Vol. 4, Issue 10, October 2015
Your neighborhood. Your magazine. ® The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 15,000 Homes In Citrus Park, 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 Fawn Lake • 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
Smile with Confidence at Mangrove Bay Dentistry
See “Mangrove Bay” on page 20.
Licensed Massage Therapist Karla Barkdoll
Massage is a universal language that has been “spoken” for centuries in every region of the globe, and it has many benefits including the ability to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, and aid in relaxation. For many people, massage is a rare treat that they look forward to at the spa or as an experience during their vacation. Others use massage on a regular basis to help with chronic pain, reduce inflammation or to help heal after an injury. Whatever your reason for wanting a massage, Barkdoll Massage Therapy makes it easy, affordable and best of all, Barkdoll comes to you. Barkdoll Massage Therapy, which is an entirely mobile-based massage
business, is based in the Trinity area and is owned and operated by Licensed Professional, Karla Barkdoll, who has been in the massage industry since 2001. Serving Trinity and the surrounding communities, Barkdoll Massage Therapy is completely different in that it takes all of the stress out of your massage experience by bringing it straight to you. No traffic, no stress, just pure relaxation where you feel most comfortable! Originally from a small town in central Pennsylvania, Karla moved to Baltimore where she trained at the Baltimore School of Massage. Licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Florida, Karla is a member of the American See “Barkdoll Massage” on page 14
Local Pageant Contestant........3 Community Calendar & News Briefs.............................4 Penguin Pretzel Factory.........6-7 Dance Excellence................8-9 Sewing Center of Tampa Bay......................10-11 Under Armour Flag Football.......................16 Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award............18-19
ECRWSS
By Julie Kanehl
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Postal Customer
Barkdoll Massage Therapy, Where the Massage Comes to You
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Offering gentle, compassionate dental care in a welcoming friendly environment, Mangrove Bay Dentistry is your local dental office! From routine checkups and cleanings to full mouth reconstruction, Toan Tran, DMD provides his patients with exceptional dental care in all facets of general dentistry! With over 14 years of experience working in Tampa Bay, and 6 years at the same location on the corner of Hillsborough Ave. and Race Track Rd., Dr. Tran has established himself as a leading dentist in the area, serving patients of all ages, from children as young as one years old to adults and seniors. So whether you are just beginning the routine of proper dental hygiene, or have been taking care of your teeth for over 80 years and are looking for ways to maintain good oral health, Dr. Tran can help ensure you have a healthy smile for many more years to come! At Mangrove Bay Dentistry they understand you
have many different options for dentists in the area, and they might all offer the same services, but what really sets their practice apart is the individualized attention and quality customer service that you will receive here at their office. You are more than just a patient, you are part of the family – and that is exactly how you will be treated, whether you are new to their practice or have been a patient for many years. When hiring staff and employees Dr. Tran is very particular with whom he brings onto his team; he only hires staff who share his same values and principles; those who really understand the importance of quality customer service. “Our focus is on our patients and the customer service that we can provide them,” says Dr. Tran. “We customize their treatments to what they need rather than what insurance is dictating. We genuinely care about our patients and their wellbeing. When our patients leave here we want them to feel a sense of ‘wow’; we make it so they actually enjoy
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Alexis Selby
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Local Tampa Student to Compete in National All-American Miss Princess Pageant! Philanthropist and local sevenyear-old MarianaLynn Togado surely is representing Tampa well! As a National American Miss Florida, State Finalist, Princess division, MarianaLynn will be competing this November in the National All-American Miss Princess Division in Disneyland, California.
About MarianaLynn Born, June 20, 2008 MarianaLynn is only seven years old, yet already has big aspirations. As a National American Miss Florida, Princess division, State Finalist she hopes to gain opportunities in modeling, acting and print media.
Her Awards Include: • National American Miss Florida State Finalist, Princess Division, 2nd runner up, among 106 contestants on July 18-18 2015. • National American Miss Princess Optional Contest: Most Promising Model – 1st runner up Photogenic – 2nd runner up
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: alexis@nnlflorida.com
Casual Wear – 3rd runner up • Spirit of America Award • Art Contest Winner • Filipino Festival Parade, Best in Gown winner, April 5-6, 2015. MarianaLynn’s talents include singing, dancing, modeling, swimming and acting, including experience as a TV weather forecaster and actress in a TV Cereal Commercial. Giving back to her community is very important to MarianaLynn and she is well known in the area for her charitable work. She aims to help people both locally and worldwide, whether she is volunteering at soup kitchens feeding the homeless or helping to raise money for underprivileged children in the Philippines. More recently, MarianaLynn set up a fashion jewelry sale to earn money to donate to charity – this is something she thought up all by herself. As you can see, MarianaLynn certainly does have a bright future ahead of her. So let’s wish her luck as she represents Tampa this November in Disneyland, California!
© 2015 Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Jared Nager Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker
Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach
Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Community Calendar & News Briefs Mah Jongg Lessons At The JCC If you have always wanted to learn the ancient Chinese table game, now is the time! Please join for an exciting Mah Jongg series hosted by Vicki Solkin!! The session begins Tuesday, October 27 and runs through Tuesday, November 24 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. The cost is $20.00 per session for members and $25.00 per session for non-members. For more information, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.co m or call (813) 769-4724.
Paw Print Hearts Hosts Doggie Day Spa On Sunday, September 20th, Paw Print Hearts, a local nonprofit (501 (c)(3) animal rescue, held a Doggie Day Spa for their dogs in boarding as they wait patiently for their loving, forever homes. The Doggie Spa Day is all about pampering these dogs (who were saved from being euthanized) to make them feel good and look great for meet and greets with potential
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adopters. If you would like to help with the pampering process for future doggie day spa events, Paw Print Heart volunteers are looking for donations of grooming items including waterless and regular shampoo, wipes, and treats for their dogs. The rescue also runs a weekly Dog Walking and Socialization Program for their boarding dogs who enjoy individual attention, walks, playtime and training from volunteers. The dogs are in need of donated items such as Kongs, Frisbees, leashes, bandanas and collars to make this a fun and successful program. Paw Print Hearts frequently host doggie day spa events, for information on their next upcoming event or to volunteer please visit www.PawPrintHearts.com or contact ourpawprinthearts@gmail.com. Donations can be dropped of at Petville, 11405 E Broadway Ave, Seffner, Fl 33584 (813) 438-5923 and monetary donations can be be made to Paypal account pawprinthearts@gmail.com or by check to: Paw Print Hearts, 13046 Race Track Rd. Ste 145, Tampa, Fl
33626. Please contact ourpawprinthearts@gmail.com for more information. All Paw Print Hearts dogs (and kittens) can be viewed on their Facebook or website www.PawPrintHearts.com.
Toast of Tampa Show Chorus Announces 20152016 Performance Season Toast of Tampa is pleased to announce its upcoming fall winter season shows, beginning with the Nov 14 Standing Room Only annual show at USF’s Music Concert Hall, Tampa campus. Two performances at 3pm and 7pm will highlight what Tampa's140 singers and dancers will put on stage at International Convention in Las Vegas on Oct 6-10. Special guest quartet Throwback, men’s 2015 5th place medalist, will also join in the a cappella fun. For tickets, contact Ellen at: epeck@tampabay.rr.com or 813-294-3226. To place an ad or help sponsor the show, contact Rosa at: rmaulini@gmail.com or 305-8788573. Your welcomed ads and sponsorships will also be presented in the
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beautiful programs of the chorus’ winter showbooks. That’s a 4-theprice of 1 deal in support of community arts in Tampa! 2016 concerts include: Feb 21, 2016 at New Covenant United Methodist Church, The Villages, 6pm, including an appearance by the Heralds of Harmony Mar 13, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, 7pm, sharing the stage with the Heralds of Harmony men’s chorus Please “Like" them on Facebook and visit their website at toastoftampa.org for updates on new bookings. Visitors are always welcome at Tuesday night 7-10pm rehearsals at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St. Correction: In last month’s issue in the article for Lowe’s, the financing options were incorrectly stated. Financing options are as follows: 6, 12, and 18 MNI, NOT 6, 8, and 12 as originally stated. In addition, it was noted saying their current slogan is “Helping Customers Love Where They Live” when in fact this is not their slogan. Sorry if this caused any confusion.
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Enjoy Mouth Watering Deliciousness At Penguin Pretzel Factory in Oldsmar! By Alexis Selby If you are looking for the ultimate foodie experience, than you have to check out Penguin Pretzel Factory on Tampa Road! Baked fresh to order all day long, the warm doughy pretzels at Penguin Pretzel Factory will have you hooked in just one bite! From yummy twisted pretzels to mouth watering stuffed pretzel sandwiches and desserts, Penguin Pretzel Factory is so more than just your average “pretzel shop”. They offer a variety of delicious options, so whether you just popped in for a quick bite on your lunch break or have come for a nice family meal, Penguin Pretzel Factory has something for everyone to enjoy! “We are pretzelologists,” says owner Suzy, who runs the restaurant alongside her husband Nick. “To me that means really believing in what we have to offer. We absolutely love our dough and our goal is to take our recipes and create something beautiful and delicious!” Starting with a dream, Suzy prayed hard one night and the idea just popped into her head. Soon after she and her husband Nick took that idea and made it a reality. And, what started as a hobby soon grew into one of the fasted growing trends in Tampa Bay food culture. “Our life was hectic and Nick and I were thinking about ways that we could start a business and spend more time together as a family,” says Suzy. I just remember waking up one morning wanting a change. I woke up with an idea – pretzels! For the next six months I started baking nonstop, coming up with different recipes and ideas until finally I found the perfect dough recipe.” And that it is; their dough really is incredible!
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Although they are new to this location, opening just over a month ago, Penguin Pretzel Factory is not new to the business. They actually started by selling their pretzels at both MOSI and Busch Gardens over many years ago. As you can imagine their pretzels were a huge hit; this sparked the idea to open up a storefront. Since opening their original location two years ago in Trinity, Penguin Pretzel Factory has seen a tremendous support from people in the community who absolutely love their food! Because of this increased customer demand, Suzy and Nick decided to open this second location to better serve Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. And, just like the original, this location has quickly gained a huge following. All it takes is one visit and you will become a customer for life! “We have customers that come from all over Tampa Bay, including those who drive from as far away as Ocala, Sarasota, Gainesville and Brandon,” says Suzy. “We are doing something that no one else is doing. We offer a completely different food expe-
rience, unlike anything you have encountered before.” A cross between a NY street pretzel and the famous “mall pretzel” Suzy’s secret dough recipe is the driving force behind the success of their business! Used in all of the items on their menu, from the stuffed sandwiches and desserts to the twisted pretzels, their dough has just the right amount of sweet and savory that truly makes their food one-of-a-kind! Every Wednesday they also offer gluten-free pretzels. Suzy asks that if you are planning on ordering this option to please give her advanced notice (if possible, call the day before) so she knows how much gluten-free dough to prepare. Accompanying the stuffed pretzels, Penguin Pretzel Factory has a variety of gourmet homemade dipping sauces, including cucumber dill, nacho cheese, marinara, bleu cheese, honey mustard, ranch, and buffalo. On my last visit Suzy and Nick brought out a bunch of different stuffed pretzels for me to sample, including my personal favorite, their Buffalo Chicken and Cheese – also known as The Endangered (everything is named after penguin-related terms). With crispy buffalo chicken dipped in their homemade buffalo sauce, and white American cheese stuffed inside a pretzel, wow was it good! With just the right amount of doughy pretzel, and fresh, tender chicken, this sandwich was really, really tasty! Another customer favorite, and a must-try menu item, is their Cubanstuffed pretzel, featuring slow roasted pork and ham (which they roast inhouse) marinated in their homemade Mojo sauce, as well as authentic Cuban spices, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. You could taste the freshness of
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the meats, and the flavor and spices used really enhanced the flavor of this pretzel, making it one of the best – and certainly the most unique – Cubans I have ever had. After trying their food I can easily see why they have been voted among the top restaurants in Tampa Bay on Trip Advisor for the past few years, and have recently received a 2015 Certificate of Excellence. In addition to their pretzel twists, which you can get salted, unsalted, cinnamon-sugar or everything, other great options include BBQ pulled pork, Steak Bacon & Cheese, Pepperoni & Mozzarella, Meatball Marinara, and more. They also have pretzel dogs – hot dogs wrapped in dough – as well as pretzel pizzas, where you have the option of choosing your crust – cheese stuffed, salted, buttered or parmesan – and your toppings – extra cheese, pepperoni, ham, bacon, salami and buffalo chicken. They have a selection of vegetarian options as well, including their Spinach and Feta – a Greek favorite combining chopped spinach, feta cheese and scallions served with their homemade cucumber dill dip – and their Roasted Veggie, made with roasted eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, onions and tomatoes seasoned with olive oil and garlic. Suzy and Nick are constantly coming up with new ideas and different specialty pretzels. Starting October 15 and running through Christmas their newest special is Thanksgiving Dinner in a Pretzel. Featuring sliced turkey, stuffing, and gravy served alongside a cranberry dipping sauce, I can only imagine how fantastic this pretzel is going to taste! I will definitely be back to try it! Have a sweet tooth? Penguin Pretzel Factory offers a tantalizing selection of stuffed pretzel desserts, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter, milk chocolate, Oreo, apple pie, Nutella and blueberry. Oh and did I mention they have a Snickers one as well? Made with an entire Snickers bar baked inside a pretzel, yes, this dessert is as amazing as it sounds! Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Made with an entire Snickers bar baked inside a pretzel, this dessert is as amazing as it sounds! A really unique idea for small groups – reserve Penguin Pretzel Factory outside normal business hours and come in and learn how to make stuffed pretzels. “We have done this with elementary school children as well as different nursing homes, and it has been a lot of fun,” says Suzy. “We teach them how we make our pretzels and they get to create their very own
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pretzel to take home.” Looking to plan your next party? Make a great impression with party platters from Penguin Pretzel Factory. Whether it be a Christmas party, birthday celebration or office gathering, Penguin Pretzel Factory’s mini stuffed pretzels are sure to be a hit amongst guests and are the perfect bite size that can easily be enjoyed while mingling with guests. Combining their love for pretzels and passion for customer service, Suzy and Nick truly have brought an amazing concept to the Tampa Bay area. If you have yet to visit Penguin Pretzel Factory in Oldsmar, I suggest you come in today and see what all the hype is about! Nick says, “It’s not just food, it’s an experience!” In the near future, Penguin Pretzel Factory will be doing a weekly kids eat free special, date TBD. Stay updated by visiting their Facebook page. Penguin Pretzel Factory is located at 4022 Tampa Rd. in Oldsmar. They are open Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. They are closed Sun. and Mon. For additional information please call (813) 925-9771, visit their website at www.PenguinPretzels.com or their Facebook page by searching Penguin Pretzel Factory.
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Dance Excellence Ballroom – Creating Community in Tampa Bay! By Deborah Bostock-Kelley It is Dance Excellence Ballroom owner Stefan Dobrev’s goal to get people off of the couch watching Dancing with the Stars and into his ballroom to create their very own dancing adventure. “Instead of watching what other people are doing and saying oh, I wish I could do that, you need to do it,” said Stefan. “People think with ballroom dancing you have to compete, but actually only 10 to 20% of students in the dance studio compete. The majority does dance for fun, health, and exercise. It teaches you how to communicate with a partner and shows you how to work together. It’s a great date night activity for couples who want to bring that flame back up.” Dobrev, a dancer since the age of 7 and a Bulgarian National Dance Champion, prides himself of having a studio both his students and instructors enjoy coming to. Eight full-time instructors, and a ninth coming on by year’s end, are not only certified, but are required to participate in continu-
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ous education, with their skills tested every 6 to 8 months. Ballroom students range from ages 17 to 80, and through a structured program, can check their progress, right along with their instructor. Dobrev himself tests the students to make sure they are getting everything they wanted out of their lessons. Dobrev says, “We are trying to create a community. We love that we are growing, and the best part is sometimes we actually have difficulty getting our students out of here; they love being here that much. We’ve been here since 12 o’clock and it’s now 10 o’clock at night; we have to go home, I tell them.” Opened in November 2014, Dobrev is pleased to have created a place where people can meet, form friendships, and find people with similar interests and hobbies. “It’s so inspirational and that’s what I wanted to create – a place where people want to come to – whether they are teachers or students.” At Dance Excellence Ballroom, clients can learn both International
and American Style Ballroom dances, including Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, and Swing. Lessons are available privately or in a group class setting and you don’t need to bring a partner, unless you want to. “What I love about dancing is it is something no one can take away from you,” said Dobrev. “It’s like education. When you learn, it’s not the certification document; it’s the experi-
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ence throughout time that makes you what you are. Unlike hobbies like golf or tennis, with dancing you don’t need a special place. If there is music, you can dance.” When asked if there was ever a person that Dobrev couldn’t teach to dance, he responded decisively. “No. Everyone can learn how to dance, but it depends on the level that they want to learn and how much time that they want to invest, and how good they
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want to be.” Besides looking skilled on any dance floor, the benefits of ballroom dancing come in four main categories: Ballroom dancing is a social experience, as ‘partner dancing’ requires communication and teamwork, and helps create friendships and community. Even some romantic relationships have been born from holding hands and consciously listening and responding to the moves of your dance partner. Ballroom dancing is mentally stimulating, necessitating listening,
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planning, sequential learning and problem solving. According to research, like the 2003 Bronx Aging Study, activities that challenge the mind may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s in older adults. Because ballroom dancing involves precise physical activity, listening to the beats in music, remembering dance steps, and taking your partner into account, it is mentally challenging. Emotionally, ballroom dance helps build confidence and poise, and can help people overcome shyness. And finally, ballroom dancing is as
physical as going to the gym to work out; however, less stressful on the body. “Ballroom dancing is easier on the muscles and joints, but still you get plenty of exercise,” Dobrev said. “It makes you very disciplined because you have to repeat the moves over and over and over again.” On September 26th eleven students of Dance Excellence showed off their dancing and competed in the Tampa Bay Classic at Hilton Car-
illon Park. This level of partcipation in a local competitive event is a tremendous accomplishment when you consider this dance studio has been open for less than a year. Long-term, Dobrev hopes to start an afterschool program for children to share the values he learned growing up in ballroom dancing. “Dancing is about being a gentleman and a lady,” said Dobrev. “The lady has a grace and poise. The man has dignity and is a gentleman. You walk on the dance floor and take your lady with you. You bow before you start dancing. You take her in your arms and move across the floor. You finish the dance and you bow again to your dance partner. It teaches you so many things of how to communicate as a team.” “Dancing is not about knowing steps – it’s a way of life.” Dance Excellence Ballroom is located in the Oldsmar Plaza at 3730 Tampa Road, Suite 7. They are open Monday through Friday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will be having a movie-theme dance showcase on November 13. For more information about group or private lessons or dance parties, visit www.DanceExcellenceBallroom.com or call (813) 814-0099.
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Unleash Your Inner Creativity at Sewing Center of Tampa Bay By Marcy Sanford Whether you are an expert seamstress or a novice who has always dreamed of sewing your own creations, the friendly, enthusiastic staff at the Sewing Center of Tampa Bay can help you find the perfect sewing machine to easily bring your designs to life. Located inside the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store at 12635 Citrus Plaza Drive, the locally owned Sewing Center of Tampa Bay is a dealer for the most state-of-the-art sewing machines available – the Husqvarna Viking. Adriana Stenger went from being a customer 15 years ago to an employee a year and a half ago and is excited to now be the owner of the Sewing Center. She is committed to bringing the excellent customer service that veteran customers have grown to expect from the Sewing Center and is excited to introduce sewing to a new generation of clientele. “We are a small, locally owned business and we pride ourselves on continuing the great job the previous owners were doing for more than 22 years,” says Adriana. “All of our customers are wonderful to work with and I really enjoy seeing teenagers and
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The new Designer EPIC (L) sewing machine has some amazing features, allowing you to make incredible designs and creations, such as the embroidery featured above.
pre-teens coming to take sewing classes or asking their parents for a sewing machine. At the Sewing Center we offer personalized customer service and extended hours so you have the opportunity to look for a machine, design, or class around your schedule.” The Viking Machines you’ll find at the Sewing Center are some of the most innovative and easy-to-use sewing machines on the market today. These state-of-the art machines have been produced using world-renowned
Swedish engineering technology since 1872 and the company has a long history of developing new sewing innovations. Viking sewing machines help sewers transition to the next skill level by providing sewing enthusiasts with unlimited options that will keep them sewing for a lifetime. Viking’s newest sewing machine, the Epic, will be introduced this month. “Viking really listens to their customer comments when they are making updates or designing a new
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model,” says store manager and instructor Deborah Freshwater. “These are sewing machines made for sewers by sewers. They are very easy machines to work with.” The new Epic machine has some amazing features including: - The industry’s first interactive tablet-like screen so you can easily drag-and-drop, rotate, pinch, spread, and duplicate designs. The full color screen makes it a breeze for you to create and customize designs. - The industry’s first cloud-based storage system, mySewnet, is embed-
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Store Manager Deborah Freshwater (L) and Sewing Center owner Adriana Stenger (R) will help you bring your designs to life! ded in the Epic so you can store, access, and synchronize all your embroidery designs across several devices. In fact, you can create a design at your friend’s house, upload it to mySewnet, and it will be saved on your machine when you get home. - An app that will send you updates on the status of your embroidery project so you can start a project and leave the room to do other things.
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- 143 years of sewing experience are embedded in 120 animated and illustrated step-by-step tutorials readily available on this very smart machine. - Intuitive Settings, as with all Viking machines, the Epic has intuitive settings that automatically set everything for you based on the type of fabric, specific stitch, and desired technique to make sewing and embroidery easier and the results better. - Specially designed lighting so there are no shadows clouding your project. - The largest embroidery area on the market – 360 x 350 - and a new large hoop – 360 x 260 - an embroidery hoop that you don’t have to turn! Because of their years of experience and their dedication to their customers, you know that when you choose a Viking, you are going to get the best sewing machine available. “Because our sole focus is sewing, we were able to translate our understanding of enthusiast sewers into an entirely new machine platform,” said Karin Johannesson, Manager of Sewing Technology and Usability for Viking. “Our re-imagined Designer Epic machine tailors the sewing experience around the wants and needs of modern enthusiast sewers. The result is a brand new sewing experience where the sewer’s own creativity can
come to life in new and special ways.” When you purchase a Husqvarna Viking at the Sewing Center of Tampa Bay, you’ll receive classes and they’ll help to ensure that you know and can use all of the wonderful features on your machine. “We have sewing machines for every level, budget, and interest,” says Deborah, “and, we make sure that you know the basics of how to use your machine before you take it home. We’ve had customers who have never sewn before, but because the Viking machines are so user-friendly and because we offer a high level of support, they are able to easily create the designs they want. We offer instructional and creative classes at a wide variety of times so you can find one that fits with your schedule.” “I love Husqvarna Viking because they are always listening to suggestions and making updates,” adds Deborah. “These new machines are going to make a lot of people happy.” To help you be able to easily create the projects you want, the Sewing Center has teachers who are experts in many different areas – there is even an instructor who specializes in wedding dresses. “Our teachers always make the classes fun and informative,” says Adriana. “They are here for our customers whenever they have a question
or need extra support.” The Sewing Center is committed to educating the next generation of sewers and supports Spoto High School’s nationally accredited Career Academy of Fashion Technology and Design – the first to be established in the United States. “I came to the Sewing Center 15 years ago and was hooked,” says Adriana. “It’s amazing how good you feel when you create something. We want to help people find a machine that is the best fit for them and help them learn how to create for life.” The Sewing Center will be showcasing the new Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic on Saturday, October 24. They will also have a Viking educator in the store Friday, November 6 for a very exciting event. For more information and to register, visit their Facebook page or their website www.sewingcentertb.com. Information will be added as plans are developed. The Sewing Center of Tampa Bay is located inside the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store at 12635 Citrus Plaza Drive. They are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 792-1855 or visit www.SewingCentertb.com.
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“Barkdoll Massage” Continued from page 1 Massage Therapy Association, and is Nationally Board Certified. Karla’s massages can be done anywhere – at home, poolside, or at the office. Most of her clients choose the room in their house that offers the least distractions, and there she creates a wonderful environment for massage. She also takes the time to really speak to her clients before their massage to learn more about them so that she can create the best personalized massage experience. Lindsey from New Port Richey says, “If you are looking for the best massage, then look no further than Karla, she is a rare find. Once you have a massage from Karla, you will look no further, that I will guarantee!”
Massage Services that Improve Your Life “Your Health is your Wealth” is the philosophy at Barkdoll Massage Therapy, and that is why Karla takes the time to really find out what kind of massage you prefer, whether it’s a Swedish massage or a deep tissue treatment for chronic pain, Karla’s massage will make a difference in your life.
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Karla offers a wide range of affordable massage therapy styles and packages. If you are looking for a traditional massage, Swedish massage treatments are designed to improve circulation, reduce stress and to relieve muscle tension. This massage is very popular all over the world because of its light, long, and slow strokes that relax your cares and worries away. If you are interested in trying something a little different, hot stone massages use something called warm stone therapy, which is the art of using heated stones in combination with a Swedish massage. According to Karla, the warm stones dissolve muscle tension and induce a deep relaxation. Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic treatment designed to ease the pain and discomfort associated with chronic pain. Karla says, “During deep tissue massages I use trigger points to specifically find the places where the work needs to be done.” Deep tissue massages can help people who live with painful conditions live a fuller life. Another style of massage that Karla offers is sports massage and injury rehabilitation. This style of massage combines the benefits and style of a deep tissue massage with stretching, which can improve the range of motion in joints. Whether you are healing
after a car accident or are suffering from chronic pain associated with a medical condition, this kind of massage can be extremely beneficial. One of Karla’s clients from Trinity recently said, “I have had the pleasure of having Karla as a massage therapist for the past six years and it has always been an enriching and healing experience. She is knowledgeable, professional and a kindhearted person and I have no hesitation in recommending her service. She has hands of gold!” Prenatal massages are a fantastic way to pamper the mom-to-be while easing some of the side effects of pregnancy. Karla uses specially designed massage table pillows that create a comfortable position just for her during this time, so that pregnant moms can safely enjoy their massage. Aromatherapy is proven to aid in relaxation, which is why Barkdoll Massage Therapy offers a variety of essential oils and scents that can be used in collaboration with any other style of massage. Most often used with a Swedish
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massage, aromatherapy oils are applied by Karla during your massage to enhance the massage experience. One local couple recently wrote, “We all have very busy schedules and it saves us time and stress to have Karla come right to our home. My husband has chronic pain and her weekly massages help him tremendously. Whether you just want a great stress reliever or you have a medical condition I would highly recommend Karla!” If you are looking for a fantastic way to improve morale at work, how about offering your employees a corporate seated massage? This is a fully clothed, seated massage that can be done right at the office. This style of massage focuses on the back, neck, shoulders, scalp, arms and hands. What a great way to let your employees know how much you care about them!
My Massage with Karla I am a huge fan of massages. I go every chance I get, but to be honest, that isn’t very often. When I’m not
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busy with my family or writing for the Neighborhood News, I’m like most moms and am usually concerned with everyone else’s comfort over my own. That’s why I was so excited to be given the chance to experience one of Karla’s massages by the staff at Neighborhood News. (Thanks Jim!) Scheduling my massage turned out to be a breeze because Barkdoll Massage Therapy is one of the only places that offers evening massage appointments. It was all very easy for me since I wasn’t going to have to worry about driving anywhere or a babysitter for the kids! On the evening of my massage appointment, I simply picked out a quiet room in the house, sent the kids outside to play with my hubby, and got ready to enjoy my massage. Karla arrived right on time and brought everything she needed with her. A true professional, Karla even wears a clinical massage uniform. Within just a few minutes Karla had set up the massage table and was set up and ready to go. I was really impressed with how quickly the room I had picked had been transformed. Before we started she spoke to me about what kind of massage treatment I wanted, and she asked if I had any injuries that she needed to be aware of. We decided on a combination Swedish and deep tissue massage. She also offered me
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many different aromatherapy options from rose oil to eucalyptus. I felt totally at ease, and while she stepped out of the room, I comfortably got onto the massage table and got settled. When Karla came back in a moment later, she put on what I like to call “massage music,” and spoke to me about what she was going to do before she began. To my surprise, I was even more relaxed because I was at home. I enjoyed the entire hour instead of wondering how many minutes had passed, or wondering about the kids. I felt safe, pampered and well cared for. After my massage, I felt like a softened stick of butter, and I was able to just put on my slippers instead of my shoes! This was an incredibly cool experience that made me feel more centered, and really changed my outlook. I felt great for days and my entire family could see what a difference it made for me both physically and emotionally. I can see that a massage with Karla would be a great gift, which is why I’m so happy that she offers gift certificates, but one of the best parts about Barkdoll Massage Therapy is how affordable it is. I might not have to wait for a special occasion because her pricing is competitive and affordable enough to fit into anyone’s budget on a regular basis. From now on, I’m going to take better care of myself, and that includes
having massage treatments from Barkdoll Massage Therapy on a regular basis. See you in a few weeks Karla! Barkdoll Massage Therapy is an entirely mobile massage therapy business that comes to you. Karla Barkdoll (License # MA47546) is
available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or to request more information about massage packages, corporate events or gift certificates, call (727) 3726389 or email Karla at barkdollmassagetherapy@yahoo.com.
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OCTOBER 2015
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Under Armour Co-Ed Flag Football League Beginning this winter in Tampa is a nationwide co-ed flag football league sponsored by Under Armour and Brothers In Arms Foundation. The flag football league was created to promote a competitive, confidence-building, non-contact football experience for all skill levels. In charge of the Tampa chapter is John Kaleo, former Tampa Bay Storm quarterback and owner of one of the top quarterback academies in the country (John Kaleo QB Academy). John says, “Unlike other flag football leagues, what made me gravitate to Under Armour was the format we are using; a 7 on 7 structure designed to delop each player’s skills. This means there is no pass rush and just a sack count, which allows the QB to set his feet and deliver the ball properly while receivers and defenders can develop the timing needed in the passing game. We also transition the kids from the 6 on 6 format into the high school 7 on 7 game through grade levels, so the 7th-8th graders
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will play under the HS 7 on 7 rules.” When asked what he enjoys most about this league John said, “I enjoy watching the development of our youth in the athletic arena as they learn to compete while still showing sportsmanship. We also want to bring back the honoring of our Champions and rewarding them with medals and trophies, instead of everyone getting a medal for participation. The other thing that is neat about our league is we play our games on Friday nights so we have food vendors and music present for our families. This creates a fun atmosphere for everyone.” With most leagues running on weekends I’m sure parents will be happy with the Friday night schedule and keeping the rest of the weekend open for any other family activities. The league will consist of these core values and principles: • Competitive Co-ed league for grades K-8th • 6v6 format with sack count
• HS 7v7 format for grades 7th-8th • 7 weeks of Games plus Playoffs • 9 players per team so everyone plays • “Friend/Team” request • Online shopping for discounted Under Armour apparel • Food & Entertainment for Families Proceeds will go to the Brothers In Arms Foundation, which honors
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fallen soldiers and provides funding assistance to existing organizations, where the need is significant, with an emphasis on educational opportunities and financial assistance for service members, heroic community servants, and their families. For more information or to register for the league please go to www.uaflag.com. The season runs from December through February.
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OCTOBER 2015
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Trinity Family Physicians Announces the First Recipient of the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award Dr. Amir Shirmohammad and Dr. Stephanie Eldridge appreciate the great response to the inaugural Trinity Family Physicians’ Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. Trinity Family Physicians announced the Award in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles publications in July Dr. Shirmohammad (L) presents Jim Carow (R), the 1st and now the physi- recipient of the Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award, with a beautiful basket donated from sponsor Grille 54. cians are excited to announce the first recipient of the with the IWork program at Idlewild Tampa Bay Making A Difference Baptist Church in Lutz, Jim Carow Award. Dr. Shirmo (as his patients afmakes a difference in the lives of othfectionately call him) presented Jim ers here in Tampa Bay! Carow with a beautiful gift basket doDr. Shirmo met with Jim Carow nated from partnering sponsor Grille and his wife Mary to learn more about 54 that was filled with wine, cheese, the volunteer work they do and he crackers and of course, a gift certificate shared the reason that he and Dr. Elto enjoy a delicious dinner at Grille dridge created the Tampa Bay Making 54. Nominated for his volunteer work A Difference Award. “My wife and I
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wanted to start a program where we could give back for a worthwhile cause,” said Dr. Shirmo. “Dr. Eldridge said right away, ‘Why don’t we give out an award to people in our community who are making a difference in the daily lives of others?’ We both loved the idea!” Dr. Eldridge and Dr. Shirmo grew up in Tampa Bay, fell in love in Tampa Bay, went away to earn medical degrees together and then came back to the area to open a family medical practice and raise their own family. They look for ways to promote good in the community they love and though it has been a busy time for the husband-and-wife team – Dr. Eldridge just gave birth to their third daughter in August and Dr. Shirmo volunteers as one of the team physicians for his alma mater Jesuit High School – they still found a way to honor others who are making a difference with Trinity Family Physicians’ Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award. There were some exceptional nominees and it wasn’t an easy decision for Trinity Family Physicians but
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they kept coming back to one email with a nominee who seemed to exemplify everything that the Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award is meant to represent. Wendy McDonnell wrote, “I would like to nominate Jim Carow for your Tampa Bay Making a Difference Award. Jim hosts IWork out of Idlewild Baptist Church on Monday nights, where he and his team feed, bring hope to and teach those in our community who are out of work or underemployed. The support and encouragement he offers is priceless, but there is no charge for the help or the dinner. “IWork is a safe place to share personal stories and be vulnerable during a tough time in your life. With Jim leading, his team gives advice on interviewing, resume building, networking, having the right attitude and researching to find the best career fit for each individual. Without IWork and Jim, there would be more hopeless people unemployed in our community, that’s why he should win your next award.”
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Nominate Someone for the Next Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award The Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award will continue to honor individuals who make a difference. If you know someone who makes a difference in the lives of others in Tampa Bay, Trinity Family Physicians and Neighborhood News & Lifestyles want to hear from you! Please submit your nominees (and tell us why they qualify) for the next Tampa Bay Making A Difference Award by email at editorial@nnlflorida.com. The next Award winner will be announced in
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the December issues of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. Trinity Family Physicians and Neighborhood News & Lifestyles ask that you please share your thoughts and comments with us on our facebook pages: facebook.com/trinityfamilyphysicians and facebook.com/neighborhoodnewslifestyles. Trinity Family Physicians is located at 1817 Cypress Brook Drive, Suite 101 in Trinity, FL. Log on to trinityfamilyphysicians.com for additional information about Dr. Eldridge and Dr. Shirmohammad.
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“Mangrove Bay” Continued from page 1 coming to the dentist.” Dr. Tran’s goal is to make his patients feel so comfortable with coming to the dentist that they don’t procrastinate. Instead, he wants them to make coming a priority, not only because they need to come, but because they enjoy coming and interacting with the staff. One patient writes, "EXCELLENT experience! I have anxiety about seeing dentists (as many people do), but the staff was very friendly and professional, the hygienist was extremely gentle and thorough. The office itself was very sanitary. Dr. Tran was friendly and took the time to go over my x-rays and explain to me various aspects of what was going on (which is rare for a dentist to actually take time explaining as he did). I wasn't waiting long at all. Afterwards my teeth looked great! I would highly recommend this dentist to anyone who has anxiety or fear of dentists, or just anyone who is looking for a quality dental practice to take your family." Mangrove Bay Dentistry’s services include everything from regular checkups and cleanings to dental implant restorations. Mangrove Bay Dentistry also provides services and re-
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pairs for full and partial dentures, as well as cosmetic dentistry in porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, ClearCorrectTM (clear braces) aligner therapy, and restorative dentistry with metalfree composite bonding and fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns and bridges, and more. Mangrove Bay Dentistry is a full-service, one-stop-office for your entire family dental needs, whether it is cosmetic changes you desire or healthy gums and teeth. Dr. Tran and his staff are very good when it comes to explaining dental procedures and thus patient education is a very important aspect of every visit. By empowering his patients with the proper information Dr. Tran gives them the power to choose what is best for them. “When a patient is knowledgeable and educated they will make the right decision for themselves,” says Dr. Tran. “I don’t try to force them into anything. I am confident that if I educate them enough about their options they will do what is right for their dental health.” What I enjoy most about Dr. Tran is how easy he is to talk to – even when sitting down for the interview it was like I was talking with a long-time friend. And, after reading all the positive testimonials online I can see why so many have chosen him as their dentist. Not only does he take the time to
get to know his patients, but he is really good at communicating with them and keeping them informed about their dental health. Teeth are something a lot of people take for granted, that is until they have a problem. Dr. Tran not only teaches his patients the importance of appreciating the teeth they have, but he also educates them on proper hygiene, as to avoid any problems before they can ever arise. “The thing I love most about dentistry is building relationships with the patients,” says Dr. Tran. “I meet people from all walks of life, all with different experiences and life stories. I enjoy talking with my patients and getting to know them. You never know who is going to walk in or what the day will bring.” The staff at Mangrove Bay Dentistry understands that you have a busy schedule and that you don’t want to make going to the dentist an all day affair, especially if you are just going in for minor work or a tooth cleaning. Dr. Tran and his staff will always respect your time; they want to break the negative stigma that many people have about going to the dentist – thinking that dentists always run late. Dr. Tran says, “We value our patients’ time and do our best to stay on time. We don’t like to make our patients
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wait and do our best to get you in and out as quickly as possible while still offering the very best in dental care.”
Do You Suffer From Sleep Apnea? Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have sleep apnea. A condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. If you are unsure, but think you might have sleep apnea, the first step is monitoring your sleep. Dr. Tran will give you a monitor to take home,
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which will monitor your air intake and heart beat – it is basically a sleep study that you can do in the comfort of your own home. If they do find you have sleep apnea, Mangrove Bay Dentistry can make you your own customized appliance. As opposed to the CPAP machine, which tends to be very bulky and big, their appliance is much smaller than traditional CPAP machines. It is easily transportable and easier to maintain. So whether you need to get tested for sleep apnea, or know you have sleep apnea and want to get rid of your traditional CPAP machine, you can get a less-bulky appliance that can be customized for you right here at Mangrove Bay Dentistry. If you want to maintain a beautiful
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smile and a healthy set of teeth choosing the right dentist is key – it is important to choose a dentist who will look out for your best interests and provide you with a positive, unforgettable experience! That dentist is Dr. Toan Tran at Mangrove Bay Dentistry! Mangrove Bay Dentistry accepts all major PPO insurances. Mangrove Bay Dentistry is located on the corner of Hillsborough Ave. and Race Track Rd. at 13998 W Hillsborough Ave in Tampa. Their office is open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with evening hours available by appointment only. For additional information or to schedule an appointment please call (813) 891-9898 or visit www.MangroveBayDentistry.com.
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