East Lake - Vol. 8, Issue 6, June 2015 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 8, Issue 6, June 2015

Your neighborhood. Your magazine. The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In East Lake & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Anchorage, Bay Arbor, Boot Ranch, Brookers Landing, Crescent Oaks, Cypress Cove, Cypress Lakes Estates, Cypress Run, Cypress Trails, Deer Hollow, Grey Oak, Eagle Cove, Eagle’s Cove at Lake Tarpon, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Trace, Eagle Watch, East Lake Oaks, East Lake Woodlands, Hunters Wood, Keystone Bluffs, Keystone Palms, Keystone Ranchettes, Lansbrook, Lansbrook Village, Meadow Ridge, Nature’s Watch, Oak Hill Acres, Pine Ridge, Regina Estates, Ridgemoor, Tarpon Woods, Wentworth, Whispering Lakes, Woodfield

Choose Dr. DiPiazza at Breezy Dental for Quality Care You Can Trust self to building long-term relationships with them. In just one short year, many new patients have found a permanent home for all of their general dentistry needs with Dr. DiPiazza at Breezy Dental. During his career, Dr. DiPiazza has traveled as far as Honduras with the Lion’s Club to provide care to some of the people who desperately need it. His philanthropic mind-set carries over into his own community. He volunteers his dental skills on a regular basis through local organizations that focus on helping those in need and also sponsors the local schools in the community.

By Katie Thomas If you are looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, then head over to Bunga Raya Restaurant & Sushi Bar on Ridgemoor Boulevard in Palm Harbor where you will experience traditional and flavorful Malaysian cuisine. Bunga Raya celebrates the tastes of Malaysian fare by preparing traditional dishes as closely as possible to the Malaysian way. Those who find themselves wanting delicious, authentic Malaysian cuisine delight in the amazing tastes of Bunga Raya Restaurant and Sushi Bar. This year Bunga Raya celebrates its two-year anniversary in the East Lake Area and everyone at the friendly neighborhood restaurant is very thankful to the loyal customers in the community. When a restaurant has a loyal following within its first year, it is because the food and service keep people coming back for more. Bunga Raya’s See “Bunga Raya” on page 30

The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: TB Making a Difference Award...3 Calendar/News Briefs.........4-5 Pinellas County’s Preserves.....8-9 KleanSlate...........................10-11 MedRock Pharmacy.............14-15 Dr. Vincent Kiesel...............18-19 Old & New SAT Exams.....20-21 Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center................22-23 The Red Cross Needs YOU.....28-29

ECRWSS

Enjoy Authentic Malaysian Fare at Bunga Raya Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Dental appointments are a breeze with Michael DiPiazza, DDS

Postal Customer

See “Breezy Dental” on page 34

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

It is important to have a great relationship with your dentist and to find one who is experienced, dedicated and gentle; that’s why so many new patients are choosing Dr. DiPiazza at Breezy Dental as their “go to” dentist of choice. Located at the Northwood Oaks shopping plaza on McMullen Booth Road and Enterprise Road, Breezy Dental services all of East Lake, Safety Harbor, Countryside, Oldsmar and Clearwater. On top of its great location, Breezy Dental offers extended hours and Saturday availability.

Meet Dr. Michael DiPiazza Michael DiPiazza, DDS opened Breezy Dental in 2014 and truly enjoys the ability to provide exceptional, patient-focused dental care in a practice that he has designed to meet the needs of today’s busy individuals and families. “I’m the general dentist for busy and hardworking people who don’t want to turn their lives upside-down just to visit the dentist,” said the Doctor. Dr. DiPiazza has been in the field for many years and has gained a wide array of experience. He embraces the opportunity to provide an up-to-date and comfortable environment for his patients, where he has dedicated him-

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Julie Kanehl

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JUNE 2015

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Trinity Family Physicians’ Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award Trinity Family Physicians has teamed up with Neighborhood News & Lifestyles along with other community sponsors to bring recognition to outstanding leaders in our community who are making a difference in the Tampa Bay Area. Amir Shirmohammad, MD MPH and his wife and partner Stephanie Eldridge, MD MPH wanted to think of a way to honor those who selflessly and tirelessly work to make a difference here in the Tampa Bay Area, and decided on the Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award. When they approached us here at Neighborhood News & Lifestyles to help them get the word out, we were honored that they chose us to share this news, and we are excited to read about all of the great nominees our readers will be sending in. 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 of the Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award. “We want to think our local sponsors the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, and everyone who continues to contribute monthly to making a difference in the Tampa Bay Area,” says Dr. Shirmohammad. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will be give a generous gift certificate to the chosen award winner, and we will share the stories of the award winners – one will be chosen every three months – in all seven of our publications that deliver to residents in the Tampa Bay Area.

Trinity Family Physicians would like to have more sponsors for the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. Dr. Shirmohammad says they have already received some commitments from area businesses that want to participate in showing award winners great appreciation with gift certificates for goods or services. Sponsors also will be recognized along with the award winner in an article that will run in the six Neighborhood News & Lifestyles publications, as well as the New Tampa Lifestyles publication. Dr. Amir Shirmohammad says, “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 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.”

serve to be honored and how they are making a difference in Tampa Bay. The first award winner will be announced in the September issues of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ and another winner will be announced in December, then again in March 2016, June 2016 and so on. So there really isn’t a deadline as we will continue to accept nominations. But if you want your nominee to be considered to be the first recipient of the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award, then please send us the information no later than August 7th.

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

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to nearly 15,000 households in zip code 34685, 34688 & 34677 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (727) 943-2946; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2015 Eastlake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by Ads 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Correspondents Tim Selby Alexis Selby General Manager Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas Jim O’Reilly Dara Tucker Editor Art Director Kim Thomas Dat X. Do Advertising Sales Graphic Artists Matt Selby Dat X. Do Tim Selby Tony Sica Jim O’Reilly Accounting Manager Jared Nager Doreen Selby Linda Veiga Nothing that appears in the East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. East LakeArea 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. East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by Ads 2 Publications, Inc.

Send Your Nominee for the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award Nominees for the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award should be individuals who continually strive to make a difference – you know who they are so send us their names! Please include your nominee’s name and tell us why you believe they de-

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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E AST L AKE A REA

Calendar & News Briefs

ELHS Big Blue Football Camp July 13–16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.––The Big Blue Football Camp is for ages 7–14. Registration forms may be downloaded from the football website. Log on to www.elhs-football.com or you may contact Andrea Gleason by email at andreagleason321@gmail.com or by phone at 727-741-0703. 2015 East Lake Baseball Camp Held by Head Coach Dan Genna and ELHS Coaching Staff Session 2: June 15–18 Session 3: June 22–25 Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 1 PM; ages 6–13; campers will be grouped by age and skill level. Registration: $130 Session 4: June 29 - July 1 Monday – Wednesday, 9 AM – 1 PM; ages 13–18; must be registered Student at ELHS. Registration $60––Make check payable to East Lake Baseball Boosters. Please mail check and registration form to: East Lake High School, c/o Dan

Genna, 1300 Silver Eagle Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688. Camp Highlights: Camp T-shirt; Slip and Slide (bring towel last day); Guest Speakers; Individual Instruction; Team fundamentals; Games; Skills; High school style workouts; Drills; Camp Notes. Campers should wear baseball pants or shorts and t-shirts. Campers should wear cleats but bring tennis shoes. Campers will need to bring snack and lunch concession stand will be open. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the campers! Space is limited, so take advantage of the early registration special! Go to Eastlakebaseball.biz for forms or email dgenna@tampabay.rr.com. FREE GOLF for KIDS Ace Golf is offering a free summer golf practice program for kids age 5 to 15. Every day from June 1 through the end of August, kids can sign up to receive a free small bucket of range balls each day for the whole summer.

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Kids hit the balls on the Ace Practice Ranges in Brandon and Riverview or at the Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa, Wentworth Golf Club or Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs. “There are a lot of families out there that just can’t afford to put kids in camps but still want the kids to be out learning a skill or just getting some exercise,” says Bill Place, owner of Ace Golf Ranges and Golf Courses. “We want to help, and hopefully in the process we will find some kids that love golf.” Children may sign up for free at any of five Ace Golf locations in Brandon, Riverview, Tampa and Tarpon Springs. Each child receives a daily stamp card for one free small bucket each day. Each time the child redeems their free bucket they will get a stamp on their card noting the redemption. An adult must accompany them. No purchase is necessary. Kids should bring a golf club with them or may rent one. 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 18acre Golf Practice Ranges, Miniature

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Golf, and Batting Cages. For more information, go to ace-golf.com. Ace Golf Courses include the Pebble Creek Golf Club at 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa (phone 813 973-3870, website: pebblecreekclub.com), the Wentworth Golf Club at 2990 Wentworth Way in Tarpon Springs (phone: 727 9424760, website: wentworthgolfclub.org), and the Crescent Oaks Country Club at 3300 Crescent Oaks Boulevard in Tarpon Springs (phone: 727 937-4653, website: crescentoaksgolf.com). Ace Golf Courses are open to the public and offer membership, dining, and banquet centers. Ace Golf is locally, family-owned by Su Lee and Bill Place since 1993. In addition to the free bucket golf program, locations offer summer golf camps, clinics, and private golf lessons by PGA Professionals. Kids Learn & Have Fun at Brooker Creek Preserve Summer Camps Kids and teens can learn while having fun in summer day camps at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs. Herpetology Summer Camp is a science-based, hands-on day camp. In-

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

quisitive children will be able to explore the world of amphibians and reptiles with George Heinrich, a professional herpetologist. The camp will be held at Brooker Creek Preserve beginning on Monday, July 20 and runs until Friday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for children ages seven to 11. For more information or to sign up, call (727) 865-6255. The camp costs $175 per camper. Wetland Adventure Camp takes place Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Brooker Creek Preserve. Kids will meet all things that walk, wiggle and unfurl in the Florida wetlands while exploring swamps, marshes and gooey mucks with Sensing Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional biologists and master naturalist educators. The camp costs $150 per participant. Before and after care is available for an additional fee. The deadline to register is Monday, July 13, and the camp is open to children ages seven to 12. Those interested should call (727) 3972306. Junior Naturalist Camp will allow young campers to test their investigative skills while identifying tracks and signs of native Florida wildlife. The camp runs from Monday, Aug. 3

through Fri., Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brooker Creek Preserve. The camp costs $150 per participant and is open to children ages seven to 12. Before and after care is available for an additional fee. The deadline to register is Monday, July 20. Those interested should call (727) 397-2306. Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. The Italian American Social Club of Tampa Bay The Italian American Social Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 that seeks members who have the common goal to carry on the Italian heritage, culture, language and traditions for future generations. The Italian American Club is open to all individuals 21 years and older of Italian and non Italian decent. Annual Membership is $50 per person. There are currently over 120 members. Social events include an annual Christmas party, language and cooking classes, and the upcoming Family Picnic in September. Find meeting schedule online at www.Italianamericanclubtampa.com and visit on Facebook @ Italian American Club for event information.

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East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Birds, Books and Beyond at Pinellas County’s Preserves Pinellas County preserves are blossoming with opportunities to explore nature and begin a summer filled with adventure. Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs and Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg are perfect places to spend time outside and then escape into the coolness of the education centers. Brooker Creek Preserve Brooker Creek Preserve offers several environmental events and interactive activities, providing citizens the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors. This June, visitors to the preserve can enjoy a variety of nature hikes, learn about the ecosystems that surround them, and even learn all about different kinds of insects and birds! Most events and activities are free, unless noted otherwise, and registration is required. Starting Thursday, June 4, children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a storybook, craft, game or other handson activity. Book Time at Brooker meets every Thursday from 10:30 to

11:15 a.m. Starting Saturday, June 6, Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve is hosting the Brooker Book Club. This club meets the first Saturday of each month, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This club is geared toward adults. Registration is required due to a limited amount of seats. Meet in the conference room inside the Visitors Center. This month’s book is “The Trouble with Panthers” by William Cuyler Hall. Please bring your own book, as books are not provided. Let’s get a closer look at our featured creature, the coyote. On Saturday, June 20, participants can join UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn about the coyote. The class runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon and will explore the life history of the coyote as well as its ability to adapt and survive in urban environments, including Pinellas County. On Saturday, June 20, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., be sure to check out the Footprints on the Land hike. Certified guides will lead a hike along the Edu-

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cation Center Trail where participants can learn of the many “footprints” that can be found during this .75-mile walk. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must and water and a hat are recommended. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, those younger than 6 may find the hike challenging. Get an early start with Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve to remove exotic vegetation and nuisance plants from the preserve, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27. Participants are asked to bring work gloves, clippers, shovels, hand saws and loppers. This is hard work and recommended for strong volunteers ages 12 and up. Water and snacks provided. For additional information and to sign up, call Evan Earle at (727) 515-9545. Interested in flowers? The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve will be getting their gardening hands dirty in the Preserve’s wildflower garden Saturday morning on June 27, from 8 to 10 a.m. Participants should bring garden gloves and hat. Morning snacks are usually provided.

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Permaculture design is an effective tool to help you really make a difference, whether by gaining access to healthier food, reducing pollution, healing the earth, creating more economic stability, or building stronger and healthier communities. Join Koreen Brennen of Grow Permaculture on Saturday, June 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon for an informative presentation on this topic. Also on Saturday, June 27, join us for another hike from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve certified guides lead the hike along the Education Center Trail. Participants will learn why the preserve has been called “Our Wildest Place” during this .75mile walk. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must; water and a hat are recommended. All ages welcome although children younger than 6 may find the hike challenging. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Brooker Creek Preserve protects more than 8,700 acres of natural ecosystems and is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs.

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

The Preserve, the horse trails and the Friends Trail are open daily, but closed on Christmas Day and the day after Thanksgiving. UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County offers classes, programs and activities at the Environmental Education Center. This permanent, handson educational exhibit features 22 discovery-oriented experiences that helps visitors of all ages understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. The Windows to Our Wildest Place exhibit allows visitors to experi-

ence the life of a gopher tortoise, educational videos and a touch and feel display of animal, insect and reptile skins and skeletons that have been preserved. Visitors will also find interpretive trail signs located throughout the boardwalks of the preserve that feature educational information about the ecosystems. The center is operated by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and is open Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed all Pinellas County holidays. To learn more about Brooker Creek See “Preserves” on page 26.

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Keep it Clean with KleanSlate Professional Cleaning Service By Julie Kanehl Imagine coming home to a squeaky-clean house and simply being able to jump into a weekend routine that doesn’t involve mopping floors, scrubbing the bathroom or even pressure washing the driveway. Yes, you too can get your weekend back! While many people view cleaning services as a luxury, at the end of the day there’s nothing more valuable than your time. KleanSlate Professional Cleaning Services is here to give local residents and business owners a competitively priced service that provides the opportunity for you to enjoy more of the moments that truly matter. So, create a lifestyle through peace of mind, and leave the cleaning duty to KleanSlate! KleanSlate is an independently owed local business, based in Trinity and operated by Ana and Alan Woods. Ana’s many years in the cleaning industry, combined with Alan’s unique business background in financial planning prompted them to create an upscale business that they’ve put their hearts into. Community is important to them as well, and they were recent sponsors in a local golf tournament fundraiser for a local Christian School. Since opening, KleanSlate has developed an amazing reputation for being thorough, professional and courteous. Setting the bar high for themselves, they value each customer and put a lot of time and effort into making sure that each client is comfortable and completely happy with their services. Additionally, what sets them apart is their willingness to personally customize each cleaning service and their dedication to completing each job properly. Instead of perform-

ing each appointment based on a rigid timeframe, they adhere to the principal that the only acceptable outcome is one that is thorough and complete, every time. As you can imagine, customers love their dedication and their customer-focused approach. Sam R. from Odessa said, “Our KleanSlate cleaning team is professional, always on time, and attentive to our requests. We’ve been happy with our service and cheerfully recommend them to others!” Alan says, “We are interested in having our clients for a long time, and our goal is to put one person on your account that you can trust, someone who will build a lasting relationship with your family and be someone that you can depend on. Consistently striving to be your ‘right arm’ when it comes to cleaning.” “When It Comes to Cleaning, Start Fresh with a KleanSlate!” Offering a 100% guarantee of satisfaction, KleanSlate is quickly becoming the go-to company for homeowners and business owners alike. Licensed, insured, and bonded, KleanSlate is also a member of ARCSI (Association of Residential Cleaning Services International), the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and “top-rated” with HomeAdvisor.com. Additionally, all of the KleanSlate employees wear a uniform and are held to the highest of standards. Whether you want a onetime clean before moving into a new residence or an event you are hosting, or you’re looking for a regular recurring service that you can depend on,

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KleanSlate is accommodating and eager to please. Dawn R. from Palm Harbor said, “Highly recommend. I called KleanSlate to come on short notice to help me catch up with my housework. They arrived on time and did an excellent job. I will definitely call them again, my house looked great!” KleanSlate offers an impressive suite of services for residential cleaning, from the basics that you might expect, to more detailed, time-intensive projects including linen services, home organization, pressure washing, tile and grout cleaning and more. Completely customizable, whatever your home needs, KleanSlate is ready. One homeowner said, “The work performed by KleanSlate was a blessing! They were very pleasant and focused on the task at hand. The top to bottom work that they did was long overdue, but they worked diligently and finished in the specified time. I would definitely hire them again, and I have recommended this company to several neighbors and friends already!” The first step is to call KleanSlate! Someone will schedule a time with you that is convenient to discuss your cleaning needs, and from there, you can consider it done! This meeting is important, so that everyone can get on the same page, such as defining specifically the scope of work that is

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Alan & Ana Woods desired, deciding on frequency, day of the week, time of day, and other details. Business owners and entrepreneurs are some of the busiest people on the planet, which is why hiring KleanSlate to clean your workplace is an excellent idea! KleanSlate is able to handle all scenarios, from corporate offices spaces to retail businesses. KleanSlate can come when your office is closed for the evening, and when you arrive at work the next morning after KleanSlate has been there, everything will be fresh and clean and ready for business when you are! Their commercial cleaning services include restocking of restrooms, floor cleaning and vacuuming, carpet cleaning, cleaning of break rooms/kitchens, clearing trash, dusting and wiping down of cubicles and more.

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Let KleanSlate do the work! You’ll have more time to do the things you love and your home will be sparkling clean! Ahead of their time for a company of its kind, KleanSlate offers an online portal for clients, which increases communication and makes things easy. Customers can pay online and even leave specific requests like, “Clean it from top to bottom,” or “No need to clean guest baths this week.” Their commitment to excellence saves time, and makes it easy-es-

pecially for the many clients who prefer to have their homes cleaned while they’re away or at work. Joanie M. from Trinity shared, “I have found KleanSlate LLC to be thorough, reliable and professional in their cleaning. I would recommend them to anyone wanting a cleaning service for their residence and they do a wonderful job.”

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

If you’re looking for an outstanding cleaning company that is experienced and dedicated, start fresh with KleanSlate. Do more of what you love, and leave the cleaning to the pros at KleanSlate Professional Cleaning Services. Join the KleanSlate Team! Due to the steady growth and

the demand for KleanSlate’s service niche, they’re looking to hire additional qualified, energetic and experienced professionals who share the same high standards and truly enjoy cleaning and making customers happy. Katie and Joe, both of whom work for KleanSlate, said, “It’s really nice to work for somebody who really cares about his employees and his customers. He never rushes us – always emphasizes that the only acceptable result is a thorough job, no matter how long it takes. We are not timed, like some of the cleaning companies we’ve worked for in the past. It makes us happy to come to work every day!” So, if you’re a current or past cleaning professional, and are ready to bring you’re A-game every day, give KleanSlate a call to discuss options in joining their successful team. KleanSlate offers residential and commercial cleaning services all over the Tampa Bay Area. For more information, visit www.KleanSlateUS.com online or call 1-866-88-KLEAN, that’s 1-866-885-5326!

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East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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MedRock Pharmacy Covers Your Prescription and Compounding Needs, and So Much More! By Katie Thomas Independently owned and conveniently located at Clover Place on Tampa Road in Palm Harbor, MedRock Pharmacy is your friendly community pharmacy that can take care of your pharmaceutical needs. MedRock fills commercially available prescriptions as well as preparing inhouse compounded medications. MedRock Pharmacy carries a large variety of over-the-counter medications, as well as multi-vitamins for optimal health, so you can find everything you need to feel well. As an independently owned pharmacy, MedRock is better able to cater to customers because they have more flexibility in their services. There to help you with all of your needs is the friendly pharmacy staff – Bhupendra Agravat, R.Ph, Katelyn Baker, Pharm.D. and Nicole Miller, Pharm.D. You can count on MedRock to fill your prescriptions,

fulfill your customer service needs, and special order items for you if they are not already stocked at no extra cost. Specialty ordered items are usually delivered the next day. In addition to ordering in specialty items for customers, MedRock will price match big name pharmacies on low cost prescriptions. MedRock looks out for the community and they look out for you because they believe in complete customer satisfaction when it comes to pharmaceuticals, no matter your situation. MedRock stands apart from other pharmacies and is unique in that they offer free delivery services to your home or office. Developed to maxi-

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mally serve the needs of those customers who have a hard time getting to walk-in or drive-through pharmacies, MedRock truly caters to its customers who can’t travel freely. So whether you are sick, can’t make it to the pharmacy, or just don’t have the time to take out of your day – you can always count on MedRock to deliver! Satisfied customer Andrea says, “MedRock stands out above the rest. Unlike other pharmacies, they had the courtesy to let me know what my doctor’s response was, after they called in

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the prescription for me.” MedRock Pharmacist Bhupendra Agravat says, “At MedRock Pharmacy it is our vision to help make your day just a little healthier. Our group of friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer your questions and concerns however minor they may seem.” MedRock’s Compounding Lab MedRock’s compounding lab makes many unique compounded medications that are precisely what the

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

doctor ordered and made with the highest quality ingredients and stateof-the-art equipment available. Equipment used at MedRock includes a federally approved electronic balance, an ointment mill, a capsule machine and special molds to prepare suppositories. Some of the beneficial products they make for customers in the Compounding Lab include Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) medications for both men and women that are made to fit the patients’ unique needs as prescribed by their physician. As we age, our hormones become unbalanced and by

supplementing the needed hormones, many folks feel their youthful vitality return. Topical Pain Creams also are created in the Compounding Lab. Pharmacists are able to collaborate with your physician to make topical applications from multiple active medications to alleviate pain and inflammation – in compounding, you know that you are receiving medicine that only has what you need because it is made specifically for you rather than masses of patients like most prescriptions. Do you suffer from foot, back, or knee pain? Do you have pain from athletics, or an accident? Ask your doctor about prescribing a topical pain cream that MedRock Pharmacy can create specifically for you to help alleviate your pain! Another item created by pharmacists in MedRock’s Compounding Lab are Scar Creams that help to reduce the appearance of keloid or post-surgical scars, stretch marks, or hyper-pigmented scars. Summertime is here and the flip flops are out. Are you wearing yours, or are you hiding your toes because your have embarrassing toenail fungus. Don’t’ despair, the pharmacists at MedRock Pharmacy have a solution!

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

They can contact your podiatrist and develop a formula customized just for you that can help you put your best foot forward. As your community pharmacy, MedRock strives to make sure that every time you visit, you are treated with kindness, respect, and complete customer care. MedRock Pharmacy accepts all major insurances and all Medicare Part-D. The helpful team makes transferring your prescriptions to MedRock from your doctor or old pharmacy easy. Customers receive automatic refill reminders from MedRock Pharmacy. And don’t forget

about MedRock’s free delivery service to your home or office. The staff is always friendly, courteous and knowledgeable, and you’ll love the simplicity MedRock brings to all of your pharmaceutical needs! MedRock Pharmacy is located at 3209 Tampa Road in Palm Harbor. Pharmacy hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please call (727) 240–1341 for additional information or log on to www.medrockpharmacy.com. Prescriptions can be filled over the phone or online.

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Dr. Vincent Kiesel – A Local Orthopaedic Surgeon Who Strives to Help Every Patient Remain Active and Mobile By Katie Thomas Dr. Vincent Kiesel of Tarpon Springs welcomes each patient to his office for orthopaedic treatment with a focus on personalized patient care, always performed by Dr. Kiesel himself. You will never find yourself in anyone else’s care, other than Dr. Kiesel, which allows you to build a relationship with your doctor - one built on mutual respect and professionalism. Dr. Kiesel’s office, located on South Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs, specializes in non-surgical treatments of diseases in major joints, including the knee, hip and shoulder. He also provides fracture care and treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As one of the most experienced joint replacement surgeons in the area, patients and their loved ones can trust that Dr. Kiesel provides state-of-the-art orthopaedic

treatments. The Doctor is a pioneer in the field of minimally invasive (MIS) joint replacement surgery. As one of the first surgeons in the area to perform minimally invasive joint replacement surgery, Dr. Kiesel has continually expanded his knowledge on the technique from its beginning, making him an expert in the field. Dr. Kiesel received his Doctor of Medicine degree from New York Medical College. His surgical residencies include one year at the Cleveland Clinic and one year at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, where he completed his four year Orthopaedic Residency. Dr. Kiesel served four years as Chief of the Orthopaedic Department, while serving as a Major in the United States Air Force, while in Langley, Virginia. Dr. Kiesel is Board Certified and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He served

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two years as Chief of Surgery at the Helen Ellis Hospital (now Florida Hospital North Pinellas), as well as completing two terms as Chief of Medical Staff at Helen Ellis Hospital. Dr. Kiesel spends the necessary time with his patients to assess their needs and ensure the best care possible. From the initial exam and consultation to your diagnosis and treatment - you will always deal with Dr. Kiesel. There are never physician assistants substituting in his place; as a patient of Dr. Kiesel, you always receive treatment from your personal doctor. Patient Frances Brown says, “Dr. Vincent Kiesel is excellent in his line of work. He immediately put me at ease because he has such a caring demeanor. I am receiving knee replacement surgery and after our first consultation, I knew Dr. Kiesel would be my first choice in surgeons.”

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Dr. Kiesel’s other patients have given him five star ratings with reviews that applaud his efficiency, timeliness with appointments, ease of scheduling, office cleanliness, staff friendliness and overall professionalism. Patient reviews state, “Dr. Kiesel spends the appropriate time a doctor should with you as a patient and much of that time is spent listening to and providing answers to your questions.” Another says, “The level of trust in Dr. Kiesel’s expertise and decision making when it comes to treatment amounts to five stars. He truly helps each patient understand their condition and what will best help them in the long run.” Dale Massad, MD has been working with Dr. Kiesel since 1985 as a referring physician, as well as using Dr. Kiesel as his own personal orthopaedic specialist. Dr. Massad shares, “I’ve got very bad knee problems and I’ve had troubles since a

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Dr. Vincent Kiesel football injury as a kid. I began reading literature on knee health and the best techniques for healing years ago. I began injection treatments with Dr. Kiesel seven months ago and my knee pain is completely gone. Sur-

gery was not something I wanted to do, so I chose to research other options. The first step I took was finding my orthopaedic specialist - Dr. Kiesel - whom I chose because I thoroughly trust him and his expertise. “The second step was to try out anti-inflammatory relief. Once anti- inflammatory treatment did not get the job done, I chose to try steroids. After trying those options with no relief, your next choice is to try stem cell injections or receive surgery. I prefer to do everything I can to help myself before choosing an option that is irreversible, such as surgery. Dr. Kiesel helped me out with injections and I have had no pain since.” Dr. Massad’s opinion is one backed with experience and knowledge. He was the head of Emergency Room at Mease Countryside Hospital, where he worked with many great orthopaedic doc-

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tors. Dr. Massad says, “I choose Dr. Kiesel as my orthopaedic doctor because he is the type of doctor who cares about people, not money. He cares, his bedside manner is impeccable, he is good at what he does and his results are great. As his friend, I love him because he’s a great person. As his patient, I love him because he is a great doctor. I’d choose him every time.” Dr. Kiesel not only specializes in non-surgical treatment of all joints, he specializes in the values behind what it means to be a good doctor – one-on-one care, patient consideration, professionalism and a truly caring attitude that lets his patients know they really matter to him.

Pinellas Avenue, Suite One in Tarpon Springs. Please call (727) 938–1581 for appointments or visit www.doctorkiesel.com for more information.

Vincent E. C. Kiesel, MD has an office located at 1200 South

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OLD AND NEW SAT EXAMS By Dr. Wayne Adams Many parents and students are wondering about the old and new SAT Exams. This school year, 2015 – 2016, is a transition time with the new SAT Exam being required starting in the spring of 2016 for all students, and a shortened form is an option for the PSAT Exams in October, 2015, for rising juniors. THE NEW SAT EXAM IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT The Essay is much more difficult. It has been lengthened from 25 minutes to 50 minutes and now looks like an analytical essay from the AP Language and Composition Exam. The student will have to know and to apply “how an author uses (1) evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims, (2) reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence, and (3) stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.” In other words, the new Essay is twice as long and requires far more “critical thinking and analysis”. Reading is much more difficult for

two reasons. (1) It still requires a high level of vocabulary. Consider this beginning of a Reading section with high-level words underlined: “Today, I am an inquisitor. An hyperbole would not be fictional and would not overstate the solemnness that I feel right now. My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution.” (2) The format requires a much higher level of critical thinking, being very similar to the multiple choice sections of the AP Language and the AP Literature exams. Math is much more difficult. There are now two sections: one where a calculator can be used, and a second where it cannot. More charts and graphs are used, with many questions like the Science Reasoning section of the ACT. In general, the questions are more difficult. Unlike before, now the student is required to know all formulas and equations needed. Grammar is about the same level of difficulty as with the old exam.

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THREE MAJOR RISKS The first major risk is that students will “shy away” from the new SAT Exam and continue migrating to the ACT. Because the ACT is equally acceptable to college admissions officers, I believe more will “go with the known”. Second, the SAT is keyed directly to the Common Core Curriculum, which many states have rejected and many parents do not like because it is viewed as a major expansion of the government trying to increase control over education of high school students. Third, it will take several years for college admissions officers to become comfortable with the new SAT because there is no track record and correlation with college performance. In other words, who needs to take the more unknown SAT when the ACT is just as acceptable and easier? SUMMER SAT AND ACT PREP CLASSES During the summer, I am offering my prep classes for the current SAT Exam (which all rising seniors will take), and the ongoing ACT Exam. Many students prefer tutoring in the summer because of more flexibility in

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class scheduling and not having the time pressures of the school year. I also offer a combination class that saves 15 class hours from taking each prep class separately. My normal student improves 200 – 350 points on the SAT superscore, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. Effective July 15th, I will also have a full SAT Prep Class to prepare students for the new SAT Exam, and for the PSAT “New-Exam” option for rising juniors in October. This SAT Prep Class will also contain an optional AP Prep Module with one section to quickly learn over 100 key definitions students must know for both the essay and the multiple choice sections of AP Language and AP Literature exams, and a second section showing how to write the required synthesis, analysis, and rhetorical essays for AP Exams. This module can also be very helpful for students who want a “head start” to achieving their best possible score if they are taking either of these AP courses in the fall. If You Would Like To Talk More About How I Can Help Your Student, please contact me at 727-253-0639 or wwa0811@mykolab.com.

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Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 350 points on the SAT superscore, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to eight of the top ten universities in the country, fifteen of the top twentyfive, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force and Merchant Marine

Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice, and has been tutoring for five years.

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Pets and Their Owners Love Dr. Schacht at Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center! Julie Kanehl Our animals mean the world to us, they’re always there when we need them, and they depend on us to take care of them by providing love, food and medical attention, both preventive and curative, when necessary. So it’s important to choose a doctor of veterinary medicine who understands the incredible bond that takes place between people and their pets, someone who is experienced, knowledgeable and has pets of their own that they treat like family. For many local residents, that someone is Sarah Schacht, DVM the veterinarian at Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center. “Dr. Sarah,” as she’s most often called, is a gifted veterinarian who has a way with animals and their families! Whether you have a fancy feline or a furry canine, pets and pet-parents alike feel welcome at Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center. Conveniently located just off of East Lake Road and Tarpon Woods Boulevard, Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center has been a popular choice for pet owners since it was opened in 2010. Dr. Sarah, who earned her DVM from Ohio State University’s Veterinarian School, truly loves what she does and it shows. Kind, warm and reassuring, Dr. Sarah truly has a way with animals. She says, “My dad is a human doctor, but I decided to work with animals. It’s a challenging career, and in a way it’s like being a Pediatrician – trying to help these little creatures who can’t speak to us.” She adds, “It’s so rewarding when you can help a little animal and you’re there to

help them, the feeling you get is unbelievable.” Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center is Pawsitively Purrfect! Animals just love coming to Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center. In fact, instead of being hesitant, many of the animals that are brought in to see Dr. Sarah are excited and happy to be there! While a lot of it has to do with her gentle approach, some of it has to do with the way that Dr. Sarah and her staff runs the clinic. Cheyenne Wingfield, a Veterinary Technician at Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center, said, “We do our best to create a calm environment here for all of the animals.” For example, instead of facing the stress of having a waiting room filled with animals, the staff at Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center make sure to schedule pet appointments far enough apart as to limit the likelihood of waiting with other animals, and more importantly, to reduce any stress or anxiety that a pet (or their owner) may have.

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Nancy said, “Dr. Sarah really takes the time to understand the patient’s needs and the parents’ concerns. There is no rush to push us out for another patient. When we call, we can comfortably hold a conversation with Cheyenne or Dr. Sarah and have all of our questions answered. We are very happy with Dr. Sarah and Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center. They are caring and compassionate and we could not be more satisfied. We have already referred friends here!” Pets Think Dr. Sarah is the Best, Paws Down! Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center is clean, serene and welcoming to pets and their families. By having two exam rooms, one for felines and the other for canines, Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center offers a quiet and secure environment for our feline patients. The office offers state-of-the-art technology and inhouse capabilities. For example, it is fully equipped with x-ray capabilities, a surgical room that includes critical

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Dr. Sarah and her dedicated staff will provide pets with loving care care monitoring and ICU equipment, and an isolation suite to protect patients in case they see any animals that might have contagious diseases. Surgical procedures include spaying, neutering, lacerations and abscess treatment, tumor removal, orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery, ear/eye surgery, reproductive surgery and more. Additionally, Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center offers advanced dental services for pets, provided by her husband, another Ohio State Veterinarian. Dental services include oral exams, cleaning and polishing, fluoride treatments, dental x-rays, advanced extractions, oral surgeries and more. In fact, Dr. Sarah stressed the importance of good oral hygiene for pets, saying, “A pet’s dental health is one of the most important aspects of their overall health!” Of course, surgery is always a last resort, and most of the patients that come to see Dr. Sarah see her for well visits, as well as flea, tick and heartworm prevention. She also treats nu-

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Dr. Sarah Schacht merous medical conditions such as obesity, adrenal problems, kidney problems, thyroid disease, diabetes, and skin and ear problems. There’s one other in-office procedure that Dr. Sarah offers, and it’s an important one: microchipping. If your pet were to become separated from you, would they be able to find

their way home? Many times, when people find an animal, the first thing they do is bring it to a shelter to see if it has a microchip. This is your best chance! If your animal has a chip, they will know how to find you so that you may be reunited quickly. Dr. Sarah says, “We take a lot of pride in taking care of our clients and offering the best medicine to their pets. We treat each animal like they are one of our own, and we go out of our way to make this like another home for them.” The Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center is the perfect place for your pets to receive top-notch medical care and treatment, so whether you’ve just adopted your first pet, or you’ve got a menagerie at home, call Dr. Sarah and see the difference that her kind, gentle demeanor and positive approach make towards your pets. Tarpon Woods Veterinary Medical Center is located at 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd., Suite F 3, in Palm Harbor (across the street from Walgreens). Please call (727) 771-0400 or visit TarponWoodsVet.com for more information. For existing client emergencies, you may call (727) 742-4284, available 24/7.

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“Preserves” Continued from page 9 Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 453-6800. To register for programs and events visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org. Videos featuring Brooker Creek Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1. Weedon Island Preserve Weedon Island Preserve offers a variety of events and programs on archaeology, the coastal waters, and wildlife, allowing visitors to explore all aspects of nature. Most events are free, unless noted otherwise, and registration is required. On Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. citizens interested in improving their green thumb can bring their garden, lawn and landscape care questions to the Weedon Island Master Gardener Lawn and Garden Help Desk. Every Saturday, beginning on June 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., Weedon Island visitors can learn about the early residents of the preserve during a hike through the coastal uplands and boardwalks of the mangrove forests. Guided hikes are best suited for ages 6

and older. Beginning on July 11 and every Saturday following, Weedon Island visitors can learn about the early residents of the preserve during a hike through the coastal uplands and boardwalks of the mangrove forests. Guided hikes are best suited for ages 6 and older. This event takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. On Thursday, June 25, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., the preserve’s smallest visitors, ages 3 to 5, can hear a variety of stories and participate in hands-on activities that connect them to the environment during Wee-Time at Weedon. Bring a camera and enjoy the Weedon Photograpy Hike on Saturday, June 20, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. After a brief classroom session, participants can hike the preserve in search of that perfect photo. This program provides great opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. Interested in plants? On Saturday, June 20, participants will have the chance to investigate the fascinating and complex Plant Kingdom in an introduction to Botanical Science session. Both classroom and outdoor activities are included. This program is

recommended for adults and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. Weedon Island Preserve protects more than 3,700 acres of natural ecosystems and is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE in St. Petersburg. The preserve is operated under the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and is open to the public seven days a week, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset. Its many outdoor activities include walking trails, a fishing pier, and a canoe/kayak launch. UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County offers classes, programs and activities at the Cultural and Natural History Center. The center features the permanent exhibit, Connecting People and Place, an art-inspired, hands-on educational exhibit which reveals the area’s history, ecology and people. Exhibits feature connecting people and place, uncovering past cultures, understanding culture through its pottery, a gallery of memories mischief and movies, discovery of hidden worlds, what a watershed is and a virtual tour of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of Weedon Island artifacts. The center is open Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is

closed all Pinellas County holidays. To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 4536500. To register for programs and events visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org. Videos featuring Weedon Island Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in an event or class, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the event or class, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD). The Pinellas County app is available to connect citizens to their government and make it easy to report issues and access useful resources. Pinellas County can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. More information is available on the county website, www.pinellascounty.org, which features LiveChat for assistance. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Making A Difference Matters to These Doctors! Trinity Family Physicians would like to share some very exciting news. Dr. Amir Shirmohammad was nominated and accepted the position to join Dr. Roger Brainard as team doctors for Jesuit High School in 2014. This past year was an incredible year for Jesuit High School sports and Dr. Shirmohammad is excited about the opportunity to help his alma mater and these excellent athletes in their quest for championships. He will continue with his role there and sees volunteering as a passion that we all should strive for to make a difference in others’ lives. In fact, Dr. Shirmohammad and Dr Eldridge have now partnered with Neighborhood News & Lifestyles to start the Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award. This unique award will recog-

Dr. Roger Brainard & Dr. Amir Shirmohammad

nize and honor individuals in the community who are doing things. You can participate in helping us by sending in nominees – those who deserve to be recognized for the things they do to better our Tampa Bay communities and the lives of the people who live here. Find all the details on page three of this issue of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles and submit your candidate today!

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The Red Cross Needs YOU Do you know what your American Red Cross does? I'll bet you are nodding your head – you think you do. Everyone thinks of the Red Cross as the big disaster people – hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes – especially here in Florida where we get all three. It is what you see on television, whenever there is a big crisis. They are at every major disaster before the TV cameras arrive, and long after they are gone to help feed and shelter those who have lost everything. They give hugs. They give hope. They help communities endure. But the biggest disaster they respond to is not a tornado, flood or hurricane. It's not a man-made disaster like a train derailment or a plane crash. More than 90% of the disasters they respond to are local home fires right here in our community every day. On average here in Tampa Bay there is a home fire nearly every single night – about 350 per year. To the family that loses everything that night it's a big disaster – one of the worst days of their lives – and the

Red Cross is there. When a family loses their home and has no place to go, the fire department calls the Red Cross, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Volunteers from the Red Cross respond immediately, having a continuous commitment to be on scene within 2 hours. They verify the situation and take care of the family's needs, making sure they have a roof over their heads that night, that they have food and clothing, that the kids are ready to go to school the next day. Nurses are on call that can help replace medications and eyeglasses, and the Red Cross gives a small toy to the child who lost all of their cherished belongings and needs something soft to cuddle; but that's just the beginning. In the days and weeks that follow, trained Red Cross volunteer caseworkers help that family on their road to recovery; making sure they aren't alone; making sure they have access to every community resource available. Unless you've been in the unfortunate circumstance to suffer a house fire you probably don't know

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More than 90% of the disasters the local American Red Cross responds to are home fires. On average, there are approximately 350 home fires in the Tampa Bay Area and the Red Cross is there to help every time! that's what keeps our local Red Cross volunteers busy every day. Over 90% of the work done by the Red Cross is done by volunteers. These special people make a difference in someone’s life every day. Volunteers like Lisa, who tells the story of one of the fires she responded to: “ I was called to the scene of a burn-

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ing house at 8:30 one night. The elderly lady who lived there had left a space heater too close to a curtain and it sent her wood frame home up in flames very quickly. She called 911 and ran out with nothing in her hands but her cat and car keys. She was left with nothing. Nothing. When my team arrived she was sit-

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

ting in the back of a police car shivering. We wrapped her in a Red Cross blanket and hugged her tight. Crying, she was able to give us her daughter’s phone number to call for her – but her daughter was in Ohio. It would take some time for her to get to Tampa. The Red Cross is a support system, a safety net. We were able to put her in a hotel for 3 nights, and help her with other immediate needs until her daughter was able to come down. It was important

to stay in constant touch with her – she needed our support system. She could have been my mother, my grandmother. I could only imagine how grateful I would have been for Red Cross volunteers. Her relief at seeing us and knowing she would be safe was palpable. And her hugs and thanks gave more back to us as volunteers than we ever imagined. I love my work with the Red Cross.” This amazing organization has hundreds of wonderful volunteers

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

just like Lisa who want to give back to their community. But, the Red Cross desperately needs more. In addition to responding to house fires they're helping their community get prepared- installing smoke alarms and teaching kids how to be ready for disasters. They are deep in planning for the upcoming hurricane season that begins in just a few weeks and are training volunteers in logistics and sheltering, etc. Many of their volunteer jobs are yet to be filled this season and they need your passion for helping others to help make a difference. Whether you have 20 hours a week to give, or just 2, won't you consider joining this group of caring and compassionate people?

To learn more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your local community please visit them for an open house on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at their Tampa office, located at 3310 W. Main St, or contact (813)-348-4820 or Margaret.brown@redcross.org for more information.

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“Bunga Raya” Continued from page 1 colorful cuisine never disappoints the ‘foodie’ in you! Bunga Raya has been featured on Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Bay in “Charley’s World” with Charley Belcher and in the Tampa Bay Times as a must-see restaurant in the Tampa Bay Area! Bunga Raya translates to Hibiscus flower in the national language of Malaysia. Lee Onesty, a partner/manager of Bunga Raya, chose the name to showcase the delicate beauty in the dishes she creates for the restaurant. Lee says, “Many people think ‘spicy’ when they think of Malaysian food. We do spicy dishes, but we also use lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, sweetsour sauces and teriyaki. Everything we make is from scratch. If I ever use something out of a bottle, I feel like I am not paying full homage to the traditions involved in making Malaysian food. The dishes I make here pop with color, not unlike the Hibiscus flower and they are full of flavor.” One customer, Tony, says, “Lee’s cuisine is very labor intensive, you can truly taste the hard work she puts into

each dish. I live in Riverview and come to eat Lee’s Curry Laksa at least once a month. She makes it the right way with egg and rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, bean curd, fish balls and bean sprouts.” In order to ease the more traditional American palette into the tastes of authentic Malaysian cuisine, Lee talks to guests to see what they are looking for. Feedback has helped her make the menu the perfect blend of favorite sushi items and the best of traditional Malaysian fare. Lee says, “I picked a menu that people can easily accept, but will also allow them to feel adventurous if they want to try something a little bit different.” Lee and her family worked tirelessly to come up with the perfect menu. Lee says, “We wanted to bring Malaysian food to our area. It is very popular in New York, California, Chicago and other big cities, but Tampa Bay had limited options. My sister freshly migrated here from Malaysia, so she knows the true tastes of our homeland. We stayed up for nights on end to create our menu. We are very happy with our final product, especially when many Malaysians in the surrounding areas travel an hour,

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just to have a taste of home. It makes us feel good.” Lee opened Bunga Raya in order to bring Malaysian food to our community, but the sushi here also is exceptionally well prepared and delicious! “We are no strangers to sushi,” shares Lee. “My sister Daphne and I work together to make sure everything is beautifully presented, fresh and made the right way – from the sushi to the traditional Malaysian dishes.” If you haven’t yet visited, don’t miss out on the colorful, artistic food presentations at Bunga Raya – Lee is a culinary artist in both sushi and au-

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thentic Malaysian cuisine. From the Fire Breathing Dragon roll to the fresh herb soups and house-made broths and pastes filled with delicious spices such as lemongrass, curry and ginger – Bunga Raya is a place for the senses! Not only does Malaysian cuisine taste phenomenal, the spices and fresh ingredients used in the dishes are very healthy! Enjoy wholesome goodness in a bowl of Bak Kut Teh when you want to do your body good with something filling, healthy, tasteful and quick, or choose to take your time and indulge in a full course meal. Everything is prepared to order so it is always super fresh and absolutely

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

yummy! Bunga Raya has a nice selection of beer and wine and you are certain to find one that pairs perfectly with your menu choices, from the appetizers to the entrées. From tasty, zesty, fresh Malaysian cuisine to the freshest sushi with creative flair – Bunga Raya has it all. Bunga Raya Restaurant and Sushi Bar is located at 4952 Ridgemoor Blvd. in Palm Harbor near

Starbucks and Anytime Fitness. Check out Bunga Raya’s Fox 13 feature and Tampa Bay Times review on facebook at www.facebook.com/bungaraya or visit www.bungarayaflorida.com for additional information and to view the menu. Please call (727) 754-7828 for more information or for take-out orders.

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“Breezy Dental” Continued from page 1 Affiliated with the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and a member of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Dr. DiPiazza is committed to the local residents in and around our area. “Our focus here at Breezy Dental is the patient. We provide quality care by paying attention to detail. Patient education is a big thing to us,” says the office manager. “I’m really big on patient education, as it’s important for you to know what I’m doing,” says Dr. DiPiazza. Focusing on general dentistry procedures, while educating patients on the importance of preventive care, Dr. DiPiazza provides fillings, crowns, dentures, treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, implant restoration and many more. In fact, instead of having a dental hygienist to clean your teeth, the Doctor does the cleanings himself as part of his patientcentered approach. This is often a welcomed surprise to patients who are used to only seeing their dentists briefly during routine visits. In addition to top-of-the-line

dental care, Breezy Dental also offers cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, Invisalign™, sleep apnea solutions and emergency dental care. His office offers whitening trays for $99, which is a huge value in the area, as well as a new patient special, which includes a full exam and x-rays for just $19.99. Chris, a relatively new patient, said, “An amazing and pleasant surprise for a dentist’s office. The entire staff, from the office manager, assistants, to the talented Dr. DiPiazza… My last visit was for a crown, which was a very easy process and the doctor used his perfectionist skills to ensure it was one hundred percent accurate. I’ve had to visit more than once and now this is my go-to dentist of choice! Highly recommended!” High-Tech, High Quality Dental Care Starting out in the electrical engineering field, Dr. DiPiazza transferred his love for technology to his brand new practice. From the low-radiation, high definition digital panoramic xrays to the completely new digital filing system, Dr. DiPiazza provides only the best for his patients.

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He uses a highpowered digital camera to take pictures of each patient’s teeth so that he can easily share any concerns that he may have with them. Every patient room is equipped with a flat screen smart TV so they can listen to music, watch their favorite movie or just relax. Jacylyn, a patient, said, “My experience with Breezy Dental was great. My appointment proceeded on time without any wait. Dr. DiPiBreezy Dental’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony azza had wonderful bedside manner. He was very concerned that I was comfortable completely relaxed during their dental procedure. If you are overwhelmed and made every effort to make me easily by the thought of going to the laugh to ease any nerves I may have been facing. I would definitely recom- dentist, you’re really going to like Dr. DiPiazza. His straightforward apmend Breezy Dental to any family or proach and his sense of humor make friends.” going to the dentist a breeze. Coupled For patients who get nervous at the dentist, Breezy Dental offers Adult with his gentle hand, a friendly staff and an office that is both technologiMinimal Oral Sedation (AMOS), and cally advanced and comfortable at the nitrous oxide, also known as inhaled sedation. These kinds of sedation wear same time, Breezy Dental is an excellent choice. off quickly and allow the patient to be

JUNE 2015

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Sabrina Damien said, “I always had a fear for dentists and I haven’t been to one in over 15 years. So when I went into Breezy Dental I didn’t know what to expect because I’m one of those people who get nervous even for something as small as a cleaning. But to my surprise, Dr. DiPiazza was very gentle. He cared about what I had to say and went into detail on every question I asked concerning my teeth. I was so impressed and inspired by his genuine care for his patients that I even applied for a position within his practice. Now, I get to help and show that same level of care and

dedication that I received to each and every patient.” Breezy Dental is located at 2519 North McMullen Booth Road, Suite 201, in Clearwater. Breezy Dental’s office hours are: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. on Monday; closed Tuesday; 1–8 p.m. on Wednesday; alternate Thursdays from 1–8 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; and alternate Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. To make an appointment, please call 727-725-EASY, and log on to www.breezydental.com for more information.

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 727-943-2946 • www.NNLFlorida.com JUNE 2015

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East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 727-943-2946 â&#x20AC;˘ www.NNLFlorida.com JUNE 2015

TRINITY DENTAL CARE IES C N RGE ME! E M E ELCO W

(727) 372-2001 Toll Free: 1-888-tooth AK www.trinitydentalcare.com

We perform the following procedures: - Preventive Dentistry Dr. S. Shayes - Dr. A. Eskandari - Crowns, Bridges - Dentures, Partials, Repairs - Tooth Colored Fillings - Gum Treatment #DN15492 #DN15013

- Root Canals - Teeth Whitening - Dentistry for Children and Adolescence - Invisalign (the clear braces) - etc.

Evening & Saturday Appointments Available

TWO Locations! 1843 Health Care Drive, Building #1 Trinity, FL 34655

20729 Center Oak Drive Tampa,FL 33647

(at the corner of Mitchell Blv & Little Rd, behind Walgreens)

• Nitrous Gas (Happy Gas) • Warm blankets, neck rolls and head phones in everyroom • 12 Month Interest Free Financing Available • Most Insurances Accepted • Evening & Sat. Appts. Available • Now Accepting Care Credit ®

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Exam (D0140) and X-Ray (D0272 or D0220)

$39.99 EXP. 07/30/2015. WEEKDAYS ONLY. New patient only. Cannot be used with insurance. Coupon needs to be presented at time of service.

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for another service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee, service, examination or treatment.

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JUNE 2015

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 727-943-2946 â&#x20AC;˘ www.NNLFlorida.com

JUNE 2015

For Ad Info 727-943-2946 â&#x20AC;˘ www.NNLFlorida.com

JUNE 2015

East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles