WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 3, Issue 4, April 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 Alexis Selby Sit back, relax and give your hair the ultimate pampering experience at Priel Salon, an upscale hair studio specializing in lavish hair treatments and top of the line services. As an exclusive Kerastase salon and hair spa, Priel is one of the only salons in Tampa to be honored with such a distinction, and as such are able to offer L’Oreal’s top-rated product, which boasts of the most advanced and newest technology available in today’s market. In addition, each of the professionally trained stylists have extensive knowledge is all facets of hair care, so, as a customer of Priel Salon, you are privy to the very best products by specially trained professionals who really know hair.
Beautifully designing their upscale salon, owners Cynthia and Erik Abrahamsen took inspirations from big city salons around the world, from Tokyo to New York to California, to bring the area a truly unique high-end salon experience that is comparable to what one might find in any major fashion capital worldwide. Walking through their doors, you are instantly drawn in by their elegant, sleek décor. “We try to make it comfortable for everyone,” says Cynthia. “We have candles going and a very nice waiting lounge when you walk in.” Cynthia’s passion for hair is the driving force behind the salon and together she and Erik, and their wonderful staff of professionals, See “Priel Salon” on page 20.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 43rd Annual Rose Show........3 Community Calendar.........4-5 Tampa Rejuvenation.............8-9 John Prevatt Karate..........10-11 Tampa Resident Publishes His First Novel..........................14 community and are open to suggestions or requests.”
Brass Tap Grand Opening...16 Life Amplified................22-23
Daycare Postal Customer
ECRWSS
If you’re at work or out of the house all day and need a place for you dog to get exercise and blow off See “Dogism” on page 18.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Several years ago Renee and Jason Russell started Dogism, a wonderful business offering effective, personalized dog training to help people and their pets, as well as a unique online retail website that sold highquality items for people and their dogs. This month they are taking Dogism to the next level, with a wonderful 9,000 square foot facility that will have retail, training, agility, daycare, DIY bathing, and more. Lo-
cated at 110 Pine Ave, South, in Oldsmar, Dogism is a great place for dog owners and their beloved pets. “We are going to have unique interactive toys and accessories for dogs,” says Renee. “We’ll also have premium dog foods and treats and can always special order food for dogs with allergies or special diet restrictions. We’re going to have many different training classes for all different levels. I’m able to tailor our training to meet your dog’s needs. We want to be open to the needs of the
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Marcy Sanford
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Tampa Rose Society Presents “America’s Flower…The ROSE” The Tampa Rose Society will present its 43rd Annual Rose Show to be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Westfield Citrus Park Mall, located at 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, just off the Veteran’s Expressway in northwest Tampa. Admission is free and will be open to the public from 1 p.m.- 9 p.m. Exhibitors from across Florida will bring hundreds of blooms to the show, competing for trophies and awards in more than 50 classes of home-grown roses, including hybrid teas, climbers, miniatures and Old Garden varieties. All entries will be judged by American Rose Society Judges. Come purchase your Mother’s Day roses from the Tampa Rose Show. Locally grown by Tampa Rose Society member’s gardens, fresh cut roses and arrangements will be available to the public for a small donation to the Tampa Rose Society. A Rose Education and Information
Display will be staffed by Consulting Rosarians certified by the American Rose Society. These expert local gardeners, all members of the Tampa Rose Society, will provide advice about how to grow roses successfully in the bay area.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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
About The Tampa Rose Society The Tampa Rose Society is a not-forprofit organization, one of over 350 clubs affiliated with the American Rose Society – the world’s largest organization devoted to America’s National Flower. The Tampa Rose Society provides information relating to the cultivation and exhibition of the rose, creation of floral arrangements featuring the rose and to disseminate information about events
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
and activities of interest to Rosarians in the Tampa Bay Area. For more information about the Rose Show contact Peggy Sherman, (813) 933-6166, les_sherman@verizon.net. For information about Membership in the Tampa Rose Society, call Ed Easom, (813) 949-3931, or email eeasom@tampabay.rr.com.
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
Record Store Day At Sound Exchange Saturday, April 19, 2014 - All three Tampa Bay area Sound Exchange stores will be participating in Record Store Day. Doors open at 10am. There will be new releases, special offers and promotions all day. For more information visit www.soundexchangetampabay.com Tampa, call (813) 978-9316 or visit 14246 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
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Brandon, call (813) 651-9316 or visit 805 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511 Pinellas, call (727) 545-0042 or visit 7688 49th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
9th Annual Fiesta By The Bay for Autism Join CARD- USF, along with their Honorary Chair, co-anchor News Channel 8 Today’s, Gayle Guyardo, for great company, cool music
and delicious food, at the Ybor City Museum Garden, featuring the included taco bar and music and dancing with their fabulous DJ. This year’s silent auction promises to be the best ever, so make plans now to join them for the family friendly 9th Annual Fiesta by the Bay fundraiser benefiting the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF. Like them on their Fiesta by the Bay Facebook page to get the Salsa Scoop on Fiesta Fridays, silent auction items, special guests and activities for the kids. Date: Friday, April 25, 2014 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Where: Ybor Museum Garden; 1818 E. 9th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 Cost: Advance Tickets can be purchased online for $10 for stu-
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dents and $20 for adults at www.usf.edu/ua/RSVP/CARD. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25; Sponsorships available. Contact: Christine Rover 813974-9264 or crover@usf.edu The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF (CARDUSF) is supported through the USF Foundation's Autism Services Fund, a 501[c] [3] tax-exempt charity organization. CARD-USF, located within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida, serves over 6,500 families and professionals across 14 counties in southwest Florida. It is one of 7 statewide CARD sites offering services and trainings at no charge. Additional support from the community
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
allows CARD to expand projects and provide special events to families and professionals right here in Tampa Bay. CARD-USF provides communities, organizations, businesses and families with the knowledge and skills to support children and adults with autism and related disabilities. They also work with early intervention, schools, employers, businesses and universities. For more information on autism, as well as, their Center, please visit cardusf.fmhi.usf.edu/ or contact Christine Rover at (813) 974-9264 or by email at crover@usf.edu .
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Presents the MS Walk at Lowry Park Zoo On April 26th at 6:30 pm. Thousands of people will join together to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis at the Lowry Park Zoo. “The event draws approximately 1,500-2,000 individuals who participate and walk either the one mile or the two mile course through Lowry Park Zoo,” says Rita Schallenberger, facilitator for the Hillsborough County Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group. “It’s a lot of fun with planned activities for the whole family. Several teams and
individual walkers enjoy an evening at the zoo walking for a very worthwhile cause. The money goes to research seeking a cure for MS as well as programs to educate and assist individuals with this chronic disease.” Location: Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL Site Opens: 5:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 6:00 p.m. Route Length: Short Route: 1 mile, Long Route: 2 miles Event Contact Email: flcwalkinfo@nmss.org Event Contact Phone: 407478-8882
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Did you know that in the short time such as a week, approximately 200 people will have been diagnosed with MS? MS attacks the central nervous system - that is the brain and the spinal cord; or more simply, the core of all body functions. MS is chronic and is a progressive disease. It is a disease that affects all members in a family because of the spillover effect. There are disease-modifying treatments available, but there is no cure. However there are more promising therapies in development right now than at any other time in history. Tremendous progress is being made and the ultimate goal is to find treatments that not only modify the disease, but also helps stop it in its tracks. The Walk MS fundraising supports research that will result in the next generation of treatments. In 2012 alone, the National Society invested $43 million to support 350 research projects around the world, while providing programs and services that assist more than 1 million people. Members in our area obtain support and services through the Mid Florida MS Chapter located in Tampa and Maitland, FL.
We are asking you to support the efforts of the Society and the MS Walk, April 26th at the Lowry Park Zoo. The second fundraiser is also in April - April 12 and 13. This is Bike MS: The Citrus Tour. It is a 150 mile cycling, two-day event. The event starts at Bok Towers (Lake Wales) and the participants cycle to Orlando. The next day they cycle back to Bok Towers. It is a fun event with dinner for the cyclists and two days of cycling. This event is also very large and usually draws 900+ riders. The money that the National MS Society raises also goes to the double-pronged goals, research to find a cure for MS as well as programs to educate and assist individuals with this chronic disease. The NMSS has one of the lowest administrative cost programs in the country - millions of dollars go to research into this disease as well as support too individual needs. The mid-Florida Chapter of the NMSS encompasses Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, plus 20 more counties. For more information please contact Rita Schallenberger at (813) 961-5510 or morrisandrita@verizon.net.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Feel Better. Look Better. Live Better. By Alexis Selby A necessity to our body, hormones play a vital role in regulating our everyday lives and functions, from our mood to our appetite to our energy. As a result, when a hormonal imbalance occurs, it can have drastic negative effects. Many people over the age of 35 start to experience symptoms related to hormonal deficiency such as, fatigue, weight gain, decreased sex drive, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and irritability. Often, these symptoms are overlooked and contribute to aging. Many seek treatment with their Primary Care Providers and are given prescriptions for the symptoms they are experiencing such as antianxiety medications, sleeping pills,
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anti-depressants or even Viagra. Most often, when hormone imbalances are addressed, these symptoms can be alleviated without the use of synthetic prescription medications. It is important to note, that these same medications that are so often prescribed, actually down regulate our hormone production making us even more deficient in the very hormones our bodies need. Every organ in the body has a hormone receptor – the brain, bone, muscle, heart, so we should no longer just utilize hormone therapy for menopause, but rather anyone after the age of 30-35 to restore normal function of the body. “After the age of 40, we are no longer relying on the reproductive organs to produce hormones, but rather the adrenal
glands,” says Nurse Practitioner Gina Pastore. “This gives us even more reason to decrease stress levels, obtain proper nutrition, and engage in a regular exercise regimen.” Specializing in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Medical Weight Loss, at Tampa Rejuvenation, their experienced team of professionals help people of all ages to regulate their hormones and get back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Gina says, “In regards to weight loss, there can be several factors im-
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peding one's success. Not only do lifestyle factors play a key role in weight gain, so does hereditary predisposition. The incidence of thyroid disease not only increases with age, it is more prevalent in women than men and it can run in families. Too often, patients are not tested for thyroid abnormalities like they should be. They are given a basic TSH test and if it's in the "normal range", they are told they are "fine" and to "eat less and exercise more". The thyroid is a very important hormone impacting our weight, our adrenal function and the
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
(Clockwise from L) Anna Stokes, Mike McKavanagh, Brittany Gomez and Gina Pastore specialize in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Medical Weight Loss. production of our sex hormones. So it is very important to get a thorough evaluation of the thyroid when engaging in any weight loss program to be successful.” “I have played sports my whole life,” says patient Steve. “In my midthirties I began noticing a decrease in my performance at work and in recreational sports. My libido drastically reduced and I started gaining weight. One of my colleagues referred me to Tampa Rejuvenation, and I owe him my life. I have lost 15 lbs since on Testosterone Therapy and my increased libido has saved my marriage.” Gina Pastore, ARNP-C, MSN, ABAAHP, Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, heads the Westchase location, and with over 22 years of experience and numerous certifications in all aspects of medicine, brings a unique perspective to the Tampa Rejuvenation team. Dedicating her practice to helping others achieve hormone imbalance and weight loss through her own struggles with thyroid issues and
weight gain, Gina has extensive knowledge in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. She has a plethora of knowledge in pharmaceutical grade supplements, detox, and skincare. Her beliefs and philosophy on achieving health and wellness incorporate balancing hormone levels, integrating proper nutrition and daily exercise. When helping clients with weight and hormonal issues, she and her staff go beyond the superficial characteristics of their symptoms and look at the underlying causes, getting an in-depth understanding of what is going on internally. Gina says, “I look back at when I first started practicing and saw what menopausal women were going through. I became more sympathetic.” Gina made it her mission to help these women and other individuals suffering from hormonal imbalances by addressing the root of the problem, and using her expertise in the field is able to truly help her patients from the inside out. “The most satisfying part about
Mike demonstrates just what 5 pounds of fat looks like! WOW!
what I do is seeing the patient from the time they first come to the office and how they feel to how they feel once their program has begun to take effect,” adds Gina. “We don’t lose hormones overnight, so we can’t replace them overnight. The body must slowly adapt. But the best part is seeing the patient transition over time. We are helping people improve their lives!” Looking at the endocrine system as a whole and taking into account the bigger picture, Gina, she was able to relate weight loss to hormones, offering her patients an unprecedented, indepth knowledge as to how hormones affect your weight. “One of the things I like most about the hormone therapy is that it can be quite complicated; I enjoy the challenge,” adds Gina. After initial assessment, review of the medical history, physical exam and review of lab work, each patient is treated on an individualized basis; they receive a customized treatment plan to treat the hormonal imbalance they are experiencing, as not every patient experiences the same symptoms with hormonal declines, and their prescriptions are customized based on their needs and compounded by a specialty pharmacy. Gina says, “At Tampa Rejuvenation, our programs are individualized and tailored to the patients needs and goals. We do not offer a "one size fits all" hormone therapy program. Every patient has different needs and different symptoms they experience related to hormonal declines as they age.”
Hormone Pellet Therapy Unique to this location, Westchase Area Tampa Rejuvenation, is a primary provider of Hormone Pellet Therapy, a new cutting edge apWestchase Area Neighborhood News
proach that delivers a steady release of bioidentical hormones through the means of a pellet the size of a grain of rice that is surgically implanted underneath the skin. Highly regarded as the most effective deliverance of hormone replacement, Hormone Pellet Therapy gives patients the best, steady state for the longest period of time, with the pellets often lasting an average of 4-5 months. Don’t let hormonal imbalance hold you back from living life to the fullest! Visit Tampa Rejuvenation today and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul!
Specialty Programs offered at Tampa Rejuvenation: • Bio-identical Hormone Therapy • Testosterone Replacement Therapy • Bio-identical Hormone Pellet Therapy • Bio-identical Thyroid Treatment • Medical Weight Loss Programs • HCG Programs • Detoxification and Cleanse Programs • Pharmaceutical Grade Supplementation Westchase Area Tampa Rejuvenation is located at 13648 West Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa and can be reached at (813) 749-7550. Hours for this location are Mon. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wed. 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Their other locations offer varying days and hours. For more information and other locations please call (888) 865-8370, visit their website at www.TampaRejuvenation.com or their Facebook page.
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John Prevatt Karate By Marcy Sanford Recently opened in the Westchase Town Center, John Prevatt Karate offers an exciting new after school program, daily karate classes for the whole family taught by Hall of Fame instructors, and a great option for a fun summer camp. A 9th degree black belt who has been studying and practicing karate since 1966, Grand Master John Prevatt, owner and founder of John Prevatt Karate, has had a very successful career, carrying many titles and teaching many students the knowledge he has attained over the years. A lifelong Floridian and Shires resident, Grandmaster Prevatt settled in Tampa in 1980 and has been a resident of Westchase since 2003.
Daily Karate Classes If you are interested in karate classes for yourself or your child, John Prevatt Karate offers them daily, Monday through Saturday. Karate is great not just for children but for adults as well. You’ll improve your reflexes and coordination as well as increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility. In addition, karate helps to greatly improve your balance and cardiovascular health and will teach you ways to successfully defend yourself if you are ever caught in a bad situation. Not many workout classes can offer all those benefits. Grand Master Prevatt’s staff is highly trained, enthusiastic and caring and they do an exceptional job of providing a safe and well-disciplined environment for you and your children to grow, learn and develop physical, mental and disciplinary skills. “They are absolutely the best
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Owner John Prevatt is a 9th degree black belt who has been practicing karate since 1966. facility and staff for your children,” says student Raymond. An active member of the Westchase community, John Prevatt is very involved with and supportive of Westchase, Mary Bryant, and Deer Park Elementary Schools. “Westchase is an outstanding community to live in,” says John. “I am excited that we have been able to expand our after school program to the area and that we are open in the Westchase Town Center.”
After School Program Grand Master Prevatt opened his first after school karate program in 2001 and since than, it has become one of the most successful after school programs in the Tampa Bay area. After such success from his first karate program, John decided to branch out and has successfully expanded into Pasco County and now
Offering both physical and mental benefits, karate is great for people of all ages. It helps to instill a sense of discipline, respect and manners as well as provide great exercise, and teaching of the importance of teamwork and useful conflict resolution skills. luckily for us, Westchase. John Prevatt Karate’s impressive after school program is designed to help your child learn self-discipline, respect for others, self-defense, selfesteem, and a “Yes, I can!” attitude. And, the best part is, they have buses
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that pick children up from Westchase, Deer Park, and Mary Bryant Elementary Schools immediately after dismissal so you don’t have to worry about how your child will get from school to the program. After students arrive at the stu-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
dio, they have time for a snack and to do homework. Then, after changing into their uniforms in the private changing room, they have an hourlong karate class taught personally by Grandmaster Prevatt. Following the class, students have free time where they can play with their friends, relax, or complete their homework. The John Prevatt Karate after school program is really beneficial to children in so many ways and helps them to release their energy in a positive way. The program is designed for children grades kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s a wonderful alternative program that is specifically designed for parents who need a safe
and fun place for their children to go after school. “Most of our students have not had lessons when they first start coming here,” says Grandmaster Prevatt. “It is wonderful to see the self-confidence that they develop when they are in our after school program.”
dedicated to field trips, like going to the movies, bowling, or swimming. Just like their after school programs, the summer camps at John Prevatt Karate will instill a sense of discipline, respect, and manners in your child. Plus, your child will be getting great exercise, learning the importance of teamwork and useful conflict resolution skills. They’ll also be learning about self-defense, anger management, good sportsmanship, and the positive value of courtesy. Offering both physical and mental benefits, Karate is not only great exercise for the whole family, but
helps students to develop important lifelong values and instills a sense of confidence and camaraderie. So stop by John Prevatt Karate today and enroll in one of their classes to learn a discipline that will benefit you for the rest of your life! John Prevatt Karate is located at 9568 W. Linebaugh Avenue in the Westchase Town Center (on the 2nd floor near My Gym). For more information about their after school program, individual karate classes, or summer camps, call (813) 926-4004 or visit www.JohnPrevattKarate.com.
Summer Camps Registration is going on now for summer camps at John Prevatt Karate. The camps will be open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will have two karate classes a day plus fun activities and games designed just for them throughout the day. Fridays will be
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Longtime Tampa Resident Publishes His First Novel Michael Shahnasarian, Ph.D., a longtime business owner and resident of Tampa, has recently released his first novel, Justice Indicted. After completing a doctorate in counseling psychology at Florida State University, Dr. Shahnasarian founded Career Consultants of America, Inc. (CCA) in Carrollwood. CCA has specialized in career development, human resources consultation, life care planning, and vocational rehabilitation since its inception in 1986. From his research and vast experiences over the years, he has authored eleven nonfiction books, and seventy articles, book chapters, and monographs. Dr. Shahnasarian has also developed a standardized test used by vocational experts worldwide to facilitate evaluation of a person’s earning capacity through systematic analysis and appraisal. Justice Indicted, Dr. Shahnasarian’s first work of fiction, is a thriller in which he uses his knowledge and legal system experience to create a story that is at once educational and quite entertaining. Over the past 30 years, he has committed a considerable portion of his practice to work as a forensic expert witness on vocational and
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life-care-plan issues for both the prosecution and defense. Dr. Shahnasarian has performed expert witness work locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. He is well known in the legal community here in Tampa and throughout Florida, and he has testified in countless trials over the years. He derived his inside knowledge to write Justice Indicted from his more than two-and-a-half decades of experience as a forensic witness. Justice Indicted is a fictional take on civil litigation in the Florida. It depicts a war hero, who, soon after his discharge from MacDill Air Force Base, is in a vehicular accident that claims the life of his wife and leaves him severely injured and a single parent of a 4-year-old girl. While he aims
to be fairly compensated for his losses and to move-on with his life, greedy business executives and self-serving lawyers have a different agenda, and pursuing litigation is the war hero’s only recourse. The story takes place primarily in Carrollwood and South Tampa, in addition to other familiar areas throughout the Tampa Bay area. As the story develops, readers are ex-
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posed to behind-the-scenes events that are common to the litigation process, but not generally known to the public. When asked his purpose in writing Justice Indicted, Dr. Shahnasarian says his objective was to provide an entertaining story through which he could educate the public on commonplace happenings that occur during litigation, many of which appear to be the opposite of promoting justice. Having performed an average of between 100 and 150 expert evaluations annually, provided approximately 50 depositions per year, and testified in up to 20 trials each year, Dr. Shahnasarian has gained an appreciation and understanding of the inner workings of the Florida justice system, giving him a unique perspective into its processes and shortcomings. Dr. Shahnasarian lives in Carrollwood with his wife Jean and their three West Highland terriers, and they have three adult children. Justice Indicted can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Overmountain Press, the book’s publisher. Many of his nonfiction books can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Brass Tap Grand Opening! By Matt Selby We finally have our very own Brass Tap here in the Westchase area! Come visit their brand new location at 4011 Tampa Road and receive a FREE DRAFT BEER just by presenting the coupon in their ad on page 3! This Brass Tap is the second in the area (the first being Carrollwood) to offer Food along with their great craft beer selection. The addition of a food menu is really exciting because if you're like me, you can't spend a considerable amount of time in one establishment if they don't serve some sort of food. The great thing about this Brass Tap is this isn't just "some sort" of food. The food they serve is fantastic! With over 60 craft beers on tap, over 250 bottled beers, exceptional wine, great food and live music, The Brass Tap is sure to became an instant local favorite! The new Brass Tap is located at 4011 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, FL 34677. For more information, call (813) 749-7555 or visit their website at www.TheBrassTap.com.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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“Dogism”
its own individual personality and what works for one dog may not Continued from page 1 work with another. Because of this she specifically tailors her training and works with you individually for some energy, Dogism is the place for the specific issues your dog may your pup. With a special fenced off have. Renee says, “Each new session area for big dogs and a different area brings in new dogs and people, usufor little dogs, there will be plenty of ally very different from the session space to romp and play and dogs will before. It is always a challenge to receive basic obedience training while adapt material to meet the needs of they are there. these dog and their owners both at a group and personalized level. I love Training & Agility meeting new breeds and learning Dogism has classes for dogs of the backgrounds of the many resall ages – from puppies learning the cued pets. Each gives me an opporrules of potty and crate training to tunity to do my own homework on adult dogs that want to learn some a specific breed’s needs or how to new tricks. handle an issue a particular dog may Renee realizes that each dog has be having. There is very little black and white in dog training. I have to be ready to handle whatever shade of grey walks through the door.” If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with your dog, consider one of Dogism’s agility classes. “Our agility course This collar and leash is made from recycled plastic will change each week so that it will bottles but it looks and feels like any nylon collar.
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Wash your dirty dog in Dogism’s DIY bath tub always be a fun new challenge for the dogs,” says Renee. “You can bring your dog every week, or you can come once a month; whatever works best for you.” Agility courses are great exercise for your dog and running through a course that involves passing over and through a variety of obstacles challenges your dog’s mind and body. It will also strengthen your dog’s muscles, improve coordination and increase endurance.
DIY Bathing Bring your dirty dog to Dogism, use their supplies, make a mess, and walk out the door with a clean, happy pup and no need to clean anything at your place. Dogism has two large tubs with moveable showerheads for do-it-yourself dog bathing. They provide the water, shampoo, towels, dryers, nail clippers and even aprons so you don’t get your clothes wet. All you provide is the dog and the elbow grease. They
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These “Fluff & Tuff” plush toys are for the toughest chewers. They have been thoroughly tested and found to last longer than any other plush toys that the testers have ever tried. also have ramps so bigger dogs can walk up into the tubs and shelves for smaller dogs to stand on while they are getting squeaky clean.
Unique Retail “If something is in our store, we want to make sure there is a reason for it,” says Renee. “The toys we carry are not everyday toys, they are interactive toys that will stimulate your dog mentally. We make sure everything is the best quality and that it will last.”
All dogs, regardless of age or breed, need mental stimulation and outlets for their energy throughout the day. At Dogism they have dog toys for just that. Quality and satisfaction is always guaranteed, as Renee hand picks all of the items you’ll find at Dogism and can help you find accessories and products that are specific to your dog, its personality, and its needs. In addition to toys, Dogism will also carry durable, fashionable leashes, collars and other accessories
as well as high quality treats, specialty dog foods and eco friendly products. “We want to be here for people and their pets,” says Renee. “We are looking forward to being a vibrant part of the community and getting involved. We are hoping to hold seminars and special classes based on what people are interested in. We are open to suggestions from the dog loving community.” Renee and Jason own and are inspired by their two Vizslas, Luey and Bailey, and a Moluccan Cockatoo, Nara. Renee is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT – KA) and an AKC evaluator and Jason has a degree in Psychology. Both have been training for over 6 years. Between them, their Vizslas have earned multiple AKC titles in Obedience, Agility, and Field Work and are also accomplished trick dogs. Luey’s proudest achievement is being a certified therapy dog.
Renee and Jason have attended multiple seminars by experts in the industry and are constantly working on increasing their knowledge of everything related to the dog-human relationship. At Dogism, they want to support you and your dog. Whether you want a couch companion or an active buddy, they have the knowledge, the experience, the products and the services to help you and your best friend live life the way you want to. Dogism is located at 110 Pine Avenue South in Oldsmar. They are open Mon. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sun. 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Doggie Daycare hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mon – Fri. For more information about training classes or Dogism, visit their website www.Dogism.com or call (813) 854-3647
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APRIL 2014
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“Priel Salon” Continued from page 1 bring a whole new style and flair to Tampa Bay. “We opened the salon a year and a half ago because we wanted to bring something different to this area,” says Cynthia. “We wanted to bring Tampa a high-end salon to show people that there is a place they can go to get beautiful hair, without having to travel so far. Hair is my passion. I love to teach and just make people happy; it’s such a joy. When someone really loves his or her hair you just feel so good about it. What I love most about what I do is being around people. I love people and I love my staff. Every single one of them has different qualities and each has something that I can learn from. Every day in the salon is different, and every day there is a new challenge to conquer and I love challenges.” In addition to being an exclusive Kerastase salon, Priel is also a L’Oreal Professional salon, and offers ammonia-free color, deep conditioning and revitalizing hair treatments, human hair extensions, color correction, ombre color techniques, Biolage hair
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care, and more! Cynthia says, “Our ammonia-free color system uses an oil developmental system that is very rich and hydrating for your hair. It is very safe for pregnant women and the oil-based system has a lot of benefits.” And the best part is it has no smell, so people who are bothered by the strong smell of other hair dyes, need not worry at Priel Salon! On my previous visit Cynthia recommended I try one of their fabulous hair treatments. As a result of dying my hair and spending count-
less hours out in the hot Florida sun my hair has definitely taken a beating. Lately I had been experiencing dry ends, and due to my long hair, greasy roots – Cynthia explained that it is a common complaint in people with long hair and this happens due to the fact that grease gets trapped at the root and cannot make it to the ends; she assured me she had an easy fix. Recommending I try their FusioDose treatment, she explained how it would help balance out my hair and restore it to its natural healthy shine.
My treatment started in their glass enclosed treatment room, a quiet oasis located in the back of the salon. “What really separates our salon is our treatment room. We focus heavily on deep conditioning hair treatments – that is something we are very well known for in the area. We are the only salon on this side of Kennedy that has Kerastase; it is a very exclusive brand. We also have a huge array of shampoos for every single hair type.” With its spa like atmosphere, the treatment room allowed me to relax in total comfort, without distractions, as I received my shampoo and conditioning in perfect tranquility. During the treatment, Cynthia performed an unbelievably amazing head and scalp massage and as the treatment was setting, she gently massaged my hands and arms, allowing me to sink into further relaxation before the final rinse. It was a truly revitalizing experience, and it is remarkable how something as simple as getting a hair treatment can completely transform your mood and bring utter peace and serenity to your day. Following the shampoo, Cynthia blow-dried and styled my hair, and
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Inspired by big city salons around the world, Priel Salon’s beautiful upscale design is comparable to what you would find in any major fashion capital worldwide. the finished result was nothing short of amazing! I was thrilled with my new, shiny, healthy hair and couldn’t wait to go show it off to my friends! Cynthia also recommended some fabulous products to help me upkeep my hair in between treatments and thus far I have been really happy with the results! “What I love most about this
area is the different people that I have met,” says Cynthia. “We are really proud of what we have achieved and for the opportunity to provide our customers with the services they are looking for. Every single person that walks in our doors matters to us and our mission is to provide the best quality service possible!” In the past year and a half that
Priel has been open the staff has experienced such a positive response from the community. This is greatly due to their dedication to quality customer service and the high level of expertise of each of their stylists. She adds, “Our staff is hand picked; we are very meticulous with who we hire. Everybody works well together as a team and we always encourage our clients to visit any of our stylists to find the best match. Our goal is to
keep our clients happy!” Priel Salon is located at 6116 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa. Salon hours are Tues. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., and Fri. 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. They are closed Sun. and Mon. Fore more information or to schedule an appointment please call (813) 969-6917, visit www.PrielSalon.com, or www.Facebook.com/PrielSalon.
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APRIL 2014
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Life Amplified – Making a Difference in The Tampa Community By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Somewhere between my final interview question as a freelance reporter for Patch and exiting the independent movie theatre on North Dale Mabry Highway in October 2012, a movement was born. Only I didn’t know it at the time. I had simply asked why Tampa Pitcher Show didn’t present spoken word poetry and then eagerly volunteered to host a poetry showcase three months later. I probably should have realized that despite Tampa Pitcher Show donating the use of their venue, no experience combined with a zero budget for advertising for an all-volunteer event would be a painfully slow registration process. I probably should have given up. I choose the name Life Amplified because spoken words poets amplify telling a story, whatever topic they might present. I created a logo and a website filled with information and a registration page. I decided to donate my portion of the ticket sales directly to a small local Tampa Bay nonprofit and be a voice for their platform.
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The charity I selected was Redefining Refuge fighting against human trafficking. Natasha Nascimento was in the process of opening a home for rescued trafficked women and children and was the perfect recipient for the show’s proceeds. In early December, through the use of the website, Facebook, other social media and free press release sites, the event began to build momentum and other performers -not just spoken word poets- asked to perform. The inaugural show opened on January 19, 2013 with 2 singers, 9 poets, a comedian/impressionist Eddie Webber and a mind-reader Justin Myer. At the end of show, I was asked by an audience member, “so when’s the next one?” I hadn’t even considered the possibility. I’ve since opened the showcase to all variety acts and I no longer have to wait months for performers. The next show filled in days and my last two shows filled in hours. I think what amazed me most through this journey was how eager people in my community were to help
me help the selected local charity. Though the ages and experience levels of the talent range from beginner to professional, the performers all come together for the same reason – to educate about an important platform and to help a worthwhile cause. Over the past year, three photographers Mick McNabb, Kyle Mould and James Geiger volunteered to capture the event. BridesnBlooms became our official florist to create beautiful
arrangements for each showcase. Digital Printing Solutions, Carrollwood Copy Center, MinuteMan Press and Bay City Signs and Printing did not hesitate to print the program. And for partners for our silent raffle for K9’s for Veterans in September, all I had to do was reach out into the community and ask for a donation. I was never told no. My upcoming showcase Life Amplified KIDZHELPINGKIDZ on
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May 3, 2014 is unique that it will feature only children - a child emcee and performers, 6 to 17 years old. Life Amplified KIDZHELPINGKIDZ will benefit the Tampa chapter of Bricks for the Brave (formerly Legos for Leukemia) founded two years ago by (then 9 year) Logan Agnew to honor his friends fighting childhood cancer. Agnew collects gift cards for purchasing Legos as well as new boxes of Legos throughout the year for distribution to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital during the holidays. The charity event also has a new venue. I was invited to host Life Amplified KIDZHELPINGKIDZ at the award-winning Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway, which will be a Lego-collection site through May 3. Next door, the comic book shop Heroes Haven will collect new boxes of Legos on May 3, during their annual “Comic Book Day” celebration at the plaza. The coffee shop Cool Mo’s Coffee donated $100 and will also be a collection site through May 3. Life Amplified KIDZHELPINGKIDZ will be hosted by Logan, and 8 and a half year old comedian Nicole Lauren will headline. Nicole has been doing comedy in Florida and New York for over 3 years. During this family-friendly show-
case, 13 year old Elizabeth Covais, a motivational speaker at local and national cancer organizations, will share her unique perspective on being the older sibling of a Leukemia survivor. Registration has just opened for this children’s variety showcase and talent will be accepted through April 14 (or when the lineup fills, whichever comes first). No experience is required, just the willingness to volunteer and have fun for a great cause. Tickets are wallet-friendly at $8 advance online and $10 at the door; however, a donation of new Legos will get the guest in at the discounted online price. All proceeds received from ticket sales and a raffle will benefit Bricks for the Brave. I am completely humbled by the amount of people who really care and want to be involved in these special events. I hate when I hear someone making the excuse, but I’m just one person, what can I do. It only takes one person to make a difference and make an impact. I’ve discovered during this process, in the time it takes to make an excuse, you could be starting a movement. For more information of to purchase tickets please visit www.LifeAmplifiedShowcase.com or call (813) 416-2068.
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APRIL 2014
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For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com Westchase Area Neighborhood News