New Tampa - Vol. 1, Issue 5, July 2015

Page 1

ECRWSS

Postal Customer Dated Material Please Rush!

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



The Community Mourns the Loss of an Incredible Man! If I’ve learned one thing about life, it’s that it just isn’t fair. Sometimes the best people in this world are taken away far too soon. Such is the case with the tragic and sudden loss of Tampa resident and local business owner Alex Cooks. One of the most amazing, caring, kind-hearted people I have ever met, Alex had a heart like none other, with a love and generosity that knew no limits! A husband, a father, a son, a grandfather, a brother, a friend, a mentor and a local hero, Alex has touched the hearts of thousands upon thousands of people over the years. He had a smile that could light up a room and a viva-

cious personality and passion for life that would instantly brighten your day, no matter what kind of mood you were in. I had the honor of meeting Alex a few years back, when I was first introduced to his restaurant, Alex’s Southern Style BBQ, as it was one of the restaurants featured in our Battle of the BBQ contest. A local favorite, Alex’s Southern Style BBQ won the contest hands down! But, even more impressive than his restaurant’s food, was Alex’s devotion to the local community. Loved by all who knew him, Alex was a true role model and had a passion for giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate. Through his charity Xmas For Kids, for the

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

An editorial by Alexis Selby

past 15 years Alex has donated bikes to children throughout the Tampa Bay area. Starting in 1999 when Alex decided to purchase a few bikes to give out to local under-privileged children on Christmas Day, over the years his charity has grown remarkably and to date they have donated more than 20,000 bikes, made possible by generous donations collected throughout the year; 100% of all proceeds raised goes towards buying the bikes. The tremendous impact Alex had on all those around him was truly incredible. Alex loved his family, friends, and community with all that he had in his heart, and I am honored to have met such an inspirational, extraordinary man. And although he no

Alex Cook’s legacy will forever live on with all the amazing things he has done and all the lives he has impacted.

longer accompanies us on earth, he will never be forgotten and his legacy will forever live on with all the amazing things he has done and all the lives he has impacted. In lieu of flowers, Alex’s family has asked for donations to Alex's beloved charity, Xmas For Kids. To donate, please visit www.AlexsbbqTampa.com/xmaskids.html.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

3


4

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles


Trinity Family Physicians Announces the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award Trinity Family Physicians is committed to improving the lives of their patients, friends, family, colleagues, and everyone in their community both locally and globally. Their motto of “Let our Family Care for Yours” resonates with their newest endeavor, the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. Amir Shirmohammad, MD MPH and Stephanie Eldridge, MD MPH of Trinity Family Physicians ask for your help in recognizing outstanding individuals who are making a difference in the Tampa Bay Area. “We want to thank our local sponsors, the New Tampa Lifestyles, and everyone who continues to contribute monthly to making a difference in the Tampa Bay Area,” says Dr. Shirmohammad. “Trinity Family Physicians continues to recognize and donate to wonderful charities and causes in our community. We continue to be educators with local medical schools trying to inspire the new generation of physicians so that they can continue to make a difference each and every day in their patients’ lives as well as in their community. However, with budget cuts and a tough economy, and what we see every day in the news, it is difficult to continue to stay inspired and we

If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their commitment to making a difference for others, please submit their name for the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. Include a short note explaining why you believe they deserve to be honored and how they are making a difference in Tampa Bay. Trinity Family Physicians will choose one individual every three months as the recipient of the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. The first Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award winner will be announced in the September issues of the New Tampa Lifestyles publication, with another winner announced in December and again in March 2016, and so on. Please send your nominee’s information no later than August 7th for the first Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award that will be announced in September. New Tampa Lifestyles is proud to take part as a sponsor in Trinity Family Physicians’ newest endeavor to give back to the

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

hope that this award reminds all of us of how to feel good. We hope that you feel good reading this today and in the future.”

Nominate Someone Who Makes A Difference!

community with the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. In addition to sharing the stories of the award recipients, Trinity Family Physicians and New Tampa Lifestyles will provide them with a gift certificate to a local venue. Trinity Family Physicians is accepting more sponsors for the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. Sponsors will be recognized along with the award winners in the New Tampa Lifestyles publication.

Trinity Family Physicians and New Tampa Lifestyles ask that you please share your thoughts and comments on the facebook page: facebook.com/trinityfamilyphysicians. Trinity Family Physicians is located at 1817 Cypress Brook Drive, Suite 101 in Trinity, FL. Log on to trinityfamilyphysicians.com for additional information about Dr. Eldridge and Dr. Shirmohammad.

Nominations can be mailed to: New Tampa Lifestyles at 220 South Safford Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Or, we prefer email at editorial@nnlflorida.com. Now send in those names!

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

5


New Tampa A REA

Community Calendar

New Tampa Players Presents Mary Poppins- The Broadway Musical!!

About New Tampa Players The New Tampa Players was formed by a group of talented and experienced people to establish a community theatre group in the New Tampa area. The New Tampa Players’ focus is to provide its members the opportunity to participate in the exciting process of bringing the best in dramatic and musical productions to the stage. With years of experience behind them, The New Tampa Players offer their audiences the words and emotions of the great plays, the songs and exuberance of the great musicals and the opportunity to step through the Theatre Curtain to become a part of the creation process whether its in the spotlight or behind it. For more information or to purchase tickets to Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical please visit their website at www.NewTampaPlayers.org.

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), join New Tampa Players, as they proudly present Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical. Performances will be held at the University Area Community Center, located between Bearss and Fletcher at 14013 N. 22nd Street in Tampa All ages are welcome!

Performance Dates: Friday, August 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, August 9 at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 14 at 8p.m.; Saturday August 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, August 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, with students 14 and under getting in free; for seniors over 60, tickets are $17 and groups of 10 or more, $15.

6

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

Christmas in July Donation Drive – Help Bring Comfort and Joy to Hospitalized Kids Christmas in July is a monthlong, community-wide fundraiser for St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. Every year, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation aids corpora-

tions, local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals in bringing some mid-year holiday cheer to the kids that need it most.

Share your Accomplishments On Friday, July 31, from 7am1pm, all of the community partners, sponsors, and donors will come together to celebrate their month-long fundraising efforts. Local media Magic 94.9 and Fox 13 will broadcast live as local businesses and individuals share in the joy of giving; patients have a special visit from Santa, and volunteers help collect toy and monetary donations from community members.

What are they raising funds for? Health care settings are often stressful and frightening experiences for children and families. Providing recreation, developmental play, and play therapy gives kids strategies for coping and bring a momentary escape from their illness. It is through generous community support, and events like Christmas in July, that St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is able to provide these services that dramatically alter a child’s hospital experience.

New Tampa Lifestyles


tions or additional information call (813) 936-2058. 7/21 Chamber Chatter Connections “After Hours Mixer”, 5:30 7:00 pm, hosted by Brookdale Carrollwood. Meeting to be held at Brookdale Carrollwood, 13550 S Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33618. Open to the professional public – no cost to attendees Join them for Appetizers, Wine, Beverages. FREE Networking, Meet New People, Fun, Door prizes. Entertainment and Tours of the community will be available. RSVP to Kristie Rowe 813-908-5300 or kristie.rowe@brookdale.com 7/23 Chamber Networking Luncheon - Relationship Building with Business Neighbors, 11:30am, at IHOP (International House of Pancakes), 408 E Bearss Av, Tampa, 33613 (For directions or additional information call (813) 960-2679) Order from IHOP’s menu and pay restaurant. Senior Lunch menu will be available to all attendees. Prices begin at $6.39 – Cost based on item selected (does not include tax & gratuity). In addition to breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, and dinners available. Minimum payment of

7/09 General Meeting, 11:00am at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Catering, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 33618. Topic: “Children’s Board Hillsborough County”. Speaker: Kelley Parris, Exec Dir with Children’s Board Hillsborough County. Children’s Board offers over 50 programs that provide FREE assistance to children. Six Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County offer programs and services emphasizing child development, self sufficiency, and health and safety at no

cost to participants. Join us to find out more. Doors open at 11:00am with informal networking until 11:30am. Order lunch from select menu; serving will begin at 11:30am and program will begin at 11:45am. For early bird registration, RSVP to the Chamber office by 5:00pm, Tues., 7/07 at the discounted rate of $16 (whether you eat or not). Reservations will be accepted after that date on the attendee check-in list for $21 payable online or at the door. For directions or additional information call (813) 908-7023. 7/16 Chamber Networking Luncheon - Relationship Building With Business Neighbors, 11:30am, Beef O’Brady’s, 8810 N. Himes (Himes & Busch), Tampa.33614 Order from lunchtime or regular menu and pay restaurant. Cost: starts at $4.99/pp based on selected item (does not include tax & gratuity). Minimum payment of $5.00 required if you do not order food plus you must pay for your drinks. RSVP by Tues., 7/14 to Kelly at Kelly.winterling@brookdaleliving.com or call Horizon Bay at Lutz (Brookdale Senior Living) 813-909-9679. For direc-

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

How do I get involved? There are several options for event involvement, including online team fundraising, corporate sponsorship, hosting or attending events in the community, or making a donation directly to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. For more information or to get involved please visit www.sjhfoundation.org/christmas-in-july or call the Foundation at (813) 872-0979.

North Tampa Chamber of Commerce Meeting Calendar - July 2015

$5.00 required if you do not order food plus you must pay for your drinks. RSVP by Tues., 7/21 to Jenn Beaumont at j.beaumont@msn.com or call her at AIG-American Insurance Group at 334-8998. For directions or additional information call (813) 985-1336. 7/28 Chamber Chatter Connections “Coffee Connection”, 7:30 9:00 am, hosted by C1 Bank and Guardian ad Litem - Voices for Children. Meeting to be held at C1 Bank at C1 Bank,14799 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa 33618. Open to the professional public – no cost to attendees. Fun, Good Food, Great Networking. Drawings “Rays vs Yankees” tickets and more. C1 is the bank of the Bucs so be prepared for surprises. RSVP to Nicole at nicole.fielder@c1bank.com or call 813-872-3302 Please RSVP if you plan to attend these chamber events. For more information about the North Tampa Chamber, visit www.northtampachamber.com, call 813-961-2420, or send an email to: info@NorthTampaChamber.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

7


New Tampa A REA

News Briefs

The Athletic Angles Association Unites Gospel & Sports

“Our hope is as fishers of men we can use this bait as a platform for saving lives and allowing each person to grow into a relationship with each other and Jesus Christ,” says president Devonne Stokes. “As you may very well know, sports can be a common denominator for all levels of interest, bringing in the lords sheep and piercing their hearts with his word. We encourage you to help us continue to use and build on this bridge to win souls for Christ.” For more information please email AthleticAngelsAssociation@writeme.com, or athleticangelsassociation@gmail.com or visit www.TheAthleticAngels.com.

The Athletic Angels Association, in partnership with the City of Tampa is currently creating opportunities for the community to unite with the common goal of sharing the gospel through the medium of sports such as Kickball, Flag Football, Basketball and others! Scripture tells us in (Matthew 4:19) And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” “Our mission is to use the sports platform to bring the inner city community and local churches, in the Tampa Area, together for a positive Christian fellowship,” says Commissioner Ainsley Blackmon. “We have started our 1st inaugural flag football and basketball league and we are changing lives one person at a time.” Thursday night basketball league games are played from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at MLK Recreation Complex and

their flag football league games are played Saturday afternoons at Lincoln Garden Park from 12 noon – 2 p.m. The Athletic Angels Association was established to help all involved grow physically, socially and, most importantly, spiritually. This platform gives people of God a chance to fellowship with their fellow peers, relating to one another, and more importantly, reaching out to their friends by sharing the fabulous Word of Jesus Christ in a non-threatening, sports-related environment.

Equestrian Inc. is happy to announce their annual Hay Drive Campaign. With a goal to raise the seventy-five thousand they spent last year on the necessary hay to fee 20 lbs. a day of high quality hay to their offthe-track rescue Thoroughbreds, Equestrian Inc. needs your help! Feed-

ing their horses is their largest annual expense. Although all of their horses reside on their 15-acre farm in north Tampa, the farm is unable to grow very much grass due to the more that 30 horses grazing on it. Dedicated to providing a rehabilitative sanctuary for abandoned, abused, unwanted or slaughter-bound horses, Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue is a 501 C3 charitable organization. This amazing organization, has been rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing horses for over 35 years. “Our mission is to bring people who love horses together with the horses we love,” says Glenda Smith the founder of Equestrian Inc. Horse Rescue of Tampa Bay. The organization gives back to the community immeasurably through the Bright Futures program for high school students and court ordered

8

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

Equestrian Inc. Launches Annual Hay Drive Campaign


community service hours for both adult and juvenile first time non-violent offenders. It is a proven fact that caring for and interacting with horses helps build self-esteem and helps people of all ages to develop a sense of responsibility. In addition to working with the community, Equestrian Inc. is also helping their off-the-track Thoroughbreds by rehabilitating and retraining them in hopes that they might go on to productive second careers as jumpers, dressage, event or trail horses. Once they have completed their retraining, Equestrian Inc. adopts them out to loving, appreciative families. Just this year alone they have already adopted out five off-the-track Thoroughbreds. As quickly as they left

they were replaced by new horses looking for their chance at a second career. Maintaining horses is very expensive, and these wonderful animals deserve a dignified retirement with a chance at a new and productive life. Your tax deductible gift will help ensure that Equestrian Inc. not only continues to provide for the care of these marvelous athletes, but also will help free up finds that can go towards other necessities. For more information or to make a tax deductible donation please visit www.EquestrianInc.org, email HorseRescue@EquestrianInc.org or call (813) 407-6805. You can also follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/EquestrianIncTampa.

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

9


This Month of July Decide to Share Your America With an Exchange Student The month of July is a great time to consider sharing your America with an exchange student from another country. “Hosting an exchange student not only is an opportunity to share what you most love

about the U.S., it helps you to see the U.S. through fresh eyes,” says Tampa resident, Ms. Lee. She invites local families open their heart and home by hosting an exchange student sponsored by PAX – Program of

Academic Exchange (PAX). PAX students, from 70 European, South American, Asian, or African countries, are eager to experience American activities—backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations, and

holidays—and to share their country and culture with their host families. They arrive to the U.S. for the upcoming school year in August. They are 15-18 years old, have studied English for three years, and are moti-

Hosting an exchange student not only is an opportunity to share what you most love about the U.S., it also helps you to see the U.S. through fresh eyes! Students are eager to experience American activities and to share their country and culture with their host families.

10

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles


with awesome host families is so exciting. When the students get to host their host family in their country, that is the best of the exchange program in action! I have a host family visiting their Chinese Daughter in China right now; so sweet, especially since their adopted daughter is from China! I'm excited to go to Thailand some day soon & other countries to see my exchange kids, too!” Founded in 1990, PAX is a notfor-profit educational organization and one of a select few U.S. Depart-

vated to learn more about the U.S. by attending high school and living with a host family. They are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and have their own spending money. Volunteer host families provide PAX students with a warm and supportive home environment, a seat at the family dinner table, a bed, a quiet place to study, and encouragement to engage in everyday American life. All types of families—single parents,

young couples, retirees, and parents with kids of any age, especially with teenagers—are welcome to host. “I've been working for PAXProgram of Academic Exchange for 5 1/2 yrs now,” says Ms. Lee. “During that time, I have placed 31 students from 13 different countries with awesome host families throughout the Tampa Bay area. It is the most inspiring work I've ever done. Connecting these inspiring students

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

ment of State designated Exchange Visitor Programs chosen to participate in its prestigious U.S. government-sponsored FLEX and YES programs. Each year, more than 1,100 teenagers visit the U.S. as PAX exchange students to be Ambassadors of their country and help us to create peace in the world through understanding. For more information on how to host an exchange student please call Karen Lee at (727) 329-8060.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

11


Ann Carlson is Your Local Real Estate Expert! Whether you are selling, buying or investing, when it comes to real estate having a Realtor® you can trust is extremely important. You also need someone who will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your hard earned money or investment will not go to waste. With a drive and passion for real estate and a desire to be the very best agent for her clients, that Realtor® is Ann Carlson! Recognized as the one of the top producers for Keller Williams for the past five years in a row, Ann is dedicated to helping her clients with honesty, integrity and passion, and has a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge in the market. As a New Tampa resident, Ann is very familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods and is able to expertly pair her clients with the perfect home to suit their needs. Looking to change up her life a bit, Ann got into real estate in 2006, seeing it as a great way to still be able to take care of her daughter Kelli,

while maintaining a career that could provide for her. Her expertise in real estate is not just localized to New Tampa either; she also has a great amount of experience working with clients throughout Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Over the years Ann has acquired a vast knowledge of the real estate industry and is constantly researching the market, following it closely in order to be one of the first to know any changes that might be occurring, as to bring her clients the most up-todate information and listings. Ann constantly attends seminars, for not only real estate but also a broad spectrum of topics, which she feels will help her better serve her clients. As a buying agent Ann will strive to get you the home or property of your dreams and will work with your budget and do all she can to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck! “I love what I do,” says Ann. “When it comes to real estate, my sole focus is giving 100% to each and every client; I really mean that. When I am

12

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

By Alexis Selby

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

working with a client I give them my undivided attention. I absolutely love working with people.” As the real estate market starts to pick up again the options you have as a seller begin to flourish, and with the help of Ann as your listing agent you can rest assured knowing that your house or property will receive its full worth in a selling transaction. Ann says, “I am very goal oriented. I lead generate every day and work hard to find buyers for my listings. I am really good at marketing their property and I am a Global Property Specialist, which means I market their homes to over 100 countries in each country’s native language. I also have my own personal website where I list their properties in order to get their home the most exposure possible.” Ann understands that attention to detail is very important when listing a home, and does an exceptional job of making your home show-ready. Before listing a property, Ann advises her clients on how to properly stage their house so they can make it the most

appealing to buyers. Pictures and curb appeal are another important aspect of selling your home, as half the battle is getting people to step inside the door. Taking professional pictures that really showcase your homes beauty, Ann does an exceptional job of driving buyers to her client’s property. Client Mary Ulbrich says, “Ann has been a listing agent for two of our real estate transactions. One was a New Tampa townhome that sold within days at above asking price, and more recently our Hunters Green home. She has been a very profes-

New Tampa Lifestyles


them. Without their encouragement and support none of this would be possible! I would also like to thank my mom and dad, who have been a huge support system for me, as well as my daughter Kelli. Kelli is my sole motivation for everything I do and the reason why I got into real estate.” Ann’s knowledge and expertise of the area, coupled with her awareness of the real estate market and dedication to her clients, assures you that your money will not go to waste. As the real estate market continues to prosper, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you have a friend you can trust –

sional, experienced and knowledgeable agent that has made our experience pleasurable and stress-free. We would recommend her highly to anyone looking to buy or sell in the New Tampa area!” As passionate as she is about real estate, it is her passion for helping people that really sets her apart. Since getting her license nearly a decade ago, Ann has really prided herself on helping her clients. Whether she is assisting buyers in the finding the right house for their needs, advising investors on making the right investments or helping her sellers get the

most for their house – Ann is there for her clients every step of the way! Ann is so gracious for the love and support of not only the community, but also the amazing people that have stood by her side through thick and thin and helped her to achieve a successful career. Ann says, “I am so thankful to this entire community for believing in me and trusting in me and am especially grateful to Bob and Margueritte Greenhalgh, Sean and Judy Cavanaugh, Rob and Michelle Philbin, and Natasha Edwards. They are my family. I couldn’t have done it without

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

one who will help you make the most of your hard earned money or investment and who will help you understand the options that are right for you. Whether you are selling your home or looking for a place to call home, Ann Carlson is the Realtor® for the job! Call Ann today so she can help you achieve your real estate dreams! Ann can be reached by cell at (813) 716-5724, or by email at Kw_Ann@yahoo.com. For more information or to check out her listings please visit AnnSellsTampaHomes.com.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

13


A Grateful American: How Passion and Professionalism Inspired Gifts of Gratitude Some of Deb Benson’s most cherished childhood memories are from visits to her grandfather’s farm in Temple Terrace, where she would fish in his lake. Since then, the landscape has changed dramatically, but Benson still visits that farm — almost every weekday. As a manager in the Florida sales operations department at Verizon Wireless, Benson’s office building stands where that farm once was, and she can see the old fishing lake from her desk. Benson has led and inspired many people in her 26year career with Verizon Wireless, working within nearly every department, including customer service, marketing, operations and sales. But, it was only eight years ago that Benson assumed a personal leadership role that would touch tens of thousands of lives outside her company. Around the Fourth of July holiday in 2007, Benson was searching for an engaging way to teach her

sons about the expression of gratitude. As she researched ways to show appreciation for the selfless men and women who defend our country, she had an idea to have special coins made that they could present to soldiers and thank them for their service. Benson found that unique military coins are often collected by service members, or even earned through achievements or to enhance morale. So Benson and her family designed a coin of their own. As Benson set out to place a small order for a few of their new coins, she discovered that to qualify for a price break, she would need to purchase 2,000. Inspired by a legacy of family patriotism and her professional passion to connect with others, Benson decided to expand the idea rather than scrap it, and that was the beginning of the Grateful American Coin program. Focused on providing a tangible

way to display gratitude to those who serve our country, the Grateful American Coin program quickly went through those first 2,000 coins. By selling the coins to others who wanted to say “thank you” to our military, the Grateful American Coin program was able to donate proceeds from each sale to organizations that provide support services to the severely injured men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, the Grateful American Coin has recognized over 51,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and veterans. Additionally, it has donated more than $113,000 to partner organizations, including The Special Ops Warrior Foundation and Paws for Patriots. Even more powerful than the numbers are the personal stories behind each of the 51,000 coins. While waiting to board a recent flight, Benson “coined” an Army helicopter

pilot to thank him for his service. After receiving the coin, he went to the Grateful American Coin website, where he realized he had received his coin from the organization’s founder. When the plane landed, Benson was walking out when she heard someone say, “it’s you, it’s you!” She turned around to find the Army pilot waiting on the jetway for her to express his heartfelt appreciation.

14

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5


“It’s inspiring to show sincere gratitude to the people fighting for our freedom every day,” said Benson. “Their personal stories are the most beautiful gift, which I never expected.” Grateful American Coins have been framed by recipients, laid at an unmarked grave in Normandy and buried in the caskets of servicemen, but one of the most impactful moments for Benson was learning about a 13-year-old who received a specially designed coin for the families of the fallen after his father passed away. Dealing with the death of a parent can be very hard, and this young man was no exception. It was difficult for him to talk about it, so he used the coin to drive the conversation. When

he went to bed at night, he would leave his coin out on the nightstand as a signal to his mom that he wanted to talk about his loss. This is just one of many encouraging and emotional stories shared on Grateful American Coin’s website and Facebook page. The coin was thought up as a way for Benson to show her sons whom the true heroes are in today’s world. And if they’ve ever stopped to think about the 51,000 experiences those coins have generated, they’ve probably realized that their mom is one, too. If you’d like to donate, purchase coins, or read the stories of those who have given or received coins, please visit www.GratefulAmericanCoin.org.

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

15


Choose Pacific Curbing for Your Home’s Best Curb Appeal

Concrete Curbing: Artistic and Functional Pacific Curbing serves the Central Florida area from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties over to the Orlando area. As a leading company in

decorative concrete curbing, Pacific Curbing offers professionally installed, permanent, attractive concrete border edging for any landscape. Concrete curbing serves as a weed and grass barrier by outlining flowerbeds, sidewalks, around trees, and more. Pacific Curbing offers concrete curbing in many diverse shapes, colors, stamp patterns and textures in order to give you the choice to completely customize your home’s yard in a way that offers both artistic appeal and functional design. The benefits of concrete curbing from Pacific Curbing are endless. Concrete curbing materials are a permanent solution; the material does not rust like steel, will not decompose like wood, break like plastic, or move around like bricks and pavers. Concrete curbing is completely non-mobile once laid-in around your landscaping and will give your flowerbeds and walkways a polished finish. Pacific Curbing’s fully trained installation crew can add patterns and colors to form a perfect match to any landscape. Concrete is a very versatile

Pacific Curbing Rolls Out the Latest Style in the Industry Pacific Curbing guarantees the installations for every job and employs an experienced staff, many of whom have more than 10 years of experience. The company’s installers are a fully trained crew that focuses on doing the perfect job, while keeping a clean work environment. Pacific Curbing’s decorative stamped concrete curbing is the cutting edge of landscape design and the company is constantly coming up with new designs that stand out from com-

petitors and give customers more durable, unique designs that are high quality. Pacific Curbing has explored the latest technologies in the industry and is currently the only company that is implementing new products such as Belgium Block and Slate Stone Mats in the Tampa Bay area. In 2013, Pacific Curbing released Square Belgium

16

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles

By Katie Thomas Central Florida’s decorative concrete curbing specialists, Pacific Curbing, is a local family owned and operated business that specializes in giving your home the best in curb appeal. We live where people vacation; Florida is a visual paradise, which is why creating your own front yard and backyard oasis can be such a wonderful gift to yourself. Pacific Curbing brings the curb appeal to your house with curbing that will complement your home, and showcase your lush and beautiful landscaping. Pacific Curbing offers concrete curbing and landscape edging in a wide variety of colors, color mixtures, stamped borders and custom brick/stone curbing options that will shape your yard into the paradise you have always wanted.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

material, giving Pacific Curbing the ability to customize every job, taking into consideration the homeowner’s tastes and the layout of the property. Choose from beautiful curbing patterns and stamps or textured rollers that give a natural and artistic look to your concrete curbing. Curbing patterns and stamps make an impression in the concrete and offer a more 3D, symmetrical style. Rollers are great for a style that imitates natural rock or stone.


Pacific Curbing puts the finishing touch on your landscaping with concrete curbing that is completely customized to your home.

Block Mat Stamps. Pacific Curbing’s new product has been well received by customers. Belgium Block has proven to be an amazing success for both customers and the company. This is the right product for customers who are looking for something thicker, taller and stronger than regular concrete curb edging. Belgium Block comes in square molds that are 6x5x6 inches or 6x4x6 inches. The technology utilized by Pacific Curbing allows the curbing to form realistic “stone” borders,

which provides a richer, more natural look for your landscaping. Pacific Curbing is the only curbing company that has this innovative Belgium Block Stamp! Another recent product Pacific Curbing has rolled out is the new Slatestone Mats, which offer a radically new shape in mat stamp curbing. Just released this year, Slatestone Mats create a very realistic stone pattern in angular shapes that have deep impressions and a wide variety of textures for

New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

an appealing, natural look. Slatestone can even be double stamped to produce up to six different stone patterns. Pacific Curbing is creating curb appeal throughout Tampa Bay. Their product is pleasing to the eye, creatively designed and completely functional in landscape settings. Whether you choose the newest technologies such as Belgium Block and Slatestone

Mat or decide to go with stamps or rollers, Pacific Curbing has a pattern, style and design to give your home the perfect finishing touch. For your free curbing estimate and design consultation, log on to www.Pacific-Curbing.com, email info@pacific-curbing.com, or call Pacific Curbing directly at (813) 770-4424.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

17


18

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

New Tampa Lifestyles


New Tampa Lifestyles

For Advertising Info 813-731-3209 • NewTampaLifestyles.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

19



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.