Closer Look

By Kelli Carmack

The Laker/Lutz News

“Your Future. Our Community. Together.”

This is the motto of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU), the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County.

The credit union has served its members in the eastern half of Pasco County for over 65 years. Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer, attributes its longtime success to its unwavering philosophy of putting the members first.

“We offer all the same products and services as the bank around the corner, but what stands us apart is how we deliver those products to the member,” says Sarne.

The most important mission at SACFCU is to make sure its members and community are succeeding. That’s why the credit union routinely hosts prize giveaways for its members, and donates to many local nonprofits, including The Thomas Promise and Daystar Hope Center.

“We’re not mandated to give back to the community, but we do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Sarne. “When our members and community succeed, we succeed.”

Another way SACFCU gave back to the community was through approving 229 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the COVID relief program.

The credit union loaned over $7 million to local businesses. Sarne remembers that their first PPP loan went to a local restaurant. Within 24 hours of receiving the loan, the restaurant owner called the credit union to tell us that he told his entire staff that they could come back to work because of SACFCU.

“That’s the impact we strive for,” says Sarne.

SACFCU’s positive impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded the 2020 Chamber Member of the Year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Sarne joined SACFCU in 1994 as a teller, and worked her way up to president last June. In her new role, her main focus is to increase the credit union’s imprint in the area —and they’re doing just that.

The credit union is currently building an 11,000-square-foot Operation Center at its San Antonio location.

“We want our back-office support staff under one roof,” says Sarne. “And, this facility will help us attract talented individuals to our team by providing additional job opportunities and advancement.”

SACFCU is currently offering a 4.99% APR on credit card balance transfers for the life of the balance. There is no transfer or transaction fees with this offer.

“If you have a credit card with a higher interest rate, let us help you,” says Sarne, “Just by taking advantage of this balance transfer, we are able to save you money. Our goal here is to get you in a better financial position.”

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has locations in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. To bank with SACFCU as a Member/Owner, you must live, work, worship or attend school in Eastern Pasco or Hernando Counties. For more information, go to https://www.sacfcu.org or call 352-588-2732.

Published 3/3/21

 

 

By Kelli Carmack

The Laker/Lutz News

The Twisted Sprocket Café, located in the Bexley community in Land O’ Lakes, is a hidden gem with cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas that are open to the public.

The café specializes in trendy breakfast and lunch items, such as acai bowls, avocado toast, quesadillas and many other items from its healthy menu. Its top-sellers include the Twisted Sprocket Salad (spring mix, chicken salad, feta, cranberries, pecans, bacon, cucumber and cherry tomatoes), the Bexley Club sandwich and a three-egg omelet that comes with four toppings.

While the Twisted Sprocket Café already has dairy-free food and drink items, café manager Adrianna Caruso is planning to add more gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to the menu.

The café also serves beverages such as wine, beer from Big Storm Brewery in Odessa, and phenomenal coffee from Buddy Brew Coffee, a Tampa-based coffee company.

“Partnering with Buddy Brew Coffee is a great way for us to support other local businesses,” says Caruso, “Plus, its coffee is out of this world. The cafe uses Buddy Brew’s Cubano expresso roast, which has a nutty, dark spice flavor that is ideal for a full-bodied cup of coffee, and a decaf Colombia roast with notes of caramel, apple and tangerine.

Twisted Sprocket Café has an outdoor deck that overlooks a peaceful lake with cabin-like chairs and tables. During the colder months, guests can enjoy the lake view from inside the café, where they can stay warm next to community fireplaces.

Caruso encourages the public to visit the café, even if you don’t want to buy anything, and just need a new work area.

“Our café is a great place for people who work or do school from home, and need a place to study and focus,” says Caruso. “We have power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and even a conference room.”

Caruso started as a café attendant at the Twisted Sprocket Café three years ago and has worked her way up to manager. She prides herself on giving guests the best experience possible when they’re at the café.

“I want my customers to feel like they’re at home when they’re here,” says Caruso.

Caruso is looking forward to bringing back fun events this year, including happy hours, networking events and wine clubs. She’s also planning to have monthly specialty drinks, including black forest milkshakes, salted caramel milkshakes, pumpkin spiced lattes, and even mango-ritas.

The Twisted Sprocket Café is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Caruso currently is hiring part-time café attendants, with pay starting at $12/hr.

 

The Twisted Sprocket Café

16950 Vibrant Way • Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

BexleyFlorida.com/amenities/twisted-sprocket-cafe • 813-491-4879

Published on 2/17/21

The Beach House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch sets the new standard in luxury senior living.  Its prime location in Wesley Chapel, elegant design, first-class amenities and sophisticated comfort represents a unique inspired lifestyle.  The apartments are bathed in seaside pastels for a tropical ambience and convey a sense of the sea and coastal living.

The Beach House offers 24-hour support and access to medical care.  Our healthcare services are customized to meet the specific needs of our residents with pharmacy services, regular medical checkups with our physicians who visit our community weekly, medical record maintenance and on-site nursing.  We are an age in place community where residents can remain in their home until end of life with additional services provided by Home Health and Hospice.

Life enrichment is a very important part of the Beach House lifestyle with exciting activities and regularly scheduled transportation to area events, the theatre, the Botanical gardens and many more.  Our residents enjoy live entertainment, classic movies in our theater, educational classes, painting with friends and resident inspired outings.

Dining at the Beach House is always a delicious and varied experience.  Our tantalizing menu features chef-prepared meals and our menu selections vary from day to day.  Our residents feel like they are dining in a different 5-star restaurant every day.

Our experienced, tenured management team at the Beach House is always available and accessible to residents and family members.  Our nursing and care teams are focused on resident care and well-being.  The Beach House is the ideal solution for older adults who want to live an active lifestyle, free from worries about home maintenance, cooking or cleaning. We will take care of the chores while you rediscover time and freedom to do as you like.  Leave your cares behind and come join us at the Beach House.

Call Gabriella at 813-508-6677 to schedule your lunch tour today.

Published on 2/10/21

By Kelli Carmack

Tampa Surgical Arts offers cosmetic treatments that give patients confidence and makes them look years younger. Two of the practice’s most popular procedures are the Brazilian Butt Lift, and facelifts for the lower neck and face.

“I love being able to sculpt people’s bodies and help them achieve the curves they always wanted to have, or get rid of stubborn fat,” says medical director Dr. Manik S. Bedi, who is a triple-board-certified surgeon with cosmetic and oral/maxillofacial surgery certificates, and a doctorate of dental surgery.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A BBL enhances a patient’s backside by lifting, firming and correcting any physical imbalances to increase its overall size. Dr. Bedi harvests fat from the stomach and love handles, carefully injects it into the buttocks, and then sculpts the fat to create a rounder, curvier look.

“Unlike a traditional butt lift, with a BBL there’s no actual lifting,” explains Dr. Bedi. “It’s just making the waist smaller and the butt larger by injecting your own fat, which results in a more natural, but still lifted look.”

After surgery, a BBL patient typically feels sore for a week or two, and can return to work after that. Dr. Bedi says that 60% to 80% of the swelling is gone within the first eight weeks, and the patient is fully recovered within six to nine months.

“And, as long as you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the results will last a lifetime,” says Dr. Bedi.

You can also have stubborn fat removed at Tampa Surgical Arts.

“Sometimes excess fat is genetic. So, no matter how much you work out and lose weight, you still might have some of that stubborn fat on your stomach or neck that you just won’t be able to lose. That’s where our procedures come in handy,” Dr. Bedi explains.

Both men and women benefit from BBL procedures.

“I had a male patient come in and his exact words were: ‘I just want to wear pants and not have them fall down.’ The result of the procedure for men is an athletic, squared look,” says Dr. Bedi.

 Lower Neck and Facelifts

Surgical lifts are ideal for someone wanting to tighten a sagging jawline, remove the “marionette” lines between their nose and the corners of their mouth, or improve a tired appearance.

This procedure involves removing any excess fat and tightening the skin by pulling it up and back. All incisions are made behind the ears, so they are easily hidden from view.

“On average, the procedure will make you look eight to 10 years younger,” says Dr. Bedi, “You will still look like yourself, just much more refreshed.” An ideal candidate for a lift is someone in their 40s through 60s.

After the surgery, patients will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort, and should expect to spend at least a week out of work. Dr. Bedi says that 60% to 80% of swelling will be gone in six weeks, with final results in three to four months.

Special Offer

In January, all facelift patients will get free fat grafting, called a “Lift N Fill” technique. This is when Dr. Bedi will inject fat from your body into places on your face, such as below the eyes and in the cheeks, where volume has been lost.

Tampa Surgical Arts

17751 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556

813-694-7242 • TampaSurgicalArts.com

Published on 1/13/21

By Kelli Carmack

When you pick up a bag of A Cup of Organic’s premium organic coffee, one of the first things you’ll see is oil on the coffee beans.

“This is a telltale indicator that our coffee is fresh,” says Doug Torres, owner of A Cup of Organic. “If there isn’t oil on your coffee beans, or a layer of oil on top of your cup of coffee, that means your coffee isn’t fresh, it’s old.”

Along with being fresh, A Cup of Organic’s coffee is also certified organic. The three major benefits to drinking organic coffee are that there is no acidity, no bitterness, and no aftertaste.

Torres outsources his coffee from Honduras, where many members of his family live. In fact, the coffee is from Torres’ brother, Juan Torres, and his sister-in-law’s coffee fields, which are overseen by Juan’s father-in-law.

“We pride ourselves on being family owned,” says Torres. “They pick, roast, grind and package our coffee all in Honduras in a week’s time, and then ship it to me.”

Reflecting on the decade that A Cup of Organic has been in business, the first thing that comes to Torres’ mind is freedom.

“I don’t consider this my job — this is my lifestyle,” says Torres, “It’s such a blessing to spend more time with my family, and also have my family involved in this business.”

Before owning A Cup of Organic, Torres worked in corporate America for 20 years. Driving home from work one day and contemplating on his future, he prayed to God for guidance.

“God gave me an answer — to sell coffee, but with a vision of giving back,” says Torres.

On his first day of business in 2009, Torres set up a tent and generator on State Road 54, near where Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel is today. He made handwritten signs to put all over 54 saying “free samples of organic coffee,” and worked from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

He had told himself, “God, if just one person stops today, I’ll continue to do this.” And then, at 11 a.m., as he was packing up, one person stopped by.

The next day, Torres said, “God, if you give me two people today, I’ll continue to do this.” Torres ended up getting two people that day.

“And, from that point on, I didn’t question God anymore and kept moving forward,” says Torres. And he kept his promise to God to give back.

Torres has donated enough money to help build The City of Hope Orphanage in Honduras, which serves as a sanctuary for abused and neglected children. Torres also routinely hosts shoe drives, and gives the shoes to the needy in Honduras.

A Cup of Organic’s newest location is in Land O’ Lakes in the Connerton community. Other locations are in Wesley Chapel, San Antonio, Lutz and Tampa. For more information, visit ACupOfOrganic.com.

20421 Rose Cottage Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637 • 813-546-6659

Published 1/27/21

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When a former client referred his brother, a first-time homebuyer, to April Barra, she  knew she would do whatever it took to help him find his future home

“He was looking to purchase a starter home an hour’s drive away. There were several trips to show homes, written offers, inspections, and even a couple of contracts that fell through, due to reasons outside our control,” Barra says.

“Someone asked me how many times I was going to keep driving over there to help this guy, and my answer was, as many times as it takes. He wanted a home, and I was committed to helping him get it.”

It’s apparent that Barra always puts the needs of her clients first.

“Most people need an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor to help them navigate the home-buying process, keep them informed and give them peace of mind. I want people to see me as their trusted advocate and knowledgeable real estate resource. If you are looking for someone who will talk less, listen more, and be the steady calm in the sometimes stormy sea of real estate, call me,” Barra says.

To educate her clients, Barra offers a complimentary Real Estate Review to inform them of local real estate trends and to monitor the market for potential bubbles. She invests much of her time in training and continuing education, and has earned certificates as a Certified Negotiations Expert and Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

“I am passionate about helping seniors, and that’s why I became a seniors’ specialist,” said Barra. “I also have a network of partners I work with, so I can connect seniors with experts to help them with specific questions and problems.”

Barra also is certified as a Real Estate Collaborative Specialist in Divorce, and is accustomed to helping home-owning couples navigate the difficulties of divorce.

“When it comes to working with divorcing couples, early is best,” said Barra. “It is very important to help both parties understand the real estate part of their divorce, and how to protect themselves.”

With access to Florida Executive Realty’s many resources, Barra makes listing and showcasing a home a professional process. She always uses a professional photographer to market her listings on websites, YouTube and social media.

“It’s not just putting a property on MLS and waiting for the phone to ring. We create beautiful brochures and buyer packets, and always provide an extra level of service,” said Barra, who was recently recognized with a Rising Star Award with Florida Executive Realty.

While Barra specializes in residential real estate, she also helps with referrals for commercial and foreign real estate. Partnering with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, she can find real estate agents anywhere in the U.S., and 70 other countries.

813-404-7992 • www.AprilBarraRealEstate.com
15802 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL 33647 •

Published 3/18/20

By Kelli Carmack

When Gem Ashby moved from her native island of Barbados to attend medical school in America, her mind was set on a career as a pediatrician or surgeon.

However, after completing her rotations at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Ashby found herself falling in love with another specialty, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN).

“Once I witnessed my first labor and delivery, I knew that OBGYN was the specialty for me. No other rotation gave me the love, joy and excitement that I got with OBGYN,” said Dr. Ashby.

Dr. Ashby went on to complete her residency training at Florida State University’s OBGYN program in Pensacola, then moved to Tampa to work for Generations OBGYN, a unit of Women’s Care Florida.

After eight years at Generations OBGYN, Dr. Ashby wanted to focus her time and attention on the growing needs of women in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and in 2018 opened her own practice, which she called Gentle Hands OBGYN.

Many of Dr. Ashby’s staff came with her from Generations OBGYN.

“Most of us have worked together for 10 years now…we’re like a family, and we make sure we treat our patients like they, too, are part of our family,” said Dr. Ashby.

One of the newest additions to the Gentle Hands family is Dr. Kristen Witkowski, who is also Dr. Ashby’s business partner.

Dr. Witkowski was born in Chicago, Illinois, where she completed her OBGYN training. After missing her family who had relocated to Florida, and digging her car out of snow for the umpteenth time, she decided her future was in Florida.

Dr. Witkowski enjoys all aspects of the OBGYN specialty, but her favorite part is the relationships she builds with her patients. “It is important to me that patients feel listened to, understood and respected,” said Dr. Witkowski.

Dr. Ashby and the entire Gentle Hands OBGYN team are devoted to going through all stages of a patient’s life — the excitement of a pregnancy, having the baby and even menopause.

Services include prenatal care, delivery, in-office ultrasounds, infertility testing and treatment, routine pap smears, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. It also offers virtual exams for select OB and GYN to existing patients during the current coronavirus crisis.

2391 Oak Myrtle Lane, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 803 – 2219

GentleHandsOBGYN.com

Published 9/2/20

JULY 23, 2020 BY SPECIAL TO THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS

When you walk into Tampa Surgical Arts, there is soft music playing, calming aromas and restful furniture — not the typical sterile environment found in a traditional facial and cosmetic surgeon’s office.

Making sure his patients feel relaxed and comfortable is a priority for Dr. Manik Bedi, owner of Tampa Surgical Arts, and facial and cosmetic surgery center in Odessa.

“I always put myself in the client’s shoes. If I were to go into an office to get a procedure, I would want to feel comfortable every step of the way,” says Dr. Bedi.

Dr. Bedi has impressive credentials, and is one of few triple-board-certified surgeons in the greater Tampa area. He has a medical degree, and an oral and maxillofacial surgery certificate, from the University of Florida, earned a doctor of dental surgery from New York University, and was awarded a cosmetic surgery certificate from Tulsa Surgical Arts in Oklahoma.

Dr. Bedi is proud to offer patients a private surgical center, which is one of the area’s only accredited facilities. He offers a wide range of procedures, including smile makeovers with dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, eyelid surgery, ear pinning, facial implants, medical spa treatment, facelift, liposculpture and Brazilian Butt Lift.

Patients begin their visit in a private room with a treatment coordinator to talk about the procedures they are interested in. Then, Dr. Bedi comes in and spends time learning about their goals, and why they are considering facial cosmetic surgery. Together, they discuss the benefits and risks associated with the procedure, and then Dr. Bedi develops a comprehensive treatment plan that explains what happens before, during and after surgery.

A misconception some people have of cosmetic surgery is that it can look overdone or fake. Dr. Bedi assures patients that his surgeries always result in a natural look that enhances their original beauty.

Cosmetic and facial procedures give patients an instant boost of confidence, and this change in self-perception is one of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Bedi’s job.

“I love that I have the ability to change people’s lives and help them regain the confidence they once had, by achieving a desired look they never thought they could achieve,” says Dr. Bedi.

A unique feature you’ll find at Tampa Surgical Arts is that right after surgery, patients wake up to a delicious smoothie made just for them.

To schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bedi, please contact Tampa Surgical Arts today. The practice abides by all COVID-19 safety procedures.

17751 Gunn Highway, Odessa
(813) 694-7242, TampaSurgicalArts.com

By Kelli Carmack

Published July 22, 2020