The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Sponsored Content

After 23 Years of Service, Commander Sets Sail For New Horizons

By

Service to one’s own country can be a difficult decision. It’s never easy to put on hold relationships, personal goals or any other ties we may have, to give up our time for something greater than ourselves.

The Laker/Lutz News would like to thank Commander Jason Cummings for his 23 years of service, as he retires from his position with the U.S. Navy.

Because of what is sacrificed, military service forever will be a noble pursuit, no matter the enlistment. When asked what his service meant to him, Cmdr. Cummings simply stated,

“It means that I was ensuring the protection of freedom and rights of everyone, afforded by the constitution.”

Jason Cummings was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in White Bluff, Tennessee.  After graduating from Tennessee Technological University, he was commissioned via Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola in October 2000. He attended the Naval Intelligence Officer Course in Dam Neck, Virginia. He earned his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College Satellite Program in 2018.

Throughout his time in the military, Cmdr. Cummings and his family were stationed in Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Japan, Florida, Hawaii and Maryland. While working for the Navy, he also visited many foreign places like Singapore, Thailand, Greece, Italy, England, and Israel.

“I grew up to see so much diversity,” said daughter Laurel Cummings, who is the Sales Assistant at The Laker/Lutz News.

“It gave me a stronger appreciation for people’s individuality and perspective on how important our communities can be. Also, getting to live in a lot of different environments was cool — from rainforests to deserts, I’ve seen a lot!”

Cmdr. Cummings’ first priority has always been his family; it’s what led him to his service in the first place.

“At the time, my first daughter was young and my second was on the way. I was making minimum wage with no insurance. The military was a good place to get benefits. Then, it ended up being my long term career,” said Cmdr. Cummings.

However, no matter what part of the world he was in, he understood that the ties of brotherhood were only temporary – family is eternal. Retirement was his way of coming back home to what truly matters most to him, this time for good. He used the parable of the Ship of Theseus to drive this point home. Overtime, if a ship had each of its components replaced, would the ship still be the same by the end?

“In the military, yes, this would be true. But with family – you can never be replaced,” said Cmdr. Cummings.

Now, as Cummings retires and steps away from his career, he wants to remind anyone who is seeking a long-term career in the military to find and maintain balance.

“Balance the demands of military service with the needs of your family. Their support makes the sacrifice worth it,” said Cummings.

Cmdr. Cummings has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) as well as various other personal and unit level awards.

He will enjoy the rest of his retirement at his home in Lutz, spending time with his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their five children: Laurel, Catherine, Heather, Jacob and Thomas.

Published June 01, 2022

Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County 

By

Congratulations to Kids Helping Kids Pasco County for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 by president Michelle Patel, who was looking for ways for her family to serve the community together. Patel didn’t find many local opportunities for children to be involved, until a sandwich-making project in​​ the community became the ‘building blocks’ for Kids Helping Kids Pasco County.

The nonprofit strives to be a source of assistance to local, low-income families that are struggling financially but may be unable to receive assistance elsewhere.

“We have a ‘no questions asked’ policy when it comes to most of the support we provide. If a family reaches out in need of support, we will do everything in our power to help them,” says vice president Dara Dimeler.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County has a few projects it does every year, such as its summer food drive and holiday toy drive.

“Our Teen Advisory Board helps to guide our projects every year – they provide valuable insight into the needs of their peers,” says Patel.

The organization also has started installing some Free Little Libraries around the area, and are doing more routine road cleanups.

The two Little Libraries are located at the RCMA Dade City Learning Center and the Pasco Woods Apartments in Wesley Chapel.

“We supply the books, and we have volunteers that routinely check on the libraries to make sure they are not damaged and are fully stocked,” says Dimeler.

Patel says the nonprofit’s greatest achievement to date has been its COVID-19 food project.

“When schools abruptly closed in March 2020, the access for food was initially very limited within our county. We saw a need and stepped in immediately to provide supplemental food to families that had suddenly lost the food support they would have otherwise been receiving through free/reduced school lunches,” says Patel.

Together with the help of more than 100 volunteers, community donations and business sponsors, Kids Helping Kids Pasco County provided more than 27,000 meals over a 21-week period.

“Watching the community come together in what was such a unique and confusing time was absolutely amazing to witness, and something I personally will never forget,” says Patel.

For Patel, the most rewarding part of founding Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is the impact the nonprofit has on these young children.

“Watching a child with a smile on their face genuinely wanting to help make a difference in their community is what keeps me going. We’ve had the opportunity to watch many of these young volunteers grow over the years, step up into their community and really make a difference,” says Patel.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is currently looking for a fundraising chair. The nonprofit also is looking to fill spots on its Back to School Planning Committee. Ideal volunteers for this role would be available to work through the summer to plan and execute its drive scheduled for July 30, 2022. Both of these roles would be adult-held positions.

For more information on how to support or volunteer for the nonprofit, call 813-957-5711.

Be sure to follow the nonprofit on Facebook (Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco) and Instagram (@kidshelpingkidspasco).

Dynamic Duo Transforms Wedding Events

By

From diverse family backgrounds rooted in Vietnam and Puerto Rico, Bich (pronounced Bic) Le and Sandy Baez run Plantation Palms Golf Club’s new, elegant Banquet Center overlooking the golf course.

With over 40 years of combined event planning expertise, the two deliver an unparalleled wedding experience in Plantation Palms’ new venue. By listening to their clients, Le brings their vision to life, and Baez builds and orchestrates every detail to perfection.

Processed with Lensa with Magic Correction

After a church in the mountains of North Carolina sponsored Le’s family in 1979, Le’s father, a Vietnamese officer fighting alongside Americans, led his family halfway around the world to Banner Elk, North Carolina. There, they could pursue the American Dream.

For over 20 years, Le’s imaginative style for weddings was developed by running hundreds of events at Sotheby’s International Realty and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. She created memorable experiences that brought the imagination of her clients to life, and as director of sales at Plantation Palms, she brings that knowledge to the table when helping new clientele.

Concurrently, Baez navigated an entrepreneurial path leading to her present position as Plantation Palms banquet manager. Born and raised in Connecticut, her family hails from Puerto Rico. Baez leveraged her highly creative flair and attention to detail as a certified wedding planner and officiant.

“I grew my own wedding planning business, staging every type and size of event, while raising two sons and pursuing my other love of culinary school,” said Baez. While Bich sells the events, Sandy’s services are offered to craft every detail and décor to client’s taste and budget.

The women’s passion and expertise have led to a surge in events at Plantation Palms Golf Club. Built in 2017, the center’s spacious, high-ceilinged banquet room holds up to 200 guests, and boasts sparkling chandeliers and breathtaking sunset views from grand picture windows, and an extensive, covered veranda. From meetings to bar mitzvahs, quinceaneras to weddings, it is a full-service venue of which membership isn’t required.

“We have affordable and customizable wedding packages,” said Le. “We can include everything from champagne toasts and cake cuttings to an onsite event coordinator, to ensure a flawless execution.

Those considering a wedding or other event are invited to meet with Le and Baez for a tour of the venue and to exchange ideas. They value working closely with each bride to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact information: Bich Le: 813-996-4653, ext. 158
23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
PlantationPalms.net

Live Jazz is Back at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

By

Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a master-planned community located east of Interstate 75 on State Road 54. The latest addition to this vision is Jazz Under the Starz, which has been hosting monthly concerts at Avalon Park’s downtown area.

“There is something about music that soothes the soul and brings people together,” says Arlene Brooks, organizer of Jazz Under the Starz and owner of Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in New Tampa.

“Music doesn’t have a color to it — it brings people together and makes your soul feel good. Music is my inspiration, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching people come together to share in this joy.”

“We are so excited to bring Jazz Under the Starz to our community,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We love offering things to do for our families, and especially have a passion for sharing the arts. Jazz under the Starz is exactly the type of organization we want to support, and fits perfectly with our goal of enhancing and bringing more attention to arts and culture.”

Jazz Under the Starz is held every third Saturday of the month, with a different band performing at each concert.

“These types of concerts and events really aren’t going on anywhere else in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel,” says Brooks.

“I want it to be a place where people can come and join together to celebrate the music. Everybody loves music, and it helps you forget about the hardships of life.”

The next Jazz Under the Starz concert will be on May 21, at 33501 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, located behind Pinecrest Academy, on Avalon Park property.

Project Necessary will be the headline act, and will bring a smooth mix of Jazz, Funk and R&B to Jazz Under the Starz.

For the past 20 years, Project Necessary has entertained audiences globally in places such as Hawaii, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and Egypt.

The group’s nucleus consists of Dave Chipman (drums), Sam Diego (keys), Al Chisim (Sax) and bassist Dale Horton.

General admission is $20, which can be purchased at JazzUnderTheStarz.com. Kids under 12 get in for free, and Brooks says pets are allowed as long as they aren’t aggressive and the owners are cleaning up after their furry friends.

Concert guests also can bring their own lawn chairs and coolers.

For more information about the musical events, visit JazzUnderTheStarz.com.

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Lerret. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published April 27, 2022

Not even a year in, and Dr. Rosh is still changing lives

By

No two days are the same at the Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute in Lutz.

“That’s what makes this so fun,” said Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, M.D.

She’s commonly referred to by her patients as Dr. Rosh, and has become a staple for those in the community looking to become the best version of themselves.

Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, MD – Dr. Rosh – Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute. Photo by Jensen Larson

“What drew me to oculofacial and reconstructive surgery is how my relationship with patients can alter the way my patients envision themselves.”

Dr. Rosh offers a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical facial treatments that she carefully tailors to each patient’s specific needs. She studied and trained for over a decade to perfect her skills before fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening her own practice last July. She wanted to run her workplace, her way, and benefit her patients the best she can. She is the only double board certified in ophthalmology and oculofacial reconstructive surgery in Pasco county.

“A patient-doctor relationship built upon deep-rooted trust. What drew me to ophthalmology was how life-changing that bond can be. it has the power to change the way patients see the world,” said Dr. Rosh.

It hasn’t even been a year since she has been open, and everyday Dr. Rosh diligently takes the time to work with each patient and create a treatment plan to fit each individual’s availability and lifestyle.

“The freedom of running my own practice allows me the ability to give each patient the due diligence they deserve,” said Dr. Rosh.

The Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute offers a variety of surgical options for both medical and cosmetic purposes. The multi-talented Dr. Rosh does everything from skin resurfacing to eyelid surgeries to and brow lifts to eyelid cancer reconstruction. Nonsurgical options, like broadband light laser and laser skin resurfacing, are designed to target pigment and vessels and wrinkles respectively.

“It increases production of new collagen within the skin, which also can be used to assist in post-op recovery or to remove years of skin damage right here in office,” said Dr. Rosh.

To further address aging concerns, Dr. Rosh also offers a range of injectables. Each injectable has a designated purpose that either restores skin volume, or reduces resting and active wrinkles.

“Our face is how we identify ourselves and how other people identify us, which is so important to me,” said Dr. Rosh. “It’s not about changing who we are, it’s about becoming the best version of ourselves.”

This upcoming month, Dr. Rosh is ready to pamper the special ladies in your life with her Mother’s Day Skin Care specials. She is offering free gifts with skin care purchases starting at $50. Pre made skin care kit can be purchased or you can build your own. Those who spend $250 or more you will receive a pair of designer sunglasses to frame that fresh and fabulous skin.

Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute
24420 S.R. 54 Lutz 33559, FL Shared building with Medi-Weight Loss Center
(813) 303-0123 or visit DoctorRosh.com.

USF Federal Credit Union Opens Odessa Branch

By

USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) has opened its doors to Odessa.

“The Odessa/Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area is growing by leaps and bounds,” says Bill Steiger, director of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications for USF FCU.

“We thought that was a perfect place to open a branch and move into that market.”

USF FCU was founded in 1959 by 16 members, with the total assets only being $505. Now, the credit union has over 67,000 members and over $1 billion in assets. Besides Odessa, USF FCU has branches in Tampa, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Orlando.

Steiger says credit unions like USF FCU offer anything a typical bank would offer, such as mortgages, loans, and savings accounts.

“You name it, and we probably offer it,” says Steiger.

According to Steiger, the main difference between banks and credit unions is that banks are for-profit institutions, while credit unions are not-for-profit.

“USF FCU is a financial cooperative owned and controlled by its members,” says Steiger.

One of the biggest ways USF FCU helps to serve its members is through its digital banking program.

“We stay on the cutting edge of that,” says Steiger.

Some of the key features of the credit union’s digital banking program is transferring money to/from internal and external accounts, paying bills with your checking account, viewing eStatements, creating budgets, and so much more.

USF FCU also can do new mortgages for people looking for homes. And with the housing market being a hot commodity right now, the credit union says it is here to help.

“Some people are spending half their income on rent. The one way to escape that is to actually find and buy a home, and have a set mortgage. Your mortgage payment isn’t going to change, unlike your rent payment,” says Steiger.

Another way USF FCU helps its members is by providing financial education and wellness, and making sure they stay up to date on all things financial.

The credit union achieves this with blog posts on its website on topics such as the difference between short- and long-term auto loans, ways to save in college, and fixing bad money habits.

For more information, go to USFFCU.com.

Federally insured by NCUA

Why is Proper Digestion So Important?

By

Shannon Corkrean, Magnolia Pharmacy (File)

When people think of digestion issues, most think about uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, passing gas, burping, constipation and diarrhea. But there are some lesser-known symptoms, which include feeling full after eating a couple of bites; feeling tired shortly after eating; loss of taste for meat; anemia; strong body odor; and sleeping problems.  If you are not breaking down the foods you eat, then you are not getting the nutrients out of those foods. For instance, if you are not properly absorbing B vitamins when you eat – then you may feel tired all the time. Making sure food is being completely digested, and making adjustments to diet your is sometimes the best place to start to help with chronic conditions.

Squirting a couple of drops of digestive bitters into your mouth before you eat can do wonders when improving digestion. You may hear the word bitters and automatically think about your favorite fancy alcoholic beverage, but bitters are so much more. Bitters are made by infusing a variety of medicinal herbs and work by stimulating digestive juices, bile and enzymes to help break down food. Depending on the medicinal herb used when creating bitters, they are also used to boost the immune system, help with inflammation, control appetite and sugar cravings, and improve liver health.

Think you may have digestion issues or wonder which bitter is right for you? Stop in to Magnolia Pharmacy for more information or schedule a consultation at www.magnoliapharmacyll.com, and as always, consult your health care professional before taking a new supplement.

Avalon Applauds Sunrise of Pasco County

By

Congratulations to Sunrise of Pasco County (Sunrise), a certified domestic and sexual violence program, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Sunrise hopes to shed light on the fact that sexual violence does exist, and survivors are out there.

“It’s really easy for people to say ‘Oh, this doesn’t happen in my community,’ and we certainly understand that it does,” says Catt Raley, director of Sexual Assault Services.

“Domestic and sexual violence are issues that touch each and everyone’s life, whether it happens to us or someone we know.”

One way the nonprofit is bringing awareness is by raising funds for its month-long event, “Dollars for Denim.”

April 27 is “Denim Day,” an international event to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. Traditionally, participants donate $5 through their employers and wear denim at work. Sunrise will be raising funds virtually throughout the month via its website (SunrisePasco.org/donation).

“A lot of folks don’t know they experienced, or are experiencing, violence,” says Raley.

“It could be something that unfortunately happened to them across their lifespan, and to them, it’s normal, especially for folks who’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse.”

Raley says the goal of Sunrise is to show these people that these actions aren’t normal.

She suggests people reflect and ask themselves, “Have there been times in my past or current relationships where folks are making me do anything against my will?”

Sunrise stresses the importance of consent, which the nonprofit defines as “active, willing and consistent.” Raley says consent can be revoked at any time.

“If you are actively or being forced to use a substance, that does not equal consent. People who are incapacitated, or asleep, that’s not consent either,” says Raley.

Sunrise offers an emergency, confidential shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking. The shelter has a capacity for 40 women and children, but Sunrise of Pasco County also has services for male survivors.

Sunrise provides free counseling, advocacy, and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as family or friends that have been impacted by violence through its Outreach Program.

For more information on Sunrise of Pasco County, and how to offer support or to donate, go to SunrisePasco.org, or call 352-521-3358. To access its 24-hour confidential hotline, call 352-521-3120.

Must-see movies at these must-see theaters

By

Summer’s around the corner, which means lots of highly anticipated blockbuster films are heading to the big screen such as “The Lost City,” starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, and “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson.

If you’ve asked yourself, ‘What’s a good movie theater near me?’ to watch these buzzworthy films, check out our recommendations below.

(File)

The Grove 16
The Grove 16, formally known as Cobb Theater, is located in The Grove at Wesley Chapel and is one of B&B Theatres’ three locations in Florida. Its newly renovated location has 12 theaters with half of them offering in-movie dining. The local theater also has a Cycle Cinema spin room, a supervised kids’ playroom, a sushi bar, and a high-end restaurant. The Grove 16 also is home to Side Splitters Comedy Theatre, Tampa Bay’s premier comedy showplace.

Choose your seats and reserve your spot today on B&B Theatres website.

Zephyrhills Cinema
Zephyrhills Cinema, located at 6848 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, is a hot spot for locals and visitors looking to enjoy a movie in Pasco County. The theater has stadium and traditional seating along with updated projection and audio equipment, to ensure an enjoyable experience for its visitors.

Zephyrhills Cinema’s goal is to provide fresh concession stand products at a reasonable price to customers. The theater’s menu consists of a variety of snacks and foods, including pretzels, eggrolls, tacos, pickles, ice cream and candy. Visitors also can host a birthday party or event at the theater.

For more information about tickets and how to get in contact with Zephyrhills Cinema, visit their website.

AMC Highwoods 20
AMC Highwoods 20 has features and amenities that draws in visitors from all over the Tampa Bay area and Pasco County. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail, or eat a stone-fired flatbread pizza, and mac and cheese bites while watching a movie. The theater also offers Discount Matinees, which allows visitors to save 30% on evening tickets, if they’re purchased before 4 p.m., every single day!

Skip the line and order your favorite drinks and snacks through the AMC theater’s app, or visit the AMC Highwoods 20 website to learn more about this location’s amazing offers.

Cinema 6
Cinema 6 in Port Richey has been a family owned and operated theater since 2009. Tickets for VIP recliner seating in theaters 1-4 at Cinema 6 are only $7.50 per person before 5 p.m., and after 5 p.m. the charge is $8.50 per person. Regular seating for an adult is $7.50, and $6.50 for children and seniors.

This theater is perfect for families looking to go out together without breaking their bank. Cinema 6 has a variety of items on its menu, including chicken sliders, quesadillas and potato skins. The best part is Cinema 6 staff makes the food fresh and delivers it directly to the visitors’ seats.

To learn more about booking private events and the different party packages Cinema 6 offers, visit their website. 

Like these kinds of articles? Let us know what we should cover next! Send your ideas to

Congratulations to the winners of our Spill The Ink Poetry Contest!

By

Popular Choice Winner: Sophia Sullivan

Sophia Sullivan

“Live” 

Don’t you dare be so immobilized by fear that you
forget to sing.

Neglect not your happiness at the expense of
another’s opinion – you cannot afford such a thing.

Our finite residence on this earth will destroy you,
should you not choose to dance.

You are poor of time. The hour hand is resting on
your heart and the minute hand on your mind,
ticking, ticking, ticking – be not in a trance.

So please, I beseech you from my spot in the sky,
do not delay.

Will you just be present, or will you live to face the
Day?

Laura Manson

Publisher’s Choice Winner: Laura Manson

“And They Danced”

they danced through early morning
into the hot passion of noon
into cool sleep of evening
into a spring of birth
a summer of laughter
an autumn of betrayal
a winter of stillness

and they danced
thru rains that flooded the pasture
thru winds that bent the trees
through lightning that blinded the moment
through thunder that muted memories

and they danced
around war
around peace
around broken promises
around broken faith
around redemption

and they danced
sometimes slow and heavy
sometimes fast and afraid
sometimes strong and invincible
sometimes withered and hopeless

and they danced
when youth disappeared
when old age tripled gravity
when time became a noose
and the music faded

and they danced
and they danced

The Laker/Lutz News wants to thank the sponsors who generously donated prizes for our winners: Tangerine Hill, Vintage Chix, San Antonio Pottery, A Cup of Organic