Lutz Magazine - February 2024 by KEM Media Group, LLC

Lutz Magazine

FEBRUARY2024

MONTHLY ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY •

COMMUNITY

BUTTERFLY GARDENS

Lifting Weights

Craft Beer

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

EVERYTHING STARTS AT THE CENTER  THINGS TO DO -ALSOJAZZ WITH JIM February 2 CARROLLWOOD MARKET February 10 -PLUS-

ONE-STOP-SHOP February 3 9 am - noon

ART RECEPTION February 9 5:30-7:30 pm

Find a hidden treasure or two Mingle with the artists whose work during the annual Carrollwood is displayed in The Gallery during Village Community Garage Sale. this open art reception.

SWEETHEARTS’ DANCE February 17 7:30 pm

DEAD CITY DRIVE-IN FULL MOON FEVER A free double-feature horror movie event! February 24 DISCOVER MORE

The Carrollwood Jukebox Big Band will play Cupid’s perfect playlist for this February event.

(813) 922-8167 CarrollwoodCenter.org

2 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Lutz Magazine Published for over 6 years, Lutz Magazine is mailed to over 10,000 homes in Lutz, FL every month on the first of each month. Local human interest stories, calendar of upcoming events, local business spotlights and more!

Keith Matter Publisher

FOR ADVERTISING CALL: 813.842.3818

Info@KEMMediaGroup.com -----------------------------

SUBMIT: news and/or story ideas to:

info@KEMMediaGroup.com

©2024 Lutz Magazine. All rights reserved. The views expressed within are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit submissions for length and clarity. The Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Wesley Chapel Magazine reserves the right to reject or edit advertisements. Lutz Magazine is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space.

Offer expires 2/29/24

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB Members donated and delivered 517 pounds of food to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in Land O’Lakes on the January 15th National Day of Service. The food will be distributed by the pantry to those in the area who are facing food insecurity. For more information on this volunteer service organization, please visit: gfwclutzlandolakeswomensclub.org or its Facebook page. Thank you for your consideration. Faye Mill, Communication/PR Chair GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB

Club members enjoying brunch after delivering food to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry

Photos submitted by Faye Mill

Club members in green shirts with Food Pantry staff 4 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

MARCH 2-3 JULIAN B. LANE RIVERFRONT PARK

“ART ENABLES US TO FIND OURSELVES AND LOSE OURSELVES AT THE SAME TIME.” -Thomas Merton Find yourself immersed in two days of fine art, food, music, and merrymaking. 250+ fine artists, 14 emerging artists, Remote Artists Studios, more than a dozen musical performances, and much more at one of America’s most prestigious juried

“RI

DE Y

OU R W AY ” BY KARINA

LLE

art festivals.

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Lifting weights... Resistance training... Pumping iron... No matter what you call it, strength training is important for boosting the overall health and well-being of people of all ages and fitness levels. While strength training can seem a bit intimidating at first, the health benefits far outweigh any qualms you might have about picking up those weights for the first time.

exercise, including strength training, have been shown to release endorphins, which make you feel good. In addition, strength training has been shown to decrease tension and anxiety, also making it a great de-stressor. Research shows that fit people have lower levels of stress hormones than sedentary individuals.

Not convinced that you should give resistance training a go? Here are 10 reasons to get lifting for your next workout!

4. You’ll help your heart. Strength training is so good for the heart that the American Heart Association recommends it as a top way to keep your heart healthy. Studies show that strength training can help prevent heart disease and can even help reduce risks and problems in individuals who already have heart disease. Lifting weights at a moderate intensity can lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels, boosting heart health.

1. You’ll be better at, well, everything. The physical act of lifting weights (or other forms of resistance) helps your body to increase its muscle mass, which makes lifting anything—not just dumbbells—easier. So carrying those groceries in? Picking your kids up? Cleaning the house? Walking up stairs? All easier when you lift weights! In addition, regularly lifting weights helps to improve your flexibility, balance and coordination. In fact, strength training has been shown to reduce the risk of falling by 40%, so this type of exercise is good for people of all ages. 2. You’ll burn more calories. You probably already know that the physical act of lifting weights burns calories but did you know that strength training can help you to burn more calories even when you’re not working out? It all goes back to building muscle. It takes more energy (calories) for your body to use and maintain muscle cells than it does fat cells. When you lift weights to add more muscle mass, you’re boosting your metabolism and turning your body into a more efficient calorie-burning machine. 3. You’ll improve your mood and handle stress better. Ever heard of “runner’s high?” Well, it doesn’t just apply to running. All forms of 6 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

5. You’ll build stronger bones. We may not think of them as such, but bones actually comprise living tissue that get stronger with exercise. With regular strength training and other forms of weight-bearing exercise like walking and running, you actually improve the health and strength of your bones by improving or maintaining your bone density. Lifting weights has even been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.

6. You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes. Regular strength training at a moderate intensity helps prevent diabetes. Lifting weights helps improve the way the body processes sugar. Researchers have also found that weight lifting helps to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. 7. You’ll lose more weight and look slimmer. Besides burning more calories and boosting your metabolism, lifting weights will also help you to lose more body fat. A study from Penn State University found that, on average, people who lift weights lose

six more pounds of fat than those who don’t pump iron. When you cut calories and start exercising, your body has to pull energy to fuel your body from somewhere. When you’re just focusing on dieting, the body uses fat for energy, but it also breaks down muscles for fuel (which is not a good thing). When you combine weight training with a reduced-calorie diet, you are actually helping to build and maintain muscle mass while you’re losing weight. Your body pulls more energy from your fat stores to keep you going, so you lose more fat while preserving muscle--a win-win!

8. You’ll stand taller. If you are following a full-body strength training plan, don’t be surprised if you start noticing yourself standing with better posture. Lifting weights can help to improve your range of motion, coordination, and the strength of the muscles that help keep your body upright. 9. You’ll have better focus. Strength training has also been shown to boost brain health. According to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, older women who did an hour or two of weight lifting each week improved their cognitive function, and better planned and executed a variety tasks.

10. You’ll sleep better. Sometimes, exercising too close to bedtime can make it hard for you to fall asleep. But performing strength training (at least two hours before bedtime) has been shown to help prevent sleep apnea and help with insomnia. Not to mention that after a good weight-lifting session, it just feels good to hit the hay! Deb Goldman is the owner and a personal trainer at Lutz Jazzercise. For more info, 813-406-4707. See our ad in this issue to get started. Page 3

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Creating a Florida Native Butterfly Garden Did you know that Florida is home to over 200 species of butterflies, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth? While many of these species are (or will be) at risk of extinction due to the increase in Florida residents and the clearing of space for new homes, you can contribute to their survival by planting a butterfly garden! Butterfly gardens are a win-win: they attract butterflies that are beautiful to the eye and relaxing to watch while supporting the pollination of flowers. Without butterflies (and other pollinators), there are no flowers; without flowers, there are no pollinators! Below are some pointers for building a butterfly garden to attract, feed, and protect these majestic creatures.

Attracting Butterflies

When choosing plants for your butterfly garden, consider color, height, bloom time, and origin. Butterflies prefer flowers that are red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white. It’s best to vary plant height throughout the garden since different butterflies prefer

8 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

plants at different heights. To attract butterflies year-round, choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Butterflies are most active in mid to late summer, so you may want more plants that bloom during that timeframe. Butterflies are known for being picky when choosing where to lay their eggs. With over 170 of the 200 species of butterflies found in Florida being native to the Sunshine State, selecting plants that are native to Florida will exponentially increase the variety of butterflies you attract while benefiting the garden in many other ways (easier on the environment, reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides, require little to no supplemental water, etc.).

Feeding Butterflies

Just like humans, butterflies need food and water. Provide a puddling station such as a bird bath or plant saucer with water and rocks, gravel, or sand. When considering what food is best for butterflies, it’s important to remember that adult and baby butterflies (caterpillars) require

d e p a h w

A a a y p w In s p

L a

B o b o m o e v o Z

different plants. Adult butterflies get their nutrients from flowering nectar plants; however, they prefer to lay eggs on specific plants called “host plants.” For example, the Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies use native milkweeds (Asclepias) as their host plant, whereas the Giant Swallowtail butterfly uses native wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) as their host plant.

Protecting Butterflies

A thriving butterfly garden includes some strategic considerations regarding the location and other components. Butterflies are cold-blooded and seek warmth in the morning, so place your garden in a spot that receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight, preferably in the a.m. Other components that aid in providing warmth include flat stones, patches of soil, and even pavement. In addition, consider planting your garden near other trees, shrubs, or a log pile to protect your butterflies from the rain and predators. Lastly, keep your garden free of pesticides, which can be harmful and sometimes deadly to butterflies and their larvae. Building a butterfly garden is fun and so rewarding. The fruits of your labor will be a wonderful masterpiece full of life beyond beautiful flowers and butterflies. You will attract and support other pollinators like bees, moths, and even hummingbirds! For more information or to get advice on your specific space, reach out to Bee Happy Native Nursery on Instagram, Facebook, by emailing beehappynatives@gmail.com, calling (954) 662-3885, visiting beehappynativenursery.com or stopping by the nursery on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 9 am - 3 pm at 38176 Huff Drive Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

We Are Your Water Treatment Solution! Land O’ Lakes Water Treatment provides a full range of water treatment systems, services and products for your residence and well to help improve water quality.

Love The Skin Your In!

SERVICES: • Water Softeners • Solar Water Softeners • Reverse Osmosis • Ultraﬁlter Drinking Water Systems • Well Water Treatment • Free 2nd Opinions!!!

Treating bad water good since 1980

813-996-4479

www.landolakeswater.com landolakeswater@gmail.com

Schedule a skin check today! LOCATED IN TAMPA PALMS

813-977-2040

TheBowmanInstitute.com

5379 Primrose Lake Circle • Tampa, FL

NEW OR MAKEOVER

A daily dose of joy

DECKS & DOCKS

In-Home Senior Care Services

Professional, beautiful and structurally sound decks and docks built to order!

• Personal care • Companionship and housekeeping • Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Respite care • Safety solutions

FREE ESTIMATES

(855) 393-1500

ONLY

New!! CLEAN AIR KIT

$1,200 (Over $500 in savings!)

THE BEST SELLING IN-DUCT AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD! KIT INCLUDES: (1) EPIC AIR IN-DUCT PURIFIER (1) UV LIGHT COIL SANITIZER STANDARD INSTALLATION

813-491-8283

totalairfl.com.com Order Now

10 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Scan to Watch Video

“A” RATED K-12 TUITION-FREE CHARTER SCHOOL

THE CENTER FOR

Joining The Center January 1, 2024

BONE & JOINT DISEASE

Patrick Dermarkarian, MD (Spine Surgeon)

Craig Bennett, MD (General ortho/Spine)

Jared Salinsky, DO (General ortho/Sports)

George Kardashian, MD (Hand/Elbow)

Juan Raposo, MD (Totals/Revisions)

Kirill Ilalov, MD (Spine)

Dragomir Mijic, DO (Shoulder)

Dolfi Herscovici, DO (Foot/Ankle)

Korey Yngstrom, DO (Hip/Trauma)

Kenton Panas, MD (Sports, shoulder, hip, knee)

Christopher Reyher, MD (Physiatry/General)

Huy Nguyen, MD (Physiatry/General)

Alexander Pappas, DPM (Podiatrist)

OFFICE LOCATIONS:

The Results You Want, The Care You Deserve.

16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 109 Lutz, Fl. 33558 727-605-3808 • fax 813-328-4335 7544 Jacque Rd Hudson, Fl. 34667 727-697-2200 • fax 727-863-8774 10221 Yale Avenue Brooksville, Fl. 34613 352-596-0900 • fax 352-596-0440

*Most major insurance plans accepted. Freedom and Optimum patients welcome! - WWW.CENTERFORBONEANDJOINT.COM Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Craft Beer Artistry

By Carol Dekkers

Transforming Malt Beverages into

“Liquid Art”

Carol Dekkers, a certified Cicerone at level 1 (Beer Server), is the owner of Curated Craft Experiences, LLC. Her craft beer involvement includes service with both the Tampa Bay Beer Week (TBBW) board of directors and the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). Through her initiative, VolunBEERs, (comprising a robust 500-person community), she coordinates volunteers for local brewery/charity events. Carol writes, blogs, and speaks on craft beer nationally, and teaches responsible alcohol service as a certified TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) program trainer.

This emblem (found on packaged cans or bottles of beer) signifies a craft brewery in the U.S. that is independently owned.

he fusion of artistry and craftsmanship has propelled an unexpected transformation in a traditionally conventional realm: the beer industry. While the essential ingredients of malt, water, hops, and yeast might seem limiting, American creativity has shattered these constraints. No longer tethered to the brewing doctrines of Germany and Belgium, independent brewers in the US have revolutionized beer, turning it into a liquid canvas through inventive recipes and novel ingredients. The burgeoning presence of craft breweries, not only in the Tampa Bay area but across the United States, might have caught your eye. What might surprise you even more is the sustained double-digit growth in the craft beer trend, evolving over four decades from a mere eight breweries in 1980 to a staggering 9500 by the close of 2022, as per the Brewers Association's Annual Craft Brewing Industry Production Report. Projections indicate that this upward trajectory is poised to persist, with expectations of continued double-digit annual growth through the end of the decade. Craft breweries, defined by the Brew-

12 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

ers Association, are characterized as "small and independent," producing six million barrels of beer annually or less, roughly 3% of U.S. sales. Independence is further emphasized, with less than 25% ownership or control by a non-craft brewery alcoholic beverage industry member. This autonomy from "big beer," synonymous with mass-produced brews, grants craft brewers the liberty to craft and innovate with new and imaginative beer recipes featuring diverse ingredients spanning the flavor palate. As of June 2023, the craft beer landscape boasts recipes for over 100 beer styles and numerous variations. The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) plays a pivotal role, issuing guidelines for almost 100 types of beer, mead, and cider. This thriving diversity underscores the artistry and innovation within the craft beer movement, signaling a shift towards valuing uniqueness and quality over conventional mass production. The constant exploration of flavors and styles showcases the industry's dedication to pushing boundaries and providing consumers with a diverse and enriching beer-drinking experience. The shift towards craft beverages in the

beer industry has not only transformed the demographics of beer enthusiasts but has also resulted in an equal participation of both women and men enjoying these artisanal drinks. I (Carol Dekkers) was quoted in The New York Times in October 2013 in an article on craft beer: "When you go to a tasting room or a bar with more than 10 taps, you'll notice that 30 to 40 percent of the patrons are women." Drawing a parallel, I also expressed that savoring craft beer is comparable to discovering refined Italian cuisine, especially for those who are accustomed to pizza from a nationwide chain. In Tampa Bay, our craft breweries are also winning awards from as far away as Denver’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and the World Beer Championships for their liquid art. Stop in at a brewery tasting room soon and sample some of the creativity and artistry at work in craft beer. p.s., Most local craft breweries LOVE to talk about the beer they make - just ask for a "taste" (a small sample) and your taste buds will thank you forever! •

Ready to pursue a healthcare career? It's not too late!

GIVE YOURSELF

Enroll with us for: Small class sizes (up to 20 students per cohort) Interactive skills lab

8-M

TH PROG ON

M RA

8-M

Externships and internships

M RA

(813) 490-7490

TH PROG ON

M RA

10M

THE EDGE

EITF is still accepting applications. Join us to become a medical assistant, coder and biller, or pharmacy tech!

$8,500

$2,500

$3,750

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

MEDICAL CODER AND BILLING

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

EducationInstituteTF.org

Information@EducationInstituteTF.org

Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Aluna's Zodiac By Aluna Michaels

FEBRUARY 2024 Aquarius (Jan. 20 –

Feb. 18) – Happy birthday Aquarius! It’s a great start to your birth year with so many planets being in your sign. Powerful, life-altering Pluto will be with you for more than two decades! It gives you transformational energy to accomplish your dreams, as well as to eradicate negative “issues” that interfere with your sense of fulfillment. On much smaller, but still potent scale, Mars is in your sign until late March. Meditate on goals and take courageous steps toward their manifestation!

Pisces (Feb. 19 –

March 20) – You’ll have very active dreams and meditations this month. You can feel old resentments being stirred up. Don’t resist, since it’s a healing process deep in your subconscious. Once every two years, Mars works to release suppressed rage and frustration. As a Pisces, you can repress a lot! Breathe deeply as emotions arise. You might even try shaking as a primal way to release stuck adrenaline and reset your nervous system. After, you’ll feel empowered and energized, as well as more able to trust yourself and others!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) — Meditate on meaningful projects you’d like to be involved in. Volunteering can inspire you, bring you radiant health, a peppy mood, and perhaps even a new relationship! Surprisingly, you’ll find you have more time and energy rather than less. Also check in about the quality of your friendships. Make sure you’re receiving as much as you’re giving out. Watch for being subtly drained. Be with people who are on your level of positivity and empowerment! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – You have tremendous career focus right now! What is it that truly calls to your heart? You can get 14 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

promoted into a dream job! Or you can begin an endeavor that’s an intense calling and fills your life with meaning. Meditate and visualize yourself in that new capacity. You can inspire others at this time, too. You see people’s strengths, so don’t be shy about giving compliments. Your opinion has more impact and power than you realize!

Gemini (May 21 –

June 20) – Many planets are working to reinvigorate your spirituality. Try a new form of meditation. Using a mantra, or a comforting phrase helps to engage your mind. As a Gemini, you’re all about talking and thinking, so striving for “mental silence” will likely make you feel like a failure. Chanting and repetitive phrases are viable, ancient and powerful methods for lulling your brain into peacefulness! You can also try walking or other movement based styles. Your body and mind will relax. You’ll feel less stressed at work. You’ll have insights that solve personal issues too! If you can, try to travel or at least make travel plans.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Your capacity to heal from deep trauma, shame and betrayal is incredible right now! You can rewire your nervous system so you can more easily trust others, yourself and life again. Part of that trust is maintaining healthy boundaries! You can also make great strides in decreasing debt and increasing channels of abundance. Meditations will be profound and will help you connect with with the magic of the Universe! Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

– If single, you can start a profound and passionate relationship! If partnered, you can revive your love and excitement for one another. You can also tune back into your creativity as a couple and just have more fun together. In general as a Leo, be with people

who let your inner light be bright! It’s not good for your soul to be with anyone who wants you to tone yourself down in order to make them more comfortable.

Virgo (Aug. 23 –

Sept. 22) – Although you often worry about your health, you’re also a powerful healer! Meditate on the positive aspects of your body. Then expand gratitude and love to parts you don’t like, or aren’t working optimally. You’ll notice a big shift! Do the same for aspects of your personality, since you’re so self-critical. It’s a great time to learn healing techniques for others, like reiki. Also, you can have a major work opportunity! Just be sure to stay firm in your work/life balance.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Renew your creativity and sense of fun! Even if you’re struggling with depression or grief, make time each day for playfulness. It’ll be an amazing healing ritual that will change your energy. You can also start a passionate new relationship, or rekindle excitement in a current bond. If you have kids, you’ll be able to connect on a new level that leads you on a path of more love and trust. Treat yourself to a gift and bless yourself with a sense of abundance! Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – You’re tough and can endure so much, but you deserve to be peaceful. It’s so important to feel you have a home, or a space in your home, where you feel grounded and safe! Create a sacred meditation area. Surround yourself with objects that are meaningful to you. Also be sure to eat well. Avoid caffeine

or sugar, or other foods that rev you up and make you unsettled. It seems wimpy, but speak to yourself with kindness and compassion so your inner mental landscape is also a safe place to be!

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – There’s so much power in your words and thoughts! Of course that’s always true, but right now you have extra “manifestation mojo”! Meditate and find phrases that resonate in your heart and use them to rewire negativity and to set down roots of positive new beliefs. You can connect with people who are passionate about their lives and start great friendships. However, if you’re angry with anyone, breathe before you speak, since what you say can be more wounding than you intend.

Capricorn (Dec.

22 – Jan. 19) – Many planets are financially empowering you this month! Meditate on the abundance to the Universe. Tune into the fact that money is a form of divine energy, always surrounding you. Allow that belief to root into you bones and in every cell! Now create goals with specific small steps to achieve you dreams. Use this same process for building deep self-worth and an unshakable sense of personal value! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com

MILESTONES C H I L D R E N & FA M I LY DENTISTRY All Your Dental Needs for all Ages in One Place Dr. Jennifer Naoom Pediatric Dentist, Board Certified Diplomate

Dr. Faddy Makaryus

CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING FIVE STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS

813.444.5060

Cosmetic, Implant & General Dentistry

www.milestonesdentistry.com 17531 N Dale Mabry Hwy

Lutz, FL 33548

Offer expires 3-7-2024 LUTZMAG Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Lutz Magazine MINUTES MATTER.

*****ECRWSS**** Postal Customer

13 LOCATIONS.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tampa, FL Permit No. 100 ECRWSS

24/7 CARE.

Expert ER Care When does the human spirit show up? When minutes matter? In moments of bravery? In an expert’s hands? Maybe there’s no way to measure the human spirit, but we see it every day in our AdventHealth Emergency Rooms. If you or your loved one are injured or experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, go to your closest ER in Pasco County. We’re here 24/7 to help you feel whole.

TheERExperts.com In case of a medical emergency, call 911.

16 Lutz Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024