WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 1, Issue 1, March 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 13,000 Homes In Westchase & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • Tree Tops • Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
Welcome to the Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles! What Our Advertisers Say
By Alexis Selby, Editor
Over the years we have covered several events hosted at Landon Plastic Surgery in Trinity. Cheryl Landon, the office manager of Landon Plastic Surgery and The Spa Boutique, writes, “We have been advertising in the Neighborhood News in two separate areas [East Lake and Trinity] for the last seven years. The paper has been vital in helping to establish and maintain our practice’s identity in the community.” Many other advertisers have also written to show their appreciation. “I have advertised my orthodontics practice with Trinity Area Neighborhood News from almost the beginning of circulation,” states Dr. Jeremy Albert of Albert Family Orthodontics. “To See “Welcome” on page 16.
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Editorial................................3 Napa Flair..............................4 News Briefs...........................5 Angela’s Pizza....................8-9 Kontos Roofing..............10-11 Buy Local............................12 Crescent Oaks......................14
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If you live in the Westchase Area and are interested in becoming a freelance writer for the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, please give us a call today. We are looking for someone who needs part-time work, has experience writing and who works well with others. For more information call our office at (813) 928-6124.
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businesses can offer you. We really love our local businesses and our magazine does a great job of helping them get exposure, allowing them to reach their goals as a successful business. Read on to discover what some of our long-time advertisers from sister papers Trinity Area Neighborhood News, East Lake Area Neighborhood News and Odessa/ Lutz/ Land O’ Lakes Area Neighborhood News have to say about us. We have received a fantastic response from many of our longtime advertisers and many new businesses who are now advertising – Thank You!
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Since 1993 the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles has provided local communities in the Tampa Bay Area with a quality business and dining guide; originally starting in New Tampa and growing to Wesley Chapel, Trinity, East Lake, Odessa, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes and now Westchase. For the past 19 years we have been helping local businesses grow and expand with our proven marketing system, by offering unprecedented color and glossy ads and providing in-depth, personal articles about fabulous businesses in your own backyard! The Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is our sixth publication and is a family owned and operated, community-oriented business and dining guide that is blanket mailed on a monthly basis to the residences of the Westchase Area, reaching more than 14,000 homes and businesses in the neighborhoods listed above. This includes all of zip code 33626 and parts of 34677. We put out a quality product that your neighbors can't wait to receive! We are so excited to bring this magazine to your area because we know what we can do as a team to highlight the very best things that your community has to offer. Each month we will bring you indepth business features that will not only let you know what each business offers, but that will also give you a glimpse of the owners, the true heart of every business. Rather than simple advertorials, our articles will give you insight about the business owners and detailed descriptions of what these
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MARCH 2012
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
From The Editor Alexis Selby
We Look Forward To Hearing From You For the past two years I have had the great pleasure of writing for the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles in their three magazines – Trinity, East Lake, and Odessa/ Lutz/ Land O’ Lakes – and would like to share with you how excited my husband Matt Selby, the Westchase General Manager, and I are to bring this publication to the Westchase Area. Publishers Tim and Doreen Selby, who just so happen to me my fatherin-law and mother-in-law, started the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles almost 20 years ago, and since then have expanded throughout the Tampa Bay Area with great success. Familyowned-and-operated, the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles staff consists entirely of family members and close friends, making for a welcoming, friendly environment that is both tight-knit and efficient. Here at the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles we take pride in delivering a quality community-oriented magazine that is personable and informative, designed in a way that everyone can enjoy. Writing has always been a passion
of mine and throughout my years of university and experience working at the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles I have really learned to love all types and aspects of writing, especially that which communicates the knowledge and voices of others (which is exactly what we do). When I, or one of my writers, write an article on a specific business in the community we are expressing, from our point of view and the view of the business owner, what makes that business so unique and what they can contribute and offer to the area. Matt and I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and are thankful for the opportunity to go out and get to know local business owners in the community. Advertising in the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is a terrific way for businesses to reach potential customers and clients in their local community and for readers to get a better understanding of the businesses who serve in their area. Working at the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles has been such a fun experience and I am thrilled to begin this new journey into Westchase.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
How to Submit News and Community Events Our Community Calendar and News Brief sections are a great tool that we really hope our readers will embrace. If you have an upcoming calendar event or current news brief you can email me at Westchasenn@yahoo.com. You can also reach us by mail, fax or phone. Just see the yellow box at the right. Keep in mind that we are a oncea-month publication and remember to send in your community calendar items well in advance of the actual date so that we can be sure to include them. Find us on Facebook under Trinity Neighborhood News and become a friend. Here at the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles we want to do everything we can to support local businesses and our readers. We all love Florida, and especially this area of Florida, where there is a pride in community and a determination of both business owners and residents to keep our local economy as strong as possible. Thank you for reading the new Neighborhood News & Lifestyles.
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to over 13,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 118 Tarpon Ave. East, Suite #8 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 943-0556 Advertising E-mail: westchasenn@yahoo.com Editorial E-mail: westchasenn@yahoo.com © 2012 Westchase NeighborhoodNews is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Editor Alexis Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Ken Burke Gregg Vorbeck Accounting Manager Doreen Selby
Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Amy Paterson Katie Thomas Dara Tucker
Art Director Tony Sica
Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica
Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Napa Flair- Because Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine By Alexis Selby Napa Flair, an independently run decor and wine retail shop, adds flair to the neighborhood with their weekly wine tastings and beautiful new wine bar. If you are looking for a relaxing, friendly place to enjoy a nice glass of wine or beer, gather up your friends and check out Napa Flair’s elegant new wine bar, located in their retail shop off Sheldon Road. The atmosphere at Napa Flair is warm and welcoming and their bar provides a place where you can just kick back and enjoy great company in a peaceful environment. With their new wine bar you have the option of buying beer and wine by the glass, or you can also buy a bottle of wine right form the store and savor a glass there. If you and your friends can’t finish the bottle, no need to worry because owner LuAnn Shapiro can cork the wine for you, allowing you to take the bottle home for your own enjoyment. LuAnn is a true expert when it comes to wine selection and pairing wine with food. With her vast knowledge of wine she will help you find exactly what you are thirsting for and introduce you to exquisite wines that you might not have even heard of and won’t be able to find anywhere else.
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Friday evening, gather up your friends and stop in at Napa Flair between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to take part in their fabulous wine tastings. Each Friday Napa Flair will feature new wines from around the world. Along with exotic wine selections, Napa Flair will also be serving delicious appetizers and tasty finger foods. Wine tastings are a great way to discover new wines that you might never have tried before and allow you to experience tastes and selections from many different countries and regions. If you are like me and love wine, but get overwhelmed by all the choices and have no idea what wine is right for you, coming to these wine tastings is a must. Napa Flair’s wine tastings give you the opportunity to sample new wines every week and help you find the wines that are truly right for you. With sophistication, flair and a vast array of wines, Napa Flair’s bar is one-of-kind and the perfect place to go when you want great company and a refreshing beverage. Broaden your horizons into the vast world of wine and experience the many tastes the wine culture has to offer. With all the wines to choose from, your favorite wine might be just one sip away! Napa Flair is located at 11967
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Sheldon Road in Tampa. Hours are Tues. – Thurs. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Napa Flair is closed on Sun. and Mon.
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For more information please call (813) 449-1831, email LuAnn at luann1040@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Community News Briefs The March for Life Trip is Always a Learning Experience A total of 34 Jesuit High School students from the school’s Pro-Life Club, along with three staff members, made its fourth annual trip to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. The group departed Tampa on Saturday, Jan. 21, and returned on Tuesday, Jan. 24. They were accompanied by Fr. Richard Hermes, S.J., Mr. Randy Gibbens, S.J., and Mr. Chris Smith, Sophomore Class Counselor, who joined the group as chaperones. In addition to participating in the "March for Life" at the Washington Mall, highlights of the journey included a tour of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, Mass at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, a visit to the National Zoo to see the giant panda exhibit, the "Mass for Life" at St. Aloysius Church, and Adoration and confession at the Georgetown Chapel. The group also heard several talks on different aspects of the Pro-Life movement, including a special discussion by Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Policy Center George Weigel. The group also visited the Washington Monument and the
Lincoln Memorial. Each night the students and chaperones participated in evening reflections focusing on how the day's activities corresponded with the purpose of their trip.
Need a Speaker For Your Meetings? If your church, club or civic group is looking for a speaker it is the privilege of HPH Hospice to provide educational presentations about their hospice and end-of-life care. Presentations are generally 20 minutes, and can be designed to meet the group’s needs and areas of interest. Advance Care Planning, How Hospice Works (common myths and misconceptions about hospice care), Home Health Care and Caring for the Caregiver are a few of the topics offered by HPH Hospice. Speakers are available weekdays, weeknights and weekends. To schedule a presentation call Jan Double, community relations coordinator at (727) 705-0107. For more information please visit their website at www.hphhospice.org/speakers-bureau.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Please send us any local events, information, or other pertinent news items that you would like to see in future issues of the Westchase Area Neighborhood News. All editorial submissions should be sent to Westchasenn@yahoo.com
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Community Calendar Tools for the Parenting Toolbox Join Tampa Day School for a free speaker workshop targeted at parents of children in K-8th grade. The workshop will be held at Tampa Day School, located at 12606 Henderson Road in Tampa and is titled ‘Building Blocks for Emotional Intelligence’. It will take place March 8 from 3:30- 5:00 p.m. and is open for Kindergarten to 8th grade current and prospective parents. Space is limited, so please RSVP at least one day prior to the event. To RSVP, call (813) 269-2100 ext. 125 or email deedee.crooks@tampadayschool.com.
Basic Couponing Workshop Join Wellsprings United Methodist Church for a free basic Couponing workshop and learn how to cut your grocery bill by over 70 percent. The workshop will be held on Friday March 9th from 7:00 - 9:15 p.m. Wellsprings United Methodist Church is located at 10701 Sheldon Road in Tampa. For more information please call (813) 926-5006.
The Art Spot at The Tampa Museum of Art Every Saturday the Tampa Museum of Art offers a drop in art pro-
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gram from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come and let your children explore their creativity by creating an art project in the Golding-Scher classroom at the museum. The art projects are self-guided, and the gallery-related monthly themes offer a different art activity each week. No registration is required and admission to the activity is free. Regular admission costs apply if you wish to view the galleries. The Following is a list of the upcoming themes: March 10: Paint with SoundRecord your own musical masterpiece experimenting with instruments. March 17: In with the Old- Excavate an ancient artifact while using earth tone and terra cotta colored Model Magic. March 24: Hand Held Sculptures- Create a unique and intricate sculpture that fits in the palm of your hand. March 31: Mix Me Crazy- Draw, paint, glue and collage your own mixed media artwork by experimenting with an assortment of artistic techniques. The Tampa Museum of Art is located at 120 West Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa. For more information please visit their website at www.tampamuseum.org/education-programs/chil-
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dren-and-families/art-spot.
Lakeshore Learning Center Offers In-Store Crafts Every Saturday from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Lakeshore Learning Store in Tampa offers free crafts for kids. This activity is free for all and each week children will make something new that goes along with the month or season. Take a look at some of the upcoming activities: March 10- Totally Wild Animal Headband. Children create their own animal-shaped headband. March 17- Lucky Shamrock Rainbow Ribbon. Kids design a colorful Saint Patrick’s Day streamer they’ll love to wave and twirl. March 24- Spring Flower Bouquet. Children capture all the wonders of spring as they create their own charming, basket-shaped masterpiece. March 31- A Buggy Scene. Spring is in the air with cute, crittershaped stick puppets that bring this fun art project to life. Lakeshore Learning Store is located at 4501 West Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. For more info please call (813) 207-0468.
Fresh Start Open Sign up today to take part in the Fresh Start Open Charity Golf Classic
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Saturday, May 5 at East Lake Woodlands Country Club, located at 1055 East Lake Woodlands Parkway in Oldsmar. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and a shot gun start will begin at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $95 per golfer and proceeds will benefit Fresh Start For Kids, Inc., an organization committed to providing hope, direction and life changing experiences for abused and at-risk children. Following the tournament there will be a banquet and awards ceremony, which starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. For those who didn’t golf and wish to attend the banquet, the cost is $30 per person. There will be a live and silent auction, closest to the pin prizes, as well as a longest drive and putting contest. In addition to regular entry they are also selling Super Tickets, which includes Mulligans, Raffle, Tickets and Putting Contest Entry. For more information please call (813) 814-1128. Upscale day spa looking for a personable and professional Front Desk Coordinator. Must have an excellent phone voice, be computer literate and be able to multi-task. Sales, marketing, and/or customer service experience is a plus. Please call (727) 451-6025 and ask for Michelle or email humanresources@z-aspecialtyspa.com
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Angela’s Pizza – Bringing the Community Delicious Food at a Great Price!
By Alexis Selby Fresh ingredients, a friendly environment, and great tasting Italian food are what really make Angela’s Pizza so unique. A combination of Philadelphia and New York all-in-one, Angela’s really knows what it takes to make amazing quality food that will satisfy every customer. The environment is very relaxing, yet sophisticated and provides a friendly hangout for both families and friends. Angela’s Pizza, the first locallyowned New York-style pizzeria in Odessa, has been proudly serving the area for over three years, and March first they celebrated their one-year anniversary under new ownership. Josh Chabator and Chris Johnson, owners
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of Angela’s Pizza, were both born and raised in Florida and stress the importance of having a strong relationship with the local community. Josh, who for many years was a pro wake boarder, and Chris who is a real estate agent in Odessa, really enjoy meeting new people every chance they get and do all they can to support local businesses in the area. Chris and Josh look forward to ac- Every pizza made at Angela’s Pizza commodating new customers, is hand-tossed and made to order, while also maintaining the reg- prepared with 100 percent Grande ulars who have made Angela’s cheese. With just one bite you will be Pizza their favorite place to hooked for life. dine for the past three years. Whether you are enjoying a the local community with hot slice of pizza in their laid-back authentic Italian food, but also a fun outdoor seating or sitting indoors in place to make great memories. the cool air-conditioned dining area, “I take pride in my food,” states one this is for sure – at Angela’s Pizza Josh. “I wouldn’t send something out you will receive delicious food and exthat I, myself wouldn’t eat,” ceptional service. There is a wide variety of selection Angela’s Pizza is warm and welat Angela’s Pizza and they have everycoming, and the owners and staff are thing, including gourmet pizzas, so friendly, it makes you just want to lasagna, calzones, healthy fresh salads, sit down and hang out all day. Chris wraps, strombolis, cheese steaks, anand Josh really pride themselves in tipasto salads, homemade crème-filled knowing that they not only provide zeppolis, cannolis and much, much
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more. Daily specials are always available. Just follow Angela’s Pizza on Facebook and “like” the link to check specials and upcoming events. The only cheese used at Angela’s Pizza is Grande cheese, which is the best-of-the-best when it comes to cheese. They are one of the very few restaurants that actually use Grande cheese, due to the extra cost. “A lot of people claim that they use 100% Grande cheese, but they don’t,” states
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Chris. “If you come into Angela’s Pizza, you will taste the difference of real Grande cheese.” At Angela’s Pizza, they would rather pay a little more to ensure ultimate customer satisfaction and get the quality cheese that really makes a difference. The first time my husband and I ate there we had the cheese pizza and simply put, it was amazing. Each bite was bursting with flavor and the cheese was so rich and creamy. After having a taste of their Grande cheese pizza I don’t think I could ever go back to eating normal pizza again; the difference in taste was that noticeable. Simply put, if you want great tasting Italian food at an even better price, then Angela’s Pizza is the place to go. Angela’s Pizza uses only the freshest ingredients and local produce is delivered straight from the farmers market in Plant City. There is no such thing as artificial ingredients when it comes to their food; only the best quality ingredients are used and everything on the menu is made from scratch. The Phillies, made with sliced ribeye steaks that are cooked and sliced to order, are a specialty of Angela’s Pizza and something I would highly
recommend you to try. “It is my first time eating here, but this is by far the best Philly cheese steak I’ve ever had,” states Christina Ramas. Every pizza made at Angela’s Pizza is hand tossed and made to order, not just run through a machine like so many other restaurants do to maximize quantity. “Good food takes time,” states Josh. “It’s all about quality, not quantity.” And quality pizza is exactly what you will get every time you eat at Angela’s Pizza. “I am a huge advocate of pizza,” exclaims Chris. “I love pizza!” It is important to be passionate about what you do, and one thing is for sure, Chris and Josh are passionate about pizza. Angela’s Pizza is the perfect place for a night out with friends or a relaxing lunch in between work. The fun, cheerful atmosphere is a great place to bring the family and the food will have you hooked for life. Angela’s Pizza is located on the corner of Van Dyke Rd. and Gunn Hwy. at 17773 Gunn Hwy. in Odessa. Hours are Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sun. 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more information or to order a delivery or takeout, please call (813)920-0007.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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George Kontos Roofing Inc. Providing Safety, Security & Quality Roofing Services By Alexis Selby For nearly 40 years, George Kontos Roofing Inc. has been providing honest, knowledgeable and exceptional roofing services to the Tampa Bay Area and beyond. With their precise attention to detail, ethical integrity and lengthy experience you can be assured that your roof is in good hands, as they understand the importance of building a sturdy, solid roof that will last for decades. Family-owned-and-operated, George Kontos Roofing Inc. consists of owner George Kontos, his son Vasilis, who is the Residential General Manager, and their group of welltrained, professional staff. George, who has been working as a roofer since the 1960’s, is highly-qualified and dedicated to providing quality craftsmanship and very competitive prices. Vasilis, who grew up learning the trade alongside George, knows all the insand-outs of the roofing business and does everything possible to ensure that their customers have a great experi-
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ence. Both George and Vasilis are state licensed professionals and together, this father-son team brings the community a trusted name and a combined total of over 50 years of roofing and construction experience. Vasilis says, “This is our first year we have ever advertised. The business has thrived since the 70’s to the successful place it is today through word of mouth from satisfied testimonials and referrals.” George Kontos Roofing Inc. performs all of their own work from start to finish and they do not use sub-contractors. “Our employees have been here for the long haul,” says Vasilis. “We are not a transitional company. When it comes to our employees, they are all trustworthy. We know our staff like family.” Gary Stark, the Commercial General Manager, has worked at George Kontos Roofing Inc. for over 10 years. Gary says, “We all help each other out here.”
Services George Kontos Roofing Inc. of-
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fers a variety of services, including both offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarresidential and commercial work, rang- antee and 50-year warranty on labor ing from small leak repairs to large roof and materials – that is a guarantee you replacement. No matter what you are can count on! looking for, George Kontos Roofing At George Kontos Roofing Inc. Inc. will always provide you will a free they understand that emergencies do estimate. They specialize in new conhappen, which is why they offer 24struction, re-roofing, wind mitigation hour emergency service. If you have an inspection, roof repairs, ventilations, emergency, you can rely on George skylight repair and installation, flashing Kontos Roofing Inc. “Emergency situ(weather-proofing), custom-modified ations always come first,” states Vasilis. roof systems, hot asphalt roofing, “We are known for our fast turnDuro-Last Roofing Systems, wood rearound.” Some of their emergency pair, soffit, fascia and much more. George Kontos Roofing installs all types of roofs, including shingled, flat, metal and tile – they have something for every budget and style. Along with installing shingles that carry a lifetime warranty, George Kontos Roofing Inc.’s GAF Certification means that the company also Owner George Kontos and his son Vasilis Kontos (left)
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
George Kontos Roofing Inc. will add curb appeal to your house with a beautiful, new roof. The before (Left) and after (Right) pictures of our house. roofing services include tarp overs, temporary roofing repairs, entire roof replacement, cartage and disposal and clean-up. George Kontos Roofing Inc. has a great deal of experience working with the Duro-Last Roofing System, a vinyl roof membrane that reflects 88 percent of the sun’s energy; saving you money on cooling costs. Duro-Last is a chartered partner of Energy Star Roof Products; these are top-of-theline products that are very affordable. George Kontos Roofing Inc. believes in using Energy Star Roofing Products because it is a trusted label in energy efficient products as designated by the Federal Government. George Kontos Roofing Inc. also
specializes in AttiCat Insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation that keeps your home well-cooled in the summer heat. Hydro-Stop, an economical waterproof roofing coat, is another innovative product that George Kontos Roofing Inc. works with. This approved Class 1 Roof System consists of a premium coat system that allows for lower energy consumption and high performance against fire, wind, leaks and more. Last month my husband Matt and I decided it was time to redo our roof, as our previous roof had been over 25 years old and was in desperate need of repair. Matt went to high school with Vasilis and has known him
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
for many years, so when we were looking for a roofer, George Kontos Roofing Inc. came to mind, so we gave them a call – and we are definitely glad we did, as they did such an outstanding job and our roof looks a thousand times better. Not only were the workers prompt and courteous, but they were also extremely proficient and very hard-working. Despite having to tear up our old roof, there was never a mess and any and all debris was immediately picked up and disposed of. Within two days we had a beautiful new roof! After our roof was finished, Vasilis stopped by and checked to make sure we were happy with our results and that everything went well – we had only good things to say.
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George Kontos Roofing Inc. was professional the entire time and for the quality of roof we received the cost was very affordable. I am extremely happy with our choice to use George Kontos Roofing Inc. and would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new roof or in need of roof repairs. Kontos Roofing serves the entire Tampa bay Area, including Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, as well as other areas throughout the state of Florida. George Kontos Roofing Inc. works with all the best roofing products and is fully dedicated to bringing you the highest quality products at the most reasonable price. George Kontos Roofing Inc is a very trustworthy company and has been providing safety, security and quality roofs to the Tampa Bay Area for nearly 40 years. George Kontos Roofing Inc. is Licensed, Bonded and Insured; LIC # CCC 029579. George Kontos Roofing Inc. is located at 201 South Levis Avenue in Tarpon Springs. Hours are Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sat. For more information, call (727) 934-9451 or (727) 224-6360. You can also visit their website at www.KontosRoofing.com.
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Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy By Matthew Selby In today’s rough economy, small local businesses are closing their doors on a daily basis, while many big corporate businesses still have the investors and financial backing to pull through. There is nothing wrong with national companies by any means, but by spending our money in locally owned businesses we can help our local economy flourish instead of decline. When we spend money locally, we contribute to the wellbeing of the entire community. Local businesses build strong vibrant towns, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made by people who live in the community and thus will feel the impact of each decision they make directly. Many local businesses recycle excess revenue by giving back to the community in which they live, which enriches the area and creates an even better place to live and love. Locally owned and operated businesses also create jobs and sometimes pay even better than the “big guys.”
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Competition is not a bad thing. A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and above all, low prices. For example, there are hundreds of restaurants within any given city, some of which operate right next to each other. This is necessary in a
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thriving economy. Can you imagine if there was only one type of each business in each town? The price of a cheeseburger would be astronomical! Entrepreneurship is what fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity and serves as a key means for families to move out of a low pay-
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ing job and into the middle and upper class. By spending money locally, we are putting money directly back into the community, therefore helping your family, your neighbors and your friends. Help out all of our ambitious and brave local entrepreneurs by spending money in their places of business today and watch the community build a prosperous tomorrow!
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club Celebrates Grand Opening By Alexis Selby On January 21st Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club celebrated their official Grand Opening with a public open house and 9-hole golfscramble tournament, sporting new ownership and a million dollar update, including new greens and stunning renovations. M*A*S*H star Jamie Farr hosted the open house and provided guests with a golf equipment demo, where golfers got the chance to test all the latest golf equipment from Titleist,
Taylor Made, Nike, Cleveland, and Callaway. All proceeds benefited the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL), an organization dedicated to providing the youth of Pinellas County with alternatives to violence, gang involvement, and substance abuse. The open house was very successful, as hundreds of people showed up throughout the day in support of Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club, enjoying fun entertainment, delicious food and a chance to win some aweMatt & Alexis Selby and Janice & Marc Panarisi
Many stayed after the tournament for the delicious dinner and a chance to meet Jamie Farr (5th from left)
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some prizes, including free memberships, golf rounds and much more. My husband Matt and I participated in the golf tournament, alongside our neighbors and long-time family friends Marc and Janice Panorisi. Although I am new to golf, I thoroughly enjoy the sport and found the course to be a bit challenging, yet very exciting. I really liked how open the course was and how regardless of your skill level, you can still have fun. Following the golf tournament was an elegant dinner, hosted in the banquet room, which overlooks the
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golf course, giving guests breath-taking views of the pretty scenery and lush nature. All-in-all the Grand Opening at Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club was a great success and an excellent way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club is located at 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd. in Tarpon Springs, a mile North of Tarpon Ave. For more information please call (727) 937- 4653 or visit their website at www.CrescentOaksGolf.com.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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“Welcome” Continued from page 1 me, it’s not only a great magazine to read to know what is going on in the community I practice in, but it’s also a great way to reach new potential patients in our community. The staff is great to work with and they help me design attractive advertising that works. It is advertising that is worth it.” Mark Camacho, of Flex One Trinity, writes “I have been advertising with the Neighborhood News since I opened my personal training facility in August 2007. I have never missed an issue in the Trinity paper and I have also placed ads in their East Lake edition a number of times. I always found the paper to be very informative as a reader, even before I opened my business. It has a very local feel to it, with its restaurant and business reviews, as well as local happenings in the community. The full color ads draw lots of attention and the creativity of the ad department is second to none. I owe many thanks to all the staff at the Neighborhood News for spreading the word about my business and attracting a great clientele through my door!”
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Dr. Dominick Tinari, DC, of Tinari Chiropractic, states, “From day one when I started advertising, the Odessa Area Neighborhood News has been nothing but professional and very flexible with the things we have tried to accomplish with our ads and honestly, from day one our phone has been ringing off the hook. Every time I come in there is always new patients scheduled. I would like to thank the Neighborhood News very much.” “We have been open about twoand-a-half years now and we have tried every publication around and the best results by far that we have gotten are with the Neighborhood News,” states James Maggiolo, owner of Odessa Anytime Fitness. “We are very pleased with the Neighborhood News. Our phones calls went up 25 to 30 percent after our first article came out. We are extremely happy. They are the only publication we deal with now and the only publication we feel we need to deal with.” Angela Johnson, former owner of Angela’s Pizza in Odessa, says, “The first month I started advertising, every person that walked through my doors mentioned my ad and I completely sold out of food within three days. It was unbelievable. I immediately got
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124
on the phone with my rep from food delivery and had to have an emergency shipment delivered. I am very, very pleased with my results.” Charles and Ross Kohler, owners of Candlelight Kitchens, state, “Advertising in the Neighborhood News was just a boom for us. We got so many leads, it was incredible. We had friends coming up to us out of the blue saying they saw us in the magazine and this was four or five months down the road, so it’s not like it just came out. People were reading it for months and months. For over five months we still had people coming up to us saying they saw us in the magazine. We also had customers we were already dealing with that were waiting to make a decision saying that they saw the article on our company and went ahead and signed up. It has been a very successful publication for us. We are really happy.” Throughout our magazines we have hundreds of advertisers, each marketing something different and unique, yet all with one thing in common - they have achieved success and exceptional results by advertising in the Neighborhood News. If you are looking to grow your business and want a cost-effective way
MARCH 2012
to reach new customers in your local community, The Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is the way to go. When you advertise with the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles you will receive professional service and a quality product that will get your business booming. Each month we will focus on several businesses that serve in your area. Additionally, our dining feature will give you such delicious descriptions of some of the wonderful fare offered at area restaurants that your mouth may actually water in anticipation of the delectable dishes described. In our publication we will also be including a Community Calendar, and we ask that you please email your upcoming events, with photos attached if you have them, to Alexis Selby at Westchasenn@yahoo.com. Keep in mind that we are a once-a-month publication and remember to send in your community calendar items well in advance of the actual date so that we can be sure to include them. If you know of any important community events that your neighbors would enjoy reading about please let us know. Our community calendar has proven to be an excellent way to publicize local events and we receive many kind comments and thanks from our
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
readers who have gotten a great turnout after their free mention in the community calendar. We also have a section for Community News Briefs, featuring brief community-related news and events, much of which is sent in to us by our readers and advertisers. Look for fun contests and surveys (participate in our first one below) which could win you some great gift certificates for free dining, rounds of golf, spa and salon services and more! Please mail your photos and information to Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, 118 Tarpon Ave. East, Suite 8, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34689 or email Westchasenn@yahoo.com. For editorial questions or submissions and for advertising questions please email us or call (813) 9286124. If you mail photos that you’d like to have returned, write “please return” on the back of the photos and provide your address so that we can return them. If you receive an issue of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles and your neighborhood isn’t listed at the top of the front page, please let us know and we will automatically enter your name in our contest drawing.
Our First Contest Let us know what you think about your first issue of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. Simply email us your comments and thoughts at Westchasenn@yahoo.com. We will take to heart all of your suggestions and in a random drawing, we will select two winners who will receive gift certificates worth at least $50.
Scan this with your smart phone to view our advertiser testimonials on Youtube!
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
MARCH 2012
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124
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MARCH 2012
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
MARCH 2012
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124
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Exam, Digital X-rays, Cleaning and Take Home Whitening
www.TheSmileDesign.com www .TheSmileDesign.com
813.926.6776 Interest Interest Free Free g Available Available v Financing
CITRUS P PARK/CARROLLWOOD/ A ARK/CA ARROLL LW WOOD/ WESTCHASE
7620 Gunn Highway Highway,, Suite 180 Tampa, am a Tampa, FL 33625
License # DN18821 D0210, D0150, D1110 * Not valid with Insurance only,, in the abscense of gum disease Cleaning is valid for health mouth only Whitening trays can only be given to patients without teeth decay and periodontal disease.
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For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124
MARCH 2012
Westchase Area Neighborhood News