LAND O’ LAKES . LUTZ . ODESSA
Vol. 3, Issue 4, April 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
®
®
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
Brain Balance of Oldsmar Helps Kids Succeed By Julie Kanehl If you have a child or know of a child who has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia or one of the many types of autism, you are not alone. While the cause is still up for hot debate, Neurobehavioral/Developmental disorders like these are on the rise, and parents are desperate to find help for their children. The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Oldsmar, located at 4022 Tampa Road, is designed to help children who have been labeled with or who exhibit signs of ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Tourette’s, learning disabilities or processing disorders. As the statistics for such conditions have grown exponentially over the last two decades, many parents have been given very little hope that their children will ever be able to grow properly and learn to
succeed. Brain Balance is a center dedicated to creating a place for children with these conditions, and is focused on individually helping them to succeed beyond the label, without medication, and with proven results. The program is based on Dr. Robert J. Melillo’s research on neurobehavioral disorders. Dr. Melillo, who is a world-renowned neurologist, professor and author, believes that all of these conditions, which were previously thought to be unrelated, are in fact related, and can be grouped into what is called Functional Disconnection Syndrome. In his book, Disconnected Kids, he explains how these conditions all find a commonality in the way that the brain works, and while if you were to take a child See “Brain Balance” on page 18.
Cool Down & Heat Up the Ice at Tampa Bay Skating Academy!
Postal Customer
ECRWSS
cility featuring North and South rinks. The Oldsmar location’s twin rinks are both NHL regulation size rinks, and are clean, well-managed and maintained to the highest standards. The North rink recently had renovations completed and is now better than ever. Located within the arena is a fullservice cafe, Slapshots Bar & Grill, and See “TBSA” on page 28.
Editorial................................3 Calendar.............................4-5 News Briefs........................6-7 Tommy’s Paradise Grill..10-11 All Tune & Lube Total Car Care.............................14-15 St. Leo University..........22-23
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Take a break from the heat this summer and enjoy public ice skating, learn-to-skate and learn to play hockey classes, figure skating sessions, summer camps and all of the healthy, wellrounded programs available at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy! With two locations (one in Oldsmar and the other located inside Westfield Countryside Mall), Tampa Bay Skating Academy has options for everyone. Novice skaters learning to glide across the ice as well as those looking to im-
prove their more advanced moves utilize the elite professional coaching staff , some of which are former college and NHL Hockey players, as well as former national and international figure skating champions and professional performers. Tampa Bay Skating Academy (TBSA) was first introduced to the area in 1992 when the Oldsmar location opened; after just one year of business the company expanded to become Florida’s first twin ice skating fa-
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Katelyn Thomas
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
2
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Kim Thomas
3rd Annual 4-Hearts Golf Classic 4 Person Scramble, 4 Worthy Beneficiaries, 4 Contest Winners! Mark your calendars now for the upcoming 3rd Annual 4-Hearts Golf Classic Golf to be held at Cypress Run Golf Club (2669 St. Andrews Blvd., Tarpon Springs) on Friday, May 4th, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. And, if you’re not a golfer but would still like to join in the festivities, you can attend the luncheon at 1 p.m. We thought this was a great cause and put together a fun drawing to award four attendees with $50 each in dining gift certificates. Read on for all the details! The golf tournament is the largest fundraiser that 4-Hearts holds each year. This year, your tax-deductible participation fees and/or donations will benefit The Shepherd Center, Support Our Troops, Eckerd Raising Hope, and the Corporal Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery Fund. Corporal Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery Fund supports 22-year-old Corporal Michael Nichol-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
son, a Tampa US Marine who was severely injured in Afghanistan, losing three limbs in his service to our country. Nicholson is a 2007 graduate of Plant High School. The “Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery Fund” (www.caringbridge.org/visit/cplmi chaelnicholson) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. One hundred percent of the tax-deductible donations will go toward Corporal Nicholson’s care, specifically on items not covered by the Veteran’s Administration. The fund is set up at the Bank of Tampa. Eckerd Raising Hope, Inc., (www.raisinghopefl.org), is a notfor-profit organization based in Pinellas County that was established in 2004 to meet the emergency clothing and toiletry needs for children coming into Pinellas County’s foster care system. As they enter the foster care system, each child is provided a duffle bag filled with clothing, new socks,
underwear, shoes, and age-appropriate toiletry items. The filled duffle bag allows the child to arrive at his foster home with his own belongings and a sense of pride and dignity. In 2007 Raising Hope met the emergency needs of more than 1,500 children in Pinellas County. See “4-Hearts Golf” on page 32. CORRECTION! Ierna’s Heating and Cooling in Lutz does so much in the community and the company really networks through the internet utilizing their website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This vital contact information was cut off at the end of Ierna’s Heating and Cooling feature article in our March issue and we apologize for any inconvenience. Please visit Ierna’s Heating and Cooling online at www.IernaAir.com and check out the company’s Facebook page for the latest news and photos from community projects that Ierna’s supports. Call Ierna’s Heating and Cooling at (813) 948-6355.
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 18,000 households in zip codes 33556, 33558 & 34638 118 Tarpon Ave. East, Suite #8 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 943-0556 Advertising E-mail: neighborhoodlifestyles@yahoo.com Editorial E-mail: neighborhoodlifestylesedit@yahoo.com © 2012 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
Nothing that appears in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and adver-
tisement deadlines. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles 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. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
3
Community Calendar Connect at the 10th Annual NetFest April 18, 5 – 8:30 PM—Business and community leaders around Tampa Bay will connect at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 10th Annual NetFest at Starkey Ranch in Odessa. NetFest is one of Pasco’s largest networking events of the year and is a “Who’s Who of Pasco County” for the business and community leaders of Tampa Bay. More than 250 people gathered at the event last year with key business leaders and elected officials in attendance. This year, NetFest expects over 300 people. Pasco EDC urges people attending to “throw on their blue jeans and grab a cowboy hat” for an informal night of networking – minus the speeches or awards. Enjoy a BBQ, drinks, country music and plenty of chili for everyone. Sponsors of NetFest will be participating in a chili cook-off that is judged by attendees. “There is a ton of buzz about Pasco right now, especially since the County just won four ‘Future of the Region’ awards,” said John Hagen,
4
Pasco EDC President/CEO. “If you want to do business in Pasco County, or with Pasco County company, you’ll want to attend NetFest.” Tickets are $35 for investors and guests, and $45 for all others. Reservations for NetFest can be made online at www.pascoedc.com/events. Wildlife Safari, Brooker Creek Preserve Sat., Apr. 21, 9 AM – 2 PM—Join in the fun at this family activity! Children ages 4-12 begin with a blank Wildlife Passport, the walk along a one-mile loop of adventure with live owls, snakes, baby raccoons, turkey chicks, and more! As kids visit each Wildlife Station, their passport is stamped. At the end, they get a t-shirt and prize for completing the journey. Cost is $5 per child. The event is cosponsored by Pinellas County and Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. More information is at www.FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org.
Opera Tampa presents Aida Apr. 20 & 22—Aida, Giuseppe Verdi’s grandest of grand operas, will be presented in the Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall as part of the Opera Tampa season presented by Homes by Helen. The opera tells the story of Aida, princess of Ethiopia, captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. Radames, a high ranking military commander, is torn by his love for Aida and his duty to the Pharaoh, with tragic consequences for both. First performed in Cairo in 1871, Aida has come to be the most popular of all of Verdi’s operas and one of the most loved of all Italian lyric dramas. The gorgeousness of the coloring in its pictures, the kaleidoscopic succession of brilliant scenes, the ballets, processions, the glitter of court life and “the pomp, the pride, the circumstance of war” unite with its music to make it an opera for the people as well as for the more conservative connoisseur. The fluent melody of its score appeals to popular taste, while the technical skill shown in the arrangement of its general plan and the harmonious disposition of all its details arouse the admiration of the most critical observer.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Aida will showcase a stunning international cast, as well as the Opera Tampa Orchestra and Chorus. In his final appearance as Opera Tampa’s founding artistic director, Maestro Anton Coppola conducts a company that features Rosa D’Imperio as Aida, Gustavo Lopez Manzitti as Radames and Stacey Rishoi as Amneris, as well as Gustav Andreassen as Ramfis, George Cordes as the King of Egypt and Mark S. Doss as Ethiopian King Amonasro. Joachim Schamberger will direct the production. Aida will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. Performances are Fri., Apr. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 22, at 2 p.m. Regularly priced tickets start at $29.50 and may be purchased by calling (813) 229-STAR (7827), in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. For more information about Opera Tampa and its upcoming events, please visit www.operatampa.org. *Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Free SCORE Workshops Tues. Apr. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 PM— How to Market in this Economy, pre-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
sented at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy. in Land O’ Lakes. To register: www.SCORE439.org; call (727) 8424638 to suggest future topics. New Date: American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Lutz Fri., May 18, 6 PM—is the new date for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Lutz. Teams of Lutz residents and businesses will gather and relay overnight at Steinbrenner High School. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Lutz gives everyone in the community a chance to help the organization save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Participants take turns walking relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track such as camping out, dancing, contests, games and silent auctions. Teams can include families, friends, businesses, clubs, churches, schools and service organizations. Anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer is invited to take part in this exciting team event. You can register your team today by visiting RelayFor-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Life.org/LutzFL or by calling Megan Rindone,at 813-319-5918. “Relay For Life draws attention to the progress being made in the fight against cancer,” said Barbara Hancock, volunteer Relay event chair. “Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have faced cancer themselves. Their involvement helps bring hope that, together, we can eliminate cancer as a major health problem.” When you volunteer for the American Cancer Society, you can make a meaningful difference in your community by helping cancer patients and their families while building relationships and networks that last a lifetime. The money raised helps people reduce their risk of cancer; provides free programs and services for cancer patients; funds groundbreaking research; and makes sure cancer remains a priority issue for elected officials. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, the American Cancer Society, will be able to see that more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it, celebrate birthdays this year. To learn more
about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Taste Of Pasco Fundraiser To Help The County’s Homeless Population May 19, 4 – 7 PM—Leadership Pasco is hosting the second annual Taste of Pasco fundraiser at the Rotary Pavilion at the Concourse to raise money for the new Mobile Medical Unit used to serve the homeless population of Pasco County. Earlier this week the Mobile Medical Unit was unveiled at Metropolitan Ministries in Holiday, FL. Senator Mike Fasano, Pasco County Commissioners, and several other business and community leaders were in attendance for the ribbon cutting. Krista Hakes, Vice President of Leadership Pasco and Economic Development Manager at the Pasco Economic Development Council said, “This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help those less fortunate than ourselves, and at the same time enjoy delicious food from some of Pasco’s best restaurants.” The event will include food and beverage tastings from local restau-
rants, live entertainment, silent auction and police K9 unit demonstrations. Children will have plenty of activities including games, a bounce house party, water slide, face painting, balloon artists and more. Attendees will also have the chance to meet local celebrities like Toby Hall (former Tampa Bay Rays player) and Anthony Brecht (former Bucs NFL tight end), who will be in attendance. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door (kids 12 and under free). Contact Krista Hakes at 813926-0827 x 227 or Scott Byrnes at 727-845-7015.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
5
Community News Briefs American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Sunlake Needs Teams One of the owners of Blend Fitness in Land O’ Lakes, Jason Arigoni is seeking help from community members and fellow business owners to form teams for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Sunlake that begins Apr. 27 at 6 p.m. at Rushe Middle School. “I am reaching out to you today for some help with a project that is very important to me, and has such a positive impact on the community,” says Arigoni. “The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Sunlake is in need of more teams! I am helping with team development, and local businesses are crucial to the success of these events. This branch of the Relay is still considered to be in its’ infancy compared to some of the events throughout the country that have been established for several years, and local businesses can ensure we have many successful years to come by getting involved now.” Here is how you can help: To learn more and sign up a team, visit online at
6
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f r_id=37660&pg=entry. Teams must raise a minimum of $100 by the event date to participate. When you register your team, you’ll be sent details regarding the next team meeting. Just make sure that you have enough team members to cover the entire event, setup your campsite, and be able to walk laps. This year’s theme is “Movies.” Your team will be able to select a movie to decorate your campsite, and help bring a fun element to a serious cause. “If you are not able to commit to the actual event, there are a number of other ways that you can help with this great cause, and get your company’s name out there,” explains Arigoni. “We are in need of sponsorships, you can join another team, or help raise funds for the overall event. Please feel free to reach out to me, jason.arigoni@blend-fitness.com. Pasco County Sweeps “Future of the Region Awards” and Aces the OneBay! The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) today
awarded Pasco County the coveted OneBay Award, effectively elevating the county to elite status among Tampa Bay communities. TBRPC is the regional expert when it comes to land planning and development. This is the second year Pasco County was chosen for the OneBay award—and also only the second year the award has been in existence. The award was given to Pasco County for innovatively becoming one of Florida’s first counties to adopt the mobility fee as a replacement of transportation impact fees. The Pasco Economic Development Council partnered with the County to craft the program and gain support from the development community to help adopt the fee. The new fee schedule dramatically lowers the cost of office and industrial development in Pasco County. For example, Pasco’s mobility fee for office, industrial and transit-oriented development along US-19 and S.R. 54/56 corridors is $0. The intent of the Commissioners’ action is to stimulate construction and job creation. Also at the “Future of the Region Awards,” Pasco County took first place in the Development/Infra-
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
structure category, again, for its mobility fee program, and first place in the Cultural/Sports/Recreation category for the Pasco County Starkey Wilderness Park Trail Project (Phases I through IV). An Honorable Mention was also given to Pasco County for its Elderly Nutrition Program. “It was like sweeping the Grammys! Pasco County won more awards than any organization,” said John Hagen, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “The mobility fee is truly innovative and puts Pasco County in a class by itself. It provides a decided business advantage over other communities. For office, hotel, and industrial users in the key development corridors along US 19 and SR 54/56, it’s free. It is gratifying to see Pasco County receive the attention it deserves for its bold leadership to encourage job creation.” TBRPC exemplifies the significance of innovative planning and provides honor and recognition for notable achievements in resource planning and management in the Tampa Bay Area. Over 30 applications were received covering the following categories: Community Service, Cultural/Sports/Recreation, Development/Infrastructure, Natural
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Resources/Environment, Going Green, and Public Education. An Independent Awards Jury reviewed each entry on the following criteria: regional quality of life benefit, benefit to environment, innovation, cost effectiveness, capacity for continuing impact, and regional benefit. Girls are Invited to Celebrate Girl Scouts’ 100 th Anniversary at Summer Camp! Girl Scouts is celebrating 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) invites all girls entering grades 1 – 12 to celebrate with us at camp this summer, whether or not they’re Girl Scouts! Overnight camps are offered throughout June and July at two of the council’s camp properties, and day camps are offered throughout the eight counties GSWCF serves – there’s something for every girl! Non-Girl Scouts are welcome to register for summer camp, and many girls join each year through the camp pathway as part of the new-age membership model of Girl Scouts. Girls who join at the time of summer camp
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
pay a one-time, annual membership fee of $12. GSWCF-owned Camps Dorothy Thomas, Scoutcrest and Wildwood are American Camp Association (ACA) accredited; three of 16 ACAaccredited camps within a 100 mile radius of Tampa, according to the ACA website. Horseback riding, water skiing, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), healthy living, arts and crafts, and swimming are among the many activities offered at Girl Scout summer camps. Can’t decide on just one? Not quite sure about sleeping away for a week? Girls can customize their camp experiences. All sessions include sports, nature exploration, and arts and crafts, and campfires for a well-rounded camp experience. If parents are looking for a safe, secure, nurturing all-girl environment where girls of all ages are taught respect for self and others, and have amazing opportunities to explore their passions – Girl Scout camp is the place for your daughter. Girl Scout camp sessions are also very affordable with pricing starting at $75/girl for day camp and $175/girl for
overnight camp. Girl Scout summer camp programs encompass a rich history of 100 years of providing outdoor experiences for girls. Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912 on the premise that girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Under her guidance, she encouraged girls to get out of their home environments and into the open air. The first Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips and learned to tell time by the stars. “One hundred years later, girls are still having a blast at camp!” said Kim Jowell, CEO, GSWCF. “One of my favorite times of year is going out to our summer camps to interact with girls. I see girls of all ages arrive at camp somewhat shy and hesitant about the days ahead, but after several days of the Girl Scout camp experience, they leave more self-confident, with new friends and truly exhausted from all the activities!” Visit www.gswcf.org/summercamp to view the 2012 Girl Scout Summer Camp guide and take a peek at Camps Scoutcrest and Wildwood. Registration for summer camps is available online at www.gswcf.org/ors. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) serves nearly 22,000 girls and 11,000 adult members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties. GSWCF receives funding from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and area United Way agencies.Did you know that more than 53% of all women business owners are Girl
Scout alumnae? For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, visit www.gswcf.org or call 800-8814475. Christian Business Connections Community Outreach Christian Business Connections, Central Pasco, made two contributions to worthy causes. Each received $250 The first recipient was Feed Our Children Ministries, Inc., which is a non-profit organization supporting the Greater Tampa community, orphans, elderly, and the poor through out the world by providing food, clothing, transportation, housing, temporary shelter, family counseling, services for abandoned teen pregnant mothers, motivational programs for disadvantaged youth, services for the homeless, services to orphans and poor children in need throughout the world, referrals for financial assistance, and spiritual support 24 hours/day. More information can be found at www.FeedOurChildren.org. The second recipient was The Gathering, a new church in Wesley Chapel committed to impacting the community. They believe that God’s love is a call of action and they are there to make it a reality for families in the Tampa Bay area. Services are at 10 a.m. on Sundays at Wesley Chapel Elementary School, 30243 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel. Information can be found at www.TheGatheringWC.com. Christian Business Connections meets every Thursday at Heritage Church on 1854 Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz, from 8 – 9 a.m. For more information contact CBCCP Ambassador, Rene Van Hout at (813) 300-7511 or Rene@LOLmoving.com.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
7
8
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
9
By Katie Thomas
N
othing beats sitting down to eat your favorite dish in a colorful, relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold beer, friends and family. Vibrantly decorated with Key West style flair, Tommy’s Paradise Grill on Gunn Highway is a great little slice of paradise right in the heart of Odessa. Tommy’s is a local favorite due to the delicious food and laid back style. The menu was built to satisfy customers and the crew is never against trying new recipes or adding to the menu. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast every Saturday and Sunday (8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), you will love the mixture of the delicious, fresh food and the fun atmosphere at Tommy’s! Tommy’s Paradise Grill opened last year in March with a goal to provide good food at affordable prices in a family atmosphere. Owner Tommy White grew up in a multi-cultural family. His dad was from Washington State and his mom was from Venezuela; the two met at Berkeley, University of California and fell in love. Since Tommy grew up in a family with an all-American dad and the warmth of a Latino mother, he learned to love and value the food from both cultural backgrounds. Tommy’s passion for food came from spending a lot of time in the kitchen with his mom. “I try to create an environment here,” says Tommy, “where my guests can always leave happy and where I can feel as if I am entertaining my friends in my own backyard.” Tommy believes that with genuine service and good home-style food, people will always come back to Tommy’s Paradise Grill. After sampling a wide variety of what Tommy’s has to offer, the food itself had me
10
A Slice of Paradise! hooked, especially when combined with friendly service on an outdoor patio with a wrap-around wooden bar and live music! Tommy’s Paradise Grill has an eclectic menu filled with variety for all different tastes. There really is something for everyone at Tommy’s! Menu options are all made with fresh ingredients and hand-made; you won’t find any box mixes or pre-made dishes in Tommy’s kitchen. From slow smoked barbecue, hand-rolled sushi and delicious hot-off-the-grill lunch and dinner combinations; Tommy’s has some of the best tasting grub around. All of the barbecue is smoked inhouse from two smokers and is served with Tommy’s special “doctored up” barbecue sauce. Walking up to Tommy’s Paradise Grill, your senses will be enthralled – the smell of the smoked food is sure to have your mouth watering instantly. I sampled the Smoked Beef Brisket, Barbecue Pulled Pork and Smoked Wings at Tommy’s Paradise Grill and I was tempted to stay and keep on munching through the night. Trying smoked wings was a first for
fried rice are tossed in a sizzling wok with a mix of broccoli, onions, carrots, green onions and house-made stir fry sauce. You can add chicken, beef or salmon to the dish, which makes it even tastier! Tommy’s Paradise Grill serves up some mean sandwiches which include Gourmet Burger in Paradise, Marinated Steak Sandwich, Jamaican Chicken Sandwich, All American Sausage Hoagie, Seafood Po Boy Sandwiches, Grilled Vegetable Portobello and Fish on a Shell (fish tacos) – all served with a choice of your favorite side. I enjoyed the hand-cut sweet potato fries! Tommy’s sushi rolls are all served fresh and are based upon in-season fish to ensure the best selection for your dining experience. The Paradise Roll is a favorite and is composed of fresh Scottish salmon rolled inside nory and fried in Tommy’s special house tempura batter, then topped with fresh apple bites and sweet creamy sauce. You will also enjoy the Paradise Grill Original Doogie’s Tempura Roll, which is fresh shrimp that is hand-battered and fried, all rolled up with cream cheese and topped with kani and spicy cream sauce! Tommy’s Paradise Grill wouldn’t be complete without their fabulous
me and I loved the tender texture and smokey flavor that was contained in each delicious bite. It’s impossible to list every menu item but here is a sampling of the choices you’ll have at Tommy’s Paradise Grill. Conch Fritters are made fresh with chopped onions, peppers, celery and spices; all fried to a delicious golden brown crisp and served with a side of salsa rosadoa. Another great appetizer at Tommy’s is the Salmon Tostaditas – a delicious combination of fresh, wild caught salmon, sautéed with onions, celery and cilantro and served on four bite-sized fried tortillas atop a bed of lettuce and topped with light sour cream. (This item is also available with raw salmon and veggies for sushi lovers). Tommy’s “Main Street Specials” are perfect for lunch or diner. You have got to try the Stir Fry Chuka or Fried You’ll love the Key West inspired ambiance at Rice! Chuka noodles or Tommy’s Paradise Grill in Odessa
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
The menu at Tommy’s Paradise Grill is full of delicious choices - succulent smoked ribs, delicious desserts, stir-fry specialties, conch fritters & much more! dessert menu. Tommy’s Bread Puddin’ is homemade and served with vanilla ice cream. A perfect dessert if I’ve ever had one; the Bread Puddin’ melts in your mouth and will make “mmmmmmm, good” escape from your lips. The Tres Leches is another delicious dessert that is a family recipe. Chocolate Dream Cake and Key Lime Pie are also on the menu and are masterful creations, straight from Tommy’s kitchen. Tommy’s Paradise Grill is the place in Odessa to meet new people, experience homemade delicacies, dance, enjoy a drink, and kick back to
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
relax. Tommy’s is dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your pooch out of the fun! Along with take-out and delivery, Tommy’s offers catering for events, so you can get your barbecue fix for your next big party. Better yet, bring the party to Tommy’s Paradise Grill and celebrate on the outside patio, with live music that plays every Friday and Saturday night (6:30 – 10 p.m.). Tommy’s hosts tons of group parties and will take reservations. Tommy and his family live in the Odessa community and are big advocates in supporting local events. They have donated food to Keystone Civic
Association, sponsored many youth baseball teams, participated in Taste of St. Timothy’s and have offered gift certificates as raffle items to local schools. Tommy says, “This is my home and this business is a therapy to me. I am happy to be here and I love my guests, patrons and my staff.” Tommy’s Paradise Grill is upbeat, fun and you won’t be disappointed in the staff’s great attitude. Tommy’s employees and his guests love him and their work environment, which is reflected in the great service and delicious food. So grab a friend and head
to Tommy’s Paradise Grill where you may meet some new people, and where you will definitely eat some great food and enjoy life at your own little paradise. Tommy’s Paradise Grill is located at 18636 Gunn Hwy. in Odessa. Hours are Mon., 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Tues. – Thurs., 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sun. Please call (727) 366-5929 or visit www.TommysParadiseGrill.com for additional information or to view the menu.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
11
12
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Come and join the Angel Family! See what some of our loyal customers have to say! $75 OFF Deep Spring Cleaning Special on 20 years in the business to Donna and her teams. C ongratulations Donna and The Cleaning Angels initially came to my home in 2010 to offer an evaluation of my cleaning needs. It took only one visit to recognize that their service was considerably different than my previous ones. Their reliability, honesty and dedication to excellent service has proven itself again and again. -Michelle Marquis, Clearwater, Florida We have used The Cleaning Angel Cleaning Service for the past two and a half years. Every two weeks we are more than satisfied with the service especially with Ileah who has been the head of the cleaning team that services our home. Their work is a very thorough professional cleaning. They are always prompt, courteous, trustworthy and willing to adapt to our schedule. Along with the regular cleaning each time, they include the baseboards, light fixtures and ceiling fans, blinds and much much more. Our home is always sparkling every time. -Sue and John Kelly Wyntree, New Port Richey, FL I hired the Cleaning Angels over a year ago to help keep my house clean, so I would have time to pick up more shifts at work, to help make ends meet. On my initial interview with Donna Ferrante, she came to my home and we walked through the house together. She gave details of her business and work ethic and expectations for customer satisfaction. Donna and her staff are extremely personable and very professional. I feel like everyone cares if I am satisfied or not. The Cleaning Angels staff has gone above and beyond to work with my husband and my difficult work schedules. I highly recommend the Cleaning Angels to assist in housing maintenance. They do a great job, they are reasonably priced, and with the time I save from having to clean the house myself, I am able to pick up extra shifts at work and do other errands and chores. Love, Love, Love!!!! -Jennifer Mugianis, Tarpon Springs, FL We have used The Cleaning Angel for just over a year and I wonder how we ever got by without them! Our first meeting was with the company's owner, Donna; she made us feel very confident and comfortable about the service her company would be providing. Donna assured us that what was promised would be delivered because it was her name on the line. As business owners ourselves the message was loud and clear and we decided to give them a try. The Cleaning Angel has provided the phenomenal service that Donna promised and more. Our regular team, Ivonne and Anna are dependable, honest, pleasant, hardworking and efficient. They come in and get the job done. Thank you "Cleaning Angels" for making the task of maintaining my home easier on me! -Esther and Michael Halman, Crescent Oaks, Tarpon Springs, FL
Before I started with the Cleaning Angels, I had tried numerous cleaning services. I was never happy with the results until I met Donna six years ago. She actually was still cleaning herself at that time. Congratulations for expanding your business and making it to 20 years. The service is always excellent - they are prompt, efficient, professional, and their appearance is always great. They always have the correct products and equipment and their attention to detail goes above and beyond. My current lead is Ileah and she has been cleaning my house for several years and I just love her. I am very active in the Trinity community and have recommended the Cleaning Angels to many people. -Sandy Alekson, Champions Club, Trinity, FL
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Nine years ago, I was looking for a cleaning lady and found Donna. At that time she went by Donna’s Cleaning Service. She cleaned my home herself for about two years. When she broke her foot and had to hire girls to help out, I initially was concerned. However that concern was short lived as Donna trains her girls to clean exactly like she does. Since then these girls come into my home and do their magic. I have many disabilities and they go way beyond to make sure that my house is clean and that I am happy. They do special things for me to make my life easier. I want to thank Sandy who use to clean my home and now is in the office with Donna. Congratulations for all your accomplishments Donna! -Fran Mischler, Port Richey, FL I have had the great pleasure of hiring and being in the company of the Cleaning Angels Cleaning Service. They are incredibly accommodating and have superior customer service. I have rarely come across a service organization that is so professional and extremely pleasant to work with. Every time "the Angels " come to my house, it gets better and better. Budget cuts have hit the majority of Americans, but I will give up other things before I would ever consider giving up "my Angels". -Tina Redmond, Keystone Bluffs, Tarpon Springs, FL The Cleaning Angel has been a consistent and dependable cleaning service, working around our family, house guests and home construction. They have been responsive to our special requests and once they know what we like, they provide great value added customer service. I would recommend them to others. -Susan Rolston, East Lake Woodlands, Oldsmar, FL I was looking for a cleaning service and was referred to The Cleaning Angels. I didn’t think they would come this far but called them anyway and they were more than happy to put me in their schedule. I live a 440 West and the girls are cleaning up this town. There have been a lot of unhappy people in the Clearwater Beach area and now word is out. We finally found the best. Congratulations Donna and so happy to have found you. -Katherine Sullivan, Clearwater Beach, FL As far as I am concerned there is only one cleaning service in the Tampa Bay area and that is the Cleaning Angels. They came into my home the first time and did a deep spring clean and was I ever blown away. I have never seen a cleaning service do the detail work these girls did. Donna sent four girls and they stayed for seven hours and my home is about 2700 sf. They hand washed all my baseboards, did the blinds in a three step process, washed every door and door frame in the whole house, moved every little knick knack and got into every little corner possible. Two weeks before I used a different service that promised a spring clean. They sent two girls that stayed in my home for 2-½ hours. After throwing my money away I was referred to Donna by someone in Land o Lakes. I’ve told many people if you are looking for your home to be cleaned correctly, don’t waste your time on other maid services. Call the Cleaning Angels if you want it done right and you will never have to find anyone else. Congratulations on your 20 years and hope you have many, many more. -Betty Bennett, Odessa, FL
All New Customers Will Also Receive a $25 Restaurant Gift Card (Good at over 100 restaurants!)
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
13
All Tune and Lube Total Car Care Where Outstanding Service is Priority By Kim Thomas All Tune and Lube Total Care Car, located at 4107 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, is a friendly, full-service automotive repair shop that has every component necessary to offer exceptional service that keeps your vehicle’s engine and systems in top form. Stop in and meet the friendly All Tune and Lube team, and enjoy the barbecue at the next Customer Appreciation Day and Barbecue, open to all, on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will love the personable, friendly service at All Tune and Lube, where ASE Certified mechanics have the experience and tools necessary to keep your vehicle running like a dream, providing every service from simple oil changes to complicated engine repairs and transmission replacements, or even custom wheel packages and new tires. This top-notch automotive shop
14
repairs every make and model of cars, RVs, trucks and diesel engines. All work carries a national warranty, and in-house, interest-free financing is available. All Tune and Lube Total Car Care opened 8 years ago and has been under the ownership of Bob Ramazzotto for the past 2 1/2 years. “Customer service is paramount here,” says Bob. “I am a part of this community and I want every customer’s experience to be positive. We want customers to understand the ‘why’ before the ‘what’ and we actually want to take them back and show them exactly what repairs we need to make and why.” Customers enjoy some great perks with All Tune and Lube, such as free local shuttle service and even free pickup and delivery of vehicles to be serviced. “Call us and we can pick up your vehicle from your home or office and return it by the end of the day in
most cases,” explains General Manager Guy Mish, who comes to All Tune and Lube with more than 17 years of experience. In addition to working for Lexus, Toyota and General Motors, Guy also owned his own shop. Additionally, All Tune and Lube offers free bottomless refills of wiper fluid, free brake system checks, and
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
free estimates. If you choose to drop off your vehicle and wait, the lobby is comfortable and roomy, with a TV and a very comfortable couch, plenty of current magazines, snack and drink vending machines, a play area and a relaxing aquarium where little ones can try to find Nemo. A large table holds busi-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
All Tune and Lube owner Bob Ramazotto (left) and General Manager & Lead ASE Certified Technician Guy Mish (right) show how your windshield wipers can help wipe out more than rain! A portion of the proceeds from the AutoTex wipers benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation; wipers come in pink or black. ness cards from many area businesses that All Tune and Lube is happy to help promote, as well as fliers for upcoming charity events in the community. All Tune and Lube participates in many community events such as American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and more. Free Wi-Fi enables customers to fire up their laptop and
work or touch base with friends. Dealership Quality at a Fair Price “Prevention is key,” explains Bob. “With proper maintenance, you can get 300,000 miles out of your engine. A small service fee now can prevent a costly repair later.”
If you have a vehicle that is still under factory warranty, you should consider taking it to All Tune and Lube for the factory-scheduled maintenance services that keep your warranty in place. “We can save our customers up to 50 % of what they will have to pay at their dealership for the same service,” says Guy. For additional savings and specials, join the All Tune and Lube VIP Club. The current special is an oil change, tire rotation and A/C check for a special price of $14.99 – simply text alltune to 90210 and you’ll receive a text message back letting you know that you are a VIP member. There is no cost to join, and oil changes for VIP members include a top-off of fluids, new oil filter and a check of the air filter, plus a multipoint safety inspection. Another great way to save money is with a Fuel Saver Package service from All Tune and Lube, which can maximize your vehicle’s gas economy, taking it back to the same fuel economy it had when new from the factory.
All Tune and Lube performs complete A/C recharge, diagnostics and repair. New automotive A/C systems installed at All Tune and Lube have a *lifetime warranty (*see store for details). Adjacent to All Tune and Lube and under the same ownership is Motorcycle Metrics Plus, which offers the same excellence in customer service, repairing and servicing all types of motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs. All Tune and Lube also is a U-Haul Authorized Dealer. Next time your car needs servicing, go where outstanding service is the highest priority. All Tune and Lube in Land O’ Lakes is your onestop Total Car Care Center. All Tune and Lube Total Car Center is located at 4107 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes. Please call (813) 996-2886 or visit www.AllTuneandLubeLandOLakes.com for additional information. Appointments can be set online and you’ll also find a link to the cheapest gas prices in the area and money-saving coupons.
16
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
17
“Brain Balance” Continued from page 1 with any of these conditions and give them an MRI Scan, or any other number of medical tests, there would be nothing to find. The brain is not damaged. These issues are all connection issues, and research has proven that the left hemisphere of the brain and the right hemisphere of the brain have distinct responsibilities, abilities and functions. Most of us can easily be labeled “left-brained” or “right-brained” but research has found that when one-half of the brain has a deficiency, it leads to these connectivity issues which can result in a “disconnect” between a child and their ability to learn, communicate and succeed. The goal is to challenge the hemisphere of the brain that is showing a deficiency, and to stimulate it so that it will learn to function. The results of Dr. Melillo’s program have been remarkable and have changed people’s lives. Since 1998, approximately 1,000 children have completed the program and have shown remarkable academic, emotional, behavioral, and social improvements. Brain Balance Really Works The Brain Balance Center of Oldsmar is owned by Executive Director Larry Polnicky, who had a successful career in the IT field until the search for help for his son’s severe autism brought him to a Brain Balance Center in Georgia. “We had tried everything for Ben,” says Polnicky, who still gets choked up when he talks about his son. “We were late to realize that our son was Autistic. We were spending $20,000 a year trying to find anything that would help him.” At five years old, Ben was still in diapers, was completely non-verbal, which meant he had never said a word, and was still only able to eat baby food. Fatefully, the Polnickys happened to attend a Zac Brown concert, and partway through the music, Brown, who is the celebrity spokesperson for Brain Balance Achievement Centers, did a presentation about the benefits of the program.
18
The Polnickys went to the closest Brain Balance Center, which was in Georgia, and even moved up there for a short time so that their son would be able to participate in the after-school program. “Within four weeks Ben was reaching for new kinds of food. We were thrilled,” says Polnicky. After 12 weeks in the program, which is typically one session, Ben was eating normally; after a second 12week program his temper-tantrums and some of his OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) behavior went away, and he took himself to the bathroom on his own. The Polnickys were so excited about their son’s progress. They didn’t know if he would ever be able to do these things, and within a matter months, he was progressing rapidly. Ben continued to make progress, expressing the sounds “ba” and “ma.” It was this success in Ben that made Polnicky decide to open a center in our area, so that kids with all manners of learning disabilities, from ADHD to autism and everything in between, could find help and support. At Brain Balance of Oldsmar, Ben is now on his way to talking. Jocelyn Kubus, who works with him at the center, says, “Ben is starting to make out words now, like purple and mama; it isn’t quite the word yet but it’s getting close. Once Brain Balance of Oldsmar came into being, the right people just seemed to come into place, and the staff at Brain Balance grew. Executive Director Larry Polnicky works closely with Center Director Laura Crumley and Assistant Director Heather Lascano to ensure that every child at Brain Balance of Oldsmar is given the help they deserve for continuous improvement. Prior to working as Center Director at Brain Balance, Laura Crumley practiced in Georgia as a licensed professional counselor for ten years working with adults and children. She says, “In my practice I saw numerous kids who were on several medications that were having very negative side effects. And although medication has its own place, I am excited to be part of a company that was able to move beyond a traditional model and help kids from a
neurological standpoint.” Program Director Claire Hart comes to the center with a Doctorate in Teacher Education and Physical Education, as well as 37 years of teaching experience in Pinellas County. The rest of the capable and dedicated staff includes Lead Sensory Motor Coach Andrea Widoff, Certified Teacher Jessika Kubus and Assistant Academic Instructor Jocelynn Kubus. The Brain Balance Program Brain Balance is not a medical facility, and so it does not employ doctors, write prescriptions for medications, or accept insurance. Instead, Brain Balance is a facility that has a completely holistic approach to children who have neurobehavioral disorders. The staff at Brain Balance doesn’t really believe in labels. They do take all labels into consideration; however, they also believe that labels can create limitations for children, as well as their parents, who often blame themselves, or get so frustrated that they begin to give up. Hope is everywhere you look in this modern facility. Hope for each child that walks through those doors. Upon being accepted into the Brain Balance program, each child is
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Larry Polnicky and his son Ben given an extensive assessment that gives the staff the opportunity to get a grasp on where each child’s strengths and weaknesses are, and to detect any deficiencies, and at what level they occur. The assessments that they use are well-known evaluation exams that have been used in schools across the country to help determine disabilities, but in this case, instead of trying to find a label for a child, they are trying to find a pattern that would indicate which part of the brain isn’t “connecting” properly. The Brain Balance program is tai-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
lor-made for each individual child and works with kids from the ages of 5-18. Each program generally consists of one or two 12-week after-school programs, where each child participates in a range of activities that help them to improve the connections between both hemispheres of their brains. There is a 1:1 teacher to child ratio at the Brain Balance Center, and while the kids are having fun and playing ball, balancing on a balance beam, and playing games on the state-of-the-art computer programs available at the facility, they are really making marked progress in their sensory and motor development, as well as their academics. The idea is to help kids create a healthier body and brain function. Brain Balance incorporates programs and activities that have been proven to help kids who have these disorders, and they have them all at the facility so that each child has access to not just one or two, but hundreds. Studies show that many kids who have neurobehavioral disorders have poor immune systems, and that a poor diet may play a role in triggering problems as well. Therefore, nutrition is an important part of the Brain Balance program, and when they are accepted into the program, each child is given a
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
complete nutritional work-up by Nutritionist Carole Farace that includes blood and urine analysis. This gives the nutritionist the opportunity to sit down with the child and the child’s family and discuss what their child’s body really needs. Instead of suggesting something generic like a multi-vitamin or one kind of vitamin that’s been known to work, they pride themselves on tailor-making a dietary plan for each child. All-in-all, the program customizes a program that incorporates physical, sensory, academic, behavioral and nutritional guidance to each child. Parents are updated with progress reports every two weeks, and generally students have improved so dramatically after the first 12 weeks that an additional session is not necessary. Real Results At the conclusion of the 12-week program, another assessment is given, and their achievement is measured and shared with the family. In very severe cases, a second 12-week session will be recommended, but generally students are released after the first 12-week session with dramatic improvement. Polnicky says, “In a study where 60 of the students had ADHD, 82% of
those students were shown to no longer exhibit any signs of ADHD after one 12-week program.” He adds, “Two-thirds of the students improved by two grade levels, and onethird of the students actually improved by four grade levels; 100% had some improvement, and 0% had no improvement, so even if I didn’t know from personal experience that this program worked, we have the research to back us up.” The Brain Balance Mission The Brain Balance Mission Statement is “to make the Brain Balance Program available to as many children as possible, that each child may reach their greatest physical, mental, social and academic potential.” In order to do this, education is key. The directors, coaches and founders of Brain Balance really want parents to understand that there is hope, that there can
be success, and that their children have bright futures ahead of them regardless of labels or limitations. That is why each month Brain Balance offers free informative events for parents to come and learn about the details of the program and to see if it’s a right fit for their family. Guests who attend the free event are given a discount on the initial assessment. The next informative FREE parent events will be held on Saturday, April 14 at 10 AM and Saturday, May 12 at 10 AM; the event will last about one hour and reservations are needed, as seating is limited. For more information on The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Oldsmar, located at 4022 Tampa Rd., Suite 6, please call 813-4756977. Or, email them directly at oldsmar@brainbalancecenters.com, or visit brainbalancecenters.com.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
19
20
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
A learning disorder is like a weed. You have to get to the root of the matter. At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s learning, behavioral or developmental challenge head on — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.
CALL 813.475.6977 LEARN MORE brainbalancetampa.com VISIT 4022 Tampa Road, Suite 6, Oldsmar, FL 34677 ©2012 Brain Balance Centers
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
21
Saint Leo University
Your Local Top Ranked University By Katie Thomas Saint Leo University, founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, is truly a hidden gem located right here in our own backyards. With a focus in following the 1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition, students receive a valuesbased education with a choice of more than 45 outstanding academic programs. The faculty members are caring individuals who choose to spend their careers at a teaching institution. Stateof-the-art technology enhances the teaching environment and equips students with skills needed in today’s corporate world. Saint Leo’s home campus is located in east Pasco County just a short drive north of Tampa. The campus is a picturesque setting located on 185 acres overlooking serene and beautiful Lake Jovita. Students enjoy the pastoral campus not only for the wonderful physical environment, but also for the strong sense of community that the University creates. Ninety-seven
22
percent of students who graduate from Saint Leo University would recommend the University to a friend. With an average class size of 19, Saint Leo University students are able to receive one-on-one time with teachers, allowing for a more personal learning experience. The faculty at Saint Leo University strives to offer students a “practical, effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world, a model based on steadfast, moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value and gifts of all people,” as stated in the University’s mission statement. Saint Leo University’s degree programs include the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees. The academic core of the University is made up of three schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Social Services, and the Donald R. Tapia School of Business. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Saint Leo University is ranked among the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report and is a designated military friendly school by Military Advanced Education and GI Jobs magazines. As a Student, You Make the Decisions Students may choose to attend Saint Leo’s traditional University Campus, one of seventeen regional education centers located in seven states or enroll through the University’s Center for Online Learning. Total enrollment is more than 15,500 students (more than 2,000 are expected to enroll at University Campus next year). The student population comes from across the nation and from more than 40 other countries. Saint Leo University is dedicated to providing its diverse base of students an exceptional learning environment, no matter where the students are located. With this commitment, Saint Leo University has a long history of success in providing flexible and affordable degree programs for working adults, as well as for traditional-aged undergraduates. The school is also a leading provider of education to the military and one of the largest providers of online education in the nation. For instance, for students with full-time jobs, Saint Leo University offers night and weekend courses at the University Campus, in Brooksville, Spring Hill, in downtown Tampa at Channelside, and at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Saint Leo’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is available in classroom, online or in a hybrid format. More adult learners are going back to school than ever before and Saint Leo University is proud to be in the forefront of adult education.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Local View Saint Leo University is recognized as having one of America’s most scenic campuses. Not only is the University Campus beautifully landscaped, it is also beautifully built; currently undergoing new renovations that are architecturally sound and aesthetically pleasing. During my on-campus tour I was able to visit Saint Francis Hall, the neighboring Abbey Church, the gorgeous Student Community Center and the brand new school of business building. Walking along the pathways at Saint Leo, I tried to resonate with how students must feel who are attending the gorgeous University. The large pathways, lined with blooming springtime flowers led to each building (some of which have been around since the 1800s). The Abbey Church at Saint Leo University is an ornate, decorated place for prayer, celebrations and quiet contemplation. The Abbey Church is one of the oldest buildings at Saint Leo and is actually owned, maintained, and operated by the Benedictine monks who live on the parcel adjacent to the University Campus. A short distance from the Abbey Church is the Student Community Center complex and the brand new business building. The school of business building is a center for student-faculty interaction and has the most up-to-date educational features available, including SMART displays along the walls of six technologically enhanced classrooms for full interactive purposes. The technology makes this 48,000-square-foot facility one of the most advanced classroom buildings in the nation. The building, home to the Donald R. Tapia School of Business, was completed last August, with a major gift provided by an alumnus who received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning. Donald
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Saint Leo University is located in St. Leo, Florida, at 33701 State Road 52, four miles east of I-75 (Exit 285). Please call (800) 3345532 or visit www.SaintLeo.edu for additional information.
Core Values of Saint Leo University
Left: Dean’s Executive Advisory Council of Saint Leo University. Right: Donald R. Tapia School of Business Tapia wanted to prove to his grandchildren that receiving a college education was important no matter what the age of the student. In recognition of the gift, the University trustees named the school of business the Donald R. Tapia School of Business. Saint Leo University’s Student Community Center complex, made up of two similar buildings, is designed to encourage students to socialize with one another and faculty members. The dining hall and large board meeting rooms are located in the Student Community Center building. Just next door in the Student Activities Building, the student government leaders have personalized offices to work together and plan for betterment of Saint Leo University. The Lions (Saint Leo’s sports teams) can meet up and discuss future games and gather with teammates and fans. The second floor of the Student Activities Building is home to the offices of University Ministry and the Learning Resource Center, where students can go to study, use the computer labs, or meet with tutors. The complex hosts events constantly and offers students a place of their own in an on-campus environment. Saint Leo has residence halls for students who choose to live on cam-
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
pus and has two new halls in the process of construction! The first of the two new residence halls is projected to be finished in August and will offer 160 beds for students, two-bedroom suites, state-of-the-art equipment and a common area that allows students to meet, mingle and create lasting friendships. The second residence hall will be finished around the same time and will meet the same standards as the first. A new parking garage is up and coming at Saint Leo and will be located underground, beneath the soccer field! The underground parking garage will be able to hold 750 vehicles. The need for this was created by Saint Leo’s ongoing growth and recognition. Associate Vice President of Marketing, Ed Austin, says, “Saint Leo is a nationally recognized university located in Tampa Bay, offering academic excellence for college students of any age and at any stage of their career track. Saint Leo changes lives.” Another great project Saint Leo University celebrated in 2011 was the opening of its Tampa Education Center in Channelside at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. This center offers traditional education, state-of-the-art classrooms, and programs during evenings. On the same floor, another 90 full-
time employees work in a support operation for the Center for Online Learning, where they help online students with questions about enrollment, financial aid, veterans benefits and related matters. Saint Leo University’s distance learning program has been around since 1997. The distance learning is a wonderful asset that Saint Leo University provides to military personnel and others because it allows interested students to take courses at a time and place that is most convenient to their schedules. Everyone has their idea of how college should be; sunny days in the courtyard, convenient classes, top-ofthe-line professors and a mind-broadening experience, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Saint Leo University encompasses all that a University should be and more. You will learn a great deal at Saint Leo University from your professors and classmates; most important, you will learn from yourself. The campus is worth checking out and makes for a great day trip. If you’re interested in learning more, there is always a friendly faculty member or student willing to help guide you. The University Campus slogan is: You’ll Love the Person You Become Here.
Excellence - As the first Florida Catholic University, Saint Leo is an educational enterprise. All of us, individually and collectively, work hard to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders. The success of our University depends upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision, and goals. Community - Saint Leo University develops hospitable Catholic learning communities everywhere we serve – in Florida and around the world. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve. Respect - Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals’ unique talents, respect their dignity and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community’s strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas and on learning, living, and working harmoniously. Personal Development - Saint Leo University stresses the development of every person’s mind, spirit and body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of our community. Responsible Stewardship - Our Creator blesses us with an abundance of resources. We foster a spirit of service to employ our resources to university and community development. We must be resourceful. As a Catholic university, we optimize and apply all of the resources of our Florida and global communities to fulfill Saint Leo University’s mission and goals. Integrity - The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
23
24
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
25
26
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
27
“TBSA” Continued from page 1 The Hockey Zone, a full-service pro shop. In addition, a dance studio “Hope U Dance” is located adjacent to the arena. Public skating, learn-toskate lessons and camps, and hockey lessons for adults and youth skaters are available within the 67,000-squarefoot facility. TBSA in Oldsmar is the home of Tampa Bay Skating Club and Central Florida Hockey League. In addition, two prominent Travel Hockey Associations – the Scorpions and the Tampa Bay Junior Lightning - call TBSA their “home rink”. TBSA coaches are very proud of the accomplishments of their figure skaters who participate in Recreational Team Competitions as well as Qualifying competitions that are landing them on the podiums at National events. Most recently, the Tampa Bay Skating Club was represented by the Sunsations at the Eastern Synchronized Skating Championships. In addition, the brother – sister pair team of
(left) TBSA rinks can be rented out for private parties, gatherings or family fun broomball! (right) The Bantam Predators vs Tampa Bay Girls Junior Lightning teams scrimmage at TBSA in Oldsmar JoJo and William Hubbart won the bronze medal at the US Figure Skating Junior Nationals. And the East Lake High School Hockey Team are the reigning 2012 Lightning Cup champions. In 2000, TBSA acquired the former “Centre Ice” Skating Rink located in Westfield- Countryside Mall. TBSA Countryside is a 103’ x 55’ skating rink located in the center of the mall. There are spectator viewing areas on upper and lower decks. The two birthday party rooms make it the perfect place for
a skating get-together. While most parties take place during public skating times, you can choose to rent the rink for a private event on Saturday evenings. A perfect fit within the 1.2million-sq.-ft. mall, the rink is strategically located next to an internet café’ where you can eat, sip on a beverage and check your emails while enjoying the skating activities. While you are there, check out the trophy case located in the ice rink lobby area. The TBSA recreational competitive team is the only team in the country to win the
team trophy at four National Ice Skating Institute Competitions within the same year. Whatever it is that you love about ice skating, TBSA has it! Whether it is learning to stand, fall correctly and glide in order to enjoy a group outing or your date night or to reach your Olympic aspirations, TBSA coaches teach skills using the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) “We Skate” program. They start with the basics and then continue to build upon them to help you realize
your dreams. Hockey is booming right now at TBSA-Oldsmar under the direction of the new Hockey Director, Al Nicoll. Al’s fresh ideas and enthusiasm have the hockey community all abuzz. Women’s hockey is all the rage right now. The recently re-organized 18 and under Tampa Bay Junior Lightning girls team now call TBSA home. And not to be excluded, women over 18 are hard at work on Friday evenings honing their skills to form a team in the near future. Whether or not you’ve ever played hockey or even ice skated; the TBSA coaching staff are dedicated to teaching you to learn to love and play ice hockey. The COOLEST Summer Camp in Town! Your skater will love spending part of their summer vacation at the COOLEST camp in town. Both TBSA locations offer a variety of skating camps for those who are eager to lace up ice skates for the very first time through elite competitive skaters. There are Learn to Skate Camps and Advanced Figure Skating Camps at both locations. Programs run every week for the entire summer (Jun. 11 – Aug. 10) from 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Camps include off-ice training, group lessons on-ice with a professional coach and end of the week showcases and parties. Learn to Play Hockey Camps, Super Skills Hockey Camps and one Pre-Season TNT Elite Skills Hockey Camp are offered in Oldsmar. Learn to Skate Summer Camp is great for honing skating skills, whether your child’s focus is on figure skating or ice hockey. Reserve a spot for your child as soon as possible because the camps fill up quickly. You can also register and pay online at www.tbsa.com
at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy. Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar is located at 255 Forest Lakes Blvd. in Oldsmar. Please call (813) 854-4010 ext 0 for additional information. The Countryside TBSA
is located inside Westfield Countryside Mall at 27001 US Hwy. 19 in Clearwater. Please call (727) 7237785 for mall skating hours. Call either number or visit TBSA.COM for information regarding classes, lessons or open skate sessions.
Ice Skating is Fun – Try It! Whether you are an expert skater or you’ve never been on the ice; TBSA is a great place for fun. TBSA is completely sheltered indoors, which makes it an amazing escape from a scorching hot or rainy day. I recently visited TBSA and enjoyed their open skate session. I had major doubts concerning whether I could ice skate, but I soon realized that gliding over the ice was not only fun, but easy too! By the end of open skate, I had already learned to manage a not-so-graceful spin! TBSA offers public skating 7 days a week. Stop in, lace up and enjoy gliding over the ice for an exciting day
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
29
30
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
31
“4-Hearts Golf” Continued from page 3 Support Our Troops, (www.ourtroopsonline.com), was founded by Bob Williams, who started Our Troops Online to send support items to our troops stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait – all places where the nearest drug or discount store is about 12,000 miles away. Much of what is shipped is snack items donated by generous companies and all of which are enormously popular with the troops. Bob uses the donation money particularly for postage and to buy the items requested by the troops, such as Q-tips, CDs, DVDs, batteries, school supplies, and toys. He also sends feminine and personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, and cigars, to name a few. The Shepherd Center, (www.tsshepherdcenter.org) began in 1974 when a few volunteers collectively decided to provide food, clothing and compassion to those in need in the immediate area. The Shepherd Center provides compassion, basic support, and assistance to those in our community who need it most. They focus on families, the elderly, the
32
lunch and prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, and more! Non-golfers can attend the luncheon, a buffet-style picnic lunch hot off the grill for $20. Sponsorships available include: Presenting Sponsor is $2,000 and includes two foursomes in Karen Levine, Kathi Givens, Carol Wood, Jamie Mur- tournament, reserved phy, Vicki Hafner and Rose Chervitz represent the parking at event, growing 4-Hearts organization. sponsor recognition at awards lunch, comhomeless, and others in need. The pany logo and website link on 4programs they offer are client outHearts website and newsletter, reach, food pantry, clothes tree, adoptpremium hole sponsorship, opportua-family program, community kitchen nity to include branded item in gift and Project Thanks. In recent years, bag, display of sponsor provided banbecause of the support of our financial ner, recognition on carts/scorecard, donors and volunteers, The Shepherd and company logo on program; Eagle Center is now one of the largest, most Sponsor is $1,000 and includes one comprehensive services of its kind foursome in tournament; company north of Clearwater and extending logo on program, sponsor recognition into Southwestern Pasco County. at awards lunch, premium hole sponsorship, company logo and link on 43rd Annual 4-Hearts Golf Classic Hearts website and newsletter; Birdie The four person scramble is $100 Sponsor is $750 and includes one fourper person and includes a continental some in tournament, recognition on breakfast, greens fees, cart rental,
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
tournament scoreboard, premium hole sponsorship, company logo on program; Driving Range Sponsor is $200 and Tee Sponsor is $100, both include a Tee-sign with a personal or company message. Donations are being accepted for the silent auction and raffles.
Help 4-Hearts Help The 4-Hearts, along with the help of the community, has proudly assisted many local residents in need by providing holiday dinners, school supplies, warm coats and blankets, help to the elderly, clothing for the homeless and much more to support children, families and individuals. Founded in 2008 by Kathi Givens, Rose Chervitz, Karen Levine, all from Palm Harbor, and Carol Wood of Lutz; 4-Hearts is a member of The Champions Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The “Email Life Tree” is a massive list of email contacts created by 4-Hearts that has proven to be an efficient means of getting the message out quickly for this grassroots organization. When a need arises in the community, they can easily contact everyone quickly and let them know
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
what they can do to help.
Contest to Win Gift Certificates! Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is holding a contest in conjunction with the 4-Hearts Golf Tournament. Four entrants will be chosen in a drawing at the luncheon to receive $50 in dining gift certificates to local restaurants. Everyone in attendance will enjoy the exciting raffles and silent auction to be held throughout the luncheon. Plan on a day of fun benefiting some really deserving causes. You can just cut out the registration form below to mail in with
your information and payment (make checks payable to 4-Hearts/TCF); mail to Neighborhood News & Lifestyles at 118 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34689. Or, register online at www.4-Hearts.org; just click on the link to the 3rd Annual Golf Classic. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, please email Karen Levine at Karen@4-Hearts.org. Come out to Cypress Run Golf Club on May 4th for the 4-Hearts Golf Classic. You’ll be helping to make a difference in our community.
Name:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________ Foursome players’ names: ____________________________ ____________________________________________________ Number of non-golfers for luncheon:__________________ Amount enclosed:____________________________________ Neighborhood News & Lifestyles and 4-Hearts Thanks You! *Mail to Neighborhood News & Lifestyles at 118 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34689
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
33
34
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
35
36
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles