The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Contagious Attitude Brings Results

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Your Best You team: Dr. Shani Davis, Jacki Krone, Kristen Walski

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From the moment you walk into Your Best You P.A., you can feel that it’s a different kind of medical clinic with a different kind of attitude. Heck, it even smells different, courtesy of an aromatherapy diffuser puffing away in the lobby.

With a focus on primary care and diabetes treatment/management, that’s the way Dr. Shani V. Davis, Ph.D., ANP-BC, CDE and her team intend it to be.

Dr. Davis, a nurse practitioner for nearly 16 years, with the vast majority of it in endocrinology, has also worked, presented and instructed on Advanced Diabetes Management Strategies throughout Florida. Beyond all of her qualifications, you’ll find genuine concern and a positive attitude that comes naturally to her. In fact, it’s downright infectious.

It’s clear that Dr. Davis really does connect with her patients, which would explain her fiercely loyal following. Your goal is her team’s goal. More specifically, their aim is to assist patients with setting and reaching their own individual health-related outcomes.

“Each patient comes from a different background, has a different set of circumstances, and a different goal or goals. One is no more valid than another,” said Dr. Davis.

This kind of approach is especially important in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes. Once a person’s goals are set, the team designs plans of treatment, management and education for that individual.

“Be it chronic disease care, health empowerment education, or geriatric wellness, we’ll meet you where you are and help you to move toward your health objectives, on your terms,” she added.

Appointments can be made online or by calling, and walk-ins are also welcome. Dr. Davis invites you to come in for an initial consult, so her team can get to work on the best plan for you.

813-936-2609 • www.YBYClinic.com

Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit us online, or call to schedule an appointment

 15511 N. Florida Ave., Suite 502,

Tampa, FL 33613

(.5 miles north of Bearss Ave)

Sharing meals and good company

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Don and Ginny Jennings, left, and Sue Medise and Tom Medise at Shells Seafood Restaurant.
(Courtesy fo Helene Rubenstein)

The monthly Ladies Lunch Bunch met March 7 at Papa Joes, and the women that attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves with all the conversation among them. Carla Jones was the hostess of this function, and she did a very nice job.

I spoke to Carla, and she told me 14 people showed up, and the restaurant supplied them with a separate room. Carla went on to say that there were two waitresses who took care of their group, and they were very attentive.

The menu was varied, and some of the dishes consisted of a Cobb salad (tremendous); a sample plate, which included several foods; seafood dishes; and, even a seafood pasta delight.

A table for four, from left: Tom McKain, Lynne-Rae Dyson, Vic Dyson and Pat McKain.

Their “special” drink was strawberry sangria and several women had this.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their lunches, and because some plates were so large, there was food to take home, so they could reminisce about the good times.

A few days later, on March 10, the lunch connoisseurs went to Shells Seafood Restaurant, and it was hosted by Karen and Bill Donlon.

Of course, a giant shell on the outside of the restaurant told us that we were in the right place.

There was a nice crowd of 40 people who enjoyed being with their friends and neighbors.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein
(Courtesy of Tom Carter)

Once again, there was a variety of food, including chicken with veggies, clam chowder (that I heard was absolutely scrumptious), pasta and various seafood.

Before dinner was served, Galen Parker said grace, while the rest of the people observed a moment of silence.

We always have the lunch connoisseurs once a month, and most everyone looks forward to it. It is a nice way to get together.

In the meantime, back at Grand Horizons, we are getting ready for our new resident phone directory. This directory, in addition to phone numbers, will have pictures of residents. This is good, as we can now place a face with a name.

Nancy Martin is making the appointments for the pictures to be taken, and Karen Donlon is heading up the committee.

It is always nice to have a fresh directory.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 22, 2017

Service in many ways

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The Monday evening euchre champs were Pat Reinbold and Ron Raymond, who had bragging rights for a week.

Dave Roberts and Cliff Leonard were three-game winners at Wednesday morning shuffleboard. Way to go fellows!

On Friday evening, we were privileged to have Terry Connelly provide the entertainment. HIs voice was amazing, the songs celebrated all types of music, his jokes were hilarious and his presentation was simply perfect.

My selection of volunteers to highlight the week are Lee and Russ Heffelfinger. They have been our entertainment coordinators for several years and announced that they will be retiring from that position.

I wonder if she intentionally saved the best entertainment this year for her last pick?

The Heffelfingers have served our community in many capacities.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 22, 2017

 

A winter of camaraderie at Sweetwater

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The residents of our ‘Sun RV Resort’’ have enjoyed another winter season together. Bonnie Kae Rindfleisch, guest services, often heads up monthly special events, supported by ‘Sun.’

Dale and Rhoda Hunt were crowned Sweetwater’s 2017 king and queen.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

Our new king and queen, Dale and Rhoda Hunt, were inaugurated at a Coronation Dance Jan. 13, featuring “Pure Country Gold.” Dale is also our Running Water Club president this year, and Rhoda is the secretary.

An Oldie-Wed Game took place Jan. 29, organized and run by Cinda McCormick.

There was a long-term resident recognition at the Feb. 9 morning coffee/donut time, and the Valentine’s banana split social was excellent!

The outdoor music jam space was used at nighttime for a concert with “The Legends” Feb. 10.

Every Tuesday afternoon, various performers, from many parks, entertained on our outdoor stage from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with hot dogs and soft drinks sold beforehand. There also was a 50/50 drawing near the end of each afternoon. The last jam of the season was March 14.

Tuesday afternoon Sweetwater music jam’s ‘hot dog guy,’ Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Dale Sanders)

A concert was held Feb. 11 featuring The McGuires, a gospel duo from Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada. Todd McGuire is a nephew to our own Norm McGuire, and Norm made all the arrangements. Norm and his daughter, Margaret, sang a song with his nephew and wife, Penelope, during their performance.

The McGuires have been performing at parks and churches in Florida, and recently toured Georgia and Tennessee. They have been nominated for the East Coast Music Award for Gospel Record of the Year.

There was a birthday and anniversary evening Feb. 12, and we enjoyed listening to Richard Woodworth, who has an extended collection of inauguration/presidential history memorabilia and many stories of moments over the years.

Judy Dishon was recognized, along with her husband, Tom, with the ‘Sun’ Resident Appreciation Award.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

We also had our Canada Day parade and luncheon again this year on Feb. 16, with a special focus of celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Our first annual Golf Cart Rodeo was Feb. 25, and was enjoyed by about 80 people. Best buddies, Norm and Roy, hammed it up and won the top award, making the event more enjoyable for everyone. They were seen with green leis, just like the Formula 1 drivers.

All winners won a gift certificate and a tiny trophy.

The organizer, Judy Dishon, may consider a scavenger hunt for future events. She was glad to get so many people involved in something different – whether as participants or volunteers.

Rhoda organized an all-day shuffleboard tournament of 19 teams Feb. 28, and lunch was offered as well. The winning team got 252, the highest score you can get in shuffleboard, apparently!

Sweetwater’s first annual Golf Cart Rodeo winners, Norm McGuire and Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

One of the programs that had been resurrected this year was a monthly park potluck dinner, on the second Sunday afternoon of the month. The February meal was well-attended and enjoyed by all.

On the evening of March 5, our own David Kai, accomplished keyboard/piano player who plays in our Sunday Christian Fellowship music with “The Legends,” was featured. He also was an accompanist at the weekly music jams.

There was an Appreciation Day Park Picnic March 7, along with the usual music jam.  Residents were recognized for their contributions, with a box of chocolates and an appreciation sign at their home.

Our Sunday evening ice cream socials were organized this season by Cindy Walton, and she did a great job, with a variety of after-treat speakers/entertainers.

By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort

Published March 15, 2017

A musical show from yesteryear

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An egg-in-a-bag breakfast started off the day on March 4. It was thoroughly delicious and run very efficiently. Nearly 100 people were served.

Before breakfast began and tables were called up to create omelets, Galen Parker delivered grace. He did a very nice job, while the crowd of people observed a moment of silence.

Helene Rubenstein gets a hug from entertainer Rich Wilson.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Tables were then called, and guests prepared their own omelets, choosing from ingredients that included bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Also available were sausage gravy, biscuits, hash brown potatoes, and coffee and orange juice.

The volunteers who helped included Jim and Judi Leitzke, and their granddaughter, Heather; plus, Doris Sutfin, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, Ed Goldstein and Lynne-Rae Dyson.

Later that evening, about 84 people gathered at the community center to enjoy a show by Rich Wilson. He performed a variety of talents and kept people laughing in their seats.

Gary Wilcox introduced the entertainer, who was dressed in a snazzy blue jacket over a black vest, slacks and black shirt. This was a class act, and we were in for a delightful experience.

He sang several hit tunes intermingled with a variety of jokes.

He started the show by singing “For Once in my Life,” and sang it with much emotion and feeling.

Rich Wilson performed a variety of hit tunes, intermingled with a few jokes.

He continued the show with several more songs, including some country tunes, such as Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues” and an excellent job of “Dixie” by Ronnie McDowell.

There was also audience participation during a medley, which included “Blueberry Hill” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Rich continued with some Elvis songs such as “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with all the shaking and various movements.

He proceeded with several more jokes and recognizing several people in the audience, and then sang a Dean Martin song entitled “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.”

After that, he went to some old songs, such as, “SH Boom SH Boom” and “Little Bitty Pretty One” to clapping and audience participation. The audience sang all the ‘mmms’ and ‘ahs’ at the appropriate time.

He sang a lovely version of a Buddy Holly song called “True Love Ways.” This was sung with such enthusiasm and emotion. It was truly lovely.

The entire evening kept us at the edge of our seats, and he sang his heart out on a Neil Diamond song entitled “Sweet Caroline,” along with all the antics that you would expect.

There were several more songs, including Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” Charlie Pride’s hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” and several more.

The audience sang along with Rich on a Neil Sedaka tune called “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe.”

He performed several other songs, but the one that stood out was a Louis Armstrong song entitled “What a Wonderful World.” He did a masterful job of it.

A tribute to the vets was given, and they were recognized in the audience as well.

He also mentioned that we should not only give our thanks to them, but their spouses as well.

The final song, “God Bless America,” was followed by a standing ovation.

Ed and Gary presented several door prizes, including a basket that was created by Barb Livingston and won by Bobbie Forschner. Other prizes were won by Bob Weinle and Chuck Carlson.

In addition to Gary Wilcox and Ed Goldstein, who presented the show, there was additional help that included Carol Wilcox, Donna Quinn and Eileen Goldstein.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 15, 2017

He Feels Your Pain

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By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Carlos Carrazana’s interest in the chiropractic field came as easily to him as falling off a horse –repeatedly, that is.

While growing up in Cuba, he competed in equestrian events at the youth National Team level. A few years later, he found himself in a rowing crew at the National Team level, while at the same time completing his primary university studies.

“Athletes get injured,” he states rather matter-of-fact. “It’s part of the process.”

Quite literally, it was Dr. Carrazana’s own injuries and treatments that led him down the path to earn degrees in physical education, then message therapy, and later in life, chiropractic medicine.

His 29 years in these interrelated fields have taken him around the globe to Canada, England, Germany, California, Georgia, and for the past seven years, Florida.

Of course, he’s fluent in both Spanish and English, but because of his extensive studies, you might say he’s most fluent in the human musculoskeletal system.

In February, Dr. Carrazana opened a new chiropractic clinic in Land O’Lakes, in a plaza on U.S. 41 at the Dale Mabry Apex, located just north of St. Luke’s Dental.

While Dr. Carrazana’s fully licensed clinic has the capacity to treat a wide variety of conditions, he specializes in injuries sustained from auto accidents and sports injuries.

Be it a corrective adjustment, or a complete chiropractic orthopaedic exam, Dr. Carrazana is here to help you on the road to recovery. Plus, he personally knows from his injuries what’s needed to get through the toughest injuries.

“From neck and spinal injuries, to nagging problems in the extremities, believe me when I tell that I’ve been there, too,” he said. “I want to help.”

Hablamos Español

(813) 591-2506 • CarrazanaChiropractic.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday • Call to Schedule an Appointment

1930 Land O’Lakes Blvd, Suite 16

Lutz, FL 33549

(next to The Great Catch restaurant)

Slip away to Safety Harbor, a ‘secret little hideaway’

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When I told a friend at work years ago I lived in Safety Harbor, he said, “Ah, Safety Harbor. It sounds like a place where nothing bad ever happens.”

Safety Harbor, in northern Pinellas County, is home to 17,139 residents, and lots of festivals, including the Seafood Festival, March 10 through March 12.
(Karen Haymon Long)

It sometimes seems that way still. With a crime rate less than half that of Florida’s, this little town on the northwestern edge of Old Tampa Bay is the perfect place to take long walks, picnic in a picturesque park, or pick up a book from one of the Little Free Library boxes scattered around town like whimsical birdhouses.

Locals seem to like that the town has only 17,139 residents, and that they often run into neighbors at Main Street’s 3rd Friday Music Series or at Market on Main every Sunday at the gazebo.

The Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce even advertises the 4.92-square-mile town as a “secret little hideaway,” – that for years did not have one single cellphone tower.

Safety Harbor will have a sidewalk chalk art festival March 18 and March 19.
(Courtesy of Marcia Biggs)

It doesn’t have as many restaurants, breweries or shops as its more glamorous sister city, Dunedin, but it has plenty of options to please visitors looking for quiet walks, good places to eat and to fly kites.

Some residents are so proud of Safety Harbor, they nicknamed themselves “Harborites,” and, to celebrate the town’s 100th birthday this year, they launched a literary journal and a project to collect video town memories. They’ve also planned 100 centennial events, including those the town usually hosts annually.

The town’s jewel is Philippe Park, a Pinellas County park just 1 ½ miles north of downtown, bordering Old Tampa Bay. It has a boat ramp, picnic shelters and tables, playgrounds, paths along the bay, and plenty of places to launch kayaks and paddleboards.

A canopy of ancient oaks arches over the park’s main road, leading toward a 20-foot temple mound used by the Tocobaga tribe, which left the area in the mid-1700s. The top of the mound offers million-dollar views of the bay and is a popular setting for weddings. On weekends, especially, the park teems with bikers and walkers, many with dogs – on leashes, a park rule requirement. Birdwatchers are likely to see great blue herons, night herons, snowy egrets, osprey and the rarer roseate spoonbills. We once even saw a flock of flamingoes, just south of the park.

Safety Harbor City Marina, near the city’s pier and just south of the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, is home to mostly sailboats.

We like to leave our car at the park and walk south along a bayside sidewalk to downtown to see manatees from the municipal pier, just south of the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Then, we have lunch in town before walking back.

Often, between November and early May, four or five manatees float in the bay right next to the pier. On a recent visit, a Washington State visitor looked amazed to see five manatee faces — bursting from the water for air.

A boy named Colin peered over the pier railing and called out “I love you, manatees’’ repeatedly, while fishermen took time out from cast netting for mullet to watch the manatee show.

Meanwhile, in Veterans Memorial Marina Park, between the pier and the Safety Harbor City Marina, families picnicked under a shelter, enjoying the bay breezes.

Manatees can be spotted from Safety Harbor’s municipal pier, often between November and early May.

The town’s annual seafood festival – this year March 10 through March 12 – in Waterfront Park, across from the marina, attracts visitors from throughout the bay area. Safety Harbor prides itself on its festivals, featuring everything from arts and crafts to a sidewalk chalk art festival March 18 through March 19, a British car show Oct. 21, and a wine festival Nov. 4.

From the marina, it’s an easy walk to Main Street and to the town’s restaurants – from Whistle Stop Grill and Bar, known for fried green tomatoes; to Bar fly, a locals’ favorite, with a popular Taco Tuesday; to the pricier critics’ pick, Parts of Paris, a French bistro serving smoked frogs legs, duck confit and other delicacies.

Tupelo on 4th, a boutique in a converted house in Safety Harbor, sells home décor, jewelry and women’s fashions.

Two pizza restaurants, a barbecue place, a Latin American cantina and Green Springs Bistro, known for tasty bison burgers, are among other options.

The Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass, at 247 Main St., is worth a visit, with art shows, as well as artwork, glass and jewelry for sale. And, we like Tupelo on 4th, a boutique in a turquoise house with a tin roof that sells home decor, jewelry and women’s fashion.

But mostly, we go downtown to stroll, to manatee watch and to eat lunch. One day, we bought tasty sandwiches at The Sandwich on Main and picnicked in Veteran’s Memorial Marina Park. The sandwich shop’s motto: “We Got It Good” – a sentiment that might well describe Safety Harbor itself.

If you go:
Safety Harbor is in northern Pinellas County, off McMullen Booth Road. Its downtown is roughly south of State Road 580 and north of County Road 611.
Philippe Park is at 2525 Philippe Park Parkway. Hours are daily 7 a.m. to dusk, and closed only the Friday after Thanksgiving and on Christmas.
For events, including those for the city’s centennial, and for dining options, visit CityOfSafetyHarbor.com.
For a map of downtown, see SafetyHarborChamber.com, or stop by the chamber of commerce, at 200 Main St., for free visitors’ guides and attraction brochures.

By Karen Hamon Long

Published March 8, 2017

Local, fresh and healing foods

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Special to The Laker/ Lutz News

Bernard Wong has been a professional chef for more than 25 years. He and his wife Vicky Lin were thriving in the New York City baking industry for many of those years. But when their daughters Alexandria and Isabella were born, they decided to make a change.

“We enjoyed the city. There are so many culinary influences from all over the world.” said Lin. “But it wasn’t the best place to raise a family.”

So, two years ago, they packed up their bakeware and purchased a 17-acre farm in the rolling hills of Dade City. They faced challenges adapting their gardening methods to Florida’s subtropical climate, but are pleased with the results.

“We are committed to using only foods grown without pesticides or artifi
cial ingredients,” said Lin. “We’ve spent the past two years cultivating our farm so we can honor that commitment.”

Adhering to a “farm to table” philosophy, the couple grows the produce they use to create their fusion-style menu of breads, cakes, and desserts. These include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, taro, mangos, sunflowers, and the leaves of the moringa tree.

Known for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa oleifera has gained popularity as a miracle food. Customers are intrigued by the green-tinted cakes, breads, and even chicken noodle soup made with the tiny leaves.

“Nature provides so many healing foods,” Lin explained. “We love to incorporate these into our menu. We are what we eat, so if we eat healthy foods, we are healthy.”
That philosophy is evident in their menu. Homegrown sunflower leaves are dried, ground and transformed into sunflower tea mousse cake. Lemon raisin twists are made with fresh lemons. Fresh pickled daikon finds a home on barbecue pork buns and chicken sandwiches.

The menu changes with the seasons, guaranteeing exciting new delights throughout the year. All natural fruit smoothies are a recent addition, and the couple plans to offer a farm fresh salad bar during the summer months.

Located at 38201 10th Avenue, Zephyrhills, the Living Food Bakery and Café is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. They also offer catering and will create al occasion cakes and gift baskets on request by calling (813) 715-0622.

 

The Great Hands People Striving for Function Restoration of the Hand and Upper Extremity

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By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Luis A. Laurentin-Perez’s enthusiasm and love for his work is palpable when you first meet him. His vast experience has taken him all over the world, and as a result he’s fluent in English, Spanish, French and Italian. His 26 years of experience is pretty impressive, too.

With all of that being said, the doctor is rather reluctant to boast. He says he’s merely grateful for the ability to use his gifts to serve others, especially children.

The humble doctor and his dedicated staff at Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel use the latest practices and technologies for ailments of the hand and upper extremity.

They treat a wide variety of conditions for patients of all ages, including fractures, burns and open wounds; as well as nerve, tendon and vascular injuries. Dr. Laurentin, who additionally is a fully licensed plastic surgeon, also performs pediatric reconstructions in children suffering from congenital deficiencies.

“Our arms, elbows, wrists and hands help us in all of our daily activities, be work or play. When there’s a problem, it can greatly affect our quality of life,” said Dr. Laurentin.

“Whether your particular condition is acute or chronic, and whether the needed approach is conservative or surgical, we can help. We want to help.“

Whether you or someone you know suffers from tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, a sports injury or even trigger finger, call for a consult and learn how Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel can make a difference in your quality of life for years to come.

Hablamos Español

(813) 895-5581

HandCareofWC.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday

Call to Schedule an Appointment

 2050 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 101

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(across from Sam’s Club)