The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Closer Look

Local Maid Brigade Is Franchise of the Year

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© Jessica Leigh Photography

Maid Brigade has bestowed one of its highest honors on Carrie and Rick Knight of Wesley Chapel —naming them its 2017 Franchise of the Year for all of North America.

The Knights, who have owned its Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay franchise since 2007, were recognized for their commitment to customers, employees and business, which has seen sales double over the past five years.

“We are so honored to be recognized as franchise of the year,” said Carrie. “This is a tribute to our entire team of 26 employees, as well as our hundreds of loyal customers.”

Maid Brigade honored the Knights in July at its annual convention in Atlanta. They were selected from among 90 franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

“Carrie and Rick are driven and enthusiastic business owners who are superb supporters of their community,” said a Maid Brigade spokesperson. “In addition, they are keenly involved in our franchise system, making significant contributions that make them outstanding Maid Brigade citizens.”

About Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay

This family-owned business provides residential and commercial cleaning services to over 300 regular customers throughout Tampa Bay, with many clients coming from Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa and Lutz.

As a professional cleaning company, it is licensed, bonded and insured. Its maids bring cleaning supplies, including a state-of-the-art, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, and follow a thorough check-list of what tasks need to be performed for every job.

“We have a great reputation for quality cleaning and customer service, and proudly back our cleanings with our 100% satisfaction guarantee,” said Carrie.  “It’s our mission to provide the best customer service, highest-quality cleanings and healthiest environment for you and your family.”

Background checks are done on all employees, and maids wear company identification that shows proof of their last background check. Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay also sends new clients photos and resumes of the two employees coming to a client’s home prior to their first cleaning.

“Our customers love that we send them an e-mail with photos of their maids — they say that it gives them peace of mind to know who’s coming on the day of their service. Customers truly appreciate the extra step we’ve taken to make them feel secure,” said Carrie.

To schedule a no obligation quote, call (813) 961-5900. Testimonials and more information are available at www.maidbrigade.com/fl/tampa/ and on Facebook at Maid Brigade of Tampa Bay.

The Knights live in the Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel, and have two children. Hailey is a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High, and Luke is a seventh grader at John Long Middle.

Charting a Course for Excellence

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Dr. David Scamard of Excellence In Eye Care has practiced locally for over 15 years.

Just when you thought you’d seen everything, things begin to change. Menus seem to be printed smaller. Someone has clearly messed with the font size on your smartphone. And, the print on your prescriptions has become a blur.

“Unfortunately, the world isn’t changing as much as your eyes probably are,” says Dr. David Scamard, O.D., of Excellence In Eye Care, at Cypress Creek Town Center. “Like the rest of our bodies, the eye’s efficiency as an organ will change over time.”

While that’s not really a newsflash to anyone over the age of 45, or to those that already wear glasses, Dr. Scamard feels that it’s important to recognize that other factors could be contributing to your changing vision.

“Regular eye exams are important because when left undiagnosed, or not addressed promptly, things like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment can lead to much more serious eye problems,” he says.

Dr. Scamard, a Tampa native, has been practicing for more than 15 years and has rightfully earned quite the local following. Last February, he opened his new full-scope optometric eye care practice in the optics center inside the Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center.

With a lab, designer frames and prescription lenses literally steps away from his clinic, the value-added services create a combination that’s tough to match. What’s more, because all of his equipment like the auto refractor, the visual field analyzer and the digital phoropter are state-of-the-art, digital, most exams can be conducted in less than 15 minutes. If you need to budget your time, an appointments is encouraged, but even walk-ins are usually seen with little or no wait time as well.

Beyond all of that, Dr. Scamard is also leading the way in the emerging field of Sports Vision Training with his recent acquisition of a Sanet Vision Integrator. The SVI as it’s called, is a key component in Sports Vision Training, which sharpens athletes’ reaction times, while at the same time improving their balance. At all levels, the training can be a valuable tool for players (and coaches) in virtually all sports. Excellence In Eye Care is one of only a handful of clinics in the state to offer SVI services to the public.

Excellence In Eye Care also specializes in contact lenses and pediatric eye care. To schedule your eye exam or to find out more about Sport Vision Training, give Dr. Scamard a call, or check out Excellence In Eye Care’s website.

(813 279-7038 • ExcellenceInEyeCare.net

2225 Grand Cypress Dr. • Lutz, FL 33559 (inside Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center)

Alternative Positioning Statement

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Teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa include (seated from left): Willow, Roxanne, and Richard and (standing) Amy, Laura, Joy, Deb and Linda.

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Nowadays it seems the word “yoga” almost instantly conjures one of two images. The first is that of someone contorting themselves to resemble a pretzel. The other is the seemingly ubiquitous trend in women’s pants.

Sun Yoga Tampa in Lutz understands that yoga really isn’t about the outfits. Neither is it a contest of who can twist themselves into the most difficult pose. While yoga is exercise, it’s not competitive or comparative in the way many other workouts can tend to be.

“Yoga, when practiced correctly, exercises not only the body, but the mind and the soul as well. In fact, it’s a union of the three,” says Willow Marcotte, the studio’s owner, and one of eight certified instructors on staff.

People find yoga for many reasons. Some use it as a workout to unwind from daily stress, others to stretch and strengthen muscles, while others still use it as a means of meditation. No matter if you’re a beginner or an old pro, the teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa will meet you where you are on your journey and offer solid guidance as you progress.

To that end, their studio is more familial than formal, and offers a variety of styles to meet the needs of all who enter their doors. They truly strive to maintain the concept of being a place where people from all walks can come together to practice as a community.

In Sanskrit, the word “yoga” basically means union, and Sun Yoga Tampa represents a mindful approach to a healthier lifestyle where body, mind and spirit can all function as one.

Regardless of age, flexibility or physical condition, yoga has benefits for everyone. To find out more about which classes best suit your needs and when they are offered, give them a call or check out their website.

Daily Classes: Monday – Saturday

Once A Month: Sunday

 

19026 Geraci Rd. • Lutz, FL 33548

813-955-1262 • SunYogaTampa.com

“YOUR YOGA COMMUNITY”

A Different Kind of ‘Navel’ Academy

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Kandy ‘Kadayif’ Sinquefield has taught the art of belly dance for over 20 years.

Much of what we think of as belly dancing has been shaped by its portrayal in scores of classic movies about the Middle East, like “Sinbad” and “Aladdin,” or perhaps by the opening credits of television’s “I Dream of Jeanie.” Some of those are accurate depictions of the folk dance, but many are just a bunch of tinseltown hokum.

At the American BellyDance Studio in Lutz you can learn numerous authentic styles, from traditional to fusion. ABS owner, Kandy Sinquefield, whose stage name is ‘Kadayif,’ has taught it for more than 20 years. “An ankle injury forced me to give up ballet because I could no longer do the pointe work, and that’s how I got into belly dance,” she said.

Belly dance is an aerobic form of exercise that limits the impact on joints, so everyone can participate. Moreover, it promotes grace, confidence, self-expression, and enhances mobility and offers a great cardio workout to boot.

Sinquefield is a registered nurse by trade, but has studied belly dance all over the world. She gives students safe, attainable goals for dance technique and exercise. Most of her ABS students are professional women like herself, who use classes as unwind time. Classes range from beginner to professional levels, and include basic instruction and specialization in styles such as Turkish Rom, Classic Egyptian, American Tribal, Tribal Fusion, and Gypsy. They even offer a few classes for children.

ABS dancers are featured performers throughout the year at events like the Florida State Fair, renaissance festivals, local parades, various charitable events and several showcases held on site, in their 60-seat, theater space. Performers dance to traditional and nontraditional music as well.

Kadayif works hard to promote a family atmosphere at American BellyDance Studio. “Many of our dancers’ spouses help out during the shows with staging, lighting and concessions. The children’s classes kind of grew out their desire to participate after seeing their mommies practice and perform. It was really kind of a natural progression,” she added.

It’s not all about belly either. ABS also features ballet, hip-hop and jazz classes, which are fused into the performances. For those who aren’t sure if this is the right fit for them, the studio offers free, no obligation, introductory classes, and a very flexible price structure to fit any schedule or budget.

If you’re looking for a fun and exotic way to get a fantastic cardio workout, then follow your gut instincts to American BellyDance Studio, 1.5 miles north of Bearss Ave., in the Sydney Center on the corner of U.S. 41 and Whitaker Road in Lutz.

American Bellydance Studio (logo)

813-416-8333 • AmericanBellyDance.com.com

 102 Whitaker Rd. • Lutz, FL 33549 • (in the Sydney Center)

Worth a Visit

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Susan Blackwell, manager of the BonWorth located in Merchant Square Mall on Highway 301 in Zephyrhills, believes her store is the best-kept fashion secret in town.

“Zephyrhills is the perfect location for a clothing and accessories store that caters to older women,” said Blackwell. “This area has so many retirees and seasonal residents who come seeking the relaxed, comfortable Florida lifestyle. We provide the fashion that fits that lifestyle.”

In an era of declining brick and mortar retail store sales, BonWorth has stayed the course by focusing its line of quality women’s fashion on style, comfort and ease of care for a predominantly 45+ market. Founded 1966 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by the Wells family, the company expanded by opening over 290 stores across the country.

Upon retirement of the last member of the Wells family, the company was acquired in 2014 by a former supplier, Mr. Gurusankar Gurumoorthy, who saw the BonWorth brand ripe for growth and ready for a slight change that would include a younger demographic without losing the older one.

Blackwell said the daughters of loyal, long-time customers are now shopping her store, oftentimes with their mothers. “Today, women care more about feeling good in their clothing, while still wanting to be fashionable,” Blackwell said. “The clothes and accessories we carry enable them to do both.”

Blackwell began her career with BonWorth in 2013 as a part-time associate, with a promotion to store manager in 2015 – and with good reason. Under her direction, the store began providing offsite trunk shows at area assisted living facilities and now participates in many local fundraisers, such as the annual fashion show hosted by the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

“I love doing trunk shows,” said Blackwell. “It’s so rewarding to help elderly women who aren’t able to come to the store, or who don’t like to shop on the internet. They get so excited when I show up. I believe they value having a personal relationship with someone who understands their unique needs.”

Blackwell believes BonWorth’s casual, one-stop shopping experience is what attracts shoppers. “There’s always something new. For example, the new fall line features coordinating collections and an abundance of mix and match separates in Misses and Petite sizes. Our designers constantly introduce new colors, fabrics and accessories while also bringing back, season after season, long-time customer favorites such as our uniquely BonWorth LeChute fabric.”

As to the future, Blackwell said her vision is to see the Zephyrhills location become a premier shopping destination for seasonal and year-round residents.

A Family On The Cutting Edge

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Mother and daughter, Jay and Sawyer Zurkan, are the co-owners of Salon Zed.

Every hair salon is a bit different, be it in the services they offer, the product lines they carry, or even the personalities within the shop. Opened since May, Salon Zed is a family-owned, full-service salon that offers their guests the latest trends in hair styling and body care.

They feature Redken and Pureology hair care lines and have also partnered with Eminence Organic Skin Care to ensure the best quality products and results for their guests. That combined with skin, spray-tan, message and natural mani-pedi services make Salon Zed a one-stop shop for any beauty needs.

The shop is co-owned by the mother-daughter partnership of Jay and Sawyer Zurkan. “It’s been our dream for quite sometime to open our own full service salon,” said Jay.

“Not all parents are able to work so closely with their children, but she truly is my best friend and I love working with her every day,” beamed Sawyer.

The family ties at Salon Zed run even deeper, as Sawyer’s father built the reception area and her brother put together the studio’s website. “So much of what’s gone in to this place is a reflection of the people we cherish. It’s been quite the family affair,” she added.

Another interesting aspect of Salon Zed is their leading-edge hair replacement services. Cancer patients and those dealing with genetic hair-loss issues will take comfort in the knowledge that Salon Zed can create a hair replacement solution for just about any lifestyle or budget.

This is truly a labor of love, as Jay has dealt with her own hereditary hair-loss for many years. As the voice of experience, she will candidly discuss the subject with prospective clients in complimentary, one-on-one consultations. These are done discreetly to keep clients at ease, and the end results are often remarkable.

With a full range of professional hair services, expert color application and techniques, color correction and the latest trends for men and women, customers can expect to come away looking and feeling their best. “Nothing makes us happier than to see our clients walk out of here beaming with confidence,” concluded Jay.

Salon Zed is conveniently located at the intersection of Lutz Lake Fern Rd. and N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Lutz Lake Crossing center.

813-406-5364• SalonZed.com

 19241 N. Dale Mabry Hwy

Lutz, FL 33548

(in the Lutz Lake Crossing center)

 

 

Helping People Take Back Their Yards

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In the Tampa Bay Area, bugs are as unavoidable as death and taxes. Unfortunately, because of the heat and humidity, this happens to be an ideal habitat for mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

But, mosquitoes are much more than just an annoyance. They can pose a health hazard to families and pets, causing allergic reactions and exposing our loved ones to dangerous viruses, such as Zika and West Nile.

In fact, Brandon Allen is quick to point out that worldwide, according to National Geographic, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths annually than sharks, tigers, snakes, dogs, alligators, crocodiles, and man combined.

Allen and his staff at Mosquito Hunters of Tampa Bay can help. They offer effective, environmentally responsible mosquito control solutions for both residential and commercial properties throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

Unlike much of their competition, Mosquito Hunters understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to outdoor treatments. A member of Allen’s team will work with you, surveying your outdoor space, to customize an effective treatment plan for your home or business that is both people and pet friendly.

Currently, Mosquito Hunters is offering a special for first time customers of $200 for the year pest control and 5% off on their mosquito packages.

They also can provide a “one-off” barrier treatment service for HOA common areas and special outdoor events like weddings, festivals, concerts, cookouts and family reunions.

More than just mosquitos

Just like the name implies, mosquitos are their specialty, but they are a fully licensed pest control service that can help rid you of other unwanted guests like fire ants, fleas, ticks and small rodents. To date, in-laws are just about the only unwanted visitors they can’t help you with.

Operations manager, Wes “The Ant Whisperer “ Rogers, doesn’t believe in a hard-sell approach. “Since not everyone is a native Floridian, we try to educate our clients about proactive measures they, themselves, can take, rather than us just showing up once a month and then sending them a bill,” he said.

Mosquito Hunters also offers a Client Happiness Promise, which allows for no hassle, no-questions-asked re-treatments in between the regularly scheduled treatments. Basically, they want you to be happy with their work. That’s why they also provide customers with a cost-effective rollover service for unused treatments, an option not offered by the competition.

“For us, it’s truly a partnership with our clients. We stand behind our work and remain accessible after the fact,” said Kirby Lavallee, the company’s business and marketing manager.

If you’re ready to take back your yard, contact the Mosquito Hunters team today.

(813) 365-3976

MosquitoHunters.com

email:

Cruise Over to The Hair Port and Refresh Your Style

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The Hair Port’s staff: Seated on bench (l to r): Brooke Gill, Cindy Caron and Linda Villar. Back row (l to r): Rebecca Barnes, Nina Edmisten, Tammie Brandl, Wanda Smith, Sara Barnes and owner Judi Barnes.

Life is sunny for the talented team of stylists at The Hair Port. Tucked behind Wendy’s off State Road 54, the quaint salon is an oasis of calm that feels miles away from the busy, day-to-day routine in Land O’ Lakes.

Come in and leave your sea of worries behind as you enjoy a bit of relaxation along with expert hair services. Judi, Nina, Cindy, Tammie, Wanda, Linda and Brooke each brings many years of experience working with people of all ages, and this makes The Hair Port a welcome destination for the whole family.

When you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a tranquil place reminiscent of an ocean-side cottage. A “Welcome Aboard” sign is displayed on the wall, as well as large oil paintings of beach landscapes and a red and white buoy. Seashells decorate shelves and countertops, and wicker ceiling fans offer a nice breeze on warm days.

Even though it may appear that you’re on a tropical getaway, you will also feel right at home with the salon’s friendly staff, who treat each other (and their clients) like family. And while the Hair Port ladies take their jobs very seriously, they also have a great sense of humor, which is evident in quirky signs hanging from some of the hair stations, such as “Beware of Attack Hairdresser.” This is clearly the happy environment that Judi had hoped to create when she opened the salon 13 years ago.

Hair Port customers can indulge in a variety of services — haircuts, full color, highlights, braiding and facial waxing — all at very reasonable prices. There are also plenty of women who come for their weekly wash and set, an option not offered in many salons today. The staff here use some of the most professional hair products on the market, including Redken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix, to keep your hair in the most optimal condition.

It’s time to depart once you’re styled to perfection and feeling your best. Little visitors can select a treat from a ceramic shell full of colorful candies at the front desk. It’s comforting to know you don’t have to travel far from home for a refreshing retreat with affordable style. As you leave, a message on the wall offers a sweet reminder of The Hair Port’s warm spirit and its parting wish for everyone that comes: “May all who enter as guests leave as friends”.

813-909-8710 • 813-909-1432

2346 Raden Dr. • Land O’Lakes

Time Well Spent

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Jaime’s Adult Day Centers was founded by sisters Julie (left) and Jaime Goddard.

Jaime’s Adult Day Centers offers an affordable solution to help loved ones stay active, make new friends, and experience life based on their own unique abilities. This brainchild of sisters Jaime and Julie Goddard opened in January in North Tampa.

“As the name implies, members spend the day on-site, but return to their own homes in the evening,” said co-owner, Jaime Goddard, a registered nurse by trade, who is clearly passionate about her work in senior care.

Initially, the siblings considered opening an assisted living facility, but decided that the emerging niche of private adult day care was where they could do the most good. Right out of the gate, they sought to break the mold of those government-run senior centers.

The result is a welcoming atmosphere that truly feels like home, right down to the authentic vintage photos of their family hanging on the walls. Beyond the obvious curb appeal, Jaime’s is a considerably less-expensive option than standard ALFs, or in-home caregivers.

An, on-staff, certified recreational therapist uses innovative, daily activities to engage creativity and socialization. Things like chair zumba, drum circles, and walks to the nearby lake are commonplace. As are tending to the members’ vegetable garden, brain games, karaoke and even playing Wii.

“The activities we provide are based on the five pillars of wellness: social, emotional, intellectual, physical and the spiritual,” beams big sister Julie, who herself has 17 years experience as a trustee/conservator for the aged.

The staff at Jaime’s truly understands the challenges families face and offers a calming, supportive environment. The super sisters work with members and their families to provide everyone with peace of mind. To schedule or tour, or to find out more about their flexible full or half-day memberships, give them a call.

813-263-6735 • JaimesAdultDayCenters.com

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Monday – Friday

 18950 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. • Lutz, FL 33548 • (in Sunlake Professional Center)

Discover Twisted Sprocket Café

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Ashley Davis

The new community of Bexley in Land O’ Lakes is getting lots of recognition for its parks and trail system, beautiful homes from prestigious builders, and new elementary school that opens this fall.

Yet to be discovered by many, however, is Bexley’s best-kept secret —The Twisted Sprocket Café.

This gem of a café is located inside The Bexley Club, which is part of the amenity center for Bexley residents. People are often surprised to learn that the community’s restaurant is also open to the public, and that the cafe offers so much more than a traditional grab-and-go menu found at most clubhouses.

The Twisted Sprocket Café is headed up by clubhouse and café Manager Ashley Davis, a talented young chef and FIU graduate who has created a surprising menu of delightful recipes that are getting rave reviews from local food bloggers.

One of the café’s most popular sandwiches, the Bexley Club, received outstanding kudos by blogger Mike Sylvester, who posts at The Geeky Traveler website.

“The Bexley Club,” Sylvester writes, “is jammed, packed full of goodness and wrapped in a soft, but warm, crispy Tuscan baguette and layered with a little ranch dressing.”

Sylvester describes the Twisted Sprocket Salad as “overflowing with flavor and textured with walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and bacon, all served on a huge bed of spring mix. The honey mustard vinaigrette that was chosen rounded this salad off perfectly.”

Most menu items are made from recipes created by Davis, including smoothies and milk shakes, French toast, omelets, pastries, sandwiches, flatbreads, quesadillas and desserts.

The Cafe overlooks a lovely lake in a serene woodland setting that is a mile or so from busy State Road 54 to the south and the Veterans Expressway to the west. Decks overlook the lake with cabin-like chairs and tables, and guests enjoy the view inside from tables, booths and a friendly, old-fashioned counter. During cooler months, folks enjoy fireplaces located inside the café and on the deck.

“We’ve created an inviting, comfortable restaurant that is perfect for eating inside or out,” said Davis. “The décor has an eclectic feel that is neither modern nor rustic, but something in-between. It’s perfect for morning coffee with friends, someplace different for business meetings and a relaxing restaurant with no wait for families getting together for a weekend breakfast or lunch.”

Davis invites area residents to bring their laptops to the café and spend a few hours catching up with work, or staying in touch with family and friends. The Café serves Buddy Brew, a rich specialty coffee made in Tampa, craft beers from Big Storm Brewery in nearby Odessa, and has a respectable section of wine.

Working alongside Davis, are Assistant Manager Ashley Fairbanks, and café attendants Leah Palacio and Adrianna Caruso.

HOURS: 10 to 6 Mon – Sat • 12 to 6 Sunday

16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 491-4879 • bexleyflorida.com