WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 3, Issue 3, March 2014
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
®
Your neighborhood. Your magazine.
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 16,000 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 Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
By Marcy Sanford No need to go searching for leprechauns or pots of gold this Saint Patrick’s Day, Westchase has its own one hundred percent Irish native to bring you lots of luck in your home buying or selling quest. RE/MAX Action First Agent Warren Ring loves seeing smiles on his clients’ faces. Whether it’s because they’ve just found the perfect new home or sold their current home, the satisfaction of his clients is his number one priority. “It is a privilege to work with people and to help them get what they want,” says Warren. “Many people have the See “Warren Ring” on page 20.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Relay For Life.......................3 Community Calendar............4 Community News Briefs..........5 Done Rite Roofing................8-9 Greek City Café................10-11 Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Walkathon...........................13 Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay.................14-15
ECRWSS
RE/MAX Agent Warren Ring Always Has His Clients’ Best Interest in Mind!
Postal Customer
Art is made simple and fun for your enjoyment at Simply Art Studios in Oldsmar, conveniently located near East Lake on Tampa Road. Choose a class that focuses on creating beautiful paintings, unique jewelry pieces or fresh floral arrangements for a great night of artistic crafting! At Simply Art Studios, guests are encouraged to enjoy themselves and unlock their individual creative energies with guided step-by-step instruction by the friendly and talented staff. All you really need to bring is your creative spirit – the rest is simple! Oh, and feel free to bring your favorite snack or adult beverage, if you need a little boost to get your creative juices flowing! A vibrant mother and daughter
duo, Mary and Hannah, opened Simply Art Studios in January 2013. The pair has a passionate love for the arts and wanted to open a place that would be both welcoming and fun for the local community – a place to share in fun, artistic adventures! Simply Art Studios is unique in that it is a local start-up business and promotes the work of local artists in the area. Each painting that is created for in-class tutorials features the creative work of a local artist. Hannah and Mary love that since Simply Art is an independently owned and operated studio, they have the ability to represent the artwork of locals that they choose themselves. “Each month we have a collaborative meeting for what we would like See “Simply Art” on page 18.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
“The Best Art Party in Tampa Bay!”
By Katie Thomas
Dated Material Please Rush!
Simply Art Studios
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Coming Together Once Again to Fight Cancer Through Relay For Life By Jordyn Clark & Tracy Urso The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Westchase gets underway with teams of residents gathering at Alonso High School on May 17 at 2 p.m. With the help of the wonderful planning committee, led by Tracy Urso and Bruce Simpson, the Westchase Relay For Life is sure to be a wonderful success. Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out on Alonso’s field with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their Relay camp sites. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faithbased groups − people from all walks of life – to further the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more
birthdays. “Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease,” says Kendra Drake, Relay For Life of Westchase Co-chair 2013. “Many of the participants are cancer survivors, which serves as a reminder that the Westchase community is not immune to this disease.” In 2013, Relay For Life events across Florida raised almost $20 million to help cancer patients and fund lifesaving cancer research. The Relay For Life of Westchase raised an astounding $109,000 to help the American Cancer Society. To become involved with the Relay, you can form a team, join the planning committee or be a spectator. To form your team, go to www.relayforlife.org/westchasefl; to join the com-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 16,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 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 © 2014 Westchase Neighborhood News is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach
mittee, contact Jordyn Clark at jordyn.clark@cancer.org or call (813) 319-5916. The relay welcomes everyone who wishes to join them in the fight against cancer! Please join the committee for their upcoming fundraiser and meeting on April 13 for their Westchase Community Egg Hunt. See “Relay” on page 22.
Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Lenay Ruhl Dara Tucker Erin Aldrich Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do
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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Community Calendar 11th annual Tour de Village 2014 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk Carrollwood Village Phase I, II & III Homeowners Associations invites you to join your friends and community at Tour de Village 2014. Run or walk over the greens, through the woods and around large ponds, crossing through Carrollwood Village. The 5K Run is chip-timed and both distances are entirely on grass. Official 5K race results will be posted at www.coolrunning.com and www.bigdawgrunnin.com. The event will be held on Saturday, March 15 at the Carrollwood Village Millennium Garden, located at 4535 West Village Drive in Tampa. The 5K run will start at 8:30 a.m., and the 1 Mile Fun Walk will start at 9:30 a.m. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services.
Race Registration Download your entry form under Events at www.carrollwoodvillage.com and mail it in with the appropriate registration fee by March 7th. Entry forms are also available at The UPS Store at 13014 North Dale Mabry, SW corner of Fletcher/N Dale Mabry, and many other local shops and gyms. Call for locations.
Awards In the 5K, trophies are given to the overall male and female winner and custom medals three deep in age groups from 10 & under to 70 & over. The top ten 1 Mile walkers receive a medal.
Goodies & Raffle The first 200 registered partici-
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pants receive a race t-shirt and goodie bag. Complimentary bottled water, fruit, and a variety of snacks for everybody. After the awards ceremony stay for the great door prize raffle. All registered runners are eligible to win.
Volunteers Needed To volunteer for various duties before and during and the event, please pre-register at www.carrollwoodvillage.com (Volunteering), email volunteer coordinator Gayle Hill at gayle@beautifulmephoto.com , or call 813/892-2545. All volunteers receive refreshments and a Tour de Village 2014 t-shirt. Adults and Teens needed.
Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorships range from a $300 Tour Sponsorship with valuable benefits for your business, to goodie and raffle item donations for the runners. Sponsors are also invited to come onsite and personally give away promotional items, product samples and brochures, etc. to spectators and runners. For details, see the sponsor opportunities form posted under Events at www.carrollwoodvillage.com.
or contact event manager Maria Hochwarth-Alvarez at (813) 8427066 or email alvaworks@tampabay.rr.com.
Monthly Multiple Sclerosis Support Group at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church The next monthly Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will meet at Lake
Magdalene United Methodist Church, located at 2902 W. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, on March 4th at 7 p.m. The meeting will host speaker Darla Freedman-Levay from USF, who will be addressing issues of cognitive problems and techniques to better improve memory issues. For more information please contact Rita Schallenberger at (813) 961-5510.
Spectators Welcome Join the cheering section at the course, visit the event sponsors onsite and grab some of their free giveaways, as Carrollwood Village Home Owners Association launches their 11th annual Tour de Village. Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services volunteers will bring animals available for adoption! Plan to arrive in time for the 5K start at 8:30 a.m. and stay for the awards ceremony around 10:00 a.m. For more information please visit www.carrollwoodvillage.com
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Community News Briefs Brass Tap Expanding to Westchase Area Brass Tap is proud to announce its’ newest expansion to the Westchase area. The new Brass Tap, which is set to open sometime towards the end of March, early April, will be a great addition to the local community and will be located at 4011 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. Bar Hours will be 12 p.m. - 2 a.m. For more information on this newest expansion please contact Erin Sheerin, Marketing Manager, at (631) 5609624 or (727) 474-3720 or by email at Erins@purplesquaremgmt.com.
About Brass Tap Known around Tampa as the “Premium Beer Bar”, Brass Tap is a unique bar that features beer from all regions around the world – from Belgium to Ireland, to our very own Tampa Bay! With with over 300 craft beers from breweries worldwide, Brass Tap is a beer-lovers dream! In addition to their beer, live music and entertainment is a huge part of The Brass Tap experience. At Brass Tap, they strive to
create a unique and friendly atmosphere and their daily entertainment is carefully selected to fit this niche.
Carrollwood Cultural Center Hiring Teachers and Camp Instructors The Carrollwood Cultural Center, located at 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa, is hiring teachers and camp instructors. The arts-based nonprofit organization currently offers approximately 60 classes during any given time, ranging from art to Zumba®, and would like to double that number by the end of the year. The Center is equipped with studio space for art (painting, drawing, etc.), ceramics, computer-based programs, dance, piano and theatre, in addition to several multi-purpose rooms for other classroom-orientated
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
courses like foreign language and creative writing. Each year, the Center introduces new classes contingent upon who is available to teach. Several classes have been part of the curriculum since 2008. “We want to build our faculty so we can offer more options to our students,” said education outreach director Helen Michaelson. “Several of our classes consistently sell out, so to be able to increase the days and times a class is offered will provide a wonderful service to the public. In addition, we are always getting requests from the public to grow our curriculum. ” Students submit requests for anything from acrylic painting to Spanish. Dance, piano, watercolor painting and drawing are also popular. “Often, an instructor will approach us with a subject they are qualified to teach,” said Michaleson. “Sometimes we will try the class and come to find people really gravitate toward it. Several of our more popular classes started that way.” While the majority of the classes currently offered target adults, the Center has a need to increase the number of classes offered to toddlers,
elementary school children, tweens and teenagers. “We have some classes for children, but we can certainly offer more,” Michaelson said. “We need instructors who are available in the evenings and Saturdays and know how to work with children.” In addition, the Center is also searching to qualified instructors to help with the Summer Camp program. The camp program, much like the classes, is also arts-based with an educational component. Camp will run for nine weeks starting June 9 and concluding August 15; however, individual instructors are not required to be available for the entire summer. (The Center will not offer camp June 30 through July 4.) Michaelson is looking for people who are experts in their particular subject with a proven ability to instruct. Interested camp instructors should apply as soon as possible to be considered. Interested teachers who want to teach throughout the year can apply any time. For more information, please call Helen Michaelson at (813) 269-1310 or email a cover letter and resume to helen@carrollwoodcenter.org.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Need a New Roof or Roof Repair? Get it DONE RITE By Katie Thomas A solid foundation and a sturdy roof over our head is impertinent to our safety and wellbeing. When the time comes for your home to be reroofed or it is in need of a roof repair, you need to hire a reputable, licensed roofing contractor who provides fast, and reliable, affordable service, and most importantly, you need a roofing company that will do the job right! Done Rite Roofing, Inc., located in Ozona, is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties for over 17 years. Jason and Christina Loiacano are the owners of Done Rite Roofing and they have worked diligently to build a reputation that is as solid and strong as the roofs they build and guarantee. They never use subcontractors and with Done Rite, you are always working with an owner. Jason and Christina make sure to fulfill their goals in being a part of your community and are active within the local schools, SPCA, sports leagues and other community organizations. Last year Done Rite Roofing paired up with Habitat for
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Humanity for Pasco, generously donating their labor and expertise to a family in need. Done Rite Roofing has done roofing work for municipality buildings in the Cities of Dunedin and Oldsmar and is a chosen installer for Home Depot’s roofs. “Over the years, we’ve done all the Humane Society of Pinellas’ (HSP) and the SPCA’s roofing work and have donated materials, giving them a greatly discounted price,” says Jason. Jason and Christina are originally from Buffalo, NY, and these two high school sweethearts have spent the past 21 years working to build a life together and a business. Jason worked for a family owned roofing company in Buffalo as a minimum wage laborer, where he worked his way up to foreman. As a teenager, he came to Florida on a fishing vacation with his dad and knew it was where he wanted to be. Christina shares their journey, “Jason had to wait for me to finish college before we could move to Florida and start our journey as business owners.” Jason and Christina have two sons, ages 22 and 9, and they expect from their boys the same work ethic
that they have themselves. “Nothing is handed down to our children; my son had to purchase his own first vehicle, he must work for what he has. We were both teenage parents, completed high school and two years of college with no help but each other and we have built our company (my brother calls it our empire) by ourselves with our own ideas, money and blood-
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shed.” Christina also says, “There are no slackers around here. Jason is a dedicated, disciplined, hard-working person and our company definitely reflects those qualities.”
Done Rite! Every time! Serving both residential and commercial customers, Done Rite Roofing specializes in new construction and
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
that a leaking roof is no joke and truly is an emergency situation. As members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRSA), Done Rite strives Done Rite Roofing does residential and commercial work to exceed the requirements that on all types of roofs. roofing contractors must meet. reroofing of all types of roofs including The company is GAF Certified and is shingled, flat, metal and tile. The an Owens-Corning Preferred Contraccompany also installs roof vents and tor. installs and repairs skylights. “We are Jason and Christina expect a lot one of only two authorized Velux Skyfrom their employees, and the mutual relight installers in Pinellas,” says Jason. spect between employer and employee at If you need a roof inspection or FHA Done Rite has resulted in a crew that is inspection, Done Rite is on the job! talented and dedicated. “Most of our And, if you are concerned that your roof may be reaching the end of its life employees have been with us for over ten years,” says Jason. Christina adds, and want to make sure that your shel“Their loyalty is like no other.” ter will stand up to the weather, Done “Our tile crews have all been certiRite offers free roof evaluation. fied with the Roof Tile Institute and Done Rite offers 24-hour emercurrently Done Rite Roofing is the only gency repairs with a guaranteed rapid company in Pinellas County with that response, because they understand
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
certification, which is the highest certification in tile roofing,” explains Jason. In Florida, building codes change every few years and Done Rite and its employees are on top of every new change. “Our installers are sent to training seminars to get all of the latest techniques and be up on all current codes,” says Jason. “Our shingling division is in the top 1% in the roofing profession because our installers have their ShingleMaster certification. A select ShingleMaster is in the top 1% of his profession and to qualify the installers take written and onsite tests every year.” Done Rite Roofing recently became involved in blowing and attic installation, which reduces energy costs up to 30% and once performed, can allow homeowners a tax credit. Done Rite is currently offering 5% off any new roof (with a max discount of $300) so look for their ad in this issue to take advantage of this great offer! Done Rite is a Red-Shield installer from Firestone Building Products; Jason explains that means he can offer 20-year non-prorated material, labor and workmanship warranties on Firestone roofing systems. Done Rite Roofing has launched
the most comprehensive, detailed warranty available in the roofing industry today. Together with manufacturers, they are able to offer customers good, better and best warranty options and the peace-of-mind of knowing that their warranty is completely transferable to the new owner of their home if they decide to sell. Done Rite has your back, guaranteed! No matter how big or small your project is, Done Rite Roofing can tackle the job and do it RITE! “We’ve done whole subdivisions and have worked with many property management associations,” says Jason. “We can do work as minimal as adding a new skylight to roofing a commercial shopping plaza.” Done Rite is constantly updating promotions and specials on their website, Facebook and twitter account. Make sure you check them out to ensure that you’re aware of new and upcoming deals! Done Rite Roofing can be reached at (727) 771-8747 or visit www.DoneRiteRoofinginc.com for additional information and testimonials. You can follow them on Facebook. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
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Greek City Café – Authentic, Delicious Greek Cuisine! By Marcy Sanford Spring is here and Greek City Café in the West Park Village Town Center has the best patio and the freshest, tastiest Greek food in town. Owner Nicholas Pappas features some of his family’s fabulous recipes on the menu and has come up with some inventive and delicious twists of his own. This fast casual restaurant is a great place for a delicious, nutritious and affordable lunch or dinner. Start your meal off right with Greek City Café’s warm, fresh pita bread and flavorful hummus. Or the Spinach Feta dip – enticing spinach dip with a Greek twist, served hot – is another great option. Greek City Café also has scrumptious soups like spinach feta, lentil, and avgolemeno soup, an iconic Greek soup of lemon and egg, chock full of chicken and orzo. Greek City Café has some fabulous salads, all of which can be ordered as a regular size for a meal or small as a side. One of my favorites is the strawberry walnut salad featuring fresh field greens topped with juicy strawberries, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese completed with a delectable
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Greek City Cafe has some fabulous options on their menu and their friendly staff and expert cooks will work with you to create the perfect meal! homemade raspberry vinaigrette. Another Greek City favorite is their legendary Greek salad served with potato salad and topped with their famous Greek dressing. They also have an exquisite salad with balsamic glazed salmon served over a fresh mix of spinach and field greens, kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, onions, and walnuts, topped with homemade poppy seed vinaigrette. You can add chicken, falafel, gyro meat, or salmon to any of the salads at Greek City Café and their friendly staff and expert cooks are willing to create the meal of
your dreams. Coming from a family of Greek cooks, Nicholas knows his way around the kitchen and he’s created some unique and delicious platters, wraps, and specialties at Greek City Café. You have to try the feta fries – arguably some of the most delicious fries in Westchase. I had the fountain of youth platter – hummus with pita and homemade falafel with Greek dressing and feta along with half a piece of spanikopita. Everything on my plate was delicious. The sauces that came with the food were perfectly seasoned. The
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spanikopita is delightful, with just the right combination of spinach, feta, and seasonings in a crispy, flaky crust. The gyro pita is another fabulous option! This very tasty and flavorful pita made with shaved rotisserie lamb and beef, diced tomatoes, onions and fresh, crispy romaine lettuce with a tangy tzatziki sauce is really yummy! Greek City Café also offers chicken or pork versions of the gyro pita – the chicken souvlaki and the pork souvlaki. Both are filled with scrumptious meat, feta cheese, diced tomatoes and onions, romaine lettuce and tzatziki sauce.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Located in the West Park Village Town Center, Greek City Cafe features some of the freshest, tastiest Greek food in town. Greek City Café also has wraps, like the chicken feta wrap or steak city wrap – made with Philly steak, green peppers, and onions tossed in soy sauce, mixed with herbed mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheese and a side of homemade aioli sauce. Or try their Greek salad wrap – their famous Greek salad wrapped up to perfection. If you’re in the mood for a burger, Greek City Café has some great options to choose from, like their delicious feta burger – black angus beef served with feta cheese and topped with Greek City Café’s very
own yummy homemade Greek dressing. They also have several Paninis to choose from, like the turkey pita Panini or the Portobello Panini for veggie lovers, a fresh Portobello mushroom simmered with balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and sweet basil. Another Greek City Café specialty is their pizza niko, which boasts marinated chicken breast, diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, and mixed cheese spread on top of a basil pesto sauce and drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. Delish! Or the Mediterranean pizza, loaded
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
with Parmesan and mozzarella as well as artichokes, tomatoes, and spinach served over a soft pita shell, is another treat for your taste buds. The rice bowls at Greek City Café are very satisfying and make a great meal. Try the old school rice bowl with grilled chicken breast mixed with onions, peppers, feta cheese, and brown rice tossed in marinara sauce, or the braised lamb shank with slow roasted lamb, topped with feta cheese and homemade demiglaze. No matter what you try at Greek City Café, from the dolmades to the
falafel, pitas to salads, make sure you save room for one of their mouth-watering homemade desserts. You can always find some freshly made baklava at Greek City Café or you can also treat yourself to one of their wonderful cakes or pies like the baklava cheesecake or the Reese’s peanut butter pie. Next time you’re planning a party, call Greek City Café. Not only will they cater your event for you, you can even have it on their great patio that can accommodate parties of 50 or more. Or, if you’re going to a party, pick up one of their fabulous platters to take with you – you are sure to be invited back! Greek City Café is happy to help accommodate any catering requests. So, if you are looking for fresh, delicious, authentic Greek cuisine look no further than our very own Westchase favorite – Greek City Café! Greek City Café is located in the West Park Village Town Center at 9648 W. Linebaugh Avenue. They are open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more info visit their website at www.GreekCityCafe.com or their Facebook page. Give them a call at (813) 501-6996 to talk to them about catering options or to place a to-go order.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Walkathon Comes to Tampa Paws, a cause, friends, food, and tail-wagging fun will be the order of the day on Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Cotanchobee Fort Brook Park in Tampa, located right behind the Tampa Bay Times Forum along the scenic Riverwalk. Bring your family and friends (including well-behaved, four-legged ones) out for a little exercise and a lot of fun, and support a great cause – the Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Walkathon. This free, dogfriendly event will be fun for everyone! Event festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony at 9:45 a.m. The 3K Walkathon Kick-Off is at 10 a.m. Guests will enjoy a world of flavors from an eclectic mix of local food vendors, plus pet-friendly shopping, a silent auction, live music, a raffle, and the chance to support the lifechanging puppies and people at Southeastern Guide Dogs. This Palmetto based not-for-profit organization raises and trains world-class guide dogs for the visually impaired, and relies 100% on private donations. The annual Walkathon season is Southeastern Guide Dogs’ biggest fundraiser of the year.
Put Together a Team! It is not too late to sign up to fundraise. It’s easy and you can even create your own team at www.guidedogswalkathon.org. It isn’t required to sign up for fundraising to participate in the free Walkathon, but you are certainly welcome to and there are some great incentives! Individual participants who raise $100 will receive a Walkathon t-shirt, raise $250 for a Walkathon Tervis® Tumbler, and if you want to be a Top Dog, raise $1,000 for a Walkathon Top Dog Fundraiser t-shirt. Team members (of the same team) can combine their fundraising totals to reach the $3,500 goal and Southeastern Guide Dogs Puppy Naming Sponsorship – yes, you can name a pup! Team fundraising is a great way to pull together friends, family, or coworkers and challenge them help reach a team goal. A little friendly competition can make fundraising fun, so be creative in recruiting team members and challenging other teams. Another easy way to fundraise for Walkathon is to sell raffle tickets for the drawing that will be held at the Sara-
sota Walkathon. Prizes include $10,000 cash, a travel certificate valued at $3,500, and two round trip tickets from JetBlue airlines valued at $1,000. Tickets are available in advance and at all five Walkathons, with the drawing being held on March 29th at 11:30 am. Southeastern Guide Dogs is one of ten accredited guide dog schools in the US and the only one in the southeast. “The amount of support we get from the community and our extended Southeastern family is astounding. It is what allows us to continue to provide all our services for free,” said Titus Herman, CEO. “We have puppy raising groups and supporters all over the Tampa Bay area, so it made perfect sense to expand Walkathon into Tampa and allow all the
residents to feel a part of our mission,” stated Herman. This year will also see Walkathons held in Bradenton, St. Petersburg, The Villages, and Sarasota. Bring a friend, a dog, a family, a smile, or all of these to join the fun at Tampa’s Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon on March 22. Sign up for the Walkathon and find more information at www.guidedogswalkathon.org. Find more information about Southeastern Guide Dogs at www.guidedogs.org or by calling 941-729-5665.
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Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay – Bringing People Who Love Horses Together With The Horses They Love By Alexis Selby Nestled just off Gunn Highway amongst 15 acres of wooded farmland and beautiful green fields lies a secret oasis and safe haven for some of life’s most magnificent creatures – horses. Dedicated to providing a rehabilitative sanctuary for abandoned, abused, unwanted or slaughter-bound horses, Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue, an amazing non-for-profit organization, has been rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing horses for the past 35 years. “Our mission is to bring people who love horses together with the horses we love,” says Glenda Smith the founder of Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay. Since starting Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue, Glenda has made it her mission to stand up for neglected and abused horses, giving them a productive second chance at life and the opportunity to experience the true love of a caring family. “I came out of the womb loving horses and started riding at 5 years old,” says Glenda. “I bought my first farm in Land O’ Lakes in 1978 and bought a couple Arabian horses – I love the breed. I later found out about how overly bred their breed was and how so many people were just abandoning them and turning them loose in the state forest. I never bought another horse again; instead I started Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue as a way to save these abandoned horses and provide a loving rehabilitative home. Word quickly got out about how much I loved the breed and that I was willing to help horses in need.” Glenda runs
Equestrian Inc. alongside her daughter, DeeAnn Smith and stable manager Anthio Marcos. Equestrian Inc.’s handson board of directors and dedicated volunteers make up the rest of the team. “Everyone has such a passion for the horses and it is obvious how much they love them by the way they for them,” adds Glenda. In recent years, Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue has transitioned to helping more and more off the track Thoroughbred horses, whom if not for Equestrian Inc. would otherwise be destined for uncertain futures. Through Bob Jeffries, head of the HBPA at Tampa Bay Downs, trainers frequently contact Equestrian Inc. to give their former racehorses the opportunity of a second career rather than turning them over to individuals who do not have their best interest at heart. Unfortunately, horse slaughter is a major concern in this area and throughout the United States. Glenda also reaches out to the community and encourages horse owners to call her if they are longer able to provide proper care for their horses, whether it be because of monetary problems, health-related issues, or any other reason. Her organization works with the Sheriff’s Office and tries to help people who can no longer afford to feed their horses. In addition, Equestrian Inc. works in conjunction with other horse rescues in the area, and if they are unable to take your horse they will help you find a place that will. Founded upon Glenda’s love of horses, Equestrian Inc. is 100% volun-
teer run and operates solely on support from people in the community through monetary donations, volunteering, sponsorship of horses, and donation of services. Equestrian Inc.’s grain and hay expenses exceed $5,000 per month. “As a 501 C3 charitable organization, in order for us to continue our work and succeed at helping horses it is important for people to help out in any way they can,” says Glenda. The organization also provides community service opportunities for high school
students. Donations can be made through Paypal on their website at www.EquestrianInc.org, or by checks made payable to Equestrian Inc.
Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services Inc. Providing full-service mobile dental care for horses, Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services Inc. is an extraordinary company that out of the kindness of their hearts, donates their services to Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue, and on my previous visit I had the opportunity to witness a much-needed tooth extraction on a beautiful horse named “Which Way Do I Go”. Operated by Dr. Richard Grist, C.EQ.D. and Dr. Jay Clifford DVM, for the past 7 years Advanced Equine Dental has been providing the ultimate equine dentistry experience throughout Florida and Georgia. “It is because of people like Rich and Jay that we are able to do what we do for horses,” says Glenda. Advanced Equine Dentistry is 100% mobile and the doctors operate
Glenda Smith, founder of Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay, makes it her mission to stand up for abused and neglected horses.
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When visiting Equestrian Inc. it is not uncommon to come accross sleeping goats and other cute animals! out of a completely self-contained 28' custom built, air-conditioned, equine dental aluminum trailer that contains everything necessary to treat all kinds of dental procedures, including surgery. The doctors have also designed and manufactured many of their own tools and equipment that they use for their equine dentistry services. As their business continues to grow, the doctors hope to have at least 10 more units throughout Florida within the next year, as to better serve horses in need. For more information about Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services Inc. please visit their website at www.AdvancedEquineDentist.com or call (727) 484-4473.
How to Adopt a Horse At Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue they DO NOT sell horses, but instead facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation, retraining and re-homing of those animals in their care. They do have some permanent residents, but their main focus is to adopt out as many animals as possible to loving, forever, informed homes. If you are interested in adopting a horse, they have a wonderful selection of horses to choose from – from young to old, Arabians to Thoroughbreds, companion horses to trail horses; they even have a donkey! Glenda says, “We depend a lot on people in the community to get the word out about where we are and what we do. If someone is interested in adopting a horse,
we believe in full disclosure – we will tell them everything we know about the horse.” Equestrian Inc. is very particular and careful about whom they adopt horses out to and they do a great job of matching horses with a suitable owner based upon their personalities and what they are looking for in a horse. Because of this, Glenda is very proud to announce that they have NEVER had a horse returned by an adopting owner! Glenda is adamant about giving back to her community and does a lot of work with underprivileged children, as well as handicapped children. Throughout the year she also takes a few of her horses and ponies to schools in Tampa Bay and allows the children to groom them. She also spends a lot of time educating youths about these magnificent creatures, and teaches them how to properly care for a horse. Equestrian Inc. is available for field trips. “The future of these animals lies in the hands of children,” says Glenda. “It is very important to educate our youths on how to treat horses properly so they can continue the cycle.”
Dynamite Lessons Equestrian Inc. offers a great lesson program, including private and group lessons. Fun and educational, each class includes grooming, saddling, horse riding lessons and the care required after riding.
For Valentines Day my husband and I (top) rode horses with my mother (left) and sister (right) and had a really great experience! Taking us for a lovely tour around the property, the staff was really accomodating and nice!
Summer Camp Starting in June, Equestrian Inc. will also have an exciting 4-week summer camp, which will be five days a week from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. This awesome camp will teach all aspects of horse care, including general horse care, education on the anatomy of horses, witnessing visits by the veterinarian and equine dentist, as well as numerous opportunities to ride the horses. All experience levels are welcome; whether you are an advanced rider or new to horse care, these camps prove to be fun for all.
Trail Rides A new concept to Equestrian Inc., this wonderful horse rescue will now be offering trail rides to the public. For Valentines Day my husband and I got to experience these trail rides first-hand and we had a blast. Riding Thoroughbred-racing horses, we took a ride around the property, basking in the beautiful nature. I was so excited – I have ridden horses before, but the fact
that I was riding on a retired racehorse, was awesome – where else are you going to get the opportunity to ride on this type of horse? My mother and sister accompanied us on the trail ride and they really enjoyed it as well. The staff at Equestrian Inc. was really informative and Anthio gave us all lessons and tips before we got on the horse to make us feel comfortable and relaxed while riding. Overall it was a great experience! The trail rides are a $20 per person donation and reservations are required so contact Equestrian Inc. today to schedule your next ride! Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay is located at 4902 Timberlan St. in Tampa. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.EquestrianInc.org or call (813) 407- 6805. Please make all donation checks payable to Equestrian Inc. Donations can also be made through Paypal on their website. Like them on Facebook to keep up to date with what they do for the community and for the horses they rescue.
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“Simply Art” Continued from page 1 to offer in our classes,” explains Mary. “I feel very fortunate that we have some really fantastic artists working hand-in-hand with us. Every artist we work with joins in on our mission to provide wonderful, creative pieces of art. This is a team effort, we give the artists ideas, they give us ideas and then we bring it to class to share with the community!”
Inspired by Creativity “I have always been a creative soul,” says Mary. “My degree is in theater, but during most of my career, I worked in business as a project manager for companies. I knew that eventually I would find my way back to the arts. I had been looking for an opportunity to explore my creative side. I’d always wanted an art gallery; so when Hannah and I sat down with my husband Mark, we came up with Simply Art Studios, a place where people can simply create!” Simply Art Studios is both a gallery and a classroom. Hannah has a degree in art history and her passion lies in helping people create beautiful memories for themselves. She is the op-
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erations manager at Simply Art Studios, as well as the jewelry design leader. Hannah says, “I love when people leave and absolutely love the painting or jewelry they have made. It is so refreshing to spend a night creating with a group of people that you help inspire.” Hannah explains that even though everyone is following the same guidelines, each person has a different style or brush stroke, so no two paintings are ever the same. “It is uniquely yours,” says Hannah. “Whether you are experienced in the craft or a beginner, we accommodate everyone. No one gets left behind and people with experience aren’t bored because we keep it fun and fresh! There is no intimidation here, just fun and simple art!”
Artistic Spirits Soar at Simply Art “What I’ve noticed is that a lot of adults have not allowed themselves to be creative since they were very young,” says Mary. “We want to give people the permission and atmosphere where they can follow simple easy steps to end up with a wonderful creation. This is a very therapeutic and fun environment for everyone. We strive to give people permission to explore their creativity again!” Simply Art Studios truly focuses
on opening the doors up for you to come in and allow your creative spirit a chance to break free and mix art and entertainment. You can bring your friends, family, coworkers or come for an evening to meet new friends. Classes at Simply Art Studios are recommended for guests 17 and up, Wear your own jewelry designs! Learn how to make lovely wearable art during step-by-step instruction. but family classes also are offered for acrylic paint and a 16x20-inch or people looking to get creative with 18x18-inch canvas. their kids. Family classes include paintJewelry classes offer many differing, paper Mache, origami and pop-up ent jewelry designs to choose from book creations! The whole family can such as basic wiring to beaded jewelry enjoy getting messy together! designs! Learn to create handmade, Painting, floral arrangement and jewelry classes usually last about two to tastefully crafted jewelry that is art to wear! Custom make the perfect fit for three hours and guests are encouraged you or make it a personalized gift creto bring beverages, snacks and a created with love! ative, open state of mind. Everything Fresh floral arrangement classes inelse is provided for you! Simply Art Studios painting classes volve learning about the basic techniques in floral arranging, as well as are instructed by local artists who help techniques for keeping your flowers you create your own personal masterlooking and smelling fresh for extended piece. Artists guide you through each periods of time. brushstroke, using a model painting,
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www.SimplyArtStudios.com to see upcoming classes and register for a class today!” Simply Art Studios is a fantastic place to explore your artistic talents and create special memories yearround for all types of occasions, and even for no reason at all other than to create personal joy!
Group classes are a fun and creative bonding experience for friends and coworkers, and also offer a great opportunity to meet new friends. Individuality shines through in every class and everyone leaves with art that is uniquely theirs.
Have a Simply Art Party! Simply Art Studios makes for the perfect night out! It is even a great place for birthdays, bridal showers or bachelorette get-togethers. A party at Simply Art Studios provides a way for people to share a memory with their party guests and allow them to bring something special home! Simply Art Studio classes are a great team-building idea for corporate events and parties! There is even something for the DIY bride, who wants to learn to make their own bouquets with bridesmaids or flower arrangements for table settings.
Date night? Why not? Taking a painting class on a date is a fun way to get to know someone or share a fun experience with someone you already love and cherish. Simply Art Studios truly has something for everyone and if you have a special idea, the team is more than willing to accommodate you in any way they can. Some guests prefer to work one-on-one with an artist to come up with a painting idea or a special piece of jewelry. Simply Art Studios offers you a chance to collaborate with and commission the work you want to create from a local and talented artist!
Private parties last a few hours and can be booked Monday through Friday, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 10 p.m., or between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Register Now: Check out Simply Art Studios’ Events Calendar at
Simply Art Studios is located in Oldsmar at 4022 Tampa Road, Suite #5. Office hours are Tues. – Fri., 12 – 5 p.m. Please visit www.simplyartstudios.com for class times, upcoming art explorations and special events! Call (813) 749-7111 or email info@simplyartstudios.com for more information. Also make sure to “like” Simply Art Studios on facebook so you can receive updates in your newsfeed about upand-coming classes!
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“Warren Ring” Continued from page 1 perception that buying or selling a home is difficult, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I am always honest with my clients and make sure they know what to expect every step of the way. I take the time to really listen to my clients so I know what their wants and needs are, and using my expertise and knowledge of the market I can help them find the perfect new home or sell their existing home.” Client Dixie Carlotti says, “My husband and I worked with Warren when we decided to purchase a home. Being in the property management industry, I have worked with many real estate agents but our experience with Warren was definitely above average. He had great knowledge of the market and was always prompt and helpful. I could not recommend Warren highly enough!” While growing up in Ireland, Warren developed his strong work ethic and values from his parents and grandparents who instilled in him the importance of being respectful, courteous, professional, and organized. After graduating from Dublin Institute of Tech-
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nology, he moved to Germany and established a very successful business. Warren sasy, “I worked in the U.S. automotive industry distributing new automobiles to the U.S. military and NATO troops stationed worldwide for 19 years. I mentored many new business owners in the industry and thrived on seeing them become successful. I always told my employees to be sure to look after the customer first, last, and always. This advice has also served me well in my real estate business.” Warren’s father a building developer from Dublin Ireland gave him some simple advice before he passed away 10 years ago, “He who dares, wins and, no risk, no reward.” After his successful career in Germany Warren realized he needed a new challenge in his life. A friend from Dublin also in the Tampa Real Estate industry (Sean O’Cuinneagain) encouraged
him to look at the Tampa area. “When I started looking at the Tampa area, I was amazed at how many people I already knew here because of my work with the U.S. military. Many of which I had done business in the past back in Germany. I really enjoy Tampa Bay and especially the Westchase area where I reside.” “Having worked with Warren and seeing how he interacts with his clients I can honestly say I would highly recommend him,” says Scott Pendleton. “He is hard working, organized, and in tune with the client’s needs. If you are looking for a Realtor that has your best interest in mind Warren is your guy.” One testament of how Warren’s hard work and positive, fun attitude is
paying off for his clients is the fact that much of his business comes from referrals. He says, “My grandmother always told me ‘without a laugh, you have nothing.’ I want to make the real estate business fun and stress free for my clients. It is a serious business but it should also be an enjoyable time. “I liaise with lenders, contractors, and inspectors from the beginning of the process to make sure everything goes smoothly and that there aren’t any surprises. I also take the time to really listen to my clients so we don’t waste
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Warren is partnered with RE/MAX realtor Adriana Mejia. valuable time looking at houses that aren’t a good fit for them.” Warren is a full time realtor and is available to his clients whenever they need him. He is also partnered with RE/MAX realtor Adriana Mejia in the Westchase area, who has been working in the industry for many years. Both Warren and Adriana are committed to their clients. They take the time to listen to your wants and needs and then work hard for you to make sure you get what you want. “I had the pleasure of working
with Warren in his capacity as a business consultant to a client of mine,” says Noel Davidson. “My client was relocating from Barcelona to Florida and Warren was a key advisor on the ground in Florida during the transition. Warren is not only a multi-skilled and innovative Business Consultant but also an inspiring motivator to my client when he was having second thoughts. Warren is an intelligent, organized, dedicated and independent person with tremendous focus to detail with huge knowledge. He was a tremendous asset at the time and I have no doubt that my clients move would not have happened without him.” Warren specializes in Westchase and the surrounding areas. When he first moved to Tampa, he spent 6 months learning all the different areas of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. He has also established an investment portfolio for several foreign investors, set up a management company and has now ventured into new construction in the South Tampa area. “I believe, to be professional in any industry you must master all aspects of the industry,” says Warren. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home anytime, make sure you have someone you can trust to work
very hard for you and who can also bring some Irish luck to your side. “I have been a lucky person,” says Warren. “But I also believe the harder you work, the luckier you are.” Warren Ring’s office is located in the Westchase Commons at 13033
W. Linebaugh Avenue. For more information about Warren and RE/MAX Action First, visit www.WarrenRing.RemaxAgent.com. To talk to Warren about buying or selling a home, email him at Warren@HomeFinderTampa.com or give him a call at (813) 220-2401.
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“Relay” Continued from page 3 What is Relay For Life? Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event. Teams of
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people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.
Why We Relay? Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer. Everyone's reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience.
Celebrate Life. Please Join Us at Relay! Anyone who has ever battled cancer is invited to celebrate life and hope by joining the Relay For Life survivor ceremony. The Survivors Lap symbolizes the courage survivors and their families display everyday. Take this opportunity to have your community support you and in turn support others who are facing this disease. We look forward to seeing you at Relay. Your strength helps bring hope that we are making progress everyday. Please contact your local American Cancer Society and be sure to invite other survivors you know to join us.
Get Involved—We Need You! Relay is an exciting community event. Join our fight against cancer today! To form a team or for corporate sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail jordyn.clark@cancer.org or call (813) 319-5916. If you are interested in registering as a Survivor or Caregiver or would like to volunteer your time and talent please email Jordyn at the same contact info listed above or visit their website at www.relayforlife.org/westchasefl.
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