Lutz/Land O' Lakes/Odessa - Vol. 4, Issue 11, November 2013 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

LAND O’ LAKES . LUTZ . ODESSA

Vol. 4, Issue 11, November 2013

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, The Eagles, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes

Cold Stone Creamery in Trinity is the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience By Katie Thomas Treating yourself, or your family, to a sweet, delectable dessert at Cold Stone Creamery in Trinity is always a great idea! Cold Stone Creamery’s dessert cases are filled with delicious and unique flavors of ice cream, traditional ice cream cones, cakes and bite-size goodies that are absolutely delicious! Cold Stone Creamery provides dessert lovers with the ultimate ice cream experience, using the freshest, finest, high quality ingredients available. No two orders ever have to be the same at Cold Stone Creamery, where you choose the flavors you prefer and mix up your favorite add-ins to create your own ice cream dream! Cold Stone Creamery in Trinity, lo-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Helping Homeless Students...3 Community Calendar..........4-5 Community New Briefs......6-7 The UPS Store...............10-11 Christmas Tree Sale........14-15 Area Rugs Direct.................16 Erin Schuleit, RN, Independent R+F Consultant............18-19 MacKinnon Jewelers.......22-23 Dancing With Our Stars...26-27

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

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

Broker Keith Gordon

Dated Material Please Rush!

Are you moving? Would you like to put your house on the market, but aren’t sure where to start or who you can trust? Have you thought about selling the house yourself, but aren’t sure how to get started? Do you wish you didn’t have to give so much commission to Realtors®, when you’re happy to do a majority of the work yourself, like designing and creating an MLS listing and showing your house? GetMoreOffers.Com is the affordable way to list your home, giving sellers the ultimate control

over the sale, and on a site that attracts more than 100,000 buyers per month! All of this while being backed by a licensed experienced Real Estate Company and a Broker who sticks to his guns. This is the new face of real estate. Long ago, when the real estate world was a different place, a Realtor® would be the only one who could find you a listing, but with today’s technology, usually it’s the buyer that ends up finding the home they want to live in by finding the listing themselves online and See “GetMoreOffers” on page 32

See “Cold Stone” on page 30.

The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!

GetMoreOffers.Com is the New Face of Real Estate By Julie Kanehl

cated at the Trinity Village shopping center at the corner of State Road 54 and Duck Slough Boulevard, has been a community favorite since it opened over five years ago. Owner Conrad Hauca took over the Trinity store over a year and a half ago in order to be closer to family and friends. Conrad says, “I have owned Cold Stone stores for the past eight years. I chose to buy this location because it is so close to home and I love the family-oriented community of Trinity.” Conrad currently operates two Cold Stone Creamery locations including Tampa’s Channelside District and Trinity. “I wanted to be in my own business that was going to be fun,” says Conrad. “My

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From The Editor Kim Thomas

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Focuses on Helping Homeless Students and Children This Holiday Season Letter from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office: For many years, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and Pasco citizens have raised donations and gathered food items to help those less fortunate in our community during the holiday season in December. While we are continuing this great tradition of helping out our fellow citizens, we are changing our focus to assist a particular group of citizens who need our support: homeless students and children. According to the District School Board of Pasco County, there are more than 1,700 homeless children in Pasco County alone. This includes those that are “doubled up,” or living in another’s household; living in shelters; or unsheltered. The biggest change with our new focus on helping homeless chil-

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dren is that we will no longer be seeking and providing applicants with a food basket. All of our donations and food will be given directly to local organizations whose mission is to provide support for homeless children and students. Our collection process to support this worthwhile endeavor will remain the same. Monetary donations are accepted and we are also looking for non-perishable boxed or canned food items, such as instant potatoes and canned vegetables. Please do not donate any food in glass containers, which break easily. We are also accepting hygiene items for children, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hair combs. There will be donation boxes placed in the lobbies of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office buildings beginning November 4.

All Donations Must be Received by Wednesday, December 11 We have met with great success every year with our holiday food drive thanks to the generosity of agency members, community groups, area businesses, and Pasco citizens. An example of this support includes the thousands of cans of food collected and donated by Pasco school students and employees. If you can assist us during our holiday food drive, it would be greatly appreciated. By making a small cash donation or buying an extra item or two each time you visit a grocery store, your generosity will help to make the life of a homeless child a little easier this holiday season. If you can help in any way, it will make a difference. Please contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Community Office at 1-813-994-3845.

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

220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2013 NeighborhoodNews & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Jim O’Reilly Editor Kim Thomas Advertising Sales Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Veiga Alexis Selby

Correspondents Alexis Selby Julie Kanehl Amy Paterson Katie Thomas Art Director Dat X. Do Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly

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tisement deadlines. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

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Community Calendar New Tampa Players Presents “She Loves Me” Nov. 8–17 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday––Come see the award-winning, musical comedy that inspired the hit movie "You've Got Mail!" Presented by the New Tampa Players, “She Loves Me” promises wonderful music and laughs! Directed by Clay Christopher; music by Jerry Bock; lyrics by Sheldon Harnick; and book by Joe Masteroff. Location: Play presented at the Crosspointe Church of the Nazarene, 919 Debuel Rd. in Lutz. Fridays: Nov. 8 & Nov. 15, 8 PMSaturdays: Nov. 9 & Nov. 16, 8 PM Sundays, Nov. 10 & Nov. 17, 2 PM Call 813-386-6NTP (6687) or visit www.newtampaplayers.org for tickets or more information Cheval Women’s Club and Jasin Facial & Body Rejuvenation Institute Invite You to Free Dinner Meeting Tues., Nov 12, 6:30 PM––“For a Younger, More Beautiful You”––The Cheval Women’s Club invites local

women to a FREE dinner meeting sponsored by Jasin Facial & Body Rejuvenation Institute at the beautiful Cheval Golf and Country Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd., Lutz. Seats are limited. RSVP by Nov. 8 to MaryAnn Back at maryann.back@gmail.com or call (813) 997-2033. The Cheval Women’s Club is a non-profit social club raising money for local charities through fun monthly events. Visit www.ChevalWomensClub.com for more information. Keystone Community Church Fun Feeds Pasco Festival (Antique and Classic Cars Wanted) Nov. 16, 10 AM–3:30 PM–– Keystone Community Church, located at 21010 S.R. 54 in Lutz, is sponsoring a fall festival “Fun Feeds Pasco” and would like to have 12 Antique/Classic Cars for display. A best in show trophy will go to the winner. The Fun Feeds Pasco festival is a free event for all, to provide awareness for the Metropolitan Ministries donation tent at the site.

If you have an antique or classic car please call the church at 813948-4522 or Walt Bockmiller at 813527-8211 so your car is confirmed into the group competing for trophy. Pasco and North Pinellas Ombudsman Council Meeting Thurs., Nov. 21, 10 AM––The Pasco and North Pinellas Ombudsman Council will hold its November 2013 monthly meeting at Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church, 7120 Massachusetts Ave. in New Port Richey. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Individuals may call Annette Perry at 727-588-6912 or 727-376-2788 or email perrya@elderaffairs.org for more information, or for information on Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, visit ombudsman.myflorida.com. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. Pasco and North Pinellas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council is located

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at 2523 Seven Springs Blvd. in New Port Richey; phone: 727-376-2788; website: ombudsman.myflorida.com. Fun Family Fall Festival Sat., Nov. 23, 2:30–5:30 PM–– Mark your Calendar for The FUN FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL at The Church of the Resurrection, located at 7509 Van Dyke Road in Odessa. An afternoon of traditional neighborhood fun is planned in celebration of Fall for the entire family - from the very young to the young at heart. Everyone is invited to take part in games such as apple bobbing, scarecrow dashes, pumpkin and spoon races, pumpkin tossing, face painting, fall crafts and something called a haystack search. With all those activities you are bound to get famished but there are no worries on that score - The folks at the Church of the Resurrection have this covered - there will be hot dogs on the grill, hot cider and hot chocolate to drink and the ladies of the church have been baking long into the night to make sure there are plenty of their famous homemade cookies. There will be treats and goodies

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for all and they are all free for everyone who comes to the Fun Family Fall Festival. The Church of the Resurrection Presents Pioneer Club Christmas Adventure (Ages 5–10) Begins Sat., Nov. 30––The Pioneer Club Christmas Adventure for Children ages 5 – 10 years will start Sat., Nov. 30 and will continue for the next four Saturdays in November from 3 – 5 p.m. Kids will enjoy crafts, music, games, activities, drama, refreshments, loads of fun, and the awesome story of the Birth of Christ. The Church of the Resurrection is located at 7509 Van Dyke Road in Odessa. For More information, call 877.725.6329 or 813.966.3492 or visit online at www.christislife.org.

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Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team’s Holiday Show Sat., Nov. 30, 4 PM––The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team will perform the annual Holiday Show with pre-show entertainment beginning at 3:30 p.m. so get there early for a great spot to watch the show. This team holds the Southern Region Show Ski Championship title for the 11th year in a row! Acts include ballet lines, bare footers, jumpers, pyramids and more. Come out to ring in the holiday season with their last show of the year! Site is located at 130 Burbank Road, Oldsmar, 34677. For directions visit www.tampawaterski.com or call 813-917-8354 or 727-4809365.

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Community News Briefs LOL Transport & Moving Will Donate Space, Water & Hoses for Your Fundraising Car Wash LOL Transport & Moving, Inc. recently announced on facebook that it will donate its parking lot, water, hoses, and nozzles to any non-profit group for car wash fundraisers. Within minutes, the Mini Bulls softball team reserved the parking lot for October 27th. The car wash fundraiser was a huge success. The Mini Bulls raised money to cover expenses for their team and a portion went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The owners of LOL Transport & Moving are offering their parking lot to non-profit groups, because it wants to give back to the community. With its parking lot located at the premium location at the intersection of Land O’ Lakes Blvd. and Ehren Cutoff, it is the right thing to do. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Month In 1906, German neurologist,

Dr. Alois Alzheimer performed an autopsy of a 56-year-old woman who was exhibiting problems with memory and disorientation. He specifically uncovered two signs in her brain - neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Over 100 years have passed and these identifying markers are the only definitive means of diagnosis. Its origin and cure still remains very elusive. There are a number of drugs prescribed for the patient but they do not offer a long-term treatment or cure. Despite tremendous research advances, this disease continues to affect the lives of over 5 million Americans and their families, with over 500,000 patients in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Alzheimer’s Family Organization’s service area of Central Florida has more than 100,000 patients at this time. As the Baby Boomer generation grows older, it is estimated that the National figure will rise to 16 million by 2030. Currently, one in ten individuals

over 65 is reported to have the disease, and this number increases to one of two at age 85. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization is to provide educational programs, support services and assistance to caregivers, families, and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We have a number of programs and services to help families and they include over 40 support groups, respite care, wanderer’s identification, and other services to ease the burden. The Alzheimer’s Family Organization can be reached toll free at 888496-8004 or on the web at www.alzheimersfamily.org. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Continues to Earn an “A” Safety Rating Once again, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has earned the top “A” Safe Hospital Score from the Leapfrog Group. The score is derived from Leapfrog’s key questions and publicly reported data, allowing for the comparison of hospital safety performance. “This continued high ranking is

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yet another objective, third party recognition of the high quality of care provided here at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point,” said Shayne George, CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. “We are very proud of our staff’s effort to ensure our patients receive the safest hospital experience possible, in a patient centered environment each and every day.” A blue ribbon panel of the nation’s top patient safety experts provides guidance to The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits, to develop the Hospital Safety Score. The Hospital Safety Score is calculated using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. “A” scores were awarded to forprofit hospitals, not-for-profits and public hospitals throughout the nation. Not all hospitals earned an “A. The Hospital Safety Score exclusively measures safety – meaning errors, accidents, and infections. To see the full report go to www.HospitalSafetyScore.org

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Volunteers Needed for United Way Free Tax Preparation Services The United Way of Pasco County Prosperity Campaign provides a much-needed tax return preparation service that is free, individualized, with no strings attached, and volunteers are needed. This valuable, volunteer-driven program exists as a partnership between the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide, United Way of Pasco County, and local financial institutions and business partners. Volunteers receive full, comprehensive IRS training to become certified to prepare simple returns. Other volunteer opportunities include greeters, site volunteer schedulers, and technology/computer set-up assistance. In 2013, volunteers filed more than 7,700 returns bringing more than $8 million in refunds to local Pasco residents and more than $1.8 million in EITC (earned income tax credit) refunds alone! The average income of the taxpayers was just $24,694; EITC and other tax credits, combined with the free tax return preparation service, make a meaning-

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ful impact in the households of thousands of residents. To learn more, please visit: www.unitedwaypasco.org or contact Renee Yeargan at: 727-835-2023. Local Ballet Students Volunteer at an Arts Center for disABLED Children This past summer, ballet students from local dance studios were busy volunteering at TherAbilities Performing Arts Center, LLC. (TPAC), a therapy and performing arts center for children and adults with disAbilities. These volunteers have been dancing from an early age and are now giving back to the community through service in two areas that they are passionate about: dance and special needs children. TPAC is an organization that provides specialized therapy services and extracurricular activities for children and adults with disABILITIES in a therapeutic environment that promotes their participation in these activities. Classes are provided or facilitated by therapists, special education teachers and certified instructors. All TPAC classes are designed to

be therapeutic and take into consideration each student’s individual needs. TPAC’s owner, Lourdes Quinones - a licensed Physical Therapist, collaborates with instructors to create a plan that will therapeutically address each individual’s needs as the student participates in a highly desirable activity, such as adapted ballet, Tae Kwon Do, music therapy, drumming or art. Other services include individual Physical, Occupational, Speech and Music Therapy. Adapted Music Lessons, homework assistance and private tutoring are also available at TPAC. Thus, individuals with disAbilities can now receive the services they need and the social activities that they desire in one convenient location, which is: 225 W. Busch Blvd., Suite #102, Tampa, FL 33612. At TPAC, volunteers enjoy a

unique opportunity to learn methods of teaching and working with special needs individuals, in a context that is both fun and therapeutic. Volunteers are exposed to a variety of professions in the healthcare and education fields that may help them decide whether to pursue any of these careers as college majors upon graduation from high school, which is a True American Teach-In opportunity for them. Volunteers get in-context experience with these professions; which makes the experience relevant and valuable to students. For any information about TPAC classes and services, please contact (813) 344-0960, (813) 494-2643 or email therabilites@hotmail.com. Please visit our website www.tpackids.com for details pertaining to our program and class schedules. You may also find us on Facebook as tpackids.com.

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Count on The UPS Store in Lutz for Easy & Convenient Shipping, Printing and Packaging By Marcy Sanford This holiday season turn to The UPS Store, located at 18865 SR 54 in the Sun Lake Centre, for all your shipping, printing, and packaging needs. Whatever package you need shipped or any project you need printed, owner Anthony Randazzo can help you out. Are you headed out of town for a long stretch of time? Sign up for mailbox services at The UPS Store and you can be assured your mail and packages will be safe while you’re gone. Anthony is expert at helping individuals and small business owners find solutions to their shipping, printing, and delivery problems. Customized Packaging Solutions A precious trinket for your beloved niece, a beautiful vase for your favorite aunt, or a pair of rocking chairs for new parents – no matter the size of the items you want to ship, Anthony can help you out. The UPS

Store has all the packaging supplies you’ll need from boxes of all sizes and shapes to bubble wrap to keep it safe. Anthony specializes in properly packing fragile and high-value items, including antiques, art, electronics, crystal, china, and porcelain. Maybe you’re a small business owner who has an influx of orders you Anthony Randazzo makes life easier for customers of The UPS Store in Lutz need to get out in time for the holidays. With The UPS Store, you can print labels from Parcel Post. The UPS Store can ship and invitations. Their high-quality your office, bring the packages to Anovernight, deliver on weekends, or color and black and white printing and thony and then relax with the knowlsend your packages overseas. And with copying will make keeping in touch edge that your orders will get to your with friends and family a breeze this their online shipping guarantee, you customers in time, making your busiholiday season. can rest assured that everything will ness look like the hero of the holidays. For small businesses, The UPS get there on time and in one piece. The UPS Store has a variety of Store can help you with sales and marshipping options to meet every deadketing materials, large format banners, Professional Printing line and budget – from UPS Ground and posters. You can easily get any Check one more thing off your and Overnight Service to U.S. Postal print item you need to promote your to-do list when you count on The Services such as Express, Priority, and UPS Store to print your holiday letters business at The UPS Store. E-mail a

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In addition to all of these services, Anthony, a Public Notary, can notarize documents for you. And if you have documents that need to be shredded, Anthony can take care of that for you too. The UPS Store has a secure bin for documents and Iron Mountain, one of the most trusted names in the business, will safely and securely destroy the documents for you. Anthony opened The UPS Store in August. He has enjoyed owning his own business and looks forward to getting to know everyone in the com-

digital file to Anthony or bring it in. He can print or copy your documents on any type of paper and bind or laminate them if needed. Plus, The UPS Store offers online printing. You can easily upload, customize, and submit your projects from anywhere at theupsstore.com/print. Then simply stop by to pick up your project. Mailbox Services Mailbox Services are a great business tool for small business owners but they can also be beneficial for individuals who travel a lot or go out of town

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munity and helping them with their shipping and printing needs. The UPS Store is located in the Sunlake Centre at 18865 State Road 54 in Lutz. For more information, please call 813-949-7129, e-mail store6434@theupsstore.com or visit them on the web at www.theupsstorelocal.com6434. The UPS Store is open: Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (with package pick-up at 6:30 p.m.); and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sat. (with package pickup at 4:30 p.m.).

for long periods of time. The UPS Store mailbox services are designed to make your life easier. You’ll get a real street address, not a P.O. box. You’ll also get someone to accept and hold your packages for you – even oversized ones – until you’re ready to pick them up. With The UPS Store mailbox services, there’s no need for you to sit around waiting for a delivery or risk a valuable shipment being left on your doorstep; they’ll even e-mail or text you when you receive a package. The UPS Store also can hold your mail or forward it for you.

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Annual Christmas Tree Sale at Sickles High School Your Beautiful Tree Will Support Students in Extracurricular Activities! By Kim Thomas To me, nothing says it’s Christmas like the heady smell of a fresh cut tree! You can find the perfect tree and get into the Christmas spirit of giving at the Annual Christmas Tree Sale at Sickles High School (SHS). The Christmas tree lot is located in front of SHS at the intersection of Ehrlich Road, Gunn Highway and Sheldon Road. Not only will you find choice trees at competitive prices; your purchase will help fund the Sickles High School Boosters Club. This is no ordinary Christmas tree lot! SHS Principal Jake Russell describes it, “What I like about it is that it’s not a rushed experience. There is no pressure and the trees are displayed so that you can see them. There are at least 150 trees freestanding so you can really see what they look like. You pick your tree, then go have some hot chocolate while they get it ready and you’re on your way.”

Get Photos With Santa! Even better than complimentary hot chocolate, is the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. From Nov. 29th until Dec. 19th, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be onsite every Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., every Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Bring your camera for a free photo session! Just in time for Christmas card photos, the free photo sessions are offered between 3 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1, and Friday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Coordinator Jeffrey McCullers strives to make this an event that people will remember and look forward to every year. “It is very family-oriented,” says Jeffrey. “We want this to be fun and special. So every year, we have a fire and complimentary hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and candy canes. People end up taking their time to enjoy the experience.”

Fresh from the Tree Farm! There are literally hundreds of choices displayed, with fresh trees coming in daily, so you can browse the lot and choose the pick of the Christmas trees crop! With sizes ranging from 2 feet to 20 feet tall, you’ll find your favorite tree here and maybe one

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for every room! The selection includes Fraser Firs, Noble Firs, Grand Firs and Nordmann Firs. There are also freshly made wreaths, roping and garlands for purchase, as well as tree stands. Delivery is available. Select Fraser Firs are offered at an exceptional value: 5–6 foot trees in

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long, full, lush, dark green foliage that has superb needle retention. Sickles High School Boosters needs your support! Stop by and enjoy the experience of picking your Christmas tree this year. Purchases are cash only and delivery is avail-

this grouping are $29 – $34; 6–7 foot are $35 – $45; 7–8 foot trees are $46 – $58; and 8–9 foot are $59 – $79. These are good, fresh trees and they are beautiful with silvery-green 1-inch needles that are soft to the touch; though if you want something to knock Santa’s socks off – they have that too. Trees over 16 feet are special orders. Jeffrey says they usually stock up on a few but these go fast, so if you are looking for a showstopper tree call

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ahead and place your order. Noble Firs are deep green and the branches are both lovely and sturdy. Boughs from the Noble are often used to make fresh wreaths. Like the Fraser Fir, the Noble's branches have good spacing between branches so it's easy to hang ornaments on them. The Grand Fir has a glossy dark green color and is very soft with needles that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Nordmann Firs are the preferred Christmas tree of Europe, and feature

able. Aside from the concession stand sales at Sickles High, this is the biggest fundraiser for the SHS Boosters. The tree lot is in front of SHS at the intersection of Ehrlich Road, Gunn Highway and Sheldon Road.

If you choose any of the premium trees, you can receive $5 OFF with the coupon in the Christmas Tree Sale ad on page 17 of this issue of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles.

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Get the Perfect Floor Coverings Just in Time for the Holidays

Call Area Rugs Direct! By Katie Thomas The perfect way to get yourself in a festive holiday spirit is to decorate for the season; there is no better feeling than walking into your home and feeling proud of how beautiful it is and how comforting it feels. What goes on the floor truly matters when you are trying to pull your décor together and no one can help you find the perfect area and accent rugs to match your personal style like Tony Mogavero of Area Rugs Direct. His customers love the way he completely takes the stress out of finding beautiful, affordable rugs for their homes and/or offices. Area Rugs Direct is a great solution when it comes to outfitting your home with area rugs. If you are interested in updating your home’s look before the holidays, it is still possible with the help of Area Rugs Direct. Give yourself the gift of hassle-free shopping for both rugs and home accents with Area Rugs Direct Accents. This company brings its decorative magic to your home, which allows you the convenience of shopping in comfort right from your favorite chair. From helping you find the perfectly matching rugs and accent pieces, to delivery and complete installation, Area Rugs Direct works with you every step of the way for the perfect finish! Owner Tony Mogavero came up with the innovative concept for bringing the “rug store” to the customer via in-home shopping in 2005. Area

Rugs Direct provides customers with design expertise and a great selection of quality rugs through a shop-athome experience that is like no other, allowing you to see how a rug fits in with your style, aesthetics and personal taste, before you buy! When you have the opportunity to see the rug in your home, you know exactly what you’re getting! Tony’s trustworthy demeanor, friendly attitude and design knowledge are much appreciated by all his customers! Odessa resident Jill E. Cotton had Area Rugs Direct visit her new home right after the family moved in. Jill says, “A total experience. We asked for rugs and received those and so much more! Tony was generous with the sharing of his decorating expertise, offering added suggestions regarding wall hangings, furnishings and paint colors. His ideas were a welcome bonus at the time of overwhelming activity!” With Area Rugs Direct, you can skip the hassle of online return shipping fees, and it takes the guessing game out of how the rugs you choose to outfit in your home will fit by allowing you to see, touch and properly match a rug to your home before any purchase is made. Just imagine, you can actually get the perfect size rugs for every area in your home to match, or if you like an eclectic look, you can choose the right mix of rugs. That is hard to find when you are out shopping and even harder to visualize – especially if you have to go to more than one store. Area Rugs Direct provides an affordable solution to purchasing

Tony Mogavero, owner of Area Rugs Direct one rug or a houseful of rugs, the priceless design expertise and in-home consultation that comes along with service is unbeatable! Area Rugs Direct is A+ rated by the better Business Bureau and an Arated Super Service Award Provider on Angie’s List consecutively in 2011 and 2012. Tony’s friendly demeanor and knowledge is something you won’t find in many places. He has incredible decorating sense and he’s always willing to share design ideas with customers. His passion flows into his

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work, making him a pleasure to be around. Area Rugs Direct always follows up and is flexible in working with your schedule. Enjoy the affluent expertise that Area Rugs Direct provides from their van to your home! Area Rugs Direct, LLC is appointment based and is available seven days a week for customer convenience. Call (813) 505-3174 or (727) 210-0900 for a free in-home consultation. Make sure to visit www.ArugDirect.com for more information and special coupons!

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Erin Schuleit, RN, Independent R + F® Consultant “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together”

By Marcy Sanford “Radiant, youthful-looking skin, Financial security, Being in charge of your own success”––Lutz resident Erin Schuleit was intrigued when she saw a friend’s facebook post about the benefits of using and working with Rodan+Fields products. “I am not a salesperson. As a former teacher and licensed Registered Nurse it was difficult to have those careers and balance my home life. The opportunity to go into business as an Independent Consultant with Rodan + Fields® (R + F) was presented to me one day and the more I looked into it, the more I liked the opportunity that I saw. The products that Doctors Rodan and Fields have created really work to give people noticeably firmer, smoother, flawlesslooking skin. The products are amazing and the company provides the virtual tools I need to create my own success.” Now, only six months after joining Rodan + Fields®, this stay-athome mother of three is a successful business entrepreneur. Stanford trained licensed dermatologists, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields created the #1 acne treatment Proactiv®. What the doctors did for the acne market they are now doing for the anti-aging market. Rodan + Fields® was the #1 selling skin care brand in high end department stores

prior to entering the direct selling market. “Our goal,” say Doctors Rodan and Fields, “is to give everyone access to dermatology-based skincare so they can experience the personal confidence that comes with a healthy, clear, eventoned complexion. We help people solve their most common skin concerns without a visit to the dermatologist. We’ve witnessed firsthand the emotional empowerment that comes from gaining control over acne and other everyday skincare issues such as wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, acne, and skin sensitivity.” All R + F® products are backed by a 60-day money back guarantee. Erin has seen the results firsthand, not just with her own skin, but her children’s as well. “My 20-month-old daughter had severe eczema. We’d taken her to several doctors and tried all the lotions and medicines they prescribed but nothing had worked. Within three days of using the SOOTHE regimen my daughter’s skin was almost completely clear. We saw results that we had never seen from using prescription creams and other over the counter lotions.”

used the REDEFINE regimen have reported seeing a reduction in brown spots, wrinkles, and pore size, and improvements in skin tone, texture, and elasticity in as little as eight weeks. Sun damage is no laughing matter, especially in Florida, where we are exposed to the strong UV rays on a daily basis. While it might be enjoyable to soak up the sun on a nice day, the damage it does to your skin is real. R + F® REVERSE is a simple, fullface solution that tackles the damage brought on by years of cumulative sun exposure. The products exfoliate dull dead skin cells, visibly lighten unwanted pigmentation, improve and brighten skin tone, and defend against further UV damage. For those with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, the SOOTHE regimen is clinically proven to visibly decrease redness, peeling, dryness, stinging, and overall irritation within five minutes of use, allowing you to have a healthy-looking, luminous complexion every day.

Erin Schuleit, RN Additionally, Rodan + Fields® has a line of UNBLEMISH products that penetrates pores to eliminate most acne blemishes before they are visible and to help soothe and treat skin after an acne breakout. All regimens are designed by a multi-med therapy. The right ingredients + the right order + the right amount = clinically proven results.

You Can Have Beautiful Skin The R + F® REDEFINE regimen is a comprehensive skin care solution that defends against and reduces the visible signs of aging for noticeably firmer, smoother, flawless-looking skin. “Preventing wrinkles is far easier, less painful, and a lot cheaper than correcting them,” says Dr. Fields. “Or as we like to say, the best wrinkle is the one you never get.” People who have

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You Can Have Financial Freedom In addition to helping people uncover radiant skin, Rodan + Fields® is helping people gain financial freedom. “When you are an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields®, you decide how much money you want to earn and how much time you want to spend working. It’s a virtual homebased business opportunity with no paperwork, no inventory, and no parties. I love introducing people to these amazing products and the business opportunity,” says Erin. “For me and my family, Rodan + Fields® has provided skin care solutions and a financial solution.” Erin explains how she became intrigued with R + F®, “I started out

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with Rodan + Fields® in May. I loved their products and wanted to make a little extra money for my family. Rodan + Fields® products have been featured in Oprah, Allure, and Marie Claire magazines and on The Today Show. I was provided with the virtual tools to create my own success when I joined Rodan + Fields®. It fits into my life and I am my own boss. As an extra bonus, you can take your Rodan + Fields® business with you wherever you go. So if you move, your business moves with you.” “I would love to talk to anyone who is interested in learning more about the products or about how they can become an independent consultant and join my team. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or full-time business professional, R+F® is a perfect fit for anyone who wants to be control of their own financial success. Rodan + Fields® is launching globally next year so now is a great time to become involved with this successful and debt-free company.” Please visit online at www.eschuleit.myrandf.com for

R + F® product information, and at www.eschuleit.myrandf.biz for information about becoming an Independent Consultant with Rodan + Fields®. Mini facial sample pack available upon request. You may email Erin Schuleit at eschuleit@yahoo.com to find out how you can get the best skin of your life and/or how you can gain financial freedom as an Independent Consultant for Rodan + Fields®. “Like” Erin’s page on at www.facebook.com/eschuleitrandf for updates and news.

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Exclusive Designers & Affordable Luxury for The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion!

Trinity’s Diamond Destination By Kim Thomas Jewelry is much more than the finishing touch to your outfit. Wearing a favorite piece of jewelry is an instant mood booster; it is a way to feel special, even if you are running everyday errands in an everyday outfit. For some, each piece has a story. Jewelry is a conversation starter – just ask about the jewelry a person is wearing and you will hear countless stories of loves, friends, special occasions, personal celebrations, milestones and remembrances.

Jewelry is a way to share, and no one understands that better than Tom MacKinnon and his friendly, highly knowledgeable staff at MacKinnon Jewelers in Trinity. Located at Trinity’s Mitchell Ranch Plaza on Little Road and convenient to the entire Tampa Bay Area, MacKinnon Jewelers offers the best of both worlds. It is such a friendly, neighborly store, yet along with the smiles, handshakes and yes, sometimes hugs – everyone loves Tom, Gail, Debbie, Bunny and Patrick – you will find exquisite jewelry and top designers exclusive to MacKinnon Jewelers in the area. MacKinnon Jewelers is the only jewelry store in the area to carry lines by Breuning and Phillip Gavriel of New York. The beautiful store carries desirable jewelry brands including the prestigious Simon G., the ever-popular Pandora Jewelry, Sylvie, Frank Reubel, and many more including Lashbrook, which is a line of wedding bands where each band is individually made.

There is no better time to see what MacKinnon Jewelers has in store for the holidays than the Jewels for the Cause Holiday Party. Save the Date: Jewels for the Cause MacKinnon Jewelers welcomes you to join their Customer Appreciation and Holiday Celebration Party on December 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. If

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you aren’t a customer yet, Tom invites you to come meet everyone. The party, themed Jewels for the Cause will feature refreshments including beer and wine, Hors d’oeuvres, and best of all – a Phillip Gavriel Trunk Show featuring a magnificent selection of pieces for men and women by this designer. Phillip Gavriel designs are truly affordable luxury; other designers with

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work. I met one of Tom’s longtime customers Edith, who splits her time between her native Switzerland and Florida. She brought Tom a Hermes timepiece that she purchased in Switzerland to have him custom make a diamond (L-R) Gail and Tom discuss a custom creation with long bezel to fit it. time customer Edith, who loves unique jewelry and has Having a Master commissioned Tom to make many pieces of jewelry for her Jeweler like Tom MacKinnon nearby jewelry of this caliber cost two-tois wonderful for customers like Edith, three times more. Even better, as the who loves to wear custom made jewname of the event suggests, Jewels for elry. I noticed her ring, which was the Cause is for a great cause. Phillip Gavriel will donate 10 percent of every both stately and whimsical – a perfect purchase from the line, to be matched match-up for a confident, fun piece. Her reply, “Tom made this one for by another 10 percent from Tom me. He has made me so many pieces! MacKinnon, to benefit Random Acts of Flowers (RAFPinellas.org) a 501(c) I’ve been using him for over ten years and I love his work!” Her ring was (3) charity that focuses on improving truly fabulous, comprised of a very mental health of those under hospital large topaz framed with platinum and or hospice care by refashioning donated flowers into smaller bouquets to gold dragonflies and butterflies. Master Jeweler Tom MacKinnon be given out to cheer those who othhas been expertly perfecting his craft erwise won’t have any flowers from since his first job at a jewelry store. anyone. The owner of a jewelry store that Tom worked at as a high school student in Master Jeweler Tom MacKinnon Panama City, Florida recognized that If you haven’t met Tom, you will he had exceptional talent and encourlike him when you do. Having peraged him to hone his skills and learn sonally known him for many years the art of jewelry creation. After high now and working with him on several articles featuring his store, I know that school, Tom moved to Sarasota and apprenticed for five years with a wellTom MacKinnon is a true gentleman. respected designer named Terry CofHis kindness comes through in his frin. In 1985 Tom began to work at dealings with everyone; his customers and staff love him. Even more impor- his bench performing “trade work,” tant to the success of MacKinnon Jew- which allowed him to do repairs and to create jewelry for stores in his area. elers than Tom’s persona, is his He worked as a jewelry manufacturer expertise at his craft. for four years, and managed a trade The most astute customers know shop for five years before he became a where to take their jewelry for custom

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jeweler for Littman’s Jewelers at Countryside Mall, where he stayed for 11 years. In 2004, Tom opened MacKinnon Jewelers. Tom MacKinnon has earned his Diamond Degree and his Pearl Degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Tom MacKinnon truly appreciates his experienced staff, which includes Debbie Rocchio, Gale Arnold, Bunny Calligan and Patrick Lainhart. “Everybody in the store has some form of formal jewelry training,” said Tom, “They have their Accredited Jewelry Professional Degree from the Gemological Institute of America, or something more. In fact, one of our sales personnel, Gale Arnold, is our resident Graduate Gemologist.” Everybody in the store loves jewelry and can help you find that something that will feel special to you. Working with a customer who said she rarely wears her jewelry because she doesn’t work anymore, Debbie said, “Every day is a special day! Every day is a reason to celebrate and wear your jewelry. Even if you are just going to the grocery store, a beautiful, simple diamond necklace is perfect to wear!” MacKinnon Jewelers has an amazing array of fine jewelry in every style, from classic to modern, and from smart to sassy. Pandora Jewelry fans know that MacKinnon Jewelers has the best selection in the area and if you are a collector, the Black Friday bead will be available in limited quantity, so hurry in! There is a full line of Seiko watches available, but not only that, if you are interested in purchasing any type of timepiece, including Rolex, Breitling, Tag Heuer, or even a preloved Rolex, Tom and his associates can help you find exactly what you desire. MacKinnon Jewelers is the kind of store that people tell their friends

MacKinnon Jewelers has a grand selection of Pandora, Breuning, Phillip Gavriel, Sylvie and more! and family about. Ellen from Heritage Springs brought her sister Linda, who lives in Tampa, to shop at MacKinnon Jewelers. Ellen says, “Since I’ve lived here, Tom is the only jeweler I will go to and it’s because of the personal service. Debbie and Gail are always wonderful!” Pam Ora, who has known Patrick for years, brought her ring in to be cleaned and said, “It’s just so important to have confidence in a jeweler when you are handing over your nice diamond, and you have that here. They are great!” MacKinnon Jewelers also repairs jewelry, re-strings pearls, buys gold, and replaces watch batteries. MacKinnon Jewelers is located at 3132 Little Road in the Mitchell Ranch Plaza. Hours are: 9:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. on Mon. – Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Fri., and 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sat. Please call (727) 375-2262, or visit online at www.MacKinnonJewelers.com.

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2nd Annual Central Pasco Chamber's "Dancing With Our Stars" By Alexis Selby From Salsa to hip hop to line dancing, dancers and local business owners lit up the stage at the 2nd Annual Dancing With Our Stars event. Hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, people from all over the Tampa Bay Area gathered for this spectacular event as local businessmen and women volunteered to showcase their talents as well as business while raising funds to benefit the chamber and its programs. With the crowd filled to near capacity, the audience was surely entertained as dancers shook, rattled, rolled and swung, dressed in elaborate costumes ranging from pirates to cowboys to the Incredible Hulk. To help raise proceeds, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, with the help of star volunteers, auctioned off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for their organization. A percentage of proceeds also benefitted the local dance

community, which partnered with the star volunteers to choreograph and train for the event.

Dancing With Our Stars Winners Perhaps most notable of the dancers was All Smiles Tampa Bay doctor, Joseph Grimaudo, who stole the spotlight and walked away with 4 separate awards, including Overall Star, Best Costume, Most Original and Most Entertaining. Taking part in the winning effort, Dr. Joe was accompanied by Nicole Eppers and Sonia Salazar, who also put on a great show! Robert and Edda Gilbert from Mind Your Busine$$ Now won mostcommitted dancers, actually building their own dance floor in their home to practice for the show, while Tiffany Yip from Get a Group Total Fitness sold the most tickets for the

fundraising event. David Gainer of DigitalBrainz and Ann Poonkasem of AnnPonline.com were tied for most congenial, while Dr. John and Melissa

Metz of Metz Orthodontics were selected for the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award. The best dance award went to Elisabeth Shaner-Flach with Scott Parlett from BallywhoSocial,

and Kelly Mothershead of A Focus on Fitness was named a Shining Star. Practice Manager and Community Liason for All Smiles Tampa Bay, Carla Collier, who is also a Director on the board for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and Dancing With Our Stars Chairperson, put on this wonderful event. With the help of a team of volunteers, as well as stage manager Shelley Acevedo of Broadway Dancesations, and Meredyth Censullo, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, this event was a huge success. The dance professionals who

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helped choreograph and teach the dancers included Wendy LaRosa, Terri Dusek, Gina Marchica, Grace Badillo, Roberto Lira, Tamesis Cruz, Leo Florin, Stacey Enyart, Nicole John, Shelley Acevedo, Hector Quiles, Frank Sliwa, and Richard and Laurie Collett. Backstage artists were Jane Case, Mary Kay artists Ellen Castellani and Lisa Rogers, as well as HairStyle Salon and Star’s Organic Spa. The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit organization whose dedicated business and community partners work toward improving the general welfare in the Central Pasco / Northern Hillsborough area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper. For more information on the chamber contact the Central Pasco Chamber office at (813) 909-2722 or email office@CentralPascoChamber.com. For more information on this event and how to become a dancer in next year’s show, call Carla Collier at (813) 345-8580, or email office@centralpascochamber.com.

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

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

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

. Sat & ing ailable n e Ev s. Av t App

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

1843 Health Care Drive, Building #1 Trinity, FL 34655 (at the corner of Mitchell Blv &Little Rd, behind Walgreens)

Complimentary Second Opinion (D9310) Exp. 12/30/2013. New patient only. Valid weekdays only. Coupon needs to be presented at time of service.

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

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

$39.99 EXP. 12/30/2013. WEEKDAYS ONLY. New patient only. Cannot be used with insurance. Coupon needs to be presented at time of service.

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

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“Cold Stone” Continued from page 1 wife Denise and I first visited a Cold Stone in Channelside. We liked the brand and the idea, as well as the community values that Cold Stone has. We have been really happy with our decision to start our own Cold Stone Creamery. Business has been great and has allowed us to expand!” Conrad and Denise are originally from Long Island, New York and moved to the Trinity community nine years ago. Married ten years now, the two high school sweethearts immensely enjoy living here with their two sons. Denise also is an Operating Room nurse at a local hospital, so she and Conrad strive to make Cold Stone Creamery the perfect place for busy families to enjoy a creamy, dreamy treat. “We gear our stores toward family,” says Conrad. “We have our own family and friends here all the time. We truly are your neighborhood ice cream parlor!” Community-friendly and supportive of students, Cold Stone Creamery gives back to local schools by participating in fundraisers, giving rewards

for student of the month and graduation! Ice Cream Your Way, Every Way! Ice cream in a cup, in a cone, in a cake, ice cream shakes and even ice cream cupcakes – Cold Stone has no lack of imagination when it comes to ice cream desserts! Cold Stone Creamery has been serving creative ice-cream desserts for a quarter of a century. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, Cold Stone Creamery can be enjoyed in more than 20 countries around the world! Cold Stone Creamery’s first store opened in 1988. The name Cold Stone comes from the actual stone that the ice cream is put upon to mix in your favorite additions. The stone is only five degrees Fahrenheit. The freezing cold stone allows your inner ice cream connoisseur the time to create the perfect frozen treat! Make your own or enjoy one of Cold Stone’s signature creations. My favorite Cold Stone signature treat is “That’s How I Roll,” composed of cake batter ice cream with yellow cake, pecans and cinnamon – yum! It tastes better than a morning cinnamon roll. Get in the holiday

spirit with Cold Stone Creamery’s seasonal flavors such as S’mores, Marshmallow or Peppermint. You can bring the family and have a contest to see who comes up with the most imaginative, delicious masterpiece! Cold Stone Creamery does cake and ice cream perAnthony, Denise and their children give fectly! Delicious, moist Cold Stone Creamery in Trinity a thumb’s up! cake layered with your favorite rich ice cream, have catered engagement parties, wedyour favorite mix-ins and your choice dings, local charities and even baby of white frosting or fudge ganache is showers. We can custom-color the the perfect dessert for any gathering. cake pink or blue for a gender reveal at Cold Stone Creamery allows you to baby showers. It is really fun to see pre-order your cakes to suit your how excited people are when our tastes, so call in and design your own truck rolls up!” cake for your upcoming events. There Cold Stone can cater your party are even gluten-free, lactose-free and with a party platter or they will come low-fat options. to your event in the Cold Stone Creamery truck, which is always a hit Cold Stone Creamery Caters! and perfect for fundraisers, large parCold Stone’s cake-pops, cupcakes, ties, festivals and fun events. “We can petite cakes, cookie sandwiches, pies bring our store to you,” says Conrad. and themed cakes are perfect for all Cold Stone Creamery gift certifitypes of occasions. Conrad says, “We cates are a sweet treat! A gift certificate

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Having a big event or party? The Cold Stone Creamery catering truck will come to you to provide ice cream treats that everyone will love. from Cold Stone is a perfect stocking stuffer (hint, hint Santa!). Join Cold Stone Creamery’s e-club and receive coupons for buy-one-get-one ice cream, fantastic prizes throughout the year, exclusive members-only emails, and sneak peaks at new products and promotions throughout the year! Visit Cold Stone Creamery at 10710 S.R. 54, Suite 103, in New Port Richey (at intersection of S.R. 54 and Duck Slough Blvd.). Call

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(727) 816-9696 for information. View the full menu of cakes, party platters and party novelties at www. coldstonecakes.com/menu/trinity and Conrad says, “While you are there, sign up to receive monthly coupons!” You also can “Like” Cold Stone Creamery Trinity at facebook.com/csctrinity to receive news of promotions and specialty holiday flavors.

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“GetMoreOffers” Continued from page 1 through websites that show MLS listings. Clearly, the market and the face of real estate have changed, so doesn’t it makes sense that the way we would go about selling our houses would change as well? Today, homeowners are more hands-on than they were in bygone years, and every penny counts. Selling your home by yourself can be an overwhelming experience, but handing all of the control over to a Realtor® who takes a chunk of the percentage home at the end of the day can make sellers feel like they’re losing on the deal. GetMoreOffers.Com is a safe middle ground for sellers, which gives them control of the process while saving them money. No-Nonsense, Discount Real Estate for Everyone ADDvantage Real Estate, as the authorized Florida brokerage of GetMoreOffers.Com, offers discount listing services all over Florida, from Jacksonville and the Panhandle, all

the way down to the Keys. Co-created by Broker Keith Gordon, who has nearly 30 years of experience in Florida, GetMoreOffers.Com offers discount real estate that can be tailormade to suit each homeowner. Together with Erin Knorr, CEO of GetMoreOffers.com, who brought the amazing software to life, they’ve helped thousands of people sell their homes safely and affordably. Typically, in a full-service listing, buyers have to sign an agreement that states that they will work with one particular Realtor® for a period of time, usually six months, which eliminates the possibility of selling the home themselves in that time, even if a buyer shows up on their doorstep. Also, a 6% commission is generally shared between the listing agent and the selling agent, which means more money out of pocket for the homeowner. The GetMoreOffers.Com advantage is that the seller doesn’t have to pay a listing commission, which is usually a savings of around 3% of the final sale of the house. According to www.GetMoreOffers.Com, with an ADDvantage flat fee MLS listing, if

you are successful in finding a buyer for your property without the assistance of a real estate agent, then you would pay NO commission; just the ADDvantage flat fee. It’s that simple.” GetMoreOffers.com gives sellers “real time” control of the selling of their home, by offering sellers the opportunity to purchase an MLS listing at an affordable flat fee, as well as creating an interactive portal where sellers can manage their listing, personalize it, add pictures and make adjustments to price, and even determine the buyer’s agent’s fee. Gordon says, “Everything happens in real time, seamlessly, and electronically.” Yuri Zygala said, “We just closed on the sale of our home and could not be happier with the results. We chose to use GetMoreOffers.com and ADDvantage Real Estate after a sale fell through using our listing agent. Making this choice was the best thing we did. Selling by owner and being the ones scheduling all showings we made over $15,000 profit above what we would have made using a listing agent. We listed on a Sunday, and had a signed cash

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offer 7 days later. I highly recommend using GetMoreOffers.com for your next home sale.” The GetMoreOffers.Com Advantage Having control doesn’t mean you won’t get the support you need during the sale of your home. GetMoreOffers.com offers amazing customer service to both the seller, and the interested parties, whether buyers or Realtors®. For a flat fee of just $299, your house can be “on the market” and on MLS within 24 hours. Your listing will benefit from premium internet marketing that offers up to 25 photos, a guarantee that it will show on your local boards, will be Showcased on Realtor.com as well as on partnered sites, including Zillow, Homes.com, Craigslist, Yahoo Real Estate, Trulia and more. The best part is that you, the seller, will control everything from the price of your house to when you’re available to show your house to interested parties. Now, if you love the idea of taking that hands-on approach, but

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want the support and backing of a Real Estate agent for making sure that your buyers are pre-qualified, or to know when to negotiate, or when not to, then you might prefer GetMoreOffers.Com’s Professional ADDvantage Program, which includes everything from negotiating to the organizing and preparing all of the legal documentation that goes along with selling a home. This hybrid program is the best of both worlds, and is a huge value to sellers. This program is only $499 upfront, and just 3/4 of 1% due at closing (with a minimum of $1500). Gordon says, “Sellers who go with this program also get me, and I’m a no-nonsense discount broker. I use non-traditional negotiating techniques that save sellers money.” He adds, “I do this because I believe

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that buyers don’t go away after they’ve made an offer. If they’ve made an offer, they’ve already committed to buying your house, so I don’t always believe in countering.” While Keith Gordon also offers full service real estate services through his full service brokerage, Principal 1 Realty, he says many sellers and even full service agents utilize the discount services of GetMoreOffers.com and ADDvantage Real Estate due to the value and extensive coverage of MLS systems throughout the state. (Many agents get listings outside of their board coverage area and look to GetMoreOffers.com to list their out-of-area listings rather than be subjected to the expensive fees to join the MLS themselves.) Since GetMoreOffers.com is affiliated with Frontier National Title

and Patriot Lending, all of a seller’s real estate needs can be handled inhouse, from selling a house, or being approved, to buying a new one. Jurgen Schmidt said, “As a Realtor/Broker at a full-service firm, when it came time to list my out-ofstate property I never thought I would consider using a discount Brokerage agency, but… I’m so glad I did! Keith and his team at ADDvantage were awesome, the service and support were exceptional and they got results in no time! The entire experience far exceeded my expecta-

tions and I wouldn’t hesitate for an instant to use ADDvantage again or recommend them to everyone.” If you are looking to sell your house and save money while you’re at it, try GetMoreOffers.com and experience the new face of real estate. GetMoreOffers.com is open and online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak to an agent or to get more information, please call 1-877-232-9695.

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