WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 2, Issue 9, September 2013
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
®
Your neighborhood. Your magazine.
The Community & Local Business 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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Westchase Music School – Hitting the High Note!
Community Calendar............4 News Briefs..........................5 Westchase Recreation Center...................................6-7 Local Girl Scout.....................10 100 Years Young............22-23 sons to the individual abilities and goals of each student. There is no limit to the genres of music a student can explore here, from rock to Broadway See “Music” on page 18
ECRWSS
Want to get your kids excited about music? Look no further than the newly opened Westchase Music School! Boredom has no place in this state-of-the-art music school, and with their 15 fantastic instructors and fun teaching methods, your child will be excited and motivated to take lessons. Westchase Music School offers a broad spectrum of musical lessons, including, piano, flute, euphonium, guitar, harp, clarinet, bass, piccolo, saxophone, violin, organ, keyboard, drums, trombone, tuba and voice. Husband and wife, Rick and
Helen Foessett have a true passion for music, accompanied by years of experience and a fantastic vision for Westchase musical talents. In addition to this new location in Westchase, they also own and operate a successful music school in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their musical vision in Charlotte holds true for this second location as well, and Helen, who has been teaching music for over 25 years, hopes to experience the same success that her husband and she have had in North Carolina since opening 5 years ago. Westchase Music School offers lessons for children as young as 3, up to adults of all ages, and tailors their les-
Umbrellas for Peace..............3
Postal Customer
By Erin Aldrich
years of restaurant experience to his popular location. The vibrant eatery has a staff that complements its eclectic style, all young and very friendly. Most of the staff has worked there a long time, and the team is proud to see their regular See “Mellow” on page 14.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
This past July, the Mellow Mushroom in Westchase celebrated eight years of serving “classy pizza and beer” to the Tampa Bay community. Bringing more to area than just original recipes and local brews, this locally
According to their website, “The Mellow founders dreamed of a world where happiness could be found in the simplest things; like a mouthwatering slice of pizza and an ice cold beer.” Rated as having one of the best beer selections in the world, Mellow Mushroom in Westchase succeeds in the original, mouthwatering mission. “We have something for everyone, no matter what style of beer they like to drink,” says general manager Stefan Hicks. Mellow Mushroom Westchase is owned by Greg Warren, who brings
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Lenay Ruhl
owned Mellow Mushroom offers customers a taste of the psychedelic consciousness of the ‘70s. The original Mellow Mushroom opened its doors in Atlanta, GA back in 1974, inspired by the “mellow,” hippie culture that was sweeping the nation. The Westchase franchise, themed after the Grateful Dead rock band, vividly portrays the band’s infamous time living on Ashbury Street in San Francisco. Painted across the wall are the famous lyrics from the Dead song, “Truckin,’ – “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
“Umbrellas for Peace
Created a Colorful Display of Togetherness in Tampa The kickoff to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s new awareness and recruitment campaign was a great success. Nearly 200 volunteer mentors, parents, and children attended “Umbrellas for Peace” on Sunday, July 14, at the Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Bigs (volunteer mentors) and Littles (children) spent time discussing their thoughts about peace and helping the community, while painting umbrellas with messages of hope at the museum. Guided by stilt walkers from Busch Gardens, they then showcased their masterpieces during a colorful parade around Curtis Hixon Park. The parade culminated in the group forming a heart shape in the middle of the park. The “heart” is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters logo. (See photos.) Umbrellas for Peace started out as art therapy for people affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and has since blossomed into a global peace initiative. More than 2-million people from 29 countries have participated in artist Matt Lamb’s “Umbrellas for Peace” concept. Sunday was be the first time the event was held in Tampa. When initially presented with the
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 © 2013 Westchase Neighborhood News is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
After kids painted the umbrellas with messages of peace, their handiwork dried in the sun. *Photos by: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso of Mamarazzi Foto
The parade culminated in everyone forming a heart in the middle of Curtis Hixon Park. The heart is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters logo.
idea, Stephen Koch, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc., felt it was a perfect tie-in with our new recruitment initiative. "Just like umbrellas shield us from the rain and storms, good mentors can shield kids from some of life's harsher elements,” Koch said. In coming months, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host and partner in events intended to spur discussion about the need for mentors, especially men. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters matched more than 1,700 kids with mentors in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. Yet, more than 600 children re-
main on the waiting list. Statistics have shown the positive effects of the professionally supported mentoring that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides. In 2012, 99 percent of Littles had no involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice, while 96 percent were promoted to the next grade. The local “Umbrellas for Peace” event was sponsored by: the Broadrick Family Foundation, Earth Tech and the Glazer Children’s Museum. The Glazer Children’s Museum, along with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, is a Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach
Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Lenay Ruhl Dara Tucker Erin Aldrich Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do
Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Community Calendar The Learning Express’ Grand Opening Weekend Extravaganza Join the fun and festivities on September 18 – 22, as The Learning Experience, one of the nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores, celebrates its Grand Opening Weekend Extravaganza at it’s newest location in Westfield Citrus Park Mall. During these dates the store will be featuring 20% off storewide. In addition, on that Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they will also have games, contests, raffles, prizes and free face painting & balloon designs from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Plus, Elmo will be there! At Learning Express Toys of Citrus Park, they aim to provide customers with a lively, interactive shopping experience that delights the young and the young at heart. They take great pride in calling themselves a “Neighborhood Toy Store” because they are just that – a hub of activity, a meeting spot for friends and neighbors, and a place where they get to know you and your children by name. The new Learning Express will
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be located in the Westfield Citrus Park Mall, three doors down from Macys, at 7814 Citrus Park Town Center Mall. For more information please call (813) 774-2678.
Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church Presents Griefshare Starting on Sept. 3 and running through Nov. 26, Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church will present GriefShare, a thirteen-week seminar and support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The seminar will run every Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and will be held in room 310 of the Christian Education Center at the church, located at 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue in Tampa. Cost is $20, with scholarships available. You can join any time through Nov. 26. About Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church As quoted from the website, this statement represents both the vision and mission of the church, coming from their beliefs and core values as a
community of Faith: “Lake Magdalene has a full and rich history of ministry to the Carrollwood community and beyond, however we believe God is doing marvelous and powerful things in our midst today! We are seeking to provide a Faith Community wholly committed to transforming lives through Christ's love. To that end we strive to employ ALL of our resources for the specific purpose of becoming a church “Where Christ’s Love Creates: A Place to Belong, A Place to Become, A Place to Make A Difference.” Lake Magdalene UMC is located at 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue in Tampa. For more details please check out the church website at www.lmumc.org. To register, call (813) 963-1555 and leave a message for a call back. More information is available at www.churchinitiative.org.
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Free Caregiver’s Monthly Support Group Meeting Held the last Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., the Caregiver’s Monthly Support group meeting is a general caregiver support group, facilitated by Kim Linder, Caregiver Coach & Host of The Caregiver Hour Radio Show. The meeting is free for all caregivers and includes a continental breakfast. Each month the group will feature a guest speaker, last month’s being Andrea Brogen of Meals on Wheels; who provided valuable information on this popular service for caregivers. The group meetings are held at Emeritus at Carrollwood Senior Living, located at 13550 S. Village Dr. in Tampa, phone number (813) 908-5300. For more info please contact Kristie Rowe, the Community Relations Director, by emailing Carrollwood-crd@emeritus.com or calling her office at (813) 908-5300
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Community News Briefs Local Professional Goalkeeper Offering Private Soccer Lessons Chrysanthos Christou, a professional soccer goalkeeper, internationally trained & CFA accredited, is currently offering private soccer lessons to both adults & children. He provides beginner, intermediate & advanced soccer lessons to accommodate adults & children of all levels of experience. Chrysanthos Christou, above with family, Born in Larnaca, Cyprus, played professional soccer for 10 years. Chrysanthos had begun his soccer career at 12 years old. He had played professional soccer for 10 years for teams internationally accredited by UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, such as: Ermis Aradippou F.C, Ethnikos Achnas F.C., Apoel F.C. and Omonoia Aradippou F.C. Chrysanthos has additionally trained with Ray Clemence MBE, one of English & European soccer’s most decorated goalkeepers, as well as Nikos Sarganis, a legendary Greek retired soccer goalkeeper. Chyrsanthos Christou can be reached at: (813) 777- 1470 or progoalkeeper@hotmail.com
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Recreation Center Opens New 10,000 Square Foot Gymnasium By Marcy Sanford This September, after more than a year of renovations and construction, Hillsborough County’s Westchase Recreation Center will open its doors to a new 10,000 square foot gymnasium, additional recreation room, and new central lobby. “The additions and renovations will not only allow us to offer more classes for youth and adults, but it will also allow us to expand our after school programs for elementary and middle school students,” says Recreation and Program Supervisor Dona Smith. The Westchase Recreation Center originally opened in 2005, and Dona, along with Dave Lyle, has been there since day one. They, and the rest of the Center’s staff, are excited about the opportunity to serve more Westchase residents.
Rec2Six After School Program In the past, spots in the after school program at the Westchase Recreation Center have always filled up quickly, and at times there have
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been more than 300 families on the waiting list to get in. With the new expansion, the Center will be able to accommodate twice as many children as they can now, helping to ease waiting times. “We have had some families on the waiting list for several years,” says Dona. “We will offer openings to those students first.” The Rec2Six after school program offered at the Westchase Recreation Center is open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program encourages children to live a healthy lifestyle through 40 – 60 minutes a day of active structured play and skill building. Students are evaluated at regular intervals for improvements in fitness, coordination, and manipulative skills. The program also introduces children to healthy food choices. In addition to those activities, children have 30 minutes to work on homework or read and enrichment activities like 4-H and field trips.
Middle School Program The Westchase Recreation Center’s after school program has been so successful that students often come
Bill Beekley, Jessa Moody, Stefanie Berrios, Maria Pirone, Dona Smith, Dave Lyle, Vince Bowers back to visit after they’ve graduated from the program. Many middle school students already stop by to say hello or check in with past counselors and Dona is hoping that the Center will be able to expand its after school programs for Middle School students as well. They also have plans to begin hosting ‘Friday Night Out’ events for students.
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Youth Dance, Tumbling, and Sports Programs While there have been a few tumbling and dance classes for tots at the Center, the new gymnasium will allow for more classes and sports leagues for children of all ages including: - Self-defense - Cheerleading - Tumbling for Tots
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Most classes cost $6 -10 per class. You can register and pay for any class or program online through Hillsborough County’s web site at www.HillsboroughCounty.org.
Your Community Recreation Center
The new additions will allow the center to offer more classes for youths and adults, as well as more afterschool programs. -
Dance for Tots Basketball League Volleyball League Art Classes
Adult Exercise and Sports Programs The Center will also be able to offer more exercise classes for adults and already has Zumba and Jazzercise classes on the new schedule. They also hope to start adult basketball, volleyball, and badminton leagues.
Senior Programs The Center will have exercise
Dona hopes that everyone in the Westchase community will be able to benefit from a program at the center. She says, “We have surveyed our parents about programs they would like us to have but we would love input from people throughout the community as well. If someone has a special
request, they are welcome to give us a call or drop by to tell us. We also want to hear from people who are interested in teaching a class.” The Westchase Recreation Center is located at 9791 Westchase Drive in Westchase. Times for programs and classes vary, but regular hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. To get more information about programs, facility rentals, or classes you can visit the Hillsborough County web site at www.HillsboroughCounty.org or call the Center directly at (813) 964-2948.
classes for seniors, including a tone and stretch class and power lifting. Based on input from the community, Dona has added pickleball to the list of new games that will be played at the Center. For those not familiar with this game, according to the USA Pickleball Association, “Pickleball is a fun game that is played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.”
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Local Girl Scout Needs Your Assistance Helping the Oklahoma Tornado Victims Girl Scouts isn’t just about cookies. Girl Scouts teaches girls how to be leaders and encourages them to make the world a better place. One way Girl Scouts does this is through the Girl Scouts Gold Award. The Gold Award is earned through a take action project where girls learn to make a difference. Sarah Lucker is a local Girl Scout from Lutz, working on her Gold Award Project. When the recent tornadoes hit two elementary schools in Oklahoma, Sarah knew she needed to help the students there. She contacted a guidance counselor in Moore, Oklahoma and asked how she could help. The result is the following list of items which she is collecting to send to Oklahoma: • over the ear headphones • tissues • scissors (round and shape ended) • colored markers (thin and wide) • recess games (cards, board
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games, etc. ages 5-11) • clorox wipes • baggies (gallon size) • paint sets and brushes • play dough Several local businesses are supporting her by sponsoring drop boxes to collect the donations. You can help by dropping off a donation to any of these businesses from August 1st through August 22nd. •Brunchie’s (14366 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 33618) • Sam Ash Music (13133 No. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL ) • PDQ Restaurant (12650 N. Dale Mabry Tampa, FL 33618) • Pak Mail (4522 West Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33624) • Old McMicky’s Farm (9612 Crescent Drive, Odessa, FL 33556)
tor Air Conditioning will donate the shipping of all donated items. Sarah is learning that through her leadership and the generous support of her community that making a difference in the world is important and is the right thing to do.
Donated items will be shipped to Oklahoma just in time for the classrooms as the students return back to school at the end of August. Air Doc-
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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“Mellow” Continued from page 1 customers hanging out on a frequent basis. “We attract a cooler clientele,” says Stefan, as he poured a glass of sangria for Meg, a customer seated at the bar. “Every woman that comes in here will swear by that,” he says, as he gestures towards the freshly delicious white wine and citrus fruit sangria made in-house. Meg shared how she lives in St. Petersburg, but her daughter plays soccer in Westchase. She laughed as she confessed that she and her husband actually argue over who gets to take their daughter to practice, and who is staying home with the rest of the kids. “Whoever gets to take her to practice gets Mellow Mushroom that night for dinner,” says Meg. Meg and her husband are originally from Atlanta, so Mellow Mushroom is nostalgic for them. Meg says that the flavor and atmosphere has not changed over the years, and she loves to come back because it has, “good vibes, good food, and good service.” She smiles as she shakes her head, lost in her own memories. One thing was
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obvious – that her experience at Mellow Mushroom was about more than just the pizza. Looking over the menu, the restaurant does offer more than just pizza, even for those who do not remember the ‘70s. Their versatile list has something for everyone – whether you love pizza, salad, hoagies, munchies, or just stopped by for the alcohol. Family friendly, Mellow Mushroom also has a kid’s menu complete with many tasty options. Along with their tangy, delicious sangria and close to 200 different beers, the restaurant also provides a full liquor bar. For customers unsure of which beer to select, they also let you sample them. They have a combination of microbrews and almost 30 beers on tap, some seasonal. Arriving at dinnertime, the staff was quick to greet me, seat me and feed me. They immediately were able to describe a multitude of their local beers, letting me review the extensive menu. True to his word, Stefan poured me a glass of the fresh sangria and brought me a salad while I waited on the main course. There is as much flavor in their food as there is color on the walls of this chill dinner choice. I started out
with the enlightened spinach salad; a mixture of fresh spinach, dried cherries, apples, homemade candied pecans and feta cheese. I alternated dipping my salad into the balsamic vinaigrette and their signature, creamy dressing, called Esperanza. Now, the menu describes the dressing as “a flavor you’ll never forget,” but I personally thought that Stefan calling it “crack sauce” as he handed it to me was slightly more accurate. It was addicting. For an appetizer, the Bruschetta tastes as beautiful as it looks, with fresh tomato, basil and feta drizzled over toast.
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If you are looking for something lighter, order the Creole Shrimp Po’Boy. The breaded shrimp was tucked into a toasted hoagie roll. It was not overbearingly spicy, yet still offered enough flavor to keep you wanting more. Now, as to be expected in a place with such positive energy, there is only good karma at the Mellow Mushroom. Order the Kosmic Karma for a delicious red sauce pizza topped with sun dried and Roma tomatoes, as well as mozzarella and feta cheese, seasoned with a hint of pesto. One of the more popular pizza items, it is a signature pie at Mellow Mushroom.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
For meat lovers, they have the Mighty Meaty, which also has red sauce and mozzarella, but is topped with bacon, ham, ground beef, pepperoni and sausage. The menu also has many vegetarian options that can easily be transitioned to a vegan order, and includes the option to have gluten-free crust. Since 2005, Mellow Mushroom has created a place in Westchase for nostalgia, local beer tasting, weekly specials and live music. There are also carry-out and gift cards available. Although it is a nation-wide franchise,
locals can visit the Mellow Tampa Facebook page to find out what is going on at their casual yet classy eatery. Mellow Mushroom in Westchase is located at 11955 Sheldon Road in Tampa. Hours are Mon. – Thur. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information or a list of upcoming events please call (813) 926-3600, visit www.MellowMushroom.com, or their Facebook page by searching Mellow Mushroom Tampa.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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“Music” Continued from page 1 to classical, and everything in between. At Westchase Music School, they understand the importance of matching each student with a teacher and Helen and Rick take special care while pairing students with potential instructors. “Our teachers understand how to reach the students on their level to keep them both interested and motivated,” added Rick. The music instructors at Westchase Music School are highly qualified, and a majority of their teachers have achieved their Masters in Music. Helen says, “Most of our instructors have over 15-25 years experience from a broad range of unique backgrounds. Some are Band Directors, and others are current teachers in the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County public and private school systems.” Helen is very thorough in the hiring process and hires teachers that have extensive experience as well as a great love of music. She adds, “This brings strength to our program because some music schools hire those
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Westchase Music School’s Music Technology Lab who simply have a passion for music, but we believe methodology and experience are just as important.” Westchase Music School is unique in so many ways! First off, whereas many music schools only offer 30minute lessons, at Westchase Music School each lesson is 45 minutes and includes a 15-minute interactive lab that allows the student to explore ex-
clusive music technology. The lab portion of the session also provides facts about music history, composer knowledge, and instrument identification, and keeps a personal record of the students’ progress and their understanding of music methodology. The labs are age-appropriate and are focused on specific learning techniques suitable for each age group. Second,
Westchase Music School uses only high-quality acoustic instruments, allowing the student to truly experience and appreciate the real instrument. Third, students are enrolled on a monthly basis so there is no long-term contract. Finally, many families are concerned with the expense of having to purchase an instrument for their child to take lessons; not an issue here – Westchase Music School provides instrument rentals through the Music and Arts Rental Program. Instruments can be rented for as little as $6.75 a month and they also offer a rent-to-own option. Once enrolled, you will not be disappointed in both the affordability and accessibility of lessons and the musical environment is both welcoming and inspiring to all who enter. Taking lessons at Westchase Music School has many great advantages, and students are more motivated to learn when surrounded by others who share in their excitement. They also provide free Saturday morning ‘master classes’ that are offered to all enrolled students. These classes are designed to inform students about the practical side of playing an instrument. Topics covered in these classes include how to string a guitar,
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homes and share their gifted musical talents. They also would like to become involved in public and private schools in the area and welcome any opportunity to visit and speak with students about music.
cleaning of instruments, etc.
Music Marathon So maybe this all sounds great to you, but still your child is not sure what instrument they would like to play? Why not set your worries aside and take advantage of a unique program called Music Marathon. Created as a ways for students to try out a variety of different instruments, students choose four of any of the instrument lessons available at the school and explore one a week for four weeks. Following the program, students will have a better understanding of what they want and can then choose their favorite to continue in a private lesson setting. This is a terrific way to introduce a variety of musical instruments to a student that is undecided and it is also beneficial to the parents who would really like their child to play a specific instrument. This way they choose something they really like and anxiety takes a back seat! The Music Marathon Class is also available to adult students.
Pre-K Music Program Westchase Music School also offers an incredible Pre-K Music Program for groups of children ages 3 –
5. This program is nationally accredited for Pre-School Music by MENC. When younger students begin in this setting, it sets a foundation for a smooth transition into private lessons. Using real acoustic instruments, the focus of this program is on reading music and music teaching and the PreK class performs at all recitals, which is something unique to Westchase Music School. Convenience – families are welcome to enroll up to 4-5 children or family members (including mom or dad) to take lessons all at the same time. Westchase Music School understands that parents are busy – driving their kids around – and, with 15 teachers on staff, they make it convenient for any parent to enroll all their kids in private lessons at the same time with different teachers, saving parents
time. Westchase Music School also has a family discount for enrolling more than one family member and each newly enrolled student receives a free music tote. Currently they are working on a scholarship fund for both enrolled students and students in the public school system. “It is important to us that we are not just a business within the Westchase community, but that we truly become a part of it,” says Rick. Starting in October, music students will travel to local nursing
Westchase Music School welcomes you to stop by any time for a walk around tour. They are centrally located in the heart of Westchase, on the corner of Countryway Boulevard and Citrus Park Drive near the Upper Tampa Bay Public Library at 11301 CountryWay Blvd in Westchase. They have 3 different and easy ways for anyone to register for lessons – online via their website, by phone and in person. For more information or to check out weekly promotions please call (813) 925-0102, visit their website at www.WestchaseMusicSchool.com or their Facebook page.
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100 Years Young at Heart On Sunday, June 9th, Weinberg Village residents celebrated the birthdays of three centenarians, whom at 100(+) years are still “young at heart”; Ruth Pross (100 on May 27), Ruth Sklar (103 on June 3) and Edythe Kessler (103 on June 15). Residents enjoyed a birthday party in honor of the three women to celebrate their milestones, complete with music, entertainment, and, of course, a large birthday cake.
Ruth Pross Ruth has lived at Weinberg Village for a little over three years. When asked about her longevity, she said, “God is good to me, He keeps me going. Being here at Weinberg has been wonderful because I am closer to my son and daughter-in-law, the staff is very helpful, and there are many activities to choose from every day.” Ruth was born in Brooklyn (Borough Park), New York in 1913. She took business classes throughout high school and later worked as a bookkeeper for many years before marrying Irving Pross in 1945. Ruth and Irving met through family and friends in 1940 before Irving was deployed overseas for WWII. The two fell in love and maintained a long distance relationship.
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When Irving returned in 1945, the couple was happily married less than thirty days later. After leaving Ruth Pross with Son New Ron Pross York in 1975, the Pross’ headed to Florida where they raised their family and continued to enjoy the journey toward their 58-year marriage. Ruth and Irving were blessed with two children, Ron and Arthur (who unfortunately passed away at a very young age); three grandchildren: Adam, Rachel, and Seth; and six great grandchildren: Benjamin, Dahlia, Jonah, Rena, Dante, Clara; a seventh one is on the way.
Edythe Kessler Edythe Kessler was born June 15, 1910 in Fort Valley, Georgia before moving with her family to Clermont, FL. While in Clermont, she worked for
the family business, Kessler’s Department Store, and continued to work there even after she married the late Simon Kessler in 1935. The two met through family when they were young and Simon asked her to a dance when they matured. The rest was history. Three children later, the couple moved to South Tampa in 1948 and became long time members of Congregation Schaarai Zedek. Simon and Edythe always felt blessed by their family of three children: Beverly, Jean, and Martin; three grandchildren: Andrew, Lori, and Jim; and four great grandchildren Michael, Sam, Ryan, and Rachel. “Mom always had an open door policy and on weekends, family would come from different areas to visit,” reminisced Edythe’s daughter Beverly during a recent family birthday celebration. “As soon as they got there, Mom was already defrosting food and cooking for the family. In Edythe Kessler with fact, our cousin just great grandson, referred to Sam Fruit
her as the ‘family treasure’ and that’s the truth.” Through the years, Edythe loved the arts, as well as knitting, baking, cooking and playing the piano. While at Weinberg Village, Edythe can still be found playing the piano for other residents when she is not busy reading a good book or taking long daily walks down the hallways to stay in shape. After being asked about the values she lives by, Edythe answered, “I have enjoyed my life and family. I believe in God and in helping people. We should share what we have. When people are hungry we should feed them. Those are the values I have passed on to my children.”
Ruth Sklar Ruth Sklar was born the youngest of six children in New York City on June 3, 1910. Ruth’s advice to the next generation is, “Be a good person and be nice to everybody. If you do that, you’ll have a great life. It’s what I did and now I thank God every day for being alive and still of sound mind!” Ruth was invited to a local social club event in 1934 where she met her future husband, Abraham Sklar. The two married and went on to have three children: Sherman, Joseph, and Gail; six grandchildren: Kerri, Jamie, David, Michael, Aaron, and Evan; and thirteen great grandchildren: Alexander, Carli,
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Sadie, Ryker, Tayla, Adam, Jenna, Jordan, Darryn, Elijah, Asher, Levi, and new born baby, Reyna. Ruth was a stay-at-home mom until her Ruth Sklar children grew older, when she went to work for the City of New York as a civil service Proctor and derived much joy from this career. When Abe retired, the couple moved to Delray Beach where they spent many happy years enjoying the Florida lifestyle until Abe passed in 1996. Ruth’s son Sherman commented, “Ruth can attribute her long and happy life to good health, love of family, and positive attitude that allows her to get along with everybody. Ruth has been a resident of Weinberg Village for almost 7 years and loves the food, staff and activities. Even at 103, she stays busy with all her activities and many friends making it difficult to reach her by day.”
About Weinberg Village The mission of Weinberg Village is to enhance the quality of life of their residents by providing quality care in a homelike environment sensitive to Jew-
ish culture and values. While three people over 100 “years young at heart” reside at Weinberg Village, there are residents as young as 75. Weinberg Village specializes in providing care for every age and stage of one’s life – from independent to those looking for health and wellness services. Weinberg Village offers a full complement of services including assisted living residence with an independent style, customized health & wellness plans, medication management, assistance with personal care, 24 hour on-site wellness staff, on-site rehabilitation services, transportation to doctor appointments, kosher meals, laundry & housekeeping service, cultural, social & recreational activities, and secure memory care. Weinberg Village features private studios, one bedroom residences complemented by a host of amenities, including a salon and a Jewish Community Center; all on a 21 acre gated multigenerational campus. Assisted Living Facility License #: 08679. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation.
Weinberg Village Assisted Living Residences is located at 13005 Community Campus Dr. in Tampa. For more information about Weinberg Village’s programs and services please call (813) 969-1818 or visit us on the web at WeinbergVillage.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
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SEPTEMBER 2013
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 or Visit NeighborhoodNewsFL.com Westchase Area Neighborhood News