Gutter cleanouts and downspouts

– Screen enclosures

– Exterior paint prep

– Fences – vinyl, wood and metal

– Brick/block walls

– Pavers

– Pool decks

– Lanais and patios

– Wood and painted decks

– Stamped concrete

It also is an expert at cleaning roofs, including shingle (soft wash), tile, membrane and metal roofs.

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 the water up to 200-degrees for jobs that require very hot water. And, we have both day and night crews, to give us the ability and flexibility to accommodate when the customer needs their job done.”

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.

Because of Florida’s high humidity, he recommends pressure cleaning your home twice a year to prevent mold and mildew buildup on walkways, decks, driveways and siding.

“How often you need pressure-washing services depends on the environment you live in, and because of all the lakes and wetlands in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, spring and fall is always recommended because of the area’s high humidity,” said Batchelder.

Batchelder is proud of being recognized on Angie’s List with a Super Service Award for the past five years because of its excellent customer service. As his company grows, he looks forward to adding more trucks to his fleet and providing quality jobs to his employees and continued good service to his customers. A native of Brooksville, he is married and has two young children.

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

Published 3/31/21

 

A new family addition

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(Courtesy of ZooTampa)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park has announced the newest addition to its family —  a baby welcomed by Siamang gibbons Hutan and Sensei, on Feb. 24. Siamangs occupy habitats as extensive as 50 acres in the wild, and their calls can be heard up to 2 miles away. The baby’s birth is a positive step forward in maintaining the population of these swinging primates for generations to come.

Family Fun at Molly’s Hatchet — Axe Throwing, Virtual Reality and Video Games

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When the owners of Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing venue in Zephyrhills tell folks they are a family destination, they often get questioning looks.

“When people think of axe throwing, they assume our customers are young, athletic adults who also want a bar scene,” explains Shaun Sikat, an owner of Molly’s Hatchet. “But, we’re everything but that. We have created a fun place to go for families and kids to play video games, experience virtual reality and learn how to throw an axe so they can play games against each other, much like a family goes bowling together.”

This vision of giving local families and kids a place to go that is fun, safe, affordable and close to home is a bit unique in the competitive axe throwing world. But in Zephyrhills, it’s a perfect blend of activities and purpose that has made it a success.

New Location Is Twice The Size
Molly’s Hatchet has been so successful since it opened in 2019, that it recently doubled its size and moved up Fifth Avenue to a 5,000-square-foot building in the heart of downtown Zephyrhills. The venue kicked off its grand opening Easter weekend, and hundreds of area residents have come by since then to see the expanded axe throwing lanes, try virtual reality for the first time, and immerse themselves in a wide selection of video games.

“It’s been so much fun to have so many people visit us since our grand opening,” said co-owner Riley Payne. “There is something for everyone to do, even if it’s just watching others play.”

In addition to Payne and Sikat, the business also is owned by Chris and Rebecca Murphy, who opened the original Molly’s Hatchet in 2019.

“Zephyrhills is a small town, and like a lot of small towns with not much to do, it’s easy for kids to go down the wrong path,” said Sikat, who moved to Zephyrhills when he was 13. “We want to channel their boredom and energy, and offer kids healthy alternatives to keep them busy and out of trouble.”

Axe Throwing Is Easier Than You Think
When you walk into Molly’s Hatchet, the first thing you see are the impressive axe throwing lanes. Targets are made from pine and look like oversized dart boards. Up front are four single lanes and two competitive lanes, and in the back is a private lane perfect for date night or a small group. All lanes follow guidelines set by WATL — the World of Axe Throwing League, which governs urban axe throwing memberships in 19 countries.

“Throwing an axe is much easier than most people think, and your size and physical strength has little to do with how well you play,” explains Payne, a petite woman who is just 5 feet tall. “It’s more about finesse than strength, and it’s not unusual for a woman to outplay her man because she has better control.”

Learning to throw an axe begins with a 30-minute lesson from a professional axe throwing coach, who teaches safety, form and technique. There is always staff on site overseeing safety, giving instructions and teaching new games.

“There are no exceptions when it comes to safety – we do not hesitate to ask guests to leave if they are not following the rules,” explains Sikat.

All players sign a release, and safety rules are reviewed at every game. Children must be 11 years or older to play, and parents must be present and sign a release form.

Axe throwing is priced very reasonably — $20 for 30 minutes, $30 for 1 hour and $40 for 90 minutes. The cost includes all equipment and coaching, which is overseen by Manager Gavin Slater, a Navy veteran who has worked at Molly’s for over a year.

Virtual Reality That Blows You Away
Most guests begin with axe throwing, and then try the virtual reality, which is exponentially better than virtual reality games played at home.

“Most people have little experience with virtual reality and are blown away by the experience,” said Sikat. “Our simulation is unbelievable — especially Skyfront VR, where you actually feel like you’re flying 2,000 feet up in the air.”

Molly’s has two virtual reality seats, and you can play with, or against, the other seat. VR games include archery, Fruit Ninja and music-based games that are ideal for youngsters, as well as war games and even zombie horrors for adults.

Virtual reality also is very affordable, at just $1 a minute, with most games lasting between 7 and 14 minutes.

Both children and adults enjoy the arcade area, where games range from traditional Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, to race car driving and new high-tech games. All games cost just $1.

Weekly specials at Molly’s Hatchett include “SIN” Mondays, where employees in the service industry receive 10% off axe throwing and VR from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Later in the week is Throw It Out Thursday — all you can throw for just $30. Active military, veterans and first responders always receive a 15% discount.

Molly’s Hatchet has a large selection of craft beer, meads and wines. Food in its snack bar is pre-packaged for safety, and a 500-square-foot outside patio is opening soon that will have two axe throwing lanes, inflatable axe throwing for kids, a fire pit and outside seating.

“We welcome families to come to Zephyrhills and visit Molly’s Hatchet. We guarantee you will have more fun than you ever imagined,” said Sikat.

Published April 14, 2021

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

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Volunteers fanned across Pasco County collecting trash during the 2021 Great American Cleanup in early March.

All in all, the 659 volunteers collected 36,920 pounds of trash — from public spaces, roadsides and waterways, according to a county news release.

Zephyrhills High School students volunteer to demonstrate their community pride, during the 2021 Great American Cleanup. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The cleaning crews hit 37 locations — stretching from Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday over to Dade City — and got to work in all sorts of places including Port Richey, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Hudson.

“Between the rainy weather and the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many volunteers would show up this year,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.  “Once again, they came out in full support, proving what a tremendous impact concerned community members can have when given the opportunity.”

The workers logged 1,531 volunteer hours, which translates into a value of $41,643.30, according to the release.

Keep Pasco Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup with corporate funding assistance and a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

The event is a collaboration among the Pasco County Department of Public Works; Pasco County Solid Waste; Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; and Pasco County Environmental Compliance, the release says.

The Great American Cleanup is one of two annual cleanup events in Pasco.

The mission of Keep Pasco Beautiful is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification.

You can find out more and learn how you can be a volunteer by calling 727-834-3611, ext. 1072. Or, you can email .

Published April 14, 2021

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres and his family have been selected to receive a new mortgage-free home from PulteGroup, through the company’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the nonprofit Operation Finally Home.

Ground recently was broken for the family’s new home being built in Land O’ Lakes.

Torres was severely injured while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004, according to a news release.

This group flings some dirt at the groundbreaking of a new free home for a U.S. Army veteran in Land O’ Lakes. From left: PulteGroup West Florida Division President Sean Strickler; Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres, and daughters 11-year-old Kaylie Torres and 3-year-old Aria Torres; wife Stephanie Torres, 1-year-old Avery Torres; and, Molly Halliday, senior vice president of Marketing and Project Management for Operation Finally Home. (Courtesy of BoardroomPR)

His platoon was ambushed, and his HUMVEE was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was shot three times during the firefight and his fellow soldiers protected him before he was eventually medevacked. He was awarded several honors for his service, including the Purple Heart.

The Torres family currently lives in an apartment in Land O’Lakes.

“We just want to have a place to call our own, where our family can grow without having to move constantly,” Torres said, in the release.

The family’s new single-story home is being built in the Arden Preserve community. The residence, which will exceed 2,100 square feet, will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

PulteGroup team members, along with the Torres family, officially broke ground on the home on March 24, and the team expects to welcome the Torres family home this summer.

“It is a privilege for Pulte employees, along with our trade partners and suppliers, to be able to give back to our nation’s veterans in a meaningful way,” Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida division, said in a news release.

The Torres family worked closely with Operation Finally Home, which partners with builders like PulteGroup to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and first responders.

“We are extremely grateful to PulteGroup and their Built to Honor program for supporting our veterans, first responders and their families with mortgage-free homes,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, in the release.

PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.

Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates. This will be the West Florida division’s fourth home dedicated in the Tampa Bay area.

Published April 14, 2021

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

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The annual Arbor Day and Memorial Celebration is set for April 30 at 10 a.m., at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

The event marks the 26th year that the City of Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club have jointly sponsored the Arbor Day/Memorial Day program.

(File)

The event usually is held the third Friday in January, which is the day the State of Florida celebrates Arbor Day, but this year’s event has been rescheduled to coincide with National Arbor Day on April 30, according to a news release.

This year, the Dade City Garden Club sponsored an art contest for the students at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City.

Students learned about the history of Arbor Day and were asked to design a cover fitting for the Arbor Day Program to be printed for the event. The winners will be announced, and the grand prize winner will be recognized at the event.

Memorial trees that have been given throughout the year will be recognized. Trees are dedicated in memory of or in honor of a person or special occasion, and are living and lasting tributes that add beauty to the city and quality to the environment.

Speakers for the event will be Dade City’s own Cowboy Poet Steve Melton, and Foresters Mona Neville and Arthur Clothier from the Florida Forest Service.

The Garden Club is extending a special invitation to the public to join them for this event to celebrate Arbor Day and to honor the tree recipients.

For more information, email Ruth Anderson at .

Published April 14, 2021