Westchase - Vol. 1, Issue 9, November 2012 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

WESTCHASE AREA

Vol. 1, Issue 9, November 2012

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To 16,000 Homes In Westchase & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops • Twin Branch Acres Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place cation to quality service that has allowed the Planet Beach franchise to become what it is today – a state-ofthe-art spa that is changing the way the world rejuvenates!

By Alexis Selby Representing the desire to escape to the beach and have an out-of-world and relaxing experience, Planet Beach Westchase offers customers a place to relieve the stresses of their day while invigorating their mind, body and spirit. The original Planet Beach was founded in1994 by Stephen Smith, who opened his first location with the hopes of bringing his community a place where they could go to feel better about themselves, and his commitment to providing superior customer

care and unique spa services, is a major reason why his business has continued to thrive for the past 18 years. In 2005, Stephen had a self-described “moment of inspiration” and decided to expand Planet Beach into a full service day spa and made all the spa services extremely affordable. Planet Beach Westchase, which has been open since 2006, is locally owned and is part of the nationwide chain that is sweeping not only the country, but also the world – with well over 300 franchise units in 36 states and six foreign countries. This location holds strong the same values and dedi-

What is a Contempo Spa As the World’s first, if not only Contempo Spa, Planet beach puts a unique and innovative spin on traditional day spas. At a Contempo Spa, customers pay a low monthly membership fee for unlimited, fully automated, push-button spa and UV services in a private room without the need of an attendant. “At the touch of a button our members enjoy a private spa experience at a fraction of the cost and in far less time than at a day spa,” says Blakley, the spa director for Planet Beach Westchase. All the services you receive at Planet Beach are performed by a machine – giving you full privacy

Planet Beach Westchase offers a wide variety of skin care products. See “Planet Beach” on page 22.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Smile With Confidence at

Venus & Mars Day Spa..........6

Dan Royster Auto...........10-11 Medical Center of Trinity.....14-16 Grout Tech.....................18-19

ECRWSS

See “Dental Wellness” on page 24.

Napa Flair..........................8-9

Postal Customer

on to attend the University of Florida College of Dentistry and graduated in the top 10% of her class. Dr. Amy began practicing dentistry in Tampa in 1995, and currently lives in the Westchase area with her college sweetheart and husband of 15 years, Steve, and their four children. “Preventing dental problems is easy,” says Dr. Amy. “Regular cleanings can help people maintain their overall health in addition to their oral health and can save them money in

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

Dr. Amy Creech-Gionis and all of the professional, caring staff at Dental Wellness of Westchase are committed to providing outstanding dental care for their patients in a tranquil atmosphere. “We take care of the whole family, from patients who are at ease with going to the dentist to those who experience high anxiety at the thought of a dental visit,” says Dr. Amy. “We pride ourselves in offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere for both adults and children. For our patients who have a

phobia about dental care, we offer dental sedation and also work with each individual to make sure they are comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits.” Dr. Amy has been practicing in the Tampa area for the past 17 years and just recently opened an office in Westchase in the Lexington Professional Park at 11321 Countryway Boulevard. Dr. Amy, a native Floridian, attended Stetson University, graduating with her Bachelors of Science degree with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. Upon graduation she went

Community News Briefs........4

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Marcy Sanford

Thanksgiving Contest............3

NOVEMBER 2012

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

From The Editor Alexis Selby

Happy Thanksgiving To an Extraordinary Community! By Alexis Selby As the holidays quickly approach, bringing along with it a whirlwind of festivities and celebrations, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. From our dedicated advertisers to our loyal readers, it is you we have to thank for our continued success and growth over this past year. It is all of us, together, that makes our community strong – from our local business owners to all the other hardworking employees that call this area home. To so many, Thanksgiving is not just about getting together and celebrating with family and friends over a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, but also signifies a time to reflect on the past year and give thanks for blessings – including the joyous opportunity to be united for such an occasion. This Thanksgiving, I would like to take the opportunity to say how grateful I am to be part of such an extraordinary community that has so warmly welcomed me into their hearts and their homes with open arms. This past year, and the many years I have been writing for the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, I have had the chance to meet so many of our wonderful local business owners and let me tell you, they have left an impression on me that will last a lifetime. They are some of the most dedicated, honest and hard-working people I have ever

met, who, no matter how busy, will still find time and money to support local school programs, athletics programs and many other great charities. It has been a real pleasure getting to know the people in this community and I look forward to many great years to come! This Thanksgiving, as millions of people across the country come together with their closest friends and family, I ask you to think about the many things in life that you have to be thankful for. I would also like to ask you, for those who wish to participate, to please write to me and let me know what you are appreciative of this year. I thoroughly enjoy hearing from you, my readers, and this gives me a great opportunity to connect with you and get to know you on a more personal level. To submit an entry please write to the Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, 220 S. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689 or email us at info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com. Please include your name, address and a brief summary of what you have to be thankful for this year. To participate in the contest associated with the entries, please have all submissions in by Thursday, November 8, as we will be doing a random drawing on Friday November 9, in which the winners will receive gift certificates to some great local businesses and will be featured in next months publication. If you miss the deadline, please don’t let that deter you from sending

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

in a submission, as I would greatly appreciate still reading what you have to be thankful for. Finally, I would like to conclude by saying how grateful our entire Neighborhood News & Lifestyles team is for all of our readers and for your continued support over the past year. We wish you a prosperous and bountiful Thanksgiving and many joyous years to come! As Henri J. M. Nouwen once said, “Gratitude goes beyond the "mine" and "thine" and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 16,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2012 Westchase Neighborhood News is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Hannah Dalegowski Jim O’Reilly Ken Burke Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach

Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas Jeff Berlinicke

Marcy Sanford Lenay Ruhl Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica

Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

Community News Briefs The Cheval Cares 5k Run is a Great Success Early on September 29th, the Cheval Athletic Club was bustling with people, as hundreds came out to show their support and take part in the first annual Cheval Cares 5k Run/Walk, which benefitted the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The race featured participants of all levels and ages, including very competitive runners, as well as leisurely walkers and baby strollers, who all came together to join in for this special cause. The course featured a beautiful layout, which winded through the neighborhoods of Cheval and took participants in a nice, easy loop, leading them back to the club house for the grand finish. Following the race, participants and their families joined in the fun and festivities at the family-friendly after party, which was held at the Athletic Club pool deck and playground and was complete with music, awards, food, raffles, face painting, and plenty of activities for the kids. Awards were given to the overall

NOVEMBER 2012

top 10 male and top 10 female finishers and all children participating received ribbons. With more than 50 sponsors, donors and vendors, over 250 runners and walkers, nearly 60 volunteers, 30 incredible committee members, and 35 donated raffle items, the race was a huge success and raised over $12,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation! “What an awesome day we had for our first ever Cheval Cares 5k,” says a spokesperson for the Cheval Cares 5k race. “We are so grateful for the generosity of friends, residents and members in the surrounding community for helping us create a new successful special event that will hopefully grow into an annual tradition at the Cheval Athletic Club!”

Pediatric Cancer Foundation The Pediatric Cancer Foundation (PCF), a Tampa-based non-profit organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer research. By partnering with leading doctors, scientists and hospitals nationwide, PCF is working to find more targeted, less toxic therapies for children battling cancer. Worldwide more than 160,000 children are diagnosed each year and sadly, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in kids under age 15 in the United States. Despite this, pediatric cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded and accounts for only 3.8 percent of all cancer research dollars allotted by the federal government. PCF relies on funding from sponsors, businesses and individuals from around the community to make this necessary cutting-edge research possible. Thanks to Cheval Cares 5k and other events like it, this wonderful organization is another step closer to finding a cure to this horrible disease. For more information on the Pediatric Cancer Foundation please visit www.FasterCure.org.

Cougar Calendar Kick-Off Party is Huge Success! On Wed., Sept. 26, Restaurant Row at International Mall was the play-

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

ground for the Cougars of Florida as they kicked off their 2013 charity calendar sales. Zen Bistro hosted the fabulous party as these beautiful ladies gathered together to raise funds for Quantum Leap Farm; (quantumleapfarm.org) a nationally recognized equestrian program serving injured and disabled children and adults, as well as military service members and their families. This high-energy, dedicated group smiled, signed calendars, and posed for photographs with the enthusiastic crowd at Zen Bistro before heading across the “street” to the Blue Martini where they were met by another eager crowd; also anxious to get their hands on the beautiful calendar. “We are so thankful to everyone who purchased a calendar and especially to those who donated a calendar to a soldier,” said Kathleen Slaven, founder of the charity calendar program, referring to the Cougars, Soldiers and Smiles program. “All in all the evening was a huge success and we look forward to selling out all our calendars!” All profits from the Cougars of Florida calendar sales will be donated to Quantum Leap Farm. Calendars can be ordered online at www.CougarsOfFlorida.com where you can also look for upcoming sales events.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

The Perfect Gift This Holiday Season By Alexis Selby Venus & Mars Day Spa, a beautiful spa located in the heart of Westchase near the intersection of Race Track Road and Countryway Blvd., is offering some great specials and packages this holiday season. Stop on by any day during the month of November and purchase a $100 gift card for the amazing price of $75! Nothing says “I Love You” like giving your spouse or loved one a day of pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. Gift cards make for a great gift and allow recipients to pick their favorite spa services.

NOVEMBER 2012

chocolate, then you will adore the Chocolate Indulgence Package – three and a half hours of deliciously sweet pampering. This package includes a chocolate body scrub, chocolate massage, chocolate manicure and chocolate pedicure. Whether you are looking for a gift idea for a loved one or friend or just want to treat yourself to a gift from you, Venus & Mars Day Spa has just what you need – a beautiful and clean facility, friendly and knowledgeable staff and a vast array of wonderful spa services designed to pamper and relax your mind, body and spirit. For even more great savings go

online to their website, where new clients can print out a coupon to save $10 off their first spa treatment. Venus & Mars Day Spa is located at 11614 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa. Hours are Mon. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Tues. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. They are closed on Sun. For more information or to schedule an appointment for one of their exquisite spa services please call (813) 814-9104, email info@venusandmarsdayspa.com, visit www.VenusAndMarsDaySpa.com or find them on Facebook.

Venus & Mars offers a lengthy list of amazing treatments for both men and women, including peels, facials, aromatherapy, massages, body treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures and much more. If you are looking for additional great gift ideas, spa packages are another way to go. Venus & Mars offers a great selection of affordable packages that are specifically designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Just in time for fall, the Pumpkin Bash Retreat Package features four hours of ultimate relaxation and includes a pumpkin body scrub, pumpkin facial, spa manicure and spa pedicure. If you love

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

Wine Has Never Had So Much Flair By Marcy Sanford If you really want to impress this holiday season, visit LuAnn Shapiro at Napa Flair, located at11967 Sheldon Road in Tampa. Whether you need a great bottle of wine to compliment the food you are serving or a unique gift for someone special, LuAnn can help you find it – making the holidays less stressful on you. Or, if you need to take a break during the holiday rush, Napa Flair’s wine bar is a relaxing, tranquil, cozy place to catch up with friends and discover new wines. When you walk into Napa Flair, you feel like you’ve taken a trip to the West Coast. The warm inviting atmosphere and comfortable bar are like nothing else in the area. And if you love your cushy seat or the art on the wall, you’re in luck because all the furniture

NOVEMBER 2012

and art work in Napa Flair is for sale too. This means each time you visit, not only can you experience a new wine but you can also check out all the beautiful new items in the store. LuAnn, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has an advanced wine degree, a vivacious personality and a desire to educate people about great wines. She is an Advanced Certified Wine Specialist and is trained in pairing wines with food. LuAnn says, “I enjoy helping people find a new wine they will love. If a customer comes in and tells me what food they plan to serve, I can help them pick out wines that will compliment it perfectly. We specialize in carrying wines that you can not find at most grocery or liquor stores and with more than 325 different wines starting at $7.99 we have something for everyone.”

LuAnn and her husband Ken opened Napa Flair a little over a year ago, bringing a whole new concept to the Westchase area. “We lived in Napa for many years and there, you find this type of wine bar/store everywhere,” says LuAnn. “When we moved back to the area two years ago, we knew that we wanted to be able to bring a bit of the Napa experience to Tampa. We have enjoyed getting to know our customers and helping them find new Ken and LuAnn, owners of Napa Flair, will wines that they enjoy.” happily assist you in finding a delicious wine. To help educate and allow customers to experience different wine from any of the bottles open at wines, Napa Flair offers wine tastings the bar for only $10. Or, if you talk to every Friday night from 5 p.m. – 8:30 LuAnn and tell her what you like, she p.m., where they feature five different can help you find a bottle that you will wines for you to try. As their name really enjoy – like she did for me with would suggest, they do carry wines the bottle of Belle Glos Pinot Noir she from Napa, in addition to wines from suggested. Sonoma and Oregon and various reNapa Flair has special events gions throughout the world. LuAnn throughout the week, such as live music has access to many distributors so if you on Saturday nights. They have even have a special wine you are looking for, hosted corporate events, birthday parthey can help you find it. They also ties and bridal showers. LuAnn will offer discounts on special order cases work with you to make sure your event and mixed cases. is fun, educational and entertaining for While the wine tastings on Fridays your entire group. are very popular, you can explore new One of the things LuAnn and Ken wines any day of the week at Napa Flair. have enjoyed most about owning Napa Every day they offer three glasses of Flair is getting to know their customers

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

and helping to expand their wine horizons. On the day I was there, she quickly and efficiently helped a woman put together a beautiful gift basket of wines from all around the world. LuAnn knows just the right questions to ask to help guide you to your new favorite bottle of wine. If you are looking for a great wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner, LuAnn suggests that you try a Pinot Noir, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a sparkling wine. LuAnn says, “You want a wine that is not too heavy so it will compliment your turkey.” Whatever you are celebrating this season, if you want some libations to

make the event extra special, turn to Napa Flair for help. One perfect holiday choice is Sparkling wine. Napa Flair has a great selection in all price ranges and if you want to add a little extra pizzazz, they also carry Wild Hibiscus Flowers that you can add to your drink. The edible, 100% natural flowers add a beautiful decorative touch to any libation. In addition to their extensive selection of wines, Napa Flair carries many products to help you with your party – beautiful wine glasses, unique appetizer plates, gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars, in addition to specialty salts and one-of-a-kind serving pieces. Whether you need a tasty accompaniment to your food, a beautiful way to serve your drinks or a great hostess gift, Napa Wine has it all. Napa Flair is located at 11967 Sheldon Road in Tampa. Free valet parking is available every night at the entrance of the shopping center. For the best one-on-one friendly, knowledgeable service, visit Napa Flair Tues. – Thurs. 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. or Fri. – Sat. 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. For more information please call (813) 449- 1831. LuAnnn is constantly posting information about new wines on Napa Flairs’ Facebook page. You can also sign up for weekly new product emails at their website www.NapaFlair.com.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

Dan Royster Auto, LLC – Offering the Best in Every Aspect of Automotive Service! By Jeff Berlinicke Committed to excellence, Dan Royster Auto, LLC. offers service on European and Japanese imports, including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Mini Cooper. Located in Oldsmar, Dan Royster Auto, LLC. has built a solid reputation in the community for offering quality customer service in a friendly atmosphere. With competitive rates, no hidden fees and an extremely clean facility you can expect only the very best in both automotive and customer services. At Dan Royster Auto, the highly trained professional staff offers expert advice and service knowledge to help guide you every step of the way. Owner Dan Royster prides himself in providing honest prices, exceptional personal service and one-on-one attention to all of his customers. Dan, who has lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 50 years, has over 30 years of experience working on import cars and is expertly trained to tackle even the most difficult problem. He discov-

ered his love for automobiles at a young age, and started repairing vehicles as a kid, working on VW Beetles. Since then he has gone on to be a Porsche and BMW factory-trained technician, working on everything from vintage to late model automobiles. Dan has been serving import automobile owners for so long that he has formed lasting bonds with several generations of customers. Dan Royster Auto strives to set itself apart from your typical automotive garage. It starts in the air-conditioned reception area, where the Wi-Fi hookup and office desk allow people to catch up on their work or social life. There’s also a large-screen television and plush chairs so you can sit back and relax as you pass the time watching your favorite show. Go through the first set of doors and there’s a well-furnished reception desk that could easily be found in any doctor’s office. A walk into the work area shows how meticulous Dan and his assistant Wojtek Rydzik are about keeping the workplace clean and acces-

sible. At Dan Royster Auto they deal with a wide variety of customers, and understand that each expects nothing but the best. “We moved here eight months ago,” says Dan. “Since then, we’ve worked hard to update our facility, and by keeping it clean, we have made it into a place where people can feel comfortable.” The shop deals only in foreign cars, and Dan says he considers himself an expert when it comes to Porsche and BMW. Almost all of the equipment is brand new and the 4,500 square-foot shop has been described as the Taj Mahal of Auto Mechanics by neighboring businesses. “I have come across every auto problem you can imagine and we have always gotten it taken care of,” says Wojtek. “Everything we do is for the convenience of our customers, and with only two people – Dan and I – we can offer one-on-one service. We don’t have 50 employees like a lot of places.” At Dan Royster Auto the prices are competitive and in many cases Dan

NOVEMBER 2012 For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

is able to offer same-day service. Although appointments are a good idea, Dan understands that automotive emergencies happen, which is why he and Wojtek are more than happy to take walk-ins and tow-ins. Dan Royster Auto offers a new touchless tire changer with a matching electronic tire

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

balancer ensuring scratch free rims, and providing the exceptional service you would not normally find at a typical tire shop. Dan says it is all about quality, so he doesn’t simply use whatever he has in stock, he goes above and beyond to get the best for your car. At Dan Royster Auto they offer free estimates for all customers, so come in today to see what luxury service is all about! At Dan Royster Auto keeping your car safe and secure is of utmost importance. Dan says their security is second to none, and with a lock box on the outside and numerous methods of security, all precautions are taken for the safety of your car. “We have security on the outside and inside,” says Wojtek. “Our customers have nothing to worry about.” If you are looking for an honest mechanic with extensive knowledge regarding your European or Japanese import you’ve come to the right place.

Whether your car needs minor maintenance, tires, air-conditioning or extensive mechanical work, you can trust the professionals at Dan Royster Auto, who for over 30 years have been expertly diagnosing problems and fixing import cars. At Dan Royster Auto, LLC. they will give you the personal attention and exceptional customer service you will come to expect and enjoy. Dan Royster Auto is located at 400 Douglas Road East, Suite E in Oldsmar. The shop is open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and although the shop closes at 6 p.m. to ensure customer satisfaction Dan will stay open later if you call ahead. For more information or to set an appointment please call (813) 8180750 or visit www.DraAuto.com.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com NOVEMBER 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com NOVEMBER 2012

Medical Center of Trinity’s Robotics Program is Surgery at its Best By Kim Thomas Since opening in February 2012, Medical Center of Trinity continues to exceed its patients’ expectations with a level of care that rivals the very best hospitals in the nation. Located on SR 54 in Trinity, where it is perfectly situated to handle the growing healthcare needs of Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, the 400,000-sq.-ft. hospital is masterfully planned to provide patients with the best medical care possible, including unprecedented comfort in private rooms that easily accommodate friends and family and the latest medical equipment and surgical techniques for the best possible medical treatment. A well-cared-for hospital staff is vitally important to the overall quality of patient care – something that Medical

NOVEMBER 2012

Center of Trinity’s CEO, Leigh Massengill knows firsthand from her years of experience as a registered nurse. Massengill’s experience shows in her dedication to the physicians at Medical Center of Trinity and to their patients. Physicians’ needs were anticipated in the planning of the hospital and the doctors and medical staff have everything they need to provide excellence in medical care. With a commitment to providing the most advanced medicine and surgical techniques available, Medical Center of Trinity has recently purchased the very latest da Vinci® Surgical System, enabling qualified, trained physicians to offer patients robot-assisted surgery. I had the privilege to meet with CEO Leigh Massengill, Marketing Director Mary Sommise, the robotic surgery team, three surgeons who use the da Vinci® Surgical System for robot-assisted surgeries, as well as Victor Becklund, a representative of Intuitive Surgical which is the global leader in the rapidly emerging field of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. It was a very educational experience and everyone involved was excited to share this technology that is literally paving the way of the future of medicine. Upon my arrival, Mary Sommise greeted me in the lobby and explained that everyone entering the hospital, from guests and visitors to vendors, must stop at the front desk to register and receive a pass. I handed over my driver’s license, which was scanned into the security system and then I was given a badge that stated my purpose in being

there along with my photo for clear identification. This badging system ensures safety at Medical Center of Trinity and is just one of many ways that patients’ privacy and security is ensured. What is Robot-Assisted Surgery? The most important thing to understand about the da Vinci® Surgical System is that it is not surgery by a robot! I had to smile when I told someone why I was visiting the hospital and she said, “Well, count me out. What happens if that robot messes up?” This is a big misconception! It is not a robot that is in charge of the surgery; rather, the surgeons who utilize this type of surgery are highly trained and are simply using the da Vinci® Surgical System as a high-tech tool in providing the best possible outcome in surgery. Robot-assisted surgeries are less invasive, safer and actually allow for greater precision than the human hand can generate, as well as visual clarity that simply isn’t possible with the naked eye. Patients may enjoy a shorter hospital stay, a much shorter recovery time, minimal scarring and in many cases, surgeons are able to preserve more tissue than they would be able to with traditional open surgeries. There may be less blood loss and much less pain with a da Vinci® robot-assisted surgery.

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

The idea of surgical robotics was little more than a curiosity until 1999, the year Intuitive Surgical introduced the da Vinci® Surgical System. Community Hospital, now named Medical Center of Trinity, first acquired a da Vinci® Surgical System in 2006. With the purchase of the very latest model, physicians have even more capabilities including Single-Site incision surgery for many conditions. The da Vinci® Surgical System provides advanced technology and procedural innovation across cardiac, thoracic, urology, gynecologic, colorectal, pediatric and general surgical disciplines. There is extensive training involved in this technique which involves the entire robot-assisted surgery team. Intuitive Surgical’s training program, named Genesis, helps to establish operational excellence. The seamless introduction of new technologies, such as the da Vinci® Surgical System, involves surgeons, operation room staff and hospital administrators, all of whom are trained with the common goal of providing an excellent quality of care through an ongoing focus on procedural proficiency, operations and training for a competitive advantage. “We are fortunate to have Intuitive Surgical’s Genesis program,” says CEO Massengill. “It is a safety and efficiency evaluation program that helps us to im-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

Arleigh Ancheta, DO

Louis Astra, MD

plement the best practices from other facilities.” Local Medical Experts Explain Robotics in Relatable Terms Just trying to grasp the whole picture of how robotic-assisted surgery works could have been a very daunting task. Fortunately, I was able to speak with the nurses who make up the robotics team at Medical Center of Trinity and three of the local physicians who are experts in the field of robotic-assisted surgery who helped put this hightech tool in layman’s terms for me. Lori Bruney, RN, CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room), is the robotics surgery coordinator at Medical Center of Trinity. She and her team are extremely dedicated to their patients and supporting the physicians to make the robotics program a complete success. Bruney says, “Robotic surgery offers so many more options to the physician and is a much less invasive procedure for the patient.” The rest of the robotics team includes: Celena Dilley, RN, Chris Poratta, CST (Certified Surgical Technologist), Laura Smith, RN, CNOR, MariGrace Brenner, CST, Becky Fisher, CST, Mary Lettie, RN, CNOR and Administrative Director Lisa Richardson, MHA, RN, CNOR, who shares, “The team component is crucial – you have to have the right people in place at the right time.” At this time, the da Vinci® Surgical System is used for robot-assisted surgeries in the areas of gynecology, urology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery.

Yaser Bassel, MD

Keith Chisholm, MD

Local gynecologists who are trained to utilize the advanced da Vinci® technology at Medical Center of Trinity are: Arleigh Ancheta, DO, Renuka Ramappa, MD, Robert Smith, MD and Parveen Vahora, MD. Urologists using the da Vinci® Surgical System are Yaser Bassel, MD and David DiPiazza, MD. Keith Chisholm, MD, uses the da Vinci® system for general surgery procedures and Thoracic specialist Louis Astra, MD is helping thoracic surgery patients with this amazing technology. Dr. Keith Chisholm took a few minutes out of a busy day to speak with me. He is the first general surgeon in the area to offer robotic-assisted surgery. The older da Vinci® didn’t offer this capability, but now Dr. Chisholm is able to perform robot-assisted general surgery procedures for gallbladder disease, hiatal hernia, colon cancer, diverticular disease, as well as conditions affecting the stomach and esophagus with excellent results. “The robot is unique in that it allows much greater degrees of movement than laparoscopic surgery,” explains Dr. Chisholm. The ‘wristed motion’ allows the robot ‘arm’ or ‘hand’ to rotate 360 degrees – unlike the human hand – giving the surgeon ease of access to the surgical site. Dr. Chisholm visited the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), a national leading center for surgical simulation, automation, and innovation that is right here in our backyard, in Tampa. Dr. Chisholm says that exciting new innovations are on the horizon; for

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

David DiPiazza, MD

Renuka Ramappa, MD

instance, elbow movement of instruments, which will allow surgeons even greater dexterity. “Another exciting program is the Single-Site surgery capability of robotassisted surgery,” says Dr. Chisholm. “This will allow multiple instruments to be inserted through the same site.” While this isn’t available yet at Medical Center of Trinity, it is coming very soon. Parveen Vahora, MD, a wellknown and respected gynecologist who is personally invested in the local community through various organizations including the Seven Springs Rotary Club, showed me first-hand how the da Vinci® robot makes surgery safer for patients and, under the skilled hands of a trained physician, it actually provides an easier approach to surgery. “There is a tremendous amount of training that is required of the surgeon and the surgical team. We are all committed to continual training and learning the new advances in technology to bring the best care possible to the patients at Medical Center of Trinity,” says Dr. Vahora. Some of the gynecological surgical the da Vinci® system is used for include hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy for vaginal prolapse, myomectomies for removal of fibroids and endometriosis. “If you have to have any of these procedures, you want to have it at this hospital because we are so dedicated and committed to providing the best outcome possible,” says Dr. Vahora. “This is the best hospital and the nursing staff treat patients like royalty. My patients rave about how well they are treated, they are happy and able to go home the next day.” “We have a dedicated team, from surgical support to administration, and they make it easy for me to do surgery safely and efficiently,” says Dr. Vahora. “With laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon only has use of two hands with forceps-like motion, but the robot al-

Robert Smith, MD

Parveen Vahora, MD

lows access to four hands.” Those four “hands” replace human hands and give 360-degree wristed motion rotation on three of the hands while the fourth is a 3-D high definition camera. With the da Vinci® system, the physician is comfortably and ergonomically seated with a 3-D view of the surgical site, while the rest of the team is attending to the patient and monitoring everything that is happening. The team has large-screen views of the surgical site in 2-D, but still with high-definition. The surgeon is controlling the arms including the camera but the team is very much involved. Dr. Vahora demonstrated how with the touch of a button the seat and controls automatically adjust to pre-set setting that perfectly align the physician for optimal comfort and control. She demonstrated how clear the 3-D camera made everything by using one of the arms to pick up a penny from the training tool – you could clearly and easily see Abraham Lincoln sitting in the middle of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny, which is nearly impossible with the naked eye. Dr. Vahora and the robotic surgery team even let me try my hand at controlling the robot arms and I must say that I was floored by the ingenuity of this system. Using the thumbs and middle fingers of each hand and my feet, I was able to move the camera closer or farther away from the training tool, and learned to freeze the second arm in place while enabling the third arm. This is important because the surgeon can use a tool to gently grasp tissue, such as an artery or vein, and move it securely out the way, then freeze it there without any movement whatsoever, like a shaky hand, and then switch to another arm to continue working. Also amazing was the 3-D aspect, which makes a huge difference in depth See “Medical Center” on page 16.

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com NOVEMBER 2012

“Medical Center” Continued from page 15 perception. With a 2-D view – the view a surgeon has with traditional laparoscopic surgery – I was instructed to get as close as possible to an object on the training tool. When I thought I was too close to go further, I was actually about one to two inches away; while with the 3-D view, I was able to get very close, go around and behind objects and get a realistic view of the actual depth I needed to go. This is a powerful tool in demonstrating the difference in degrees of depth perception and precision that are possible with the da Vinci® robot-assisted surgery as compared to laparoscopic surgery. After a short break to absorb what I had learned, I was able to meet David DiPiazza, MD, of Urology Specialists of West Florida. Dr. DiPiazza routinely performs da Vinci® robotic surgeries including sacrocolpopexy (for vaginal prolapse), anterior exenteration (removal of bladder and pelvic organs in women with bladder cancer), cystoprostectomy (removal of bladder and prostate in men with cancer), pelvic lymphandectomy (removal of lymph nodes), prostatectomy (removal of

NOVEMBER 2012

prostate), partial and radical nephrectomy (removal of part or all of kidney due to cancer), adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal gland), and pyeloplasty (reconstruction of renal pelvis and ureter). “I am able to get to the surgical site so much easier and quicker with the da Vinci® robot,” says Dr. DiPiazza. “Complex motions like sewing are much more difficult with laparoscopic surgery which is in 2-D compared to robotic surgery.” He continues to explain how additional training with other experienced surgeons using this advanced technology helps to fine-tune a surgeon’s technique. “It’s like one professional athlete closely watching another to learn his technique.” Dr. DiPiazza strives to constantly learn the fine aspects of robotic surgery from surgeons who have literally performed thousands of these types of procedures. Perhaps the best person to hear from though, is an actual patient. Dr. DiPiazza took me to meet Greg Crosswhite, an active grandfather from Niceville, Florida who decided to have surgery for kidney cancer at the stateof-the-art Medical Center of Trinity under the expert hands of Dr. DiPiazza who performed a partial nephrectomy via the da Vinci® Surgical System. The cancer was removed and the kidney was

saved. Mr. Crosswhite had surgery the day before I met him and was already being released from the hospital. The first thing he said upon seeing Dr. DiPiazza was, “Can I shake your hand and thank you?” He told me that he first saw Dr. DiPiazza when he was in the area visiting his children and experienced pain from a kidney stone. It was a minor inconvenience that ended up Dr. Parveen Vahora (standing) shows Kim Thomas saving his life after tests re- how surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System vealed that he also had kidney cancer. Mr. Crosswith minimal blood loss and scarring. It white was eager to get home and was is much less invasive and doctors are already able to walk. A surgery that ten able to save more tissue – as in Mr. years ago would have left him with a Crosswhite’s case, where Dr. DiPiazza long scar along his flank and months of was able to entirely remove kidney canrecovery is now minimally invasive and cer while saving the entire kidney. And, he is able to go home the very next just ask a patient like Mr. Crosswhite, day! “My pain level is low,” said Crossthe best part is that your hospital stay white. “I am absolutely glad that I will be much shorter and you will be chose this option!” back to your life much faster! “I can’t If you or a loved one is in need of wait to bounce my grandkids on my a surgery that can be performed by a knee again,” said Mr. Crosswhite. surgeon utilizing the da Vinci® SurgiThe Medical Center of Trinity is cal System, you should most definitely located at 9330 SR 54 in Trinity, consider the robotics program at MedFlorida. For additional information, ical Center of Trinity. It offers surgery visit MedicalCenterTrinity.com.

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com NOVEMBER 2012

Grout Problems? No Problem! Grout Tech Can Help By Kathryn Samaltanos Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen be sure to call Grout Tech for a FREE estimate on cleaning or repairing old dingy tile and grout. Grout Tech can breathe new life into your existing tile work, making everything shine like new at a fraction of the cost. Grout Tech is a family owned business serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties. They have over seven years of experience in the industry, specializing in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, re-coloring grout, recaulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles. Grout Tech will renew existing grout and tile to its original beauty by cleaning and maintaining the tile and grout lines. John Cole and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at Grout Tech. “Our bathroom tile was over 40 years old it was looking grungy and very dull. We called Grout Tech and we are extremely pleased with our results! We saved so much money by having

NOVEMBER 2012

With the help of Grout Tech, even the dirtiest and oldest of floors can be restored and renewed to their original beauty and splendor. the grout in our shower resurfaced and the tile cleaned and it looks brand new,” John shares. BJ is happy to set your appointment, come out and give you a free estimate. She stresses, “It is important for me to be respectful of our customers’ time so I will always arrive at the time we set.” In addition to always arriving in a timely manner, BJ says that they can keep their prices low because they are a family owned business and not a franchise. She explains, “What many people don’t understand is that franchises are often forced to

charge more for their services because they have to maintain their franchise fees, but not with Grout Tech.” Not only do they keep their rates competitive, but they will also honor any other quote as long as it is in writing. Because grout is a porous material, trying to remove stains is seemingly impossible. BJ explains, “Color sealing grout lines is one of the many services we offer and it is definitely the most effective way to create a perfect, new look.” Using a step-by-step process, Grout Tech begins by using a cleansing product to remove all bacte-

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

ria and surface dirt with special machinery. They will then apply a color seal (of your choice). Once the sealer is applied the grout lines will be permanently protected from any stains. The color seal also guarantees against cracking, chipping and peeling. In addition, they will also cosmetically fix or replace chipped or cracked tiles. Carla Bartow, a satisfied customer, shares her experience, “When BJ came out to give us a quote, she looked at the job and I could tell immediately that she knew what she was

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

talking about. We had our family room, kitchen and dining room regrouted. They also re-grouted the tub, shower and base of our toilet in our bathroom. They were fantastic! Not only were they professional and reliable but they also completed the job much faster than we had anticipated.” Doris Strathearn, another Grout Tech success story, said that before calling Grout Tech her bathroom and guest bathroom shower and floor grout had deteriorated over time and the tiles were dull and stained. “The tile was in good condition but it was

stained so we had Grout Tech come out and clean them and they turned out very well.” They were so pleased that they have already referred Grout Tech to neighbors in their community. Grout Tech can also remove and re-caulk around sinks, baseboards, tubs and showers serving to clean up old moldy areas and keep your dry wall free from water damage. From old to new in just one day! To find out more about Grout Tech’s services or for a free estimate call BJ at 727-768-6828.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

“Planet Beach” Continued from page 1 at all times. Planet Beach also offers a wide range of skincare and nutrition products. This Contempo Spa brings customers everything they need to achieve their total skincare, wellness and stress relief goals. One happy customer writes, “Wow! This Salon has it all and offers the best prices in Westchase. The Contempo Spa lets me do everything – tanning, mystic, hydration station and massage. What a deal!” Planet Beach Services Planet Beach Westchase offers a full array of wellness and relaxation services, including UV therapy, teeth whitening, sunless tanning and skin rejuvenation services and has lay-down and stand-up tanning beds, a Mystic spray tan room, massage beds and a hydration station for stressed out, dried skin. “We offer services that help you achieve total body wellness,” says Blakley. Customer Melissa Loughren writes, “It is a wonderful experience to come to Planet Beach. It is so much more than a tanning salon. I love all of the different options there are avail-

NOVEMBER 2012

able to choose from on each visit. Everyone is always so friendly and always willing to help.” Red Light Therapy Discovered by NASA, this type of light has a stronger wavelength than other types of light so it can penetrate deeper into the skin, providing many therapeutic benefits, including improvement in the skin’s appearance and structure as well as relief from pain – literally healing the body from the inside out. Red light therapy helps eliminate aches, pains, arthritis, eczema, and speeds the healing process after trauma or surgery. This therapy also has the ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and skin problems, including acne. Hydration (Station/Hydro Derma Fusion) The Hydration Station, also known as Station/Hydro Derma Fusion, enables your body to sweat out toxins while simultaneously using light therapy to deliver vitamins into your body. It is the first revolutionary system to provide a mix of innovative features in an environment of personal relaxation to help prepare skin for other services and products, prolong

Planet Beach Westchase happily welcomes new clients to try out one of their many innovative spa services. service results, and rejuvenate skin. privacy of your own room as this medThis station also tightens skin elasticity ical grade massage table relieves stress, and can burn up to 600 calories in one decreases muscle tension, increases session and is perfect for those looking flexibility, breaks up toxins and reto beautify their skin while relaxing duces fatigue through the use of a their mind. powerful wave of heated water pressure that targets specific areas of your Hydro Massage body. The Hydro Massage is a comfort- Luminous Facial able and convenient way to experience Using light therapy combined total relaxation, giving you the full with topical skincare products and dibenefits of traditional massage therapy etary supplements, the Luminous Fain a fraction of the time. cial will help to give your skin a You remain fully clothed in the beautiful, radiant glow. This wonder-

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

ful facial helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, decrease the appearance of pore size and improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, and clarity in addition to enhancing the appearance of overall healthy skin. Planet Beach Westchase offers a variety of memberships and packages, and their helpful spa consultants will gladly work with you to find the package that fits your lifestyle and budget. Planet Beach is changing the way the world rejuvenates, with their convenient, affordable and self-automated spa services that help you achieve total skincare, wellness and stress relief. “Spa services are an important

part of maintaining beautiful skin and a healthy lifestyle, even on a budget,” says Stephen Smith. “With a renewed mission to change the way the world rejuvenates, we provide an affordable alternative to the lavish cost of spas while maintaining the highest quality of personal care and attention.” Planet Beach Westchase is located at 9550 W Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa. Hours are Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please call (813) 9265300 or visit PlanetBeach.com/westchase.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

“Dental Wellness”

ing your smile beautiful.” Everyone at Dental Wellness of Continued from page 1 Westchase works hard to make sure their patients’ overall dental health is the best it can be. Dr. Amy and her the long run. Many people may not staff are highly trained and stay up-torealize that if they have dental issues it can consequently lead to other serious date on dental advances and new technologies through regular continuing health problems such as high blood education programs. They take plenty pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental cleanings can help your of time with each patient to make sure they get the best possible service and body stay healthy in addition to keepcleanings. The staff at Dental Wellness of Westchase really goes the extra mile to help you fully understand how to take proper care of your teeth and gums to ensure that your beautiful smile will last a lifetime. “At Dental Wellness of Westchase they took the time to explain in detail Dental Wellness of Westchase warmly welcomes new patients. plenty of tech-

NOVEMBER 2012

niques I could practice at home to prevent cavities and tooth decay,” says patient Kimberly. “They were ready to see me when I showed up for my appointment. They are some of the kindest, most caring people I've ever dealt with. It didn't matter how many times I called with a question or concern, they were always happy to help me.” If you are an adult and are not happy with your smile, Dr. Amy can help you get the smile you want. She offers adult orthodontics such as Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles – systems specifically designed for adults that help to straighten teeth and perfect smiles. Both systems use clear or white materials that blend in with your teeth. Dr. Amy says she has seen beautiful results with patients who have used these systems. The friendly, attentive staff at Dental Wellness In addition to adult orof Westchase. thodontics and regular checkyour dental needs. If you need more ups and cleanings, Dr. Amy and her extensive services like gum disease reteam provide a one-stop office for all

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

pair, implants, root canal or any emergency dental care, they can help you. Dr. Amy loves what she does and it is evident from the way she talks about her patients – “I find dentistry very gratifying because I can improve my patients health and wellness in just one visit, allowing them to see immediate results. We appreciate the trust our patients put in us and are happy that we can offer them wonderful dental care in a calming environment. We want to make sure our patients look forward to their dental visits.” Every new patient at Dental Wellness of Westchase receives a thorough dental exam. You can even see what’s going on inside your mouth thanks to their state-of-the-art oral camera. If you do have any dental problems, Dr. Amy and her dental hygienist Jeannine will help you understand the causes and will give advice as to what you can do to prevent future problems from occurring. They work with each patient to help determine what needs to be done to heal any is-

If you have had a bad dental experience in the past that has made you put off returning to the dentist, the caring professional staff at Dental Wellness of Westchase will help you change your outlook. Dr. Amy has had great success helping patients with high anxiety and phobias about dental visits. In addition to offering dental sedation for high-anxiety patients she also works with them to help ease their fears and make them more comfortable and confident with each visit. If you are looking for a place to call your dental home, look no further than Dental Wellness of Westchase –

your one-stop-shop for all your dental needs. Dental Wellness of Westchase is located in the Lexington Professional Park at 11321 Countryway Boulevard in Tampa. Dr. Amy Creech-Gionis and the rest of her staff are ready to take care of you and your dental needs Mon. – Wed. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Thurs. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. To make an appointment with Dr. Amy please call (813) 855CARE (2273). For more information visit their website DentalWellnessOfWestchase.com or their Facebook Page.

sues they may be having with their teeth or gums. Dr. Amy and Jeannine make sure the care each patient receives is specific to them, ensuring that they will have a healthy smile within no time. Dental Wellness of Westchase accepts most insurances and affordable payment plans are also available.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

NOVEMBER 2012

For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com

Westchase Area Neighborhood News