Lutz/Land O' Lakes/Odessa - Vol. 4, Issue 1, January 2013

LAND O’ LAKES . LUTZ . ODESSA

Vol. 4, Issue 1, January 2013

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, The Eagles, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes

Leave the Crowds Behind & Join Anytime Fitness in Odessa

Sitting comfortably in the waiting area of Belanova Salon, owner Elena Filoqi happily reflects, proud of opening her own salon. “It is a dream come true, really,” says Elena. However, Elena doesn’t take all the credit for the success of her salon, recognizing that her dream couldn’t exist without her adored clientele.

moved to the United States nine years ago from Greece, studied hair in Greece and retook the courses when she came to America, thus Elena Filoqi, owner helping her learn many new talents. Elena has been doing hair for over twelve years, and brings with her many years of hands on experience and unique cutting-edge techniques.

See “Belanova Salon” on page 32.

SmileFaith Foundation..........3 Calendar................................4 News Briefs........................6-7 Battle Against ALS.........10-11 Narcosis Scuba....................12 Odessa Emporium..........14-15 Gulfside Regional Hospice..16-17 S&W Kitchens................18-19 Local Economy....................20 CrossFit Tampa...................26 Landon Outreach Foundation..28-29

ECRWSS

By Lenay Ruhl

Belanova Salon, located at 9660 W Linebaugh Ave. in The Avenues at Westchase, opened on August 5, 2009 and has been growing ever since. “It was an opportunity,” states Elena.

“This plaza went slow about three years ago, so it was a great time to come in.” Upon opening, Elena found that word of mouth was the best way to promote her new salon, and that is why her clients hold such importance to her. She thanks all of them and really appreciates how great they have been to the salon and how they have helped spread the word out for her.

At Belanova Salon, they boast of their European roots. Elena, who

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Postal Customer

Belanova Salon is Considered a Highlight in the Tampa Bay Area

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185

Is your corporate gym leaving you out in the cold? Are you tired of waiting for equipment? Are you over the competition and meathead mentality found at other places? If you are, you’re not alone. Anytime Fitness is an upscale, co-ed, family-oriented fitness club that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that you can fit fitness into your schedule any time of the day or night. Conveniently located in Odessa just off of Gunn Hwy near Van Dyke Rd., Anytime Fitness is just minutes from Keystone, Cheval, Oldsmar, Citrus Park and even Tampa.

Anytime Fitness is owned and operated by James Magliulo, who owns and operates two Anytime Fitness locations, with a third set to open in 2013 in Oldsmar. Magliulo, a former retirement

advisor, realized that while he was very successful as a financial advisor, he wasn’t doing what he loved. So, he up and left, and followed his heart into fitness. Always a fit guy, he was passionate about helping people better themselves.

Magliulo says, “I decided I’d rather help people retire healthier, rather than wealthier, because all that money and success doesn’t mean a thing if you aren’t here to enjoy it!”

Magliulo knew that he wanted to open the kind of club that he would be proud of, the kind of club that he and his family would want to be a part of. Anytime Fitness was exactly what he was looking for.

At Anytime Fitness, Magliulo is able to take the time to get to know his members, personally help them meet their fitness goals, and create an See “Anytime Fitness” on page 30.

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Julie Kanehl

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SmileFaith Foundation – Hope With Every Smile!

By Alexis Selby The smile is a captivating expression that conveys personality, mood and confidence. Each smile tells a story – the happiness of our present state, and in some cases, the struggles of our past. Due to life circumstances and the mistakes of one’s past, many people’s once dazzling smiles have faded, leaving behind a mouth full of unhealthy teeth. At SmileFaith Foundation, they believe that no person should be limited by the condition of their smile and strive to help underprivileged individuals and veterans get much-needed dental care and regain control of their lives. “The SmileFaith Foundation has made my dreams come true,” states patient Rachel. “I now have my self-confidence back, and a beautiful smile. I showed off my teeth as if it were a new car.”

Tom and Chrissie Lane, successful entrepreneurs and caring humanitarians, recognized the increasing need of so many individuals who were suffering from the devastating affects of poor oral health. It became clear to

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them that many of these same people could also benefit from life coaching and encouragement to help them overcome the struggles which were keeping them from discovering life purpose, financial stability, healthy relationships and overall peace of mind. After envisioning a way to help, Tom and Chrissie founded the SmileFaith Foundation, Inc. in 2009, a 501 [c] [3] nonprofit foundation that provides charitable dental care, inspiration, and life resources for the residents of the Tampa bay (L-R) Dr. Michael P. O’Connell (Dr. Mike), Area and beyond.

Rosemarie Glade & Founder Tom Lane “The SmileFaith Foundaviding individual counseling, as well as tion leadership brings a diverse backconnectivity to important community ground, including community service, resources.” international aid and relief work, faithThe SmileFaith Foundation is a based ministry, counseling, business unique nonprofit organization comdevelopment and management, and mitted to charitable dental care and life entrepreneurship,” says Shalandra coach counseling and thanks to the Stephenson, grant organizer at Smilededicated efforts of the amazing volFaith. “We are well-versed in servicing unteers and employees, SmileFaith the dental needs of underserved and Foundation has helped over 500 recipdisadvantaged individuals and have ients in the past three and a half years. also realized a marked success in proSee “SmileFaith” on page 22.

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 20,000 households in zip codes 33556, 33558 & 34638

220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2013 NeighborhoodNews & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Jim O’Reilly Editor Kim Thomas Advertising Sales Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Ken Burke Alexis Selby

Correspondents Alexis Selby Julie Kanehl Amy Paterson Katie Thomas Art Director Dat X. Do Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly

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tisement deadlines.

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Community Calendar Bishop Larkin Craft Fair/Vendor Expo Sat., Feb. 23, 9 AM – 5 PM–– Bishop Larkin Catholic School’s 5th Annual Craft Fair and Vendor Expo will feature indoor and outdoor vendors! Rain or shine! Bishop Larkin is located at 8408 Monarch Dr. in Port Richey, just off Little Rd., north of Embassy. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Krissy Vaughn at krissyvaughn@verizon.net or (727) 207-6083.

8th Annual Suncoast Arts Fest Sat. & Sun, Jan. 19, 20––Suncoast Arts Fest (SAF) presented at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel will include new features and surprises while favorite features such as entertainment, chalk artists, Kids Art Garden, and Emerging Artists will return.

More than 120 participating artists and nearly 100,000 visiting patrons are expected to come enjoy the artist exhibits, participate in “hands

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on art” and be entertained by several musical interludes. By request, this year adults will have the opportunity for hands-on art experiences with Build a Painting, courtesy of the Pasco Arts Council.

On Wiregrass’ Town Center stage, Random Acts for the Arts will feature outstanding music from jazz to 60s and 70s so you can rock to blues throughout the weekend. Late Night Brass will makes three entertainment appearances on Saturday and the public is invited to attend the band’s free two-hour “Celebration Concert” beginning at 6:30 p.m. in honor of the Art Fest artists who make this event possible. The 2nd Annual One Mile Suncoast Run for the Arts, a family event, will be held on Sunday morning, Jan. 20.

Proceeds from last year’s event, totaling more than $10,000, will be presented to grant recipients on behalf of “Art for Kids” in Pasco County. Visit suncoastartsfest.com for more information. Proceeds from

the event go to "Art for Kids” in Pasco County" and help supplement funding for arts education in schools.

Free Income Tax Preparation Available Jan. 21–Apr. 15––Don’t struggle to do your tax return and don’t pay for it! You don’t have to use your refund money to get your refund! IRS trained and certified volunteers will prepare and electronically file your income tax return for FREE at one of ten sites in Pasco County.

Refunds and Earned Income/Se-

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nior/Child Care Tax Credits can be received in as little as ten days using direct deposit. If you don’t have an account for direct deposit, we can help you get a free account for your refund.

Appointments are available Mondays – Saturdays, daytime and evenings, from Jan. 21 – Apr. 15, 2013. Make an appointment by calling 2-1-1, United Way of Pasco County’s Information & Referral line (after Jan. 1). Any taxpayer earning under $57,000 is eligible! More information: www.unitedwaypasco.org.

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Community News Briefs Now Hiring: Volunteers for Tax Return Preparation Pasco County has a thriving volunteer income tax return program supported by United Way of Pasco County, AARP Tax-Aide, and the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program. Last year alone, we prepared and submitted more than 7,000 returns, which helped bring residents more than $7.2 million in income refunds!

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are community-based partnerships managed by the IRS that provide free tax return preparation assistance to lowto-moderate income taxpayers. This year the IRS has set the income limit at $57,000.

We are currently looking for additional volunteers who want to be part of this vital program by volunteering a few hours a week during tax season.

Top Ten Reasons You Should Volunteer to Help Prepare Tax Returns:

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Here are five things the IRS wants you to know about becoming a VITA/TCE volunteer.

1. No previous experience is required. Volunteers receive specialized training from certified VITA/TCE volunteers and can serve as greeters, reviewers or tax preparers.

2. IRS provides free tax law and e-file training and all the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns.

3. The hours are flexible. Volunteers are asked to serve an average of three to four hours per week from mid-January through April 15.

4. It’s convenient. Volunteer sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools and other convenient locations. We will have 10 county-wide sites in 2013.

5. Most VITA/TCE sites also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.

Here are five things the United Way of Pasco County wants you to know about becoming a VITA/AARP Tax-Aide volunteer and participating

in the Prosperity Campaign.

1. You will make a difference. In Pasco County, more than 60% of our 182,321 households qualify to receive this free service. For elderly and working families with limited income, having to pay for a tax return is a genuine burden. You will help them avoid that added expense.

2.You will receive great training. The Prosperity Campaign in Pasco is so fortunate to have expert trainers who will guide you through each step and help you be fully prepared to be a preparer!

3. You’ll meet interesting people.

The Pasco Prosperity Campaign is run by dedicated volunteers from all walks of life. You will join this esteemed group and meet lots of new people.

4. Your friends and neighbors will be envious of your newfound tax confidence. You’ll never again be intimidated by hearing the words, “Form 1040, schedules X, Y and Z”, as a trained, certified tax return volunteer, you will be an expert!

5. You will make a difference.

Your time translates into well over $2 million tax filers will save by having their returns prepared through this program rather than private, for-profit

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companies.

Last year more than 125 local residents answered the call and volunteered in Pasco’s Prosperity Campaign. Anyone can volunteer. We promise it will be an exciting, educational and enjoyable experience that will make positively impact you and the people you serve!

Training starts in early January.

Contact taxvol@earthlink.net or Judith Tilton at UW Pasco, jtilton@unitedwaypasco.org for more information.

The Right Fit Foundation Notifying Parents of Seniors of FASFA Deadlines & Requirements You may have heard, "the FAFSA is free and easy, you don't need help just press the button after you file your taxes and you're done." Consider this: The IRS provides instructions on how to fill out your taxes, but not instructions on how to pay the least amount in taxes. The same is true for FAFSA. The foundation would be happy to show you how to pay the least for college.

Below is the financial aid timeline you will have to work within over the next several months: • January 1st the FAFSA will be

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available online. Make sure you know the financial aid deadlines for each college your student has applied to.

Don't forget, some colleges require the CSS Profile, W-2s or their own financial aid forms. If you have questions about filling these out to your best advantage, give us a call - we provide free reviews.

• December through February Admission decisions come during these months and often include scholarship offers. Sometimes these offers have "expiration dates" in order to hook a family into committing to the college before receiving offers from other schools.

• March and April - Award Letters state the total cost of attendance (tuition, room/board, books, fees, etc.) and any financial aid (scholarships, loans, work-study) the college is offering. Tip: Wait to make your final decision until you have an award letter from each college. Did you receive the best possible offer? The foundation can compare your student's academic profile and your family's financial profile with the award letter to give you an idea if you received what you should have.

• May 1st is the deadline to sub-

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mit your final decision. Unfortunately, May 1st does not give you a lot of time to review award letters. Don't let that stop you from making an informed decision. Compare all your offers!

The Right Fit Foundation is here to help if you have questions during this process. Like all our services, these are free to local Tampa Bay area families. $5,000 Local Scholarship Don't forget! The Right Fit Foundation is offering a $5,000 local scholarship to Hillsborough & Pasco County high school students.

• No essay required • Weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher • Preference given to middle income families (annual household income typically between $50,000 and $200,000) To register, go to www.therightfitfoundation.org From the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Land O’ Lakes Detention Center have recently created a new program that is aimed at demonstrating to at-risk juveniles the importance of

making good decisions in their lives, and the negative consequences of when they make bad choices.

This eye-opening program features both a PowerPoint slide presentation, taped video interviews with real jail inmates, and descriptions from the detention deputies’ real life experiences about what they see in jail every day.

Deputies understand the temptations our modern society throws at kids today, and how it can lead them down the wrong road. The Juvenile Choice Program lists concrete ways in which pre-teens and teenagers can develop the skills to become and remain productive citizens. These include: • Have goals in life • You become who you hang with • Every decision has consequences … good or bad • Committing a crime can haunt you for life • Be a leader, not a follower • Be proud and stand tall Included in the program is a picture tour of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, designated as an end point to bad decisions. The kids learn about how they will have to wear used

inmate clothing, be told when to eat, see the less-than-desirable food that is served in jail, and the small cells with toilets that will become their living space for months, if not years, to come.

Juvenile Choice Program participants will hear testimonies from inmates who describe their bad decisions and why they ended up in jail. Inmates explain that they used to be just like them, until they lost focus in life, started hanging out with criminals, drug users and drop-outs. Inmates woefully describe how they wished they had the chance to do it over again, and to make the right choices in life.

Other elements of the program include insights from successful people in life from the business, sports, and political world. Pre-teens and teenagers will also learn that though mistakes and failure can come even from good choices, this is a valuable part of life, as long as you learn from your mistakes, and keep striving to be your best. Numerous quotes from celebrities provided to program participants illustrate this, such as the one from Michael Jordan: “I’ve missed See “News Briefs” on page 24.

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The Battle Against ALS – Every Contribution Makes a Difference!

By Alexis Selby After moving to the Cheval neighborhood in the beginning of 2011, Gary Dassatti and his wife Barb met a wonderful couple, Doug and Pat McGuiness. Doug has ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease – and has been battling this terrible disease for the past 10 years. He has traveled the world in hopes of finding a cure and has visited China several times for stem cell and lumbar puncture treatments, which have helped to extend his time here.

Doug is a fighter and with the help of the ALS Association FL Chapter, hopes to find a cure in the future.

Inspired by his story, after meeting Doug and some of the great people at the ALS Association FL Chapter, a national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, Gary, who had just retired and was looking to do some kind of volunteer work, became involved as a volunteer, fundraiser and advocate for ALS. Just recently, Gary also made a trip to Washington, DC for the annual ALS Advocacy Conference to try and gain more awareness of ALS and to get more funding for these efforts. Gary says, “This conference was a very re-

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warding experience, but at the same time very emotional, as there were almost 100 ALS Patients in attendance in varied states of their progress with ALS. There were over 500 total Advocates from all over the United States and we had hundreds of meetings with offices of the Senate and Congress to fight for continued funding and more funding to support research.”

About ALS ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a motor neuron disease that was first described in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, named after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who first brought national and international attention to the disease in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that usually attacks both upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. A common first symptom includes a painless weakness in your hand, foot, arm or leg, which occurs in more than half of all cases. Other early symptoms include speech, swallowing

or walking difficulty.

The biological mechanisms that cause ALS are only partially understood and the only known cause of ALS is a mutation of a specific gene – the SOD1 gene. This mutation is believed to make a defective protein that is toxic to motor nerve cells.

The SOD1 mutation, however, accounts for only 1 or The ALS Florida Chapter held its annual 2 percent of ALS Ride to Defeat ALS one-day cycling event on Nov. 3 cases, or 20 percent ing seemingly random attacks on previof the familial (inherited) cases. Alously healthy adults. ALS can strike though the cause of ALS is not comanyone, anytime. pletely understood, the last decade has More significant advances of rebrought a wealth of new scientific unsearch into ALS have occurred in the derstanding about the disease that prolast decade than all of the time since vides hope for the future.

Charcot identified the disease. AdMost commonly, the disease vances in technology and the genetic strikes people between the ages of 40 revolution are aiding researchers in unand 70, and as many as 30,000 Amerilocking the ALS mystery. As more scicans have the disease at any given time.

Familial ALS represents between five to entists focus on this perplexing disease, the outlook for new understanding ten percent of all cases. The rest arise brightens each day. spontaneously and mysteriously, mak-

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The ALS Association Florida Chapter Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national not-forprofit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

The ALS Association Florida Chapter was co-founded by patient Ann Smith in August of 1987 as the Tampa Bay Chapter, in hopes of serving the needs of those living with ALS and their caregivers in the Tampa Bay Area. After expanding its services to all areas in the state of Florida in 2001, it became known as the Florida Chapter and now services the entire state. This chapter carries out its mission by empowering the lives of those living with ALS through care, advocacy, research, education and support.

Their programs include support groups, case management, respite care, medical equipment loans, educational services, and national and state advocacy.

Throughout the year the ALS Association FL Chapter holds many

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fundraising events, including their annual Ride to Defeat ALS. Annual Ride to Defeat ALS The first annual event, the Tour de Vie 2009, was headed by Shelly Reale after ALS devastated her family with her mother’s diagnosis, as a way to give meaning to her mother’s difficult journey.

This event yielded more than 200 riders and raised over $53,000 and due to its huge success, became an annual tradition.

In 2010, the ALS Florida Chapter decided to change the event’s name to “Ride to Defeat ALS” which clearly defines their ultimate mission – a world without ALS! On November 3rd the ALS Florida Chapter held their annual Ride to Defeat ALS, a one-day cycling event designed to appeal to every level of rider – offering a 62-mile route, a 25mile route, and a 5-mile Family Fun Ride, which is presented by United Seating & Mobility. This ride is an exciting opportunity for everyone to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. All-in-all the ride was a huge success and contributions for that day totaled over $240,000!

Throughout the ride, every participant can count on support from start to finish with crew-manned rest stops,

SAG vehicles, and a safety team. Upon completing the tour, riders are welcomed back by cheering crowds and finish line festivities that include entertainment, complimentary massages, a healthy lunch, and exciting demos.

This past race was a huge success.

“The response from people was so great last year and I look forward to even better fundraising this year,” says Gary.

It is because of caring, dedicated people like Gary and persistent fighters like Doug, that the ALS Association is possible. Over the past few decades, the ALS Association has committed more than $67 million to finding effective treatments and a cure for ALS and their

global research effort has helped increase the number of scientists working on ALS, advanced new discoveries and treatments, and has shed light on the complex genetic and environmental factors involved in ALS. But the fight is not over, and for the ALS Association to continue their search for a cure to this terrible disease, vital funding is needed. With your support, together we can one day defeat ALS for good!

For more information on the ALS Association Florida Chapter or to make a donation please visit their website at www.ALSAFL.org or their Facebook page.

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Dive In And Have Some Fun At The 2013 Scuba Olympics

On Sunday, January 27 join Narcosis Scuba, located at 926 N. Pinellas Ave. in Tarpon Springs, as they come together with dive shops from all across the Tampa Bay area for the 2013 Scuba Olympics. Hosted by PADO, The Professional Association of Dive Operators, the Scuba Olympics is an annual event that raises money for a very worthy cause – the Long Center’s Adaptive Swim Team, a team of special needs athletes.

This year, everyone is invited to come out and participate. Narcosis Scuba will have a professional team, and in addition, is hoping to put to-

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gether a club group as well. The events are a lot of fun and anyone who is scuba-certified can participate, but you must be registered under a Dive Shop.

Divers of all ages are welcome! If you’d like to race but don’t have a team, contact Narcosis Scuba and they will help you join one.

At the Olympics, you can choose to join one event or try them all if you like! The teams will compete in several events including an underwater bicycle race, a balloon lift, the raft row and more! All events will be judged and timed and special Olympians will be

on hand to pass out medals to the winners. Olympians will receive gold, silver and bronze medals (genuine plastic) in good ole’ Olympics fashion!

The public is welcome to attend the event, where snacks and drinks will be sold; with all profits going to the Long Center’s Adaptive Swim Team.

The entry fee is $15 per event for bystanders and door prizes will be given away to contestants. All athletes participating in the Olympics will receive an event t-shirt.

The Adaptive Swim Team is such an outstanding group of athletes and really deserves our support! So, if you are looking for a great way to have

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some fun, while supporting an awesome cause, now is the time to form your team and go for the gold!

The 2013 Special Olympics is scheduled for Sunday, January 27 and will be held at the Long Center Aquatic Center, located at 1501 N. Belcher Road in Clearwater. Narcosis Scuba is located at 926 N. Pinellas Ave. in Tarpon Springs. For more information or to register a team please call Narcosis Scuba at (727) 934-6474. You can also find out information by calling PADO at (727) 793-2320 or visiting their website at www.PADOFL.com.

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Make Time for Tea at Odessa Emporium & Tea Room “A World of Creativity and Possibilities”

By Katie Thomas Family owned and operated, Odessa Emporium & Tea is located in beautiful, shady oak treed Odessa off of Gunn Highway in the Fox’s Corner shopping center. Home to delicious organic teas, coffees, varieties of honey, candles, soaps, candies, produce and artistic creations – Odessa Emporium & Tea supports local businesses and artists by carrying an eclectic mix of quality, unique and locally made products. In addition to delicious local teas, there are a wide variety of unique teas from across the globe.

From art classes to a high tea celebration, Odessa Emporium & Tea is a wonderful world of fun, excitement and deliciously organic teas that are beneficial to your mind, body and spirit.

Odessa Emporium is celebrating its first year of business this January.

Monica Moses and her two sons, Jesse and Luke, run the tearoom and art

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classes at Odessa Emporium, and help visitors have fun, laugh and get creative. Jesse, assistant manager for the store, blows glass pieces for jewelry and helps Monica put on the fantastical high teas decked out in his favorite tuxedo shirt. Luke is assistant manager for art, putting his own creative spin on art classes and helping choose funky décor within the gallery. Monica is an artist herself and there are no bounds to her creative flair.

Monica says, “I have always loved the arts, which have been a part of my life since I can remember. My mother was a wonderful artist and she taught me to appreciate all art forms from the time that I was young.”

As Florida Natives, the Moses family knows the importance of locally grown and locally created products.

Monica buys her special blend of organic tea from local tea maker, Gulfport T and Me. She also carries organic soy flake candles, organic goat’s milk soaps, produce, creative

jewelry and artwork from local vendors. “We try to offer space to local artists because we know how important it is to help other small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community.”

Monica and her husband Ron Moses are inLukas, Monica & Jesse can help you find the perfect volved in many organic teas so you can enjoy tea time every day! different commudrink and celebrate the gift of life. All nity-based projects. The couple serves proceeds benefitted the Suzanne Ciani as directors for the food pantry at their Brain Cancer Foundation. Odessa Tea church, the Ottawa Church of Odessa. Emporium hosts a ladies’ night once a Monica recently hosted a fundraiser month, where women in the commuevent during the Christmas season nity can gather, sample teas, create and called the “Miracle Giving Event” at learn about different organic products. the Emporium. Families and friends “Women are the heart of the came out to hand-make and decorate house in a lot of ways and keep their Christmas ornaments, and to eat, families healthy,” says Monica. “We

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Breakfast. Odessa Emporium sells teas by the teaspoon or by bulk, so you can enjoy your favorite cup of tea at any time.

Choose your choice of tea from a variety of flavors and steep, brew, or soak it yourself. Whether you enjoy loose-leaf teas, linen bags or tea balls, In addition to the many fine organic teas and coffees, Odessa Emporium & Tea Room has a you get to create your own individualized tea great selection of gifts and decor items including jewelry and artwork from local artists party. want to offer a place in the community book your high tea, which will be In addition to wonderfully fun tea where women can come relax and loads of fun with pastries, gourmet parties, Odessa Emporium & Tea oflearn about holistic approaches to candies, delicious organic teas and fun fers great art classes that can be schedhealth, while having a good time toactivities for tea-lovers of all ages. uled ahead for groups or for gether.”

Odessa Emporium & Tea’s tea lines individuals exploring new creative outOdessa Tea Emporium will also are from local vendors and around the lets. Classes offered include glass, potbe participating in Odessa’s local farm- world, certified by the Organic Comtery, sculpting, ceramics, drawing, ers market events, which include munity. “Our teas are steeped fresh painting, beading, origami and many Green After Dark (every first Saturday daily. Keeping true to our organics. more- all classes provide necessary of the month) and Odessa Food Truck We offer individual, tea for two, and tools, material and mediums for you to Festival (every second Friday of the family tea styles,” says Monica, adding create your own personal masterpiece. month). that some of the flavors include: HonMonica specializes in custom jewelry eybush, Sakura, Cherry Blossom, design and is a great assistant in helpA Spot of Tea and Goodies Galore White Peony, Jasmine 1st grade, Thai, ing new designers transform old or Monica and Jesse go all out when French Vanilla Bean, Spiced Chai, new jewelry pieces into a treasure that it comes to throwing a High Tea Egyptian Chamomile, Lavender Butwill last a lifetime. terfly, Assam, Moroccan Mint, Decaf Party. Dress up is encouraged and so Lukas holds drawing and modern Darjeeling, Bohemian Raspberry and are fun accents, remember “pinkies cartooning classes at Odessa Emponatural teas include Earl Grey and Irish rium. His goal is to raise awareness out!” Call the Odessa Emporium to about horse slaughter and animal cruelty in the local community. As an attendee in one of Lukas’ classes, you can feel good about creating something beautiful and helping support Lukas’ favorite rescue group in Pasco County, Healing Horses One Child at a Time.

In Jesse’ classes you are sure to experience the lighthearted and creative atmosphere he brings to teaching glass techniques. Whether Jesse is working his skills in slumped glass or glass design, his passion for his work is contagious and you’re sure to love designing your own beautiful piece of glass art.

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In addition to having wonderful organic teas and fun art classes, Odessa Emporium & Tea is a great place to find unique, creative gifts.

From wholesome organic products, produce and healthful preventatives to unique jewelry, ceramics and Himalayan Rock Salt products – Odessa Emporium has you covered when it comes to treating yourself or a special person in your life. The Himalayan Rock Salt products carried at Odessa Tea Emporium are great for cooking, bathing, smelling or using as candle holders or lamp fixtures. You’ll have to check the candleholders out to really understand the true beauty of each one while illuminated. Organic honeys and tea accessories are available. Tea mugs, hand-made ceramics and fun miscellaneous items can all be found at the Odessa Emporium & Tea Room.

Odessa Tea Emporium is a wonderland of creativity. Tea for Two Tuesday’s offers visitors buy-one-getone teas and Whimsical Wednesday’s offer incredible sale prices to customers. Odessa Tea Emporium is looking forward to the New Year ahead and has goals to begin an Organics Night once a month. The Odessa Emporium family is a kind, exuberant crew that you are sure to have fun with on your visit to Odessa Emporium & Tea. Odessa Emporium & Tea is located at 8738 North Mobley Road in Odessa and is open on Tues. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday. To set up a high tea or join an art class, call (813) 381-6831 for reservations and information.

“Like” Odessa Emporium & Tea on facebook and check out their online store at www.odessaemporium.com.

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15

Gulfside Regional Hospice Honors Its Volunteers at Banquet

Gulfside honored all of the veterans in attendance at its Volunteer Appreciation Banquet with a special pinning and hat on December 7. Gulfside thanks them for both their service to our country and to hospice care.

More than 550 Gulfside Regional Hospice volunteers were honored at Gulfside’s “Volunteers Are Priceless Treasures” appreciation banquet held December 7 at Spartan Manor.

Gulfside Regional Hospice named Harry Amwake its volunteer of the year. Amwake, from New Port Richey, is a patient care volunteer for west Pasco families. His primary responsibilities include sitting with pa-

Gulfside volunteers who served more than 500 hours pose together at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on December 7 at Spartan Manor. Pictured in the front row to the far left is Renee Wingeier who donated 1,746 hours to Gulfside in the previous fiscal year.

tients to give caregivers a break and being a Gift of Presence volunteer, who sits with patients at the very end of life. “Time has no limit when he comforts those he is with, whether it is a patient or a family member,” read Kathie Poole, Gulfside’s West Volunteer Manager. “He has sat with patients for extended periods of time, weekends and evenings. Every week we receive calls from caregivers that

Gulfside volunteer Harry Amwake, center, poses with Gulfside Regional Hospice staff after being named the 2011 – 2012 Gulfside Volunteer of the Year. From left is East Volunteer Manager Heather De Los Santos; Gulfside President and CEO Linda Ward; Amwake; Gulfside Director of Volunteers and Bereavement Sonia Quinones; Gulfside West specifically ask for this vol- Volunteer Manager Kathie Poole and Gulfside unteer.”

Central Volunteer Manager Jennifer Ball.

Other volunteers also received special recognition during the Art Edmonson – Office, West; Elaine Karl – Patient Care, East; Judy Donian banquet for their specialized service at – Patient Care, West; Grace Keating – Gulfside for the following locations and departments for the previous fiscal New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe; Jim year: Agnes Fuller – Bereavement; Ed Artley – Hudson Thrift Shoppe; Sandy Keezer – Zephyrhills Thrift Shoppe; Bruns – Gulfside Center for Hospice Betty Candelora – Lutz Thrift Shoppe; Care in Zephyrhills; Bill Fuhrmann – Linda Iverson – Dade City Thrift Courier; Maggie Taffs – Office, East;

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The ballroom at Spartan Manor filled with Gulfside volunteers right before the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet began on December 7.

Shoppe; Don Spencer – We Honor Veterans program; Larry Starnes – Board Member.

Pins were given to 13 volunteers who have served Gulfside for five, 10 and 15 years. Gift cards were given to 11 volunteers who served more than 500 hours during the fiscal year of 2011-2012. Renee Wingeier volunteered 1,746 hours during that time span mostly at the New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe. In total, Gulfside’s volunteers donated 84,985 last year.

“Gulfside Regional Hospice’s volunteers are the best volunteers around!” said Linda Ward, Gulfside’s president and CEO. “Our volunteers help in all aspects at Gulfside - from

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helping at Gulfside’s Centers for Hospice Care and in patient’s homes, providing companionship at the end-of-life for patients, working as office volunteers and at Gulfside Regional Hospice Thrift Shoppes, and serving as board members. Gulfside Regional Hospice is a better organization because of our volunteers and we are so thankful that you donate one of your most precious gifts to Gulfside – your time.”

Gulfside is always in need of volunteers, and holds trainings monthly throughout Pasco County. For more information about volunteering with the organization, call 1-800-5614883.

Gulfside Regional Hospice, established as a nonprofit corporation in Pasco County in 1988 and initially licensed in 1989, serves more than 375 patients daily. GRH employs over 250 professionals and has more than 550 volunteers, and is the only hospice that serves Pasco County exclusively. Gulfside Regional Hospice was selected the 2011 Non-profit of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. For more information about Gulfside Regional Hospice, call 727-845-5707 or visit www.GRHospice.org.

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17

35 Years of Excellence in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling S & W Kitchens is family owned and operated and has been serving Florida homeowners since 1977. They are state licensed building contractors who specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodels and their beautiful showroom in Palm Harbor is a stunning example of why their remodeling designs are award-winning. S & W Kitchens has three locations in Florida including the showroom closest to your neighborhood on Ridgemoor Blvd. in Palm Harbor.

Today in our challenging econ-

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omy at a time when construction is down, S & W Kitchens continues to grow. Sales Manager Adam Vinson explains, “Our business is up 36 percent this year, many of our customers are choosing to stay put and are upgrading their homes instead of selling, but I attribute our success to our standard of excellence, our quality products and exceptional performance.”

Standard of Excellence From the time of its inception in 1977, S & W Kitchens has had a mission to offer master craftsmanship, per-

S & W Kitchens can help you plan a perfect new kitchen or bath, and also specializes in other remodeling projects, as well, including living areas. sonalized service and custom designs to create beautiful and functional rooms for all tastes and budgets.

Throughout the years this legacy has been carried forward, distinguishing S & W from other remodeling contractors and large corporate chains. Today, the company is a prominent and active member of a number of important industry associations including the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Bath and Kitchen Buying Group (BKBG) and the Home Builders Association of Central Florida.

Additionally, to protect their cus-

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tomers, all of their employees (including sales people, designers and installers) are screened by Ask the Seal.

Adam shares, “Before we hire anyone they must be approved by the Ask the Seal, a third party verification process.

To ensure that the people working for us have no violent offenses, they must be licensed, bonded and insured and they even check their credit history.”

Quality Products S & W Kitchens is considered a “one-stop” shopping experience featuring all of the latest cabinetry, countertops and accessories available. They

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“I will measure, look at the space, and talk with my clients about their wants and needs.”

During construction your project manager and design team will BEFORE AFTER work to keep everything These before and after photos of one of S & W Kitchens’ remodeling projects show just how fabulous progressing in your kitchen can look with an updated design, new cabinetry and countertops. a timely manner, they will handle all deliveries, haul combine the highest quality profeshad his designs featured in House away debris and keep the worksite safe sional design and construction services Trends magazine three times, explains, and clean for you and your family. with top quality products. In 2009, S “We will not sacrifice quality to make a “We do not leave our customers & W was recognized by the Orlando sale. From traditional to contempoin a lurch; they are always able to reach Business Journal as one of the Top 25 rary, we will design and complete a us and we won’t stop until any and all Specialty Contractors in Central room that is custom to your needs and issues are resolved,” Glenn elaborates.

Florida. S & W Kitchens also was seall of our cabinetry is made in the Andrew and Gayle Johnston bear lected to design and install an authenUnited States and is built to last.” witness, “After being put through ‘the tic restoration of the 210-square-foot run-around’ with Lowes and Home kitchen and butler’s pantry at the hisExceptional Performance Depot, we decided to meet with toric Casa Feliz in Winter Park. This From day one when you begin a Glenn from S & W. He was such a successful project won the National project with one of the designers they pleasure to work with and was willing Award by the NKBA at the 2010 Naalso act as your project manager overto go out of his way to help our given tional Kitchen and Bath Show in seeing everything from start to finish. situation. He opened our eyes to a Chicago.

“We begin with a complimentary visit whole new possibility for our kitchen Designer Glenn Rumer, who has to our client’s home,” explains Glenn.

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and came up with a design that we couldn’t refuse. During the process Glenn and his staff were easy to reach and always answered all of our questions no matter when we called. He made us feel comfortable with the purchase and took care of us during the process. We LOVE our new kitchen now that it is complete and we are very happy that we took his design advice. His vision and design knowledge was exactly what we were looking for and we cannot thank him enough for all of his help. We highly recommend Glenn and S & W Kitchens to anyone.”

To schedule an appointment with one of S & W Kitchens’ designers, call (727) 828-1179 or to see the possibilities for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, stop into their Palm Harbor Showroom located at 4952 Ridgemoor Blvd. in Palm Harbor, or visit www.SandWKitchens.com. Be sure to ask about their manufacturing specials and special financing programs.

Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri.; and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sat. Before hours, after hours and Sundays are available by appointment.

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19

Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy

By Matthew Selby We published this story in our first issue of the Westchase Area Neighborhood News and Lifestyles and with the readership numbers growing every single month we thought it was important to print it again. Our main focus at the Westchase Area Neighborhood News and Lifestyles is to keep dollars in our local economy. It is our mission to provide every single business in the 33626 zip code and beyond with a quality vehicle to promote their business to all of their neighbors – that is why we mail to every home and business in the Westchase area every single month!

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

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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.”

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 thriving economy. Can you imagine if there was only one type of each business in each town? It would be a monopoly and the price of a monopolized product would be as-

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tronomical!

Entrepreneurship is what fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity and serves as a key means for families to move out of a low paying 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.

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“SmileFaith” Continued from page 3 Dental Services Since its inception, the SmileFaith Foundation’s Smile Again Program has been helping people to smile again by funding, arranging and managing substantial dental care; allowing those in need to achieve the reality of lifelong, all-encompassing health – starting with their new smile! A healthy smile not only builds confidence and encourages hope, but also helps to broaden a person’s career horizon.

SmileFaith partners with dentists throughout the Tampa bay area and beyond to provide dental care to all the patients at SmileFaith.

Counseling Services At the SmileFaith Foundation they believe there is a powerful and undeniable connection between the inward smile and the outward smile.

So, in addition to providing beautiful, new smiles, the SmileFaith Foundation also seeks to reach out to the local community through their faith-based counseling program. “We engage people with a physical need and let them know they are special and that there is

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a plan for their life,” says Dr. Mike O’Carroll, Executive Director at SmileFaith Foundation. “We equip them with new smiles on the outside and teach them new tools so they can acquire confidence on the inside.” The program takes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit and supports individuals in their quests for happiness, self-confidence, and stronger career opportunities. SmileFaith seeks to build lasting relationships with all of their recipients in order to help them through life’s trials both before and after the dental work is complete.

The Smile Again Program provides funding assistance for dental treatments, counseling and assessments through an individual life coaching plan, additional community resources and connections, and most importantly – a dazzling new smile!

“SmileFaith offers a hand-up not a hand-out,” says Tom, as he explains that in addition to providing grants and funding to underprivileged individuals, SmileFaith also helps their patients manage their financial situation and take responsibility for a partial portion of the cost of their dental care.

By giving these recipients ownership,

they now become invested in their progress, which in turn deters them from going down the path that led them to SmileFaith in the first place.

No one understands the heart and soul of SmileFaith better than Rosemarie Glade – the first ever SmileFaith recipient and the basis for which the program was founded. Before SmileFaith, Rosemarie’s smile was decimated due to years of bad decisions, and although she was trying to turn

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her life around, she was reminded of her past every time she looked in the mirror. With the help and generosity of SmileFaith, Rosemarie received the blessing of extensive dental care – resulting in a beautiful, new smile.

“Rosemarie is our poster child,” says Tom. “She has a confident, infectious smile! Rosemarie is now the Special Ambassador for SmileFaith Foundation. She smiles brightly everyday, as she is reminded of just how far she has

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come with the help of God and wonderful friends like SmileFaith. As Special Ambassador, Rosemarie now assists others who are struggling with life’s issues to find hope with every smile.”

The SmileFaith Foundation accepts new recipients based on nominations from either a friend, relative or neighbor (candidates may not nominate themselves). For more information or to nominate a deserving individual please visit their website at www.SmileFaith.com.

SmileFaith is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their new and unique thrift shop, and Christianbased coffeehouse, which are located right next door to their office in Port Richey at 8135 US Hwy 19. All proceeds from both the thrift shop and the coffee house will go to the SmileFaith Foundation. In order to better service local dental needs, Tom and Chrissie Lane are very excited about opening an onsite SmileFaith dental clinic in the near future. “Our plans are to have a full-time dentist at the new clinic, as well as continuing to partner with local dentist offices,” says Tom.

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Mission Trips The love and compassion of SmileFaith extends far beyond the Unites States. Through their mission trips, SmileFaith seeks to help underprivileged individuals throughout the world. On their recent mission trip to Guatemala, the SmileFaith team partnered with Guatemalan Mission Outreach and reached out to over 140 people in need of critical dental care.

In addition to providing dental care, they also had an optical room where patients could go to get their eyes checked, a beautician offering haircuts, games for the children and a Bible club.

If you are interested in joining SmileFaith on their next mission trip please contact their office at (727) 807-7958. Everyone is welcome!

You Can Make a Difference The Smile Faith Foundation is a wonderful non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of caring individuals and businesses in the local community to help fund what they do. If you are interested in changing the lives of those in need, there are many ways in which you can help – by getting your Life Coach Counseling

Certification and becoming a life coach counselor, becoming a SmileFaith Strategic Partner (if you represent a businesses, church, dental office, etc.), volunteering at Smile Faith or on one of their missions trips, or donating to their cause. The SmileFaith Foundation hopes to expand in the near future and is actively looking for volunteers, so if you are ready to make a difference, please contact SmileFaith today.

Tom and Chrissie have created such a wonderful atmosphere where people know they can go to be loved and cared for. “We form relationships with our patients and like to get to know their families,” says Rosemarie.

They are your support group, your vision of hope, and most importantly – your friends!

Nothing is more eye-catching than a genuine, beautiful smile that is

boasting with confidence. Unfortunately, with the rising cost of living, many people can no longer afford the luxury of visiting a dentist, and due to unfavorable life circumstances and bad decisions, suffer from poor oral health; in turn causing them to have lower self esteem and a hard time finding a job.

The caring individuals at SmileFaith are dedicated to helping these underprivileged individuals turn their lives around and through their Smile Again Program offer their patients hope for their future. Dr. Mike says, “If you give people hope, it is amazing what can happen!”

The SmileFaith Foundation is located at 8125 US Highway 19 in Port Richey. To find out more information, please call their office at (727) 807-7958, visit their website at www.SmileFaith.com or email them at info@SmileFaith.com.

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“News Briefs” Continued from page 7 more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twentysix times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

We believe this program will be an effective tool and become an important part of our interaction with these kids before it is too late. We are working with juvenile justice authorities, Pasco school personnel, and other organizations to reach as many of these kids as we can.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Awarded an “A” for Patient Safety by Hospital Safety Score Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The A score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety ScoreSM, the A, B, C, D or F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals based on preventable medical errors,

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injuries accidents, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

“This ‘A’ rating has a very special meaning for us,” said Shayne George, CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. “It is recognition of our entire staff’s effort to ensure our service area of the safest hospital experience possible. Additionally, this is another objective third party measurement showing that RMCBP meets the highest industry standards and has again earned the top score awarded by the rating organization,” he added.

“Hospitals like this that earn an A have demonstrated their commitment to their patients and their community,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I congratulate Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point for its safety excellence, and look forward to the day when all hospitals will match this standard.”

To see Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s scores as they com-

pare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, which also provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.

People can also check their local hospital’s score on the free mobile app, available at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s nine-member Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data

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to produce a single score representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. The panel includes: John Birkmeyer (University of Michigan), Ashish Jha (Harvard University), Lucian Leape (Harvard University), Arnold Millstein (Stanford University), Peter Pronovost (Johns Hopkins University), Patrick Romano (University of California, Davis), Sara Singer (Harvard University), Tim Vogus (Vanderbilt University), and Robert Wachter (University of California, San Francisco).

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25

2013 Fitness Challenge Hosted By TNL CrossFit Tampa

By Alexis Selby If you’ve got what it takes to compete and are ready for the ultimate fitness experience, join TNL CrossFit Tampa for their 2013 Fitness Challenge and find out what you are truly made of. At TNL CrossFit Tampa they believe that being fit means being able to do well across a variety of different physical tests. As such, they’ve designed a competition that tests people for all-around skills.

This is your chance to be labeled as one of Tampa Bay’s Fittest Athletes!

The Fitness Challenge will incorporate standard CrossFit movements in workouts that will be selected to test the strength, endurance and skills of the athletes. Following the regular events, they will hold a final event for the top male and female finishers to find out who really is the fittest in Tampa Bay. The three to five individual events will be announced one week prior to the Challenge so keep posted for a detailed schedule by visiting www.TNLTampa.com.

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Proceeds from the event will go to the Westchase Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit public charity that raises money to support families who have either children or parents battling a serious illness and assists people in the community and beyond who are faced with a family tragedy.

So in addition to getting a great workout, you are also helping support a wonderful cause.

The Fitness Challenge will consist of three divisions. The RX Division is the most difficult of the three and is for top athletes who are able to do every named workout Rx’d (the hardest level of each workout). TNL CrossFit Tampa encourages most athletes to enter this division, as the top female and male finisher will be awarded $750. The Masters Division is for participants who are 40 years of age or older. The events in this division will also be scaled for every 5 years and a cash prize of $250 will go to the top female and male finisher.

The third division is the Scaled Division and is for participants who scale their workouts to a lower level about half the time. Events in this division

will be scaled from the Rx division and approached like the CrossFit Games’ open workouts. In the Scaled Division any and all CrossFitters are welcome and the top female and male finisher will receive $150. TNL CrossFit Tampa will describe the scoring in more detail when the events are announced.

The event is open to the public, so everyone is invited to come out and cheer on the athletes, where there will be plenty of vendors and lots of fun and activities.

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The Challenge will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 26 at Alonzo High School, located at 8302 Montague Street in Tampa. The cost is $75 per athlete so if you think you got what it takes, register for the event online at www.TNLTampa.com or give them a call at (813) 749-0864. Each division requires you to meet certain athletic standards to enter so please visit their website or give them a call to get more information or to view a list of their requirements.

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The Landon Outreach Foundation Makes a Difference in Pasco County

By Julie Kanehl Every once in awhile you come across someone who truly makes a difference in the lives of others, and not just those they know, but more importantly, those they don’t know. Dedicated and sincerely created for the purpose of helping individuals and families in need, The Landon Outreach Foundation has been making a difference in Pasco County since 2009.

The Landon Outreach Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic organization that was sincerely born of the heart by Bruce N. Landon, MD and Cheryl Landon of Landon Plastic Surgery. Cheryl says, “We wanted to be able to reach out to the community – there are a lot of people who need help.”

It’s this sincere spirit of giving that drives Landon Outreach Foundation, Landon Plastic Surgery and the Spa Boutique, which offers a variety of non-surgical health, beauty and wellness services. It all started with Lan-

don Plastic Surgery, which is wellknown to be a popular and trusted place for surgical services such as breast augmentation, body sculpting and facial procedures (just to name a few). Dr. Bruce Landon has practiced plastic and reconstructive surgery in the area for nearly 20 years, and in that time, he and his wife have always contributed to the community.

While the Landons donated for many, many years prior to starting the organization, they raised the bar by creating the Foundation which offers financial assistance, community service and food distribution in our area and beyond. In fact, Dr. Landon travels around the world to perform surgical procedures for people who cannot afford it. These Medical Missions travel to places like Haiti, where they help nearly 1,500 patients in three days. He performs minor procedures like removing growths, he gives stitches where necessary, and he’s even performed a number of surgeries on a young girl

whose hands were deformed. Her fingers were fused, and now she has the use of three fingers on her hand.

Cheryl explains, “These people have absolutely nothing. They drink dirty water – they don’t even have running water. We stay at an orphanage when we go. It goes back to what you and I take for granted.”

The Landon Outreach Foundation has reached out locally to the PACE Center for Girls, The Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter, the RAP House (Runaway Alternatives Project), Pasco County Schools’ needy families, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Children’s Cancer Center.

“The Landon Outreach Foundation and Landon Plastic Surgery go together, and it’s a way for us to grow.” In fact, when patients have surgery at Landon Plastic Surgery, a portion of their deposit goes directly to the Foundation. Cheryl adds, “It’s

been awesome because the money just builds and it funds a lot of what the foundation does.”

Cheryl Landon’s heart goes beyond talking about helping others, and beyond the occasional wish about making a difference. She has a gift for seeing what many of us take for granted. She says, “We donate to The Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Shelter, and many of these women leave in the middle of the night with little more than what is on their backs and very little for their children. We bring them soap, shampoo, food, diapers, towels, and all the necessary things that you and I take for granted…They don’t have.”

The Pasco PACE Center for Girls has called on the Landon Outreach Foundation as well, to help the local girls in the area reach their greatest potential. For the second time in two years, The Landon Outreach Foundation has successfully put on an eti-

Landon Outreach Foundation held its inaugural “Feeding the Hungry” event on Dec. 17 serving chili, bread, dessert, hot cocoa & coffee to families in need. Santa came and provided gifts for the children and warm blankets. quette class. Cheryl says, “We hired an etiquette coach to come out and we went to Capital Grille!” She continues, “They also have a fashion show…and we are always a big sponsor for that as well.” Once, the PACE Center for Girls called upon Cheryl and Bruce for non-perishables, so they headed straight to Wal-Mart, filled up a cart, and they were happy to be able to help.

December is a busy time for The Landon Outreach Foundation. On the 11th, they held their 3rd holiday party for the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter with Grill 54 on their

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patio! Cheryl says, “One of the children told me, ‘I never thought I’d have a Christmas.’ Grill 54 is very generous, and they provided the food for the adults, and Bruce got Happy Meals (from McDonald’s) for the kids!

Every year we have gifts, Santa comes and we even set up a candy bar for the kids to go to. We bought over 100 pounds of candy for that candy bar!

Their eyes just lit up when they saw that.”

Less than a week later, The Landon Outreach Foundation offered its 1st Annual “Feeding the Hungry” event, where they prepared to feed

650 people in need – just in time for the holiday. Their “Feeding the Hungry” event featured chefs from Grille 54, Zim Zari, and other local restaurants. Together they teamed up to make chili, bread, dessert and to provide hot cocoa and coffee for the homeless. Santa even came, and they were prepared to hand out 350 blankets, as well as gifts for the children.

Together, with their many volunteers, Landon Outreach Foundation demonstrated what the spirit of giving was all about.

On the 20th, they will be celebrating the holidays with the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa. This huge event is a lot of fun for families.

Cheryl says, “There are 400 people who come, both parents and kids. For the kids there are arts and crafts and we provide two large gingerbread houses. One they decorate with candy, and the other they decorate with arts, crafts and embellishments! We have cookie decorating, and Flashes of Hope comes out to take family portraits. They donate their time to come and take photos of the kids. For some, it’s the last portrait that they’ll ever have. It’s a sad night, but it’s a sweet night.”

“DJ Marvelous Marvin comes – he’s fabulous, and the Bucs Cheerleaders come, as well as the Bucs. We have games. It’s a great event.”

2013 is bound to be a great year for The Landon Outreach Foundation, and their first event for the year is going to be a great one. On Saturday, February 9th, they will be hosting their first annual “Will Run 4 Chocolate” 5k walk/run and 1-mile Family Fun Run at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. This great, family event will promote health and wellness and the $25 advanced registration fee will support The Landon Outreach Foundation, allowing them to continue to give back all throughout the year.

Both Cheryl and Bruce are avid runners, and she says, “We are working with Hammer Time Fitness to sponsor this event in New Port Richey, and you can walk or you can run. At the end of the race, everyone will be rewarded with chocolate!”

To participate in their upcoming “Will Run 4 Chocolate” event, or for additional information, The Landon Outreach Foundation can be reached at 727-376-3999, or online at www.landonoutreach.com.

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“Anytime Fitness” Continued from page 1 environment of health, wellness and of course, fitness.

Experience the Anytime Fitness Difference Anytime Fitness is unique to the fitness industry in that the clubs are open 24/7 giving members access to a fit lifestyle on their own schedule.

What’s more, when you become a member of Odessa’s Anytime Fitness, you have access to the thousands of Anytime Fitness locations throughout the country. In fact, there are over 50 Bay Area locations, so Anytime Fitness is changing the way people work out.

No crowds, no waiting, cleaner equipment and anytime access.

Magliulo says, “We’re not a “meathead club”, we’re more neighborhood and family oriented. “ He adds, We’re all the benefits of a club without the drama and the competition that you find at huge corporate clubs. Our club is a non-judgmentzone.”

“At 5,000 square feet, we are not too big or too small. It gives the club a warm and fuzzy neighborhood

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feel unlike the oversized, corporate gym environment.”

The upscale clientele at Odessa’s Anytime Fitness appreciates the fact that Magliulo is as passionate about cleanliness as he is about fitness.

“Everyone who knows me knows how OCD I am about keeping the club clean. I always say the difference between a gym and a fitness club is this: A gym looks, sounds and smells like a gym, and a fitness club will be clean, neat and not offensive.”

Members at Anytime Fitness enjoy private restrooms, private showers, and an array of cardio equipment that includes treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise cycles, stair climbers, and ab solo and arc trainer machines.

If weights are your forte, you’ll be pleased with the strength equipment available at Anytime Fitness. They offer a circuit/selectorized weight training option, there are free weights, racks and plate loaded weights, making strength training a breeze. Magliulo says, “We are not the kind of place where people throw the weights down and walk out without any regard for their fellow members. We ask for proper gym etiquette and our members appreciate that and are happy to comply.”

Get Fit with Master Trainers at Anytime Fitness Magliulo states, “Everyone’s success here is my responsibility.” Perhaps that is why he has hired a staff of trainers and fitness professionals who take fitness as seriously as he does. He continues, “I’m real proud of my staff. We (Standing, L-R) Eaman McCauley, Amy Magliulo, are all master trainers.

James Magliulo, Dave Vanderschuur, Other clubs have these Michelle Fitzgerald & Jennifer Vickery trainers that have only (Kneeling) Jennifer Rohde & Christine Banaventura taken a weekend class and been put out on Fitness is committed to helping you the floor. My trainers are experienced, meet your individual goals, whatever and they stay here. We get to know they may be. Perhaps your goal is to our members, and they become like a establish a walking routine into your family for us.” daily schedule, which can have wonRight now they are offering a drous effects on your body. Perhaps promotion to new members at Anyyou have always wanted to take part in time Fitness that includes a free cona marathon and want to learn how to sultation with a certified personal train for a 5k. Maybe you have 30 lbs trainer. This consultation helps set you to lose, or maybe you have 10 pesky on the right path, and gives you a pounds that need to go. Whatever boost on reaching your goals. One your goal is, the staff at Anytime Fitthing is for sure, the staff at Anytime ness is there during their office hours

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to help you be successful.

Magliulo gushes about one member saying, “We had a gentleman who always wanted to climb a mountain. A mountain! We helped him to train, and when the time came, he did it. Men and women half his age had to turn back at lower elevations, but he was ready.”

Members at Anytime Fitness are treated to complimentary Boot Camp classes twice a week with one of their personal trainers, Jennifer Vickery.

This high-energy and extremely challenging class will help you get into the best shape of your life. Together with their other personal trainers, Eaman McCauley, Dave VanderSchuur, Jennifer Rohde, and Christine Bonaventura, the entire staff at Anytime Fitness is available if you want to take your fitness to the next level.

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If your corporate club has you waiting in line for stinky, outdated equipment, upgrade your exercise experience, and join Anytime Fitness. If you’d like to see for yourself, Magliulo encourages you to stop by the club and sign up for a free 7 day pass so that you can experience the Anytime Fitness difference.

Anytime Fitness is located at 17765 Gunn Hwy in Odessa, just north of Van Dyke Rd. They are open 24/7, but have staff hours Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. For information on membership, visit Anytime Fitness, call 813-9266777 or visit them online at www.anytimefitness.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessOdessa.

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“Belanova Salon” Continued from page 1 Aside from Elena, Belanova Salon houses hair stylists Jose Tamayo, Francisco Perez, Monika Plonski, Brandy Bledsoe and Diana Molinares, makeup artists and hair stylists Joseph Blake and Elizabeth Perez, front desk manager Petra Catanzaro, receptionist Sherri Hasting and assistant Marta Vargas. Together, this team of highly skilled professionals will help you define your personal style and give you the signature edgy look that will leave you beautiful, refreshed and revitalized. “We are team workers, loving people and just great hair stylists; not just one, not just two, but all of us,” says Elena.

Belanova Salon is more than your average hair salon – they offer cuts, trims, special occasion up-dos, full color, highlights, texturizing, extensions and waxing services and are open seven days a week.

The fact that they have their very own make-up artists on staff is just another thing that sets Belanova Salon apart. “Belanova Salon in Westchase has an extraordinary hair and make-up stylist in Joseph Blake, an exceptionally

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skilled professional who is a rare gem in the Westchase community,” says client Janelle Van. “Joe is a brilliant colorist who always makes my hair look beautiful, and for my daughters, senior prom and homecoming events wouldn’t be the same without him.

Joe is a local treat not to be missed!”

It’s not just about their style, services and personality, but also about the quality of their product. When selecting product brands, Elena exclaims, “We have to love them.”

Before a product is used in her salon Elena tests out the product, which has to be proven effective on many different types of hair. This ensures that you, as a client, will only receive the best, highest rated salon products on the market. At Belanova Salon they always have a few selections of brands to choose from, giving everybody an option. Looking towards the future, Elena hopes to soon become a Kerastase Salon.

One client praises her experienced stylist – “Brandy Bledsoe has been my style goddess for six years now,” says Kristen Thomson. “There isn’t another person that I will allow to touch my hair, as I know that Brandy is one that I can always trust to make me feel

like the most beautiful and confident woman when I walk out of the salon.”

The salon has a very open atmosphere, with sheer, white curtains hanging beautifully from the high ceilings.

The natural, Florida sunlight shines in through the windows, reflecting off of the chandeliers. Client Sue Anne Mckaughan appreciates the ambiance.

“I’ve been a client of Jose’s for over nine years, and I am pleased with Jose’s service,” says Sue Anne. “The salon is relaxing and open, and everybody is friendly.”

Elena is very proud of her salon.

“I think the reputation that we have

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JANUARY 2013

built here is one of the top salons in Tampa, or even Florida,” she states.

Although it was a challenge for her to learn the business side of owning her own salon, she says, “It has some hard times, but again, it’s a great experience.”

Elena doesn’t want to give the likely reason for being a stylist – “Well everybody says, ‘making them beautiful.’ Yes, that’s a big part. It’s more about doing what you love and having great clients like I do.”

Elena takes special interest in giving back to the communities she serves and loves contributing to chari-

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Monika

Francisco

Brandy

Joseph

Elizabeth

she has, she says, “Elena does my hair.” Belanova Salon stands out from other salons to her because of the staff and their level of talent. She said she

Jose

Marta

ties every chance she gets.

“The salon has done a lot with schools and health,” said Elena.

Belanova Salon encourages clients to come in any time they want, as they happily accept walk-ins. Working as a team, the stylists often share their clients; clients love this because they don’t have to worry since all of the stylists are really good.

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sticks to Belanova because, “you’re getting such great service, and it’s right in the neighborhood.”

Belanova Salon is located in The Avenues at Westchase at 9660 W Linebaugh Ave. in Westchase.

Hours are Mon. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (813) 926-0003, email BelanovaTampa@gmail.com or visit www.BelanovaSalon.net.

Diana

Due to their exceptional service, stylists at Belanova Salon pull clients from all across the Tampa Bay Area, including Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, New Tampa, Orlando, Spring Hill and Sarasota.

Client Liz Blackwood has been coming to Belanova Salon since the first week the salon opened and always gets a color and cut, and for any event

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