Lutz/Land O' Lakes/Odessa - Vol. 4, Issue 6, June 2013 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

LAND O’ LAKES . LUTZ . ODESSA

Vol. 4, Issue 6, June 2013

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

Define Your Personal Style at Westchase Hair Studio & 3 Wishes Aesthetics By Alexis Selby

The Brain Balance Achievement Center in Oldsmar

Changing Children’s Lives

News Briefs........................6-7 Jaime Air Conditioning..10-11 Brooker Creek Preserve..12-13 D&D Pressure Washing..14-15 Lakeside Animal Hospital..16-17 Stand Down...................18-19 Trinity Yoga...................20-21 Alton Voss......................22-23

Susan, a Sensory-Motor Coach at Brain Balance in Oldsmar works with student Autumn McGinnis

ECRWSS

See “Brain Balance” on page 28.

Community Calendar.............4

Postal Customer

Let’s be honest, being a parent is the hardest, most wonderful thing you’ve ever done. But hard gets harder when your child is diagnosed with a learning disability or disorder. The label in itself can be hard to swallow, even when you know that a label doesn’t make a child and even when you know that a label doesn’t make any difference in who your child really is, what they can become or what they can achieve. That said, it can still be hard to know what to do next with regard to your child’s individual success at home, in school and in life in general. When your child is diagnosed or

given a label of ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette’s, an Asperger’s Spectrum disorder, a learning disability or a processing disorder, it’s hard to know what to do. For parents and families this can be a scary and overwhelming time, and while these issues have become almost commonplace over the last two decades, the answer to the root of the problem has not been agreed upon. The popular although controversial approach to “fixing” it, however, is to use modern medicine. There is another option. Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer a medicine-free, education-based Brain Balance Program that comprehensively helps each child reach their

Free Golf For Kids.................3

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

By Julie Kanehl

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Dated Material Please Rush!

(Clockwise from top left) Tracy, Jenny, Jessica and Evelyn

Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics are celebrating their one-year anniversary and would like to thank the community for their loyalty and support. “We look forward to many more years in this area,” says Tracy Eller, stylist and co-owner of Westchase Hair Studio. If you want beautiful hair and radiant skin, the talented professionals at Westchase Hair Studio will help you achieve your dream look. Owners and stylists Evelyn Irvin and Tracy Eller are committed to listening to their clients and helping them get the look they want. Co-located within

Westchase Hair Studio is 3 Wishes Aesthetics, where owner Jenny Molloy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and National Trainer, is an expert in Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, and anti-aging care for the face and hands. Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics are in Studio B at Westchase Professional Center, located at 11059 Countryway Boulevard in Westchase. Within Studio B, you’ll find a cozy, inviting place where you can boost your spirits with a new look, get expert advice on how to maintain your current look, or have your wrinkles smoothed away – a place to relax and be pampered. See “WC Hair Studio” on page 26.

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From The Editor Kim Thomas

Free Golf For Kids All Summer What can parents do this summer to pry kids away from video games and get them doing something healthy and enriching without costing a lot of money? And, how about a sport that adults and kids can do together for the rest of their lives – Golf! Every day this summer, Ace Golf is offering kids from age 5 to 15 a free small bucket of balls to hit on the golf range at any one of their five locations. Now in its third year, the Kids Free Bucket Program has attracted over 500 kids. It is completely free and available at Ace Golf Range in Brandon and Riverview, Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa, and Wentworth and Crescent Oaks Golf Clubs in Tarpon Springs. Just stop by and pick up a punch card anytime now through August. No purchase is necessary. An adult must accompany the participating child. In addition, kids age 5 – 15 can play golf for free any day this summer with a paying adult at Pebble Creek, Wentworth and Crescent Oaks Golf Clubs. All three clubs welcome public play and also offer memberships.

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Besides the free programs, Ace Golf also offers Summer Junior Golf Camps, Adult Golf Schools, Summer Golf Round Package Discounts, and “Everyday Heroes” golf discounts for active duty police and first responders. “Golf is a mainstream sport that anyone of any ability can play at just about any age,” says Ace Golf owner Bill Place. “Our facilities are open to welcome people in to the game and show them how easy and fun it can be. Anyone may take advantage of our lesson programs, dine in our restaurants, and play at our courses. We also offer additional privileges and events with membership.” Ace Golf is locally owned by Bill Place and Su Lee. The company has two golf ranges and three golf courses. All are open to the public. Ace Golf Ranges are located at 820 S. Kings Avenue in Brandon (phone 813 651-4653) and at 12910 Boyette Road in Riverview (phone 813 672-7750). They are open daily until 10pm. The facilities feature

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

220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2013 NeighborhoodNews & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

18-acre Golf Practice Ranges, Miniature Golf, and Batting Cages. For more information, go to ace-golf.com. The Pebble Creek Golf Club is at 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa. Call 813 973-3870 x3 or go topebblecreekclub.com. The Wentworth Golf Club is at 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon Springs, FL (East Lake Road, 1light south of Tarpon Avenue). Call 727-942-4760 or go to wentworthgolfclub.org. The Crescent Oaks Country Club is at 3300 Crescent Oaks Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688. Call 727 9374653 or go to Crescentoaksgolf.com.

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 Marcy Sanford 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.

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Community Calendar Lutz Chiefs Summer Football Camp June 24–28, 8 AM–12 PM––2013 Elite Warrior Football Camp conducted by Steinbrenner Warrior Football will be held Jun. 24–28 for ages 6–15 (grouped by age and skill). Come join the fun with members of the Steinbrenner High School Football Team and learn the basic fundamentals of Football with specific training on technique and skill. Every participant will receive a camp T-shirt and a Certificate of Completion. Concessions will be available for campers Cost: $100 with online PREREGISTRATION, $125 Day of the Event. (Make Checks payable to: Lutz Chiefs). Camp Location and Registration: Lutz Chief’s Stadium is located at 656 W Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. PreRegistration and details are online at www.warriorfootballcamp.net. For questions, please contact Head Steinbrenner Football Coach Perez: Perez@steinbrennerfootball.com or call (813) 789-4418.

Keystone Community Church – “God Bless America” Celebration Sun., June 30, 10:30 AM––Keystone Community Church (KCC) invites the public to join them as they honor God and country, pray for our nation, and sing some patriotic favorites! This special service will be led by Keystone Community Church music and drama ministries, as the church honors ALL who have sacrificed to maintain others’ freedom! If you have served or are currently serving in the military or if you are with one of our hometown first responder units, KCC invites you to please come and let the church honor you and join in the fellowship and great food following service! Keystone Community Church is located at 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz and can be reached at (813) 948-4522. Visit online: www.keystonecommunity.org. Messiah Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School June 17–21, 9 AM–12 PM––Messiah Lutheran Church & Preschool,

located at 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa will host Vacation Bible School for children ages 4-6th grade. For information, contact Penny Healey (Director) at (813) 265-0806 or phealey33@verizon.net. Sat., June 29––Messiah Lutheran Church & Preschool will host a youth car wash and Granny’s Attic yard sale. For information, please call (813) 961-2182. Nar-Anon Family Groups Meetings Nar-Anon Family Groups is a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. Florida Website: Naranonfl.org, Help Line: 1-888-947-8885 Meetings are as follows: Tuesdays, 7 PM––Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Rd. in Lutz. *Narateen is same location, day and time. Thursdays, 7 PM––Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Pkwy. (Immaculata Hall - Rm. E Back Entrance) Saturdays, 10 AM––United Methodist Church, 207 Buckingham Ave. in Oldsmar. Wednesdays 8 PM––Asbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Rd. in New Port Richey. Mondays,

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7:00 p.m., Turning Point, Mary Martha Bldg., 6227 Sheldon Rd., Tampa. Thursdays, 7 PM––Christ the King Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry (2story bldg. across parking lot, room 203). Tuesdays 6:45 p.m.––All Saints Church, 1700 Keystone Rd. in Tarpon Springs. *NEW NARATEEN MEETING STARTING JUNE 18 (Same day, time and location, different room). Newcomers of Northwest Hillsborough Thurs., June 20, 11:30 AM––The Newcomers of Northwest Hillsborough will meet for their monthly luncheon at Hula Bay, 5210 West Tyson Ave. in Tampa. June’s luncheon is casual and doesn’t have a program. Lunch is ordered off the menu with separate checks. To learn more visit www.newcomersnwhillsborough.com. Obstetrics Program Offers Six Week Prepared Childbirth Course June 26, 7–9 PM––at Medical Center of Trinity. The fee is $70. For more information and to register for classes call (727) 834-5630.

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Community News Briefs McKitrick Elementary Stained Glass Dedicated to Sandy Hook Elementary Victims On June 3rd, McKitrick Elementary School installed another Stained Glass window in their main office. Since January, four teachers have been working with Art teacher Dianne Zink and glass artist, Jay Aalberg every Monday to create the window. The Monday after school group was started in the Fall as a weekly creative outlet for teachers to reenergize and focus on ways to incorporate art into other disciplines. One of the mediums that was introduced was stained glass. Ms. Zink asked the group if they would like to work on a “teacher” window for the office. Last year, 11 students helped create a stained glass window of their mascot, the Bobcat. The teachers agreed and Jay Aalberg, professional glass artist, was asked to help out again. Ms. Zink created the

appropriate way to honor the memory of those precious lives and never forget them. The teachers who worked on the window are Liisa DiTarando, Cheri Gamm, Chaz Jansen, Aimee Kennedy and Dianne Zink. Funding for the window was made possible by McKitricks’s very active and supportive PTA and (L-R) Band Director, Rober Bosma; Kyle Spence, Senthe Hillsborough ior; Rene Van Hout, owner of LOL Transport & MovCounty Arts Council.

ing; Tyler Dusek, 2012 recipient; Glenda Lopez, Senior; Alison Flaherty, Senior

Tree of Knowledge design which incorporates many different colored leaves. After the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Ms. Zink asked Jay and the teachers if they would like to dedicate 26 of the leaves to the lives of the adults and children who were victims of the shooting. Unanimously, they agreed. The glass that was used for these leaves blends in with the others but it is different in that it is iridized and stands out a bit more when no light comes through the window. It is a subtle difference but they feel it is an

Vendors Sought for October Holiday Craft Fair in Odessa Keystone United Methodist Church (KUMC) is seeking vendors for its Annual Holiday Craft Fair to be held on Sat., Oct. 12. Outdoor booth space (measures 10’ x 12’) is available for a fee of $30. To request an application or obtain more information, e-mail kumccraftfair@tampabay.rr.com, or call the church at (813) 920-5153. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the fair offers a variety of crafts and other items, plants, home-baked goods, and gift baskets. Breakfast and lunch will

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be offered as well. KUMC is located at 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa. LOL High School Band Annual Banquet Boasts BIG Surprise! The Land O’ Lakes High School Band held it’s annual Band Banquet on May 17th. Students were recognized for all their hard work and dedication. There was a surprise at the end of the banquet. LOL Transport & Moving owner Rene Van Hout presented checks to all the seniors who will be majoring in Music Education in college. During

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her presentation, Rene stated, “I’m excited that you are the next generation of teachers, entertainers, and most importantly mentors.” Alison Flaherty posted on her facebook page, “I just want to take the time out and thank Ms. Rene for generously giving me and the other LOLHS future music majors checks towards school at the banquet tonight. I really appreciate this kind offer and also appreciate your love for the arts and advocacy for them. Your generous act tonight proved that you support our career decisions and appreciate what we have put into the band, just like we appreciate what you have contributed to the band for these past few years. Again, thanks so much and I immensely appreciate it!” Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida and National Employee Wellness Month During the month of June, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is emphasizing the value of employee hearing to both worker wellbeing and a business’ bottom line. In an era when more and more companies are embracing Workplace Wellness Programs, BHI is raising the flag on hearing health. Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, and the majority

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of them are in the workforce. As the median age of the American worker goes up, it becomes increasingly important that hearing health become a workplace wellness priority. Hearing loss can affect quality of life, and it can also affect job performance and earnings by limiting a person’s ability to communicate effectively. Fortunately, hearing aids— as well as other appropriate treatments and workplace accommodations—can help significantly. Locally, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is embracing BHI’s plan to build awareness that addresses hearing loss in the workplace. At its location in New Port Richey (4443 Rowan Road), the Sertoma Foundation will be holding one of its battery giveaways from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Call the office at (727) 834-5479 for details. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where organizations are coming to rely more heavily on aging workers who have valuable experience and expertise, this employeremployee partnership becomes

increasingly important. Addressing hearing loss in the workplace is a smart business strategy that benefits both employer and employee. For other ideas on how to participate in National Employee Wellness Month in your workplace, visit online, nationalemployeewellnessmonth.com. Hearing Loss is the most common birth defect nationally. Early detection and intervention is vital for an infant to have the opportunity to access speech and other sounds for learning and brain development. The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida assists hard of hearing

babies and children to hear the world around them so they can succeed personally, academically and socially. The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to provide quality developmental and rehabilitative services, products and education––primarily to children––throughout Florida, in a caring and compassionate environment, never limited by the ability to pay. Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. is located at 4443 Rowan Road in New Port Richey. For more information, call (727) 834-5479.

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Jaime Air Conditioning And Heating Specialists By Marcy Sanford When Westchase resident Manny Parad met Jaime Central Air Conditioning & Heating Specialist Jaime Guerrera, he knew he had found a business partner who shared the same high standards for honesty and customer service, and after 47 years of working in the air conditioning and heating industry, Manny knows that being honest with your customers and performing high quality work is what keeps a company in business. “Much of our business is in the Westchase area and many of our new customers come from referrals,” says Manny. “I live in Westchase and am proud that I can go places in the community without fear of running into an unhappy client. We stand behind our work and are proud of the loyalty our customers have to us. We want to make sure that we always treat our clients with utmost respect and that when we’ve finished the job, we’ve earned their trust and loyalty.” Jaime Central Air Conditioning and Heating is a bi-lingual company and has employees who speak both

English and Spanish to better serve clients. Jaime Central Air Conditioning and Heating services both residential and commercial clients. Customers of Jaime Air definitely have great things to say about Manny, Jaime, and the professional workers that have come to their rescue. “Jaime Air did a great installation,” says one happy Westchase homeowner. “My wife was very happy with how clean they kept our home during the tricky renovation. The new system cools fast and it's very quiet due to the new ductwork they installed. Now all of our rooms are the same temperature. We got a new Trane system for less than the price the other company quoted us.”

Air Conditioning Repairs Air Conditioning Units definitely take a beating in the hot Florida weather, where they are rarely given a break. Should you have an issue, Jaime Air is able to repair all major brands of air conditioners. And when you call, you’ll talk to a live person on the phone. In fact, Manny says many times he can help the customer resolve

Whether you need your AC repaired or replaced, or would like to find out how to cool a room better or lower your energy costs, Jaime Air can help you. Jaime Air offers free estimates and second opinions and guarantee to have the lowest prices with the highest quality work. the issue over the phone. If your unit does need repairs, Jaime is personally involved to make sure everything is done correctly and in a timely manner. Many air conditioning repairs are simple and inexpensive, but complex repairs can be costly so you want a

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company that is honest. Jaime Air’s service technicians are not paid on commission, so you can rest assured that they won’t try to up-sell you on unnecessary parts or services.

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Air Purification and Duct Sanitation There are several signs that could indicate you have mold growing in your ductwork, such as staining or water damage around ductwork, condensation inside ductwork, or a musty smell. If left untreated, mold can make you and your family sick. If you are concerned about mold growth, Jaime Air can install UV-C lights to prevent mold growth in your system. They can also install electronic air

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cleaners to help remove pollen and dust. However, in some cases you might want to have your ductwork replaced and if that is the case, the professionals at Jaime Air are experts at doing this in a timely, cost-effective, and unobtrusive way. In fact, dirty ductwork that is over 12 years old in Florida can be replaced for about the same cost as having it cleaned. As an extra bonus, you might find that the airflow throughout your house improves with new ductwork. “There is no reason for one room to be hotter than others in your house,” says Manny. “But sometimes the ductwork that was originally installed is too small for the room to get sufficient air or the purpose of the room has changed over the years and therefore new ductwork is needed to get more air into the room. We can fix your ductwork so that every room in your house will be as cool as you want it to be.”

New AC Installation “Jaime Air did a great job in our home in Westchase,” writes a happy customer. “We had 5 bids for the same Trane system. Manny Parad came to our home and explained which system was the best one for us to buy. He

measured our home and the installers were able to finish the job the same day. They did a great job and left our house clean. We saved $1000 on the same system quoted by others.” The average life span of an air conditioning unit in Florida is 7 to 10 years, although some higher end models can last as many as 17. If you find yourself in need of a new air conditioning unit, Jaime Air will help you find a system to fit your home and budget. They install many different brands of air conditioning units and are licensed dealers for three of the top brands – Trane, Carrier, and Bryant. “Jaime Air installed a new Bryant system for me,” says a customer. “I got proposals from a few of my local dealers and Home Depot. The salesperson Jaime Air sent did not try to up-sell me. He explained the brands available for my home, as well as the size and the model. He was the only one who measured my home to be sure I had the right size unit. All of this took less then an hour and he exposed a bunch of myths the other dealers had told me. The system I chose was a Bryant two-stage model that is now keeping every room in my home at the same temperature. The install took 7 hours and they double sealed all of the ducts and put a plas-

ter-like seal on it. I needed a new duct box, plywood stand, and electrical breaker and Jaime Air did not charge me extra for it.”

Energy Savings Manny was a State of Florida Energy Rater for many years so he knows how to help you save money on your cooling and heating costs. “There is no charge for me to come look at a house-wide problem,” says Manny. “Whether it is high energy bills, too much humidity in the house, or a room or area that isn’t as cool as you would like it to be, I can determine what the problem is and give you solutions to fix it.” When they aren’t helping people beat the heat, both Manny and Jaime are active in local charities including the USO, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Oldsmar Cares. Jaime Central Air Conditioning & Heating makes service calls Monday through Saturday. You can call them any day of the week, whenever you have a problem, at (813) 601-0764 or En Espanol at (813) 601-3147. You can also visit their website for more information at www.JaimeAir.com.

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Make Time for Nature at Brooker Creek Preserve By Marcy Sanford Located in Tarpon Springs and an easy drive from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, and Odessa is the largest natural area in Pinellas County – Brooker Creek Preserve. With 8,700 acres of wetland forest next to Brooker Creek, the main feeder for Lake Tarpon, the Preserve is home to many animals such as white tailed deer, otters, gopher tortoises, bobcats, and coyotes and even some endangered species of plants, insects, and birds including orchids, Bachman’s sparrows, and Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. The Preserve has hiking trails, an educational and resource center, a nature store, and a viewing blind for bird watching. Open since 2004, the education and resource center at Brooker Creek Preserve was designed with sustainable methods and materials. The 6,000 square foot center features exhibits of the different habitats found on the Preserve. The nature store, which is run by the Friends of Brooker Creek, has books, t-shirts, toys, and snacks for sale. They even have a native plant

nursery where you can find wildflower seeds, Firebush, Beauty Berry, Tropical Sage, Spider Lilly Bulbs and many other plants that are native to this area. The resource center has information to help you with projects such as native plant landscaping and retention pond reclamation. They also have a library and database with information about many different environmental topics. Brooker Creek’s four miles of hiking trails meander through forested wetlands, oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and swamps. The education center trail is an easy stroll for hikers of all ages and abilities. The elevated boardwalk made of reclaimed plastic and wood materials keeps visitors’ feet dry as they walk over and through bottomland swamps to the drier areas of the preserve. From the end of this trail, you can choose hikes of varying length and difficulty or the bird path, which will take you to a bird viewing blind overlooking a freshwater marsh. Brooker Creek Preserve is host to

a wide variety of special events throughout the year for all ages and interests – many of them free. Regular monthly events at Brooker Creek Preserve: Book Time @ Brooker, Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. This program is designed to connect pre-schoolers to the wonders of the natural world. In addition to hearing a great story, children will partici-

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pate in a craft, game, or other handson activity related to the story. Recommended for ages 3 to 5. Brooker Book Club, First Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. This book club is for adults who want to discuss novels by Florida authors. The book for July is “Star Island” by Carl Hiaasen. Guided Hikes, Saturdays throughout the month, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

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Volunteer Guides take visitors on a threefourths of a mile hike along the Education Center Trail to look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. All ages are welcome. Wildflower Garden Club, Last Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Get your gardening hands dirty in the Preserve’s wildflower garden. Morning snacks are usually provided. Upcoming Special Events Guided Photography Hike, Friday June 28 & Saturday June 29, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Hike the preserve in search of that perfect shot. This program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. In a brief classroom session, local photographers and master naturalist Karl and Kathleen Nichter highlight the seasonal features that help

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participants capture the natural beauty of Brooker Creek Preserve. Then you’ll hike the boardwalk and trails looking for those shots that reflect the season. Recommended for adults and children 12 and over. Botany Hike, Friday, July 12, 9 a.m – 11 a.m. Join a Brooker Creek Naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the Preserve. Learn how to identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees, and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Birds of Brooker Hike, Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Learn how to identify common birds during a one-mile trail hike. Bring water and binoculars if you have them.

Come prepared with binoculars, cameras, and questions. Any questions the guide cannot answer will be researched in the resource room upon return to the Education Center. All events in this listing are free but registration is required due to limited space. You can get more information about the events and register for them at http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/. The Center and Store hours are Thursday through Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The trail hours are Sunday through Saturday: 7 a.m. to approximately one hour before sunset. There

are picnic shelters, parking, and restrooms available. Admission to the center and preserve is free. For more information about Brooker Creek Preserve visit http://brookercreekpreserve.org/. For more information about the Friends of Brooker Creek, visit http://www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org. Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs; phone 727-4536800.

Tree ID, Saturday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join your local Natural Resource Agent as she discusses the basics on how to identify trees in your area. The presentation includes a guided tree ID walk. Wildlife Hike, Friday, July 26, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. An experienced naturalist will guide a hike along the boardwalks and natural trails. This is a learning experience for everyone.

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D & D Pressure Washing Cleans it Up Like New! By Marcy Sanford Your home is probably your biggest investment. Doug Drozd and Dina Asuras, the owners of D & D Pressure Washing, can help you keep it looking its best. The couple has many years of pressure washing experience, which began when they lived in Chicago and started pressure washing. Once they moved to Florida, they expanded their training and knowledge to learn how to best clean the mold and mildew that sometimes seems to grow overnight on sidewalks, driveways, and houses. Doug and Dina enjoy the challenge of bringing back the original beauty of a property that has become dirty and dingy. D & D Pressure Washing can handle all sizes of jobs from residential to commercial. They pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, screen enclosures, houses, fences, restaurants, commercial buildings and more. “We both go to every job and work as a team. We have two commercial grade pressure washers so we can both work on a job at the same

time. They pre-treat the areas to be washed and then do the cleaning. Everything is then rinsed down. We do not rush through our jobs or set a time limit on how long we will work on them. If one of us misses a spot the other will see it and it will get cleaned.” Doug and Dina say that using the right equipment and the correct materials for pressure washing helps them to do a thorough job. “Many companies do pressure washing as a side part of their business and don’t use the right cleaning materials or equipment so your property can still look dirty after it’s been cleaned. We only do pressure washing. It is not a part-time side job for us,” says Doug. D & D Pressure Washing’s clients are certainly happy with the end result. “I am impressed with D & D Pressure Washing,” says Elizabeth. “Doug and Dina paid attention to all the details of

the job and didn't quit until every speck of dirt was gone. I would recommend them for any job. They are on the top of my list.” Customer Robert says, “Great job making the 10-year-old vinyl fence look just like new.” “Finally! No more letters from the HOA about the mold on my driveway,” says Laurie. “You guys are the bomb for making my driveway look like new again. I’ll recommend you to all my friends.” While “no more letters from the HOA” is certainly something to celebrate, there are other benefits of having professionals like Doug and Dina

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pressure wash your home or business. In fact, it can save you money if you include regularly scheduled power washings as part of your home’s routine maintenance plan. Exterior washing of your home can extend the life of vinyl siding, concrete, wood, and bricks as well as your driveway, porch, lanai, deck, sidewalk, and fence. The humidity in Florida makes it easy for mold and mildew to grow. And if your house is near water or a preserve area, it can quickly accumulate grime and slime. Regular pressure washing can eliminate contaminates that contribute to rot, decay, and premature aging of

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Before

your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coating and building materials. Quite simply, pressure washing services can add years of life to your property and save you money on costly repairs. Doug and Dina are happy to give you a free estimate. They are fully licensed and insured and they

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After

never subcontract their work. Dina and Doug personally complete each job and guarantee that it will be done correctly. For more information, visit www.ddpressurewash.com or call (813) 949-5131 to schedule an appointment.

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Lakeside Animal Hospital Treats Your Pet as an Individual By Marcy Sanford Pets are like part of your family and if you have one, you want to make sure that it receives the best possible care but sometimes bills from the vet can give you sticker shock. If you live in the Odessa area, you are in luck because Dr. Azza Diasti, owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital, is an advocate for people and their pets. She has made it her mission to make sure that every pet can get great, affordable health care. Located at 8521 Gunn Highway, Lakeside Animal Hospital has clean and roomy pet daycare and overnight boarding facilities, fun and challenging training facilities, and state-of-the-art examination rooms and laboratories. “We want to make sure we keep our clients’ pets happy and healthy so we focus on preventative health,” says Dr. Diasti. “We want to make sure that every pet gets the basic care they need. We look at each pet individually and determine what type of treatment or health plan is needed. Every pet gets an individualized plan for vac-

cines, blood work, and preventative care based on its breed, health, and age. Every pet is an individual and should be treated that way. Since each plan is designed specifically for each dog or cat, they get the best quality care at the most affordable price. We work with our pet owners to make sure that giving their pets top-notch care is affordable to them.” While most pet owners know the importance of regular vaccines and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, many probably overlook their pets’ dental health because they do not know how it can affect overall health. But keeping your pets gums, mouth, and teeth healthy and clean can help it lead a longer, more fulfilling life. “All pets will develop some degree of dental disease during their life. An astounding 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will show some signs of dental disease by the time they are three years of age,” says Dr. Diasti. “Most cases of dental disease start with the accumulation of bacteria-containing plaque and tartar on the animal's teeth. Over time the disease will progress, often

leading to severe gum disease, oral abscesses, and tooth loss. There also is evidence that poor dental health may contribute to disease in other organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Good dental health is truly a critical component of keeping your pet healthy and happy.” You can check your pet at home to see if they have any signs of dental disease. Some of the most common signs are: bad breath; visible plaque and tartar on teeth; red, swollen, or receding gums; pain and/or bleeding in the mouth; loose, fractured, abscessed, or missing teeth; pain or difficulty eating. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pet to the vet right away. These could be signs of a serious dental health problem. Even if your pet does not have any of these symptoms, it is still a good idea to have regular professional teeth cleaning to keep any issues from occurring. When your pet’s teeth are cleaned at Lakeside Animal Hospital, you know that they are in kind and loving

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Azza Diasti, DVM hands. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia so that the cleaning is effective and safe for your pet. The cleaning includes: TOOTH SCALING – to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gum line. They use both ultrasonic and hand instruments at Lakeside Animal Hospital. TOOTH POLISHING – to remove small pieces of plaque and smooth the enamel. This helps to slow down the future plaque and tartar ac-

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cumulation. DENTAL CHARTING – Lakeside Animal Hospital keeps detailed dental records to monitor your pet’s dental health. Lakeside Animal Hospital also includes a full mouth x-ray with every dental cleaning so you can see if there are problems under the gums. Periodic professional teeth cleanings are very important to your pet’s health, but there are things you can do at home to help fight dental disease. There are toothbrush/toothpaste kits that are specifically designed for pets, water additives that kill bacteria and help decrease plaque and tartar buildup, special diets, and bones/chews that are designed to help mechanically remove tartar buildup.

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These products will not help in severe cases, but are designed for preventive measures. You should be sure to check your pet’s teeth and gums on a regular basis for signs of dental disease. Pets bring unlimited happiness into our lives. It’s natural that you would want to make sure your pets are happy and healthy. Pet owners in the area have entrusted their pets to Lakeside Animal Hospital for many years and it is easy to see why. Dr. Azza Diasti, Dr. John Golphin and all of the animal-loving professionals at Lakeside Animal Hospital make sure that they take the time to know you and your pet and to develop a customized, affordable health plan for each individual dog or cat they see. Lakeside Animal Hospital is located at 8521 Gunn Highway in Odessa. Hours are: Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and 8 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sat. To schedule an appointment, please call (813) 920-5100. You can find information about keeping your pet healthy, check out special offers, and sign up to receive Lakeside Animal Hospital’s enewsletter at www.lakesideah.com.

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community to connect with our homeless veterans and to begin to break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the streets. The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Stand Down requires the work of countless volunteers, businesses and local, state and national organizations.

Become a Corporate Sponsor for the Pasco County Stand Down Pasco County Stand Down is seeking sponsors that want to help homeless veterans. The Stand Down – No One Left Behind event will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th at the Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. What is a Stand Down? The Term Stand Down was used in the military, during the times of war, to remove exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover from the battlefields to a place

of relative security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 67,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. “Stand Down” began in San Diego in 1988. Twenty-five years later, that organization has celebrated many successes and now there are more than 200 Stand Downs throughout the country. Pasco County Stand Down will reach out to homeless and at risk veterans in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties. Stand Down is a time for the

HELP IS HERE – No One Left Behind Veterans and their families who are living on the streets or who do not have permanent housing will get free access to: hot meals for two days; showers, clothes and haircuts; court service and legal counseling; medical and mental health services; dental cleaning and examination; housing vouchers; state photo identification cards; job and employment counseling; personal hygiene kits; AA , NA , & Celebrate Recovery Meetings; women and children services and much more! Ways you can help: Donation of Goods—Reading glasses, boots, backpacks, personal hygiene items and more are needed. Donation of Time—Volunteers

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are needed to cut hair, serve meals, set-up, clean up, sort donations, provide medical and dental services, massages, therapy and more. Become a Vendor—Stand Down is looking for organizations and businesses that provide needed goods and services to Veterans and their families. Become a Corporate Sponsor— Various levels of sponsorship are available. (See below) Become a Financial Donor–– Pasco County Stand Down needs funds to purchase food, personal hygiene items, tents, port-o-lets, sleeping cots and other necessary supplies. Sponsorships Available: Squad Sponsor $100—Recognition on the website as a Squad Sponsor. Platoon Sponsor $250—Recognition on the website as a Platoon Sponsor, 2 X 2 “Thank You to Our Veterans” Sign on one of the Stand Down Veterans Tents with company or family name. Company Sponsor $500—Recognition on the website as a Company Sponsor, 2 x 4 “Thank you to Our Veterans” Sign on one of the Stand Down Veterans Tents with company

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name and logo. Battalion Sponsor $1,000— Recognition on the website as a Battalion Sponsor, 2' X 4' Sponsor Banner with company name and logo on the Entertainment Stage or Food Tent for the Stand Down, Company name and Logo on all marketing materials prior to the Stand Down (fliers, brochures, newspaper ads). Brigade Sponsor $2,000— Recognition on the website as a Brigade Sponsor, 2' X 4' Sponsor Banner with company name and logo on the Entertainment Stage or Food Tent for the Stand Down, Company name and logo on all marketing materials prior to the Stand Down (fliers, brochures, newspaper ads), Company name and logo on banner at the entrance gate of the Stand Down, Company name as a primary sponsor in press releases. Does it Make a Difference? Yes. Stand Down has been successful in matching the right services to those Veterans who are struggling to get their life back together. The Stand Down is an opportunity to introduce homeless veterans to society

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and as Americans let them know we are proud of the service they gave for our Country. Even for those veterans who return to life on the streets, Stand Down is an opportunity for them to take a safe harbor from ”Combat on the Streets” for one weekend of the year. Partnering Organizations: Metropolitan Ministries, Career Central Connections, BayCare, Behavioral Health, FL Dept. of HWY Safety, PC Housing Authority, PC Health Department, Generations Christian Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, Unity Truth Center, HPH Hospice, Paws for Patriots, Bay Area Legal Services, Dept. of Children and Family, Steps to Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Pasco County Vet Center, Pasco County VA Services, FL Dept. Of VA, V O A Medical/ Dental Van, National Guard, H. E. P., and Disabled American Vets. For further information about the Pasco County Stand Down, go to www.PascoStandDown.org. You also can contact Patti at sponsorships@pascostanddown.org or call 727-375-8801 ext. 2232.

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Trinity Yoga and Massage Inc. Celebrates its Grand Re-Opening By Alexis Selby Trinity Yoga and Massage Inc. celebrated its grand re-opening on May 17th, welcoming new co-owner Janel Norton and introducing new instructors Adria Owen and Victoria Hawkins. The evening started off with a free power yoga class taught by Adria, that was accompanied by the very cool yoga tunes of DJ Menscha, an up and coming DJ in the Tampa Bay area. Food, drinks and chair massages by Peter Lowden of Ahava Massage made for an evening full of fun, with plenty of things for guests to do while meeting new and current students. Christina Lowden and Janel Norton, owners of Trinity Yoga, were so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and feel really lucky to be a part of the Trinity/New Port Richey area. Janel says, “This area is just full of beautiful,

kind people who have really helped us to grow and share our love of yoga.” Trinity Yoga now has 31 classes a week on their schedule, ranging from gentle yoga for the beginner or athlete that needs a good stretch, to hot power yoga for those looking to change up their workout routine or create more flexibility for their current activities or sport. They also offer many different forms of massage, from relaxation to structural integration and acupuncture.

Trinity Yoga Teacher Bios Janel Norton Janel tried her first yoga class in 1992 while covering humanitarian relief efforts in Bosnia; she didn’t understand a word of it (the class was in another language). Fast forward over 20 years of working in high stress environments such as war zones, daily newspapers, graduate school, and the

biggie – parenting; Janel always found that a good workout was a great way to keep her sane in the midst of a hectic schedule, but had no idea how physically demanding yoga could be until she stepped into a hot power class at Trinity Yoga. She was hooked! Then, something transformational began to happen. She noticed yoga following her off the mat. Whether it was using the breath she learned in class to stay calm through heavy traffic, or taking a pause to center before dealing with her prepubescent daughter, she found the after effects of yoga were transformational on many levels. Janel decided to explore yoga further through teacher training, and received her Yoga Alliance 200-YTT certification through the Lotus Pond this past March. Before the ink could dry, she signed up for the 500-YTT. The stars aligned just as she began teaching classes at the very studio where she

began her yoga journey – it was an offer to become coowner of Trinity Yoga Studio. Now, Janel has the opportunity to share the Adria Owen benefits of the practice with her community by helping others cultivate their own inner peace and strength and healing. Adria Owen Adria is a RYT200 certified Yoga Alliance teacher who discovered the amazing practice of yoga six years ago. She soon realized that yoga not only helped bring calm into her life but also

dren” Harpo and Cali. Fanning the flames of transformation, she completed her 200-hour training at The Lotus Pond and is currently working towards her 500-hour certification. Victoria Hawkins Janel Norton Victoria Hawkins In addition to being a 200-hour RYT Yoga Instructor, provided another outlet to express creVictoria is also an Intuitive Artist, Liatively while forming a deeper conneccensed Clinical Social Worker, Certition to herself, others and the Divine. Creative expression has always fied Stress Management Consultant, Certified Medical Meditation Consultbeen a common thread in Adria’s life and before becoming a yoga instructor ant and in her spare time a Belly Dancer. She has been working with she enjoyed the opportunity to travel the country as a National Educator for families and individuals of all ages “off a major hair color corporation and also the mat” since 1996 after graduating worked behind the chair as a stylist for from FSU with a Masters in Social Work. Victoria discovered yoga in 11 years. In 2012, she made the choice to stop traveling and moved to- 1998 in a Bally’s gym in West Palm Beach, FL. Initially meant to be a way wards a new path. Along this journey to stay flexible, yoga quickly became a she has recently become engaged and life transforming practice for her. She lives in the Westchase area with her fireceived her Hatha Yoga certification ancé Kevin, his two children Claire in 2008 and her Level 1 & 2 Radiant and Kevin II and their “furry chil-

Child Yoga Certification in 2011. Victoria then went on to earn her 200-hour RYT certification in Empath Yoga in 2012. Victoria’s yoga style is a balanced fusion of strength, flexibility, and flowing movement. She loves to create an environment where yoga is accessible to everyone in the room, no matter his or her ability or experience. Victoria is an avid reader of spirituality texts and ancient wisdom, and she loves to integrate these pearls of wisdom into her “on the mat” practice as she passes her experience

on in a “relevant-to-today” kind of way. Her informal “life” training has come from a variety of sources and teachers, and she looks to live in her “Now” as she learns to simply “Be” and follow her passions where they will lead! Trinity Yoga and Massage is located at 8514 Old CR 54, New Port Richey Fl, 34653. For more information or a class schedule please call (727) 376-5263 or go to www.Trinity-Yoga.com.

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Alton Voss – Overcoming Addiction By Matt Selby Addiction can affect anyone; whether it is a loved one, a neighbor, a friend or even yourself. It tears apart families, relationships and communities. The Ross Poel Organization, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to sponsoring selected individuals in need of treatment for drug addiction, who otherwise may not be able to afford their entire treatment, believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be cured. Thanks to this wonderful organization, Alton Voss, someone who I have known since the age of 9, has overcome his addiction and is on the road back to a healthy, drug free, meaningful life. Alton and I grew up together playing football. I knew him long before addiction ever had a grip on his life. Alton was always the biggest kid on the field, and sometimes it was hard for my teammates and me to grasp that he was our age. I can remember when we were 11 Alton couldn’t play half the season because his body was growing too fast. He had

ankle and foot problems from the fast growth and by the age of 12, the kid was wearing size 13 shoes and stood about 6 feet tall. The rest of us were lucky to be 5 feet tall, but at least we could play. When he was able to play, we crushed teams. I played quarterback and Alton was a receiver and running back. All we had to do was get him the ball and it took the entire defense to take him down. We had a lot of fun playing youth football and everyone knew Alton was going to be a great ball player when he grew up. Fast forward to high school; by this time Alton and I had grown apart a bit, as we went to different schools. I played quarterback for Tarpon High School in Pinellas County and Alton now played quarterback and safety for Gulf High School in Pasco County. On the offensive side of the ball, Alton and I both led our counties in QB statistics and we both landed 1st team all county honors as quarterbacks. We talked every now and then, but I had no idea what Alton was battling during this time and, even worse, neither did he. He didn’t know it yet, but he

had a few triggers mentally that always made him feel a little bit off. It all started when he tried his first Roxycodone pill during the second semester of his senior year of high school. He loved the feeling of bliss and euphoria and instantly he was hooked; it helped him escape from the day- to-day stress, and any negativity on his Alton Voss (Right) shows off championship mind seemed to disaptrophy in Argentina pear. “I had no idea what I had gotten myself he said that he did pills at least 15 into at the time and knowing what I more times. Unfortunately, his time at know now, I wish I would have never USF was very short lived. He left USF taken that pill that day,” says Alton. after his freshman season. He told Graduating high school, Alton everyone that had he lost his passion stood 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighed for the game – something he had about 225 pounds. Many college loved so much growing up. Alton says, scouts were after him, and for good “looking back, I know it was the reason; he was arguably the best quardrugs that controlled my decision, and terback Gulf High School had ever to this day it is one of the biggest misseen and one heck of an all-around takes of my life.” athlete. By the time Alton left for USF After he quit USF, Alton

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bounced around a bit, and eventually hit an all time low when a friend showed him how to contort his back to make it look like he had a disorder so he could get pain pills. He went to a pain clinic and after manipulating the MRI results to look like he had bulging disks, Alton was prescribed 240 Roxycodone, 120 Oxycontin and 90 muscle relaxers. Alton knew this was way too many pills for him, but still felt like he’d won the lottery. He decided to sell the pills he didn’t consume himself, and the addict now became the dealer for many. Alton eventually enrolled at St. Petersburg College and soon after he had what he refers to as a “manic episode.” By this time, Alton was doing pills, marijuana, and even some crack if it was around. The drugs, mixed with his underlying triggers, were a disastrous combination. After his episode, he booked a flight to Michigan and decided a change in scenery was needed. Unfortunately, Michigan was no better for Alton, at least not at first. Soon after arriving in Michigan, Alton was arrested and charged with a felony. He went to the Ottawa County Jail (OCJ), and a week into his stay, he was sent to Hackley Hospital where he

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was misdiagnosed as schizophrenic and bi-polar. He was sent back to OCJ and this is where he was introduced to his attorney. She was able to get his charges reduced to a misdemeanor and he returned to Florida. They stayed in contact after he arrived back in Florida. At this point, his life was steadily heading downward. He was still using marijuana and was now on prescribed psychiatric medications that were not helping. He spoke with his Michigan attorney almost everyday and one day she asked him a question, "What if I could get you into treatment at CMI in Argentina?" This amazing opportunity is what he needed to get his life back. Alton went to CMI Abasto, a addiction treatment center, with no expectations but hoped that his life could be changed forever. After one week of thorough medical and philosophical assessments he was given his diagnosis and treatment plan. This was his first time entering treatment. He started to work intensely on himself because the drugs were just a consequence of something much deeper. The drugs were the symptom of the problem. CMI helped him to realize the problem – the “why” for the drugs – and showed him ways to work

on the problem. So, with a lot of hard work, his urge to use drugs naturally disappeared and was replaced with a good practical philosophy of understanding himself. Now, Alton is currently in his outpatient phase, which consists of treatment, a business internship, and training for football. Because of this life-changing program, Alton now has the oppor- Alton Voss #11 and me #12 at 10 years old playing youth football tunity to go to college and play football again when zation.com or CMIAbasto.com. At he completes his outpatient treatment the RPO website there is also an opin June 2013. portunity for people to contribute to Alton’s treatment at CMI has the sponsorship fund. Any donation turned his life around, and now he you can make is greatly appreciated in wants to do the same for anyone else the fight against drug addiction. who is searching for a way to improve Because of CMI Abasto and their quality of life. Alton has been working with the Ross Poel Organiza- RPO, my friend Alton’s life has been transformed. His story is that of inspition (RPO) to help educate, prevent, ration, and Alton would like you to and sponsor those who do not have know that no matter what the addicthe financial means for treatment. tion, there is a solution; and with deAlton is actually the first patient to go termination, inner strength and the through RPO and receive this sponhelp of the caring individuals at CMI sorship. If you know anyone who Abasto you too can achieve success could benefit from RPO or CMI over your addiction. Abasto, please go to RossPoelOrgani-

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Keeping Our Teens Safe on the Road!!! The Rayburn Experience The day I met George Csanadi, owner of GCS Driving Academy, I knew he and I would be friends. I met George when my daughter, Catherine, was 3 weeks away from her 15th birthday, when Catherine was counting down the days until she would get her driving permit. My heart beat so much faster when she talked about getting behind the wheel. Knowing that George is a former race car driver and trainer made me confident that he knows how to handle cars and understand the road. His passion for training teen drivers to be safe, responsible drivers is evident within the first 5 minutes of meeting him. I signed Catherine up for George’s 10-hour driving instruction the day after she got her permit. Though I think my husband and I model appropriate behavior behind the wheel (most of the time) and knowing that Catherine is a cautious, responsible young lady, I could not bring myself to sit in the passenger seat that first time without being extremely anxious. On Catherine’s first day with George, he confidently had her drive

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around Lithia/Brandon area and they concluded their day with a trip on I75! All I thought when I heard about the I-75 trip was, “Thank goodness it was him and not me the first time and I am glad I didn’t know before they went.” After each day with George, Catherine came home with more confidence and was also more cautious. I know she learned so much having a calm, confident adult next to her who talks about defensive driving and the rules of the road. She respected him because he is a professional but she liked that he could relate to how teens think. “George taught me why to do certain things and why I needed to be cautious. He talks to me like an educated person, he didn’t talk down to me. He assessed what I already knew and built upon that,” says Catherine. To learn more about GCS Driving Academy, visit www.gcsdrivingacademy.com. Or call George Csanadi 813-713-4233

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“WC Hair Studio” Continued from page 1 “We embrace the fact that we are a small business,” says Jenny. “This gives us the flexibility to be more creative. We are all about quality customer service, which is why we work so well together.”

Westchase Hair Studio Evelyn and Tracy have been working together for many years and as talented stylists have developed quite a loyal following. Last year they knew it was time to establish their own studio and thus created Westchase Hair Studio. “We truly enjoy and appreciate our clients, many of whom have been with us for years,” says Evelyn. “We are very happy!” Evelyn and Tracy are passionate about creating beautiful styles for their clients. Receptionists Jessica Leon and Nancy Joel also share this passion for style, and both are currently attending cosmetology school. Evelyn began her career in Berlin, Germany, and is ranked among the top stylists in the industry. She is a proud recipient of the Dillards and Saks Top Twenty Awards and the Master Artisan Gold Award. Tracy

began her career in Southern California and has worked in South Tampa and Westchase for many years. Both Evelyn and Tracy are committed to learning the latest techniques and most current trends in hair design, and will once again attend the 2013 Premier Hair Show in Orlando. While there, they will participate in workshops, receive training from industry experts, and learn all about the latest trends and techniques. Recently, I visited Westchase Hair Studio for a haircut – which by the way was long overdue – and Tracy did an amazing job cutting my layers and trimming my hair, helping to add volume to my look. She was very friendly and personable and I had a wonderful experience and would recommend her expertise to anyone looking to update their style.

Westchase Hair Studio carries top-of-the-line products, such as Lanza, Pureology, and Aquage. Haircolor lines include Wella and Redken. Redken Chromatics is a revolutionary hair color that fortifies every strand of hair, producing shinier, healthier looking hair. Chromatics is an ammoniafree formula designed to produce vibrant color after just one treatment. Evelyn and Tracy will be able to look at your hair and recommend what will work best for you. From all the years of coloring my hair, I have done quite a lot of damage and have been having an issue with dried-out hair. On my previous visit, Tracy recommended a leave-in conditioner to help reverse some of the damage. She suggested I use Trauma Treatment from Lanza and after my first use I couldn’t be happier. This product gave my hair the much-needed moisture it lacked, and after the first week I had already started to notice a big difference – thanks Tracy! Evelyn and Tracy also are experts in hair-transforming keratin treatments and use formaldehyde-free products from Simply Smooth and Chi. These all-natural products work on the outside of your hair structure, as well as deep within the cuticle, providing

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smoother, softer, shinier hair through a gentle and natural healing process.

3 Wishes Aesthetics Jenny Molloy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and owner of 3 Wishes Aesthetics, is an expert in creating a relaxed, natural look with FDA-approved Botox® or Dysport® and her comfortable treatments with FDA-approved Juvederm®, Restylane® and Perlane® soften and enhance facial features in a natural way that will leave your friends guessing – how does she look so young? Jenny is an expert in her field and is a National Trainer and clinical consultant for physicians and other nurse practitioners, qualified to train them to perform minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures with Dysport, Perlane and Restylane. Jenny has been providing her artistic talents to many happy Tampa Bay clients for over 10 years. Jenny also offers mildly exfoliating facial treatments designed to improve skin tone, minimize pores, and improve skin texture and color. What is new in 2013? Jenny has added two new treatments, specially designed to tighten skin around your eyes and

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erase spots on the backs of your hands! Whether you are looking for a beautiful new look, or want to update your style, Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics has the solution. Come visit today, and spend some time with Evelyn, Tracy, Jessica, Nancy and Jenny. They will help you create that magical look and give

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you a stunning style that will turn heads! Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics are co-located at 11059 Countryway Blvd., Studio B, in Tampa. Hours are Tues. – Thurs., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sat. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 852-1200. You can find more information and monthly specials online at www.westchasehairstudio.com and www.3wishesaesthetics.com. Find testimonials for Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics by visiting them on facebook.

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“Brain Balance” Continued from page 1 fullest academic, social, and physical potential. The Brain Balance Center of Oldsmar, located at 4022 Tampa Road, is one of more than 50 Brain Balance Centers in the nation. Steadily growing because of their proven success with children diagnosed with issues like these, parents and families are embracing the individualized programs available for their entire family. Using personalized and comprehensive assessment tools, the educated and certified teachers, nutritionists, coaches and professionals at Brain Balance assess your child’s difficulties, and then work with your child, your entire family and even his or her teachers to facilitate growth. Brain Balance Center of Oldsmar is owned by Director Larry Polnicky, whose own son, Ben, made incredible advances in the program that they attended out of state. Larry was so impressed with the program that he opened the Oldsmar location so that other children like Ben would be able to make progress without medication. How? The Brain Balance program believes that your brain can change. That’s a bold statement, but when your child begins to speak, after being told that they would not be able to do so, or when your child’s grades improve dramatically despite being told that they wouldn’t be able to succeed, the reality kicks in. There is another option, indeed, and thousands of children’s lives have been improved based on this program. Program Director, Heather Lascano, takes the time to find out what the world looks like from your child’s perspective. She comes to Brain Balance of Oldsmar after years in pharmaceutical drug development as well as years of patent, business, and contract law, and has used tools like yoga in her own small business to aid many people with a variety of ailments. Her experience, her “out of the box” approach and her dedication to truly helping people make Heather a unique fit. Is your Child Disconnected? This “brain-based, not drugbased” 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. Brain Balance is not a medical facility, and so it does not employ doctors, write prescriptions for medications, or accept insurance. What it does do is offer hope, options, proven techniques and a personalized approach. 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 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. One parent said, “We drive 2-1/2 hours one way and our son is worth every minute and mile spent on the road. Just 20 sessions and my son’s reading fluency and word reading has markedly improved. We are so proud of him! He loves coming to Brain Balance. His confidence has improved greatly too. Thank you to such an awesome team of professionals who understand and care about children with learning challenges. It’s also a soft place to land as a parent.” Another parent writes, “”I am so proud of Jalon. I’m also so thankful to Brain Balance for all that they have done and are continuing to do for him. I have been telling everyone about Brain Balance and I will keep trying to spread the word because I believe in this program. Unlike any other therapy, Brain Balance treats the whole child. They were the first to run blood tests and do other extensive testing to test every level from Jalon’s primitive reflexes to food sensitivities and identify the weaker hemisphere of Jalon’s brain. Once they received these results they were able to come up with a program that addresses his sensory, academic and dietary needs. The result is that in just a couple months Jalon

(top row, L-R) Heather Lascano (Program Director), Andrea Bartelloni (Academic Evaluator and School Liaison), Henri Lasane (Sensory Motor Evaluator), Bonita van Dorseer (Teacher and Parent Group Leader) (bottom row, L-R) Anne Sweeny (Teacher), Maria Mogollon (Assistant Director), Patricia Hoover (Sensory Motor Coach) Not pictured Susan Rose (Sensory Motor Coach) has made amazing strides and is now meeting or surpassing his peers in many areas.” The Brain Balance program is tailor-made for each individual child and generally works with children from kindergarten age to ninth grade. Each

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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. One of the best parts of the Brain

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started the program. What you offer to kids and their families is priceless!”

Balance Program is that the educated and experienced staff realizes that when a child is effected, the entire family is effected, and as a team, they gather around to give the child the support that he or she needs from every angle. The program itself gives the child a physical and cognitive activity program that will, in time, change the way the brain reacts. Combined with the right nutrition, and armed with the role that nutrition plays in your child’s behavior, certain behaviors can be changed right away. While we’re all comfortable with traditional allergies, there are foods that may affect the way your child learns, or reacts. It may be strawberries that are the trigger, or the ingredient that holds their favorite candy together, but with an understanding of all of these things, progress can be made. Focusing on areas such as academic

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performance, social abilities, cognitive function, sensory and motor skills, visual-spatial organizational skills and nutrition, your child will be given every opportunity to make advances that you might not have thought possible. 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 one-third 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.” One parent wrote a testimonial saying, “Brain Balance truly made our home more peaceful. He is a completely different child than when he

Is this Program for your Child? 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.” If your child has been diagnosed with a neurobehavioral disorder like ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette’s, or any number of learning disorders, don’t lose hope. There are answers beyond the drug store. The best way to find out more about Brain Balance is to come to one of their free information events. The Brain Balance Center of Oldsmar holds parent lectures where parents and professionals alike can gain a unique window into a child’s brain

function. Their lectures offer insight into how the brain normally develops and what may interfere with the stages of typical development. Parents can also come in for a free tour, sit down one-on-one with the Center Director and see for themselves what all of the buzz is about. The truth is that people come from all around the world, and cross state lines to come to Brain Balance Centers. Their innovative, holistic approach to children and families has changed the lives of thousands of people. We are lucky to have a Brain Balance Center right here in Oldsmar. The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Oldsmar is located at 4022 Tampa Rd., Suite 6. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 813-475-6977. You can also email them directly at oldsmar@brainbalancecenters.com, or visit www.brainbalancecenters.com.

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