WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 2, Issue 11, November 2013
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
®
Your neighborhood. Your magazine.
The Community & Local Business Magazine Directly Mailed To 16,000 Homes In Westchase & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops • Twin Branch Acres Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
He certainly did an excellent job! Stone Chase’s new menu has been getting rave reviews since it came out in mid-September. “We’ve had people from New Jersey tell us ours is the best pizza they’ve had since they moved to Tampa and we even had one lady who said our stuffed peppers were better than the ones she makes at home,”
St. Francis Pet Care Center - “An Oasis of Care”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Delectables Fine Catering 25th Anniversary......................3 Community Calendar.........4-5 Sickles Christmas Tree Lot....6-7
threshold. Always accepting new clients and patients, St. Francis welcomes the public to take a tour of the 7,000 square foot facility. Painted in the waiting area is St. Francis’ creed, “Where there is injury, let me sow healing.” And in their recovery ward, “Where there is GREAT LOVE there are ALWAYS MIRACLES!” See “St. Francis Pet” on page 18
Tampa Bay Contracting....10-11 Dessert First..................14-15 Dancing With Our Stars......26-27
ECRWSS
Located just one mile east of East Lake Road on Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs sits a calm oasis dedicated to pet care and providing the best in health services, grooming and boarding. St. Francis Pet Care Center is a pet paradise complete with a compassionate and professional staff. Working with pet owners to nurture and preserve the health of their pets, St. Francis Pet Care Center practices integrated care by providing the most current veterinarian medical, surgical and preventative care, and optimizing it with complementary therapies and treatments for whole pet health. With over 55 years of combined practice experience, Dr. Amsberry says
that he and Dr. Greene are very interested in improving and using healing methods without always having to rely on pharmaceuticals. “We believe that acupuncture, laser, chiropractic, Chinese herbals and nutrition are highly effective venues to treat the whole body, not just the symptoms. We have realized that there is so much at our fingertips for alternative healing! We are excited to incorporate these alternative methods into our daily practice to complete our traditional training because we can find the best way to restore and optimize your pet’s health and longevity!” Bright, beautifully appointed, pristinely, St. Francis Pet Care Center is truly an “Oasis of Care”. You really feel it the moment you cross the
See “Stone Chase” on page 22.
Postal Customer
By Katie Thomas
says Frank. He added many favorites from his family cookbook to the menu, like the fire roasted homemade meatballs – a unique, mouth-watering blend of ground beef, pork, imported pancetta, parmigiano-reggiano, garlic, and secrets from his family’s recipe.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Passionate about the food he eats and the food he serves, the new owner of Stone Chase Brick Oven Bar and Grill, Frank Mast (whose full family name is Mastandrea), wants to make sure his customers have the most delicious, fabulous dining experience! He says, “Everything we serve at Stone Chase is made with the highest quality fresh ingredients. We make our dough and sauces from scratch daily. We use
authentic high quality flour and top of the line cheeses and olive oils, and we get our pasta from Italy. Our seafood, meats, and vegetables are brought in fresh each day so you can be assured that you are eating a great-tasting, healthy meal.” And, the best part is, Stone Chase’s menu is very reasonably priced, offering you exceptional choices at a really great value! Keeping a lot of the same menu items, Frank revamped other items on his menu that he felt weren’t up to par.
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Marcy Sanford
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
From The Editor Alexis Selby
Delectables Fine Catering Celebrates it's 25th Anniversary! As one of Tampa Bay Area's most prestigious caterers, Delectables Fine Catering is proud to announce it’s 25th anniversary serving exquisitely delicious food throughout the Bay. Celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting at their facility, located at 969 Virginia Avenue in Palm Harbor, many showed up in support of this wonderful familyowned business. Owned by chefs Nick Adams and Jeff Simpson, and run by Catering Director Laurie Simpson, Delectables Fine Catering is a full service fine catering company that specializes in memorable wedding events, impressive corporate gatherings, and elegant parties. “We are honored to be of service to our clients in the Tampa Bay Area for 25 years,” says Laurie Simpson. Delectables has been given many awards of recognition throughout the years, and continues to stay on top, honored with recent awards in the
catering industry such as “Caterer of the Year” three separate times by the National Association of Catering Executives. Also, from NACE, they have been awarded “Best Menu” and “Best in Show”. Both The Knot, and Wedding Wire have also voted Delectables “Best Caterer” for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. In the past 25 years, this chef-owned company has had the privilege of working with local sports teams, and music legends, as well as national and local celebrities. Delectables is the caterer of choice for event planners, catering halls, large and small corporations, and individuals throughout the
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 16,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2013 Westchase Neighborhood News is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach
whole Tampa Bay area. Delectables Fine Catering, Inc. is located at 969 Virginia Avenue in Palm Harbor. For more information please call (727) 781-1200, email director@delectablescatering.com, or visit DelectablesCatering.com.
Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Lenay Ruhl Dara Tucker Erin Aldrich Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do
Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Community Calendar New York New York Pizza Comes to Westchase! Westchasers will be pleased to hear that New York New York Pizza is in town and here to stay! New York New York Pizzeria is already famous in Ybor and the Hyde Park area, so their expansion to Westchase, taking over the old Bruno's Brick oven pizza location, was a no brainer. Be ready Westchase because the true authentic New York pizza is in now open! About New York-style pizza New York-style pizza originated in New York City in the early 1900s, and in 1905, the first pizza establish-
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ment in the United States was opened in New York's Little Italy. It is known for its large, wide, thin, and foldable shape. The pizza is sold by the slice and as a whole pie, and regional variations exist in Northeastern and other states in the U.S. So, if you are looking for authentic New York-style pizza, come to NYNY Pizza today! NYNY Pizza is located at 11203 Sheldon Road in Westchase. For more information please call (813) 926-6969.
Giant Craft/Garage Sale at Openwater Church Mark Your Calendars! On Saturday, Nov 16, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open Water Church will be having a Craft \ Garage Sale Event, with all proceeds to benefit their children’s ministry. Crafter's, if you have items you wish to donate please contact the church, as they will be having a church table of crafts and baked goods. The church is also accepting all of your unwanted treasures to be sold at the garage sale. If you know of any
crafter's or parties interested in selling their wares they will be renting space. Come do your Christmas shopping at their $3.00, $5.00 and $10.00 tables and get unique one-of-a-kind treasures that your loved ones will adore. Much assistance is needed for his event, so if you are interested in volunteering your time, gifts, or talents please sign up today. This event is a great way to reach out to the community and give people something they need and want. The Garage Sale will take place at 15612 Race Track Road in Odessa. For more information and answers to your questions please visit www.OpenwaterChurch.com, call Penny McDonald at (813) 4952056 or Brandi Cowart at (813) 624-3439.
Fawn Ridge Community Garage Sale Looking for some unique treasures or one-of-a-kind finds? If the answer is yes, than you should definitely check out the Fawn Ridge Community Garage Sale, you never know what you might stumble across. Held on Saturday, November 9 from 8 a.m. – 3
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p.m. in the Fawn Ridge community, located near the intersection of Sheldon Road and Citrus Park Drive, bargain hunters throughout the community will come together to seek out the best deals and one-of-a-kind steals. So, come early, because once something is gone, it’s gone for good! Along with the Fawn Ridge Community Garage Sale will be a Fawn Ridge Community Donation Drive, where sellers are encouraged to bring their donations and left over yard sale items to the Goodwill Dona-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
tion Center, located at 9520 Exposition Drive, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. Goodwill gratefully accepts donations in good condition, including houswares, collectibles, home décor, clothing, books and shoes.
Prayer and Healing – Love without limit, Life without fear Join Fujiko Signs, a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing, on November 23 at 2:00 p.m. for a free lecture titled, “Love without limit, Life without fear”. The lecture will be held at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 1310 West Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa. “During this lecture we will explore the relationship between prayer and healing and the universal truth that unifies,” says Signs. “We will talk about how to understand God and how spirituality and childlikeness relate.” The ideas shared in Signs’ lecture are based on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Bible, and as explained in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, including the spiritual sense of the Lord’s Prayer. Signs is an international
speaker and is also a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. For more information please call Brett Engisch at (727) 3310643, email sbrettengisch@verizon.net or visit ChristianScienceTampaSecondChurch.org
"Surviving the Holidays" at Lake Magdalene UMC No matter how long it's been since your loved one died, grief can make the Holidays a painful time. But, Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church is here to help. Join them for an encouraging videoseminar that will help you cope with the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. “Surviving the Holidays” will take place on Sunday, November 10 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Bearss Room in Heritage Hall, located at 2902 Fletcher Avenue W. in Tampa. You can register online at GriefShare.org., or by calling Anne King at (813) 892-2191 and leaving a message stating that you will attend so they will have a book for you.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
“Pippin” Photos courtesy of James Cass and Kerri Kerrick
New Tampa Players – Providing Local Community Theatre Opportunities New Tampa Players is proud to provide local community theatre opportunities and will be showcasing their newest performance "She Loves Me", opening November 8th, at The Crosspointe Church of the Nazareth, located at 919 Debuel Road in Lutz. Performances will run November 8 through Sunday, November 17. “She
Loves Me” is a romantic comedy musical set in pre-communist Hungary, in a small perfumery. You've Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan was based on this story. So, Join the New Tampa Players for some wonderful music and laughs! For more information or to purchase tickets please call New Tampa Players at (813) 386-6687 or email ntpboxoffice@gmail.com.
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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.”
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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
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
mann Firs are the preferred Christmas tree of Europe, and feature long, full, lush, dark green foliage that has superb needle retention. Sickles High School Boosters needs your support! Stop by and
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 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. Nord-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
enjoy the experience of picking your Christmas tree this year. Purchases are cash only and delivery is available. Aside from the concession stand sales at Sickles High, this is the biggest fundraiser for the SHS Boosters.
If you choose any of the premium trees, you can receive $5 OFF with the coupon in the Christmas Tree Sale ad on page 2 of this issue of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Tampa Bay Contracting Company, LLC Building Tampa Bay with Quality Craftsmanship and Trust By Katie Thomas Tampa Bay Contracting Company, LLC serves the entire Tampa Bay area with honest communication, quality products and world-class service. Your home is a place of refuge – the place you and your family can make memories and enjoy one another and why not make it as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Tampa Bay Contracting Co. is a business to trust when it comes to style, design, accuracy and durability when looking to build or remodel your family’s home sweet home. Watching your family grow in a beautiful home is an experience we all deserve to have; Tampa Bay Contracting Co. works to build relationships based on a strong foundation of trust, making your building and/or remodeling project as easy and relaxing for you as possible. Owner Steven Anthony carries on a family tradition of quality craftsmanship dating back to 1970. Construction practices and methods that have stood the test of time have been passed down from father to son and represent the building blocks that Tampa Bay Contracting Co. is made of. Steven’s father, Michael, began building an excellent reputation providing contracting services to clients back in the 70s and since he was old enough to pick up a hammer, Steven has been working in the industry and learning all the ways to success from his father and uncle. Steven’s first job, only job and passion have always been the craft of construction; remodeling and renovating homes to showcase fine quality and workmanship. Steven says, “I completed my first job on my own in 1997 and I have been mastering this business since. I
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Steven Anthony & Christopher Ramsey-Care are co-owners of Tampa Bay Contracting Company, LLC, which is co-located with RCI Flooring on U.S. Hwy 19 North in Palm Harbor can perform and complete work for your home in a timely manner, no matter the size of the job.” With over fifteen years of experience as a contractor, Steven has the techniques and skills necessary to get the job done with outstanding results. He recently partnered up with RCI Wood Flooring of Tampa Bay’s Chris Ramsay-Care in order to expand both businesses and team up to provide the best family-run business and best customer service possible. Steven and Chris have known each other for over eight years. Their wives went to school together and the guys developed not only a great working relationship, but a meaningful friendship. Chris and Steven both have young families and are truly down to earth husbands and dads, working to provide a great life for their own. Because the guys are understand the dynamics of a family, they cater to customers with an understanding that providing a way for
people to build a beautiful home is much more than a career; it is a personal service that deserves individualized attention. Both Steven and Chris agree, “It is our goal to provide the best quality of products and services in the industry. Customer service is the cornerstone of everything we do. We strive every day to provide unmatched customer care that can only come from a family owned and operated corporation. The quality of service we provide to our customers ranks so highly to us that we have hung our overall success upon it. We offer a unique lifetime warranty and have structured payments for all products and services in such a way, that we don’t get paid unless you are happy.” Tampa Bay Contracting Company and RCI Wood Flooring have aspirations to merge into one destination that takes complete care of every customer’s building and remodeling needs. “We are looking to move towards becoming a construction company with specialization in flooring,
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remodeling, room additions, and more,” says Chris. “Our business has grown 15% every year since we opened seven years ago. We are well on our way to fulfilling our great aspirations.” Steven is a fully licensed residential builder, insured, bonded and offers employee’s workman’s comp insurance. Neither Tampa Bay Contracting Company nor RCI Flooring ever uses subcontractors. The conjoined companies actually have ten employees that are all treated like family and are fully and professionally trained in every aspect of their work. Tampa Bay Contracting Company offers all clients a free design consultation. You wouldn’t believe what a difference lighting, furniture, style and design make when it comes to considering renovations! Steven has design experience backing his contracting knowledge that will help you with all elements of your home renovations! The Tampa Bay Contracting Company team always considers the full-room scope when helping you choose the de-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
sign for your home, so you know exactly what you’re getting! The Tampa Bay Contracting Company and RCI Flooring team have the customers’ best interest in mind–– Always. You will never experience a messy worksite, prolonged ordrawnout construction times or lack of progress. Steven or Chris are always involved with the jobs they perform, so you can be assured you are getting the prioritized customer attention you deserve! The guys say they can do it all! “Our only limit is your budget!” With custom designs, outstanding craftsmanship skills and the ability to
order and ship whatever products you want, Tampa Bay Contracting Company, LLC works hard to provide you with top-notch work, excellent results and an overall pleasant experience. Tampa Bay Contracting Company, LLC is located at 33937 US Hwy. 19 N in Palm Harbor and serves the entire Tampa Bay Area. They are Licensed, Bonded and Insured –– Licensed Residential Building Contractor C-10071. Call (727) 234-0650 for Pinellas or Hillsborough at (813) 5697769. Visit TampaContracting.com for more information.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Dinner Can Wait…. Eat Dessert First Dessert First guests can enjoy decadent Girl Scout Cookie desserts prepared by the Tampa Bay area’s top chefs to help raise funds for Girl Scouts throughout west central Florida. On Friday, Nov. 8, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) will host Dessert First to benefit the nearly 21,000 girls and nearly 10,000 adult members served by the council in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter counties. This year will mark the exciting return of the event since it was last held in 2010, and will be the eighth time the event has been hosted by the Girl Scout council. The event, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the InterContinental Tampa, located at 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, will feature Girl Scout Cookie desserts prepared by the Tampa Bay area’s top chefs. This year’s eight participating chefs will use their creative flair to create one-of-akind desserts using Girl Scout Cookie favorites, such as Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, to compete for the judges’ choice “Golden Whisk” and
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Chefs will use their creative skill to create one-of-a-kind desserts using Girl Scout Cookie favorites, such as Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs.
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people’s choice “Silver Whisk” awards. Chefs confirmed for this year’s event are with Roy’s Tampa, The Palm, Columbia Restaurant, GrillSmith, InterContinental Tampa, Datz Dough, Brio Tuscan Grille, and Publix Aprons Cooking School. Dessert First judges are Jeff Houck, food writer with the Tampa Tribune; Ernest Hooper, Columnist/East Hillsborough Bureau Chief with the Tampa Bay Times; and Meredyth Censullo, Girl Scout alumna and AM News Traffic Reporter with ABC Action News. In addition to decadent Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts, Dessert First will also feature hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and live and silent auctions. Auction items include a sixnight Royal Caribbean cruise, an exciting Tampa Bay Buccaneers game package, a five-night stay at the Mainsail Beach Inn on Anna Maria Island, select golfing packages, and exclusive weekend get-a-ways. Individual tickets for Dessert First are $80 per person through Nov. 1; $100 per person Nov. 2-8. For more information and to purchase tickets,
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
visit www.dessertfirsttampa.com. Sponsorships are also available by contacting Terri Costello, development manager at (813) 262-1688 or tcostello@gswcf.org. Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) serves nearly 21,000 girls and nearly 10,000 adult members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter counties. GSWCF receives funding from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, the Hills-
borough County Board of County Commissioners and area United Way agencies. Did you know that more than 53% of all women business owners are Girl Scout alumnae? For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, visit www.gswcf.org or call (800) 881-4475. Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, engage on YouTube, or view their photos on Flickr.
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“St. Francis Pet” Continued from page 1 Dr. Amsberry asserts that the greatest asset at St. Francis Pet Care Center is the dedicated, caring staff members who have proved time and again that they have a special bond with pets they care for. “It is not just a job for my team. They see it as their mission, often coming in early, staying late to care for and restore our patients to wholeness. Our follow-up care is second to none.” Meet the Friendly Veterinarians Michael Amsberry, DVM and Laurie Greene, DVM combine their unique services to offer a wellrounded and holistic approach to veterinary care at St. Francis Pet Care Center. Dr. Amsberry bought St. Francis in 2010 and Dr. Greene joined him this year in May. Dr. Amsberry was born the 7th of 8 boys and raised on farms in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. From the age of 12 until he graduated from veterinary school, he worked as a residential housepainter. He attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio earning a
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Dr. Michael Amsberry and Dr. Laurie Greene BA in Biology/Chemistry in 1986, and then attended Oregon State College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1990. Dr. Amsberry founded a small veterinarian practice in his hometown in 1995, which he ran successfully until he and his wife Jenny sold it in 2008 so they and their two teenage children could move to Florida to be close to Jenny’s family. The Amsberrys love it here and especially enjoy the East Lake area. Currently, their family pet members include a mother and son set of Yorkies, Truffles and Fudge, and two
local rescued cats named Suri and Belle. Dr. Amsberry takes a cuttingedge approach in his practice and has developed special interests in preventative care, internal medicine, dermatology, geriatrics, dentistry, orthopedics, laser surgery and most recently, alternative care such as laser-therapy, nutrition, and acupuncture. He hopes to limit the use of drugs in his patients. Dr. Laurie Greene hails from New York City, and is delighted to have escaped cold winters for good. She is a graduate of Ohio State University, and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Dr. Greene enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, from
wellness care to surgery, and has a strong interest in nutrition and alternative medical modalities. While in New York, Dr. Greene was affiliated with the prestigious Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, and had her own House Call Veterinary Practice. Dr. Greene has two sassy cats of her own; the frisky felines “allow” her to stay in their house and take care of all their needs. Dr. Greene is excited to be part of the team at St. Francis Pet Care Center and is delighted to help take care of the health needs of the lovable pets in our area. She is particularly eager to be part of St. Francis’ service expansion into alternative medical modalities such as acupuncture and laser therapy, and to include house calls and Hospice care among the many services offered at St. Francis Pet Care Center.
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Exceptional Services “We understand how important the presence of pets are in our lives,” says Dr. Amsberry. “I truly believe that pets are angels sent to help us through the tough times and join us in celebrating the good times. We strive to manifest our goals of complete wellness- care throughout our hospital, grooming, and resort.” The pet hospital at St. Francis is state-of-the-art and completely paperless, which allows the staff to view, send and display your pet’s medical records easily. All radiographs can easily be sent for a second opinion by a boarded radiologist and the results arrive within the hour. St. Francis has an in-house lab for quick test results. Dr. Amsberry says: “It has become very apparent over the last 20 years that periodontal disease, while not only very uncomfortable, directly contributes to multiple diseases in the body. We are convinced that excellent dental care will provide your pet with a much higher quality of life and increase his/her longevity. At least 60% of all dental disease in pets can only be detected with X-rays. We include full mouth X-rays with every dental so as not to miss anything that could be hurting your pet. Our X-rays are digital, and we review them with the Pet Parents at our discharge appointment.” One of the unique services that St. Francis offers is low-level laser therapy; with five FDA approvals for people, Dr Greene says the newest technology of laser healing is beneficial for everything from arthritis to helping wounds heal quicker. Dr. Greene specializes in pet acupuncture and can help you decide if acupuncture and laser treatment are right for your pet’s health. St. Francis is a cat-friendly practice. A separate entrance and exam room have been designated to accom-
modate their feline friends. Dr. Greene also provides house-calls for kitties that are just too scared to make the trip in. With traditional and alternative veterinary services, a grooming Salon, lodging at The Resort, hospice care and even house calls – St. Francis Pet Care Center truly offers it all. St. Francis Pet Care Center offers clients Preventicare Plans to help pet owners obtain excellent preventive care. This wellness assurance starts at $23.95 a month and can save you as much as 40%. Puppy and kitten plans are offered in addition to adult pets. “We started the program a year ago because we saw that a main concern of clients was related to being able to afford excellent health care for their pets,” says Dr. Amsberry. “Preventicare is a discounted program we designed and manage, which allows for clients to make regular monthly payments that spread out the financial burden. It secures very high quality preventative care for our patients.” As a bonus, there is no charge for the exams throughout the year and added discounts for The Resort and Salon. Grooming –– Salon at The Resort The groomers at St. Francis take pride in their art and are trained to keep
a watchful eye on skin conditions or other discomforts in your pet. St. Francis offers three different “Spaw” Packages and even offers grooming for cats. The walk-in tub makes it so much easier for large breed dogs and those with mobility issues. There is nothing quite like having a freshly cleaned friend to play with and snuggle! St. Francis is dedicated to bringing you the best grooming techniques and products available, always looking out for the safety and comfort of your best friend. The Resort at St. Francis Pet Care Center focuses on your pet’s comfort and care. The team at St. Francis is the heart and soul of service. Guests get to stretch their legs in one of five play areas, at least 4 times a day with optional pool time and pupsicles. Coming soon in the eight private suites will be cameras so that you may see how your pet(s) are doing from anywhere in the world 24/7. Your baby will get plenty of exercise and massive amounts of love at The Resort. The team loves to pamper all the guests visiting The Resort and cater to all their needs, making for a happy stay that isn’t overwhelming in any way. Giving Back The St. Francis Pet Care Center staff has a passion for helping pets. Dr. Amsberry believes in giving back to the community. He founded a non-profit program over a decade ago called “Vets For Pets”, dedicated to educating the community on pet wellness, safety and even helps place abused or mistreated animals in loving homes. Check out St. Francis’ facebook for photos and videos of their Extreme Pet Makeover series where St. Francis adopts a homeless pet in need of care, restores them to good health and then places them into a forever home.
Dr. Greene says, “The stories are emotional and phenomenal! This program gives us a chance to connect with the community on a compassionate level, while showing the miracles that can occur with love and veterinary care” Both the doctors and staff members visit schools frequently to teach kids about dog safety and how to approach or deal with animals. Dr. Amsberry became involved in dog bite prevention 20 years ago and developed the program called “Nip the Bite,” because many children are bitten each year, suffer both physical and emotional injuries, often developing a life-long fear of dogs. Teaching children the proper way to approach and behave around dogs prevents bites. St. Francis Pet Care Center will be visiting public libraries and local pet stores to present their “Pet Edge” series that discuss topics from Chinese herbs to heat-stroke prevention. Make sure you stay updated with St. Francis Pet Care Center’s website and facebook page for information regarding upcoming events, Extreme Pet Makeover stories and Pet Edge dates. For those wanting to “Wag more and Bark Less” look for the up and coming “Tails and Ales” parties that St. Francis will be hosting at local tap houses around the community! St. Francis Pet Care Center is located at 3591 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. It is open on Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sat., 8 a.m. -Noon. Find more information about Medical/Surgical care, “Spaw” Packages, The Resort, Pet Edge, and Extreme Pet Makeover on the website at www.SFVET.us or call (727) 937-7600.
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“Stone Chase” Continued from page 1 Frank says they are so good that the Stone Chase staff calls them “super meatballs.” After one taste, my family agreed that they were definitely super. On our previous visit my family and I also tried their delectable peppers stuffed with Italian seasoned beef and Italian sausage covered in a light herb sauce with slices of polenta and pecorino romano. All of the flavors blended together deliciously and after just one bite, we agreed that it was better than anything we could make at home. The Fra Diavolo is another wonderful choice, with tasty jumbo shrimp, a deliciously flavorful basil tomato sauce, and light fluffy gnocchi. Frank loves his customers and is very open to their suggestions, and his servers are always willing to take special requests to customize orders to your individual preferences. This is evident in every bite you take. We definitely noticed it with the garlic knots, which are made using an olive oil and garlic recipe. I am a huge fan of bread of any kind, but Stone
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Stone Chase is located in the heart of Westchase at 12227 W. Linebaugh Ave., and features an elegantly decorated dining room complete with a spacious bar and full-liquor menu. Chase’s garlic knots stand out as the best I’ve ever had. They were light and fluffy and had just the right amount of garlic to give them a great garlicky taste that was not overpowering. Stone Chase makes the dough for the garlic knots fresh each day, just like they do for their pizza napolitana and flatbread. Using prestigious Caputo flour, the pizza napolitana’s are a huge hit, and their homemade sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes. Their
fresh mozzarella is made in house daily and they use the only the best ingredients for a truly divine pizza experience. There are eight delicious pizzas to choose from on their menu, including margherita, vegetable, spicy sausage, and bianco – a 3-cheese pizza that includes ricotta, fontina, and pecorina romana chesses as well as garlic, and fresh rosemary. You can get a personal sized pizza or a larger one to share. On Saturdays, Stone Chase has a great deal, with all small
pizza napolitanas served fresh for only $8.95. And now, a new large size for $12.95 is also available. Stone Chase also has their great flatbread pizzas that many people in Westchase absolutely adore, and they still offer a fabulous deal all day Tuesday, where they are only $5.95. With a large selection of scrumptious flatbreads to choose from, there is something for every one; they even give you the option to try whole wheat crust. Back by popular demand, be-
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cause of special requests by their customers, Stone Chase has recently brought back the buffalo chicken and meatball flatbread, along with various other tasty flatbreads. To finish off your dinner, I highly recommend you try one of Stone Chase’s delectable desserts, which include homemade crème brulee, flourless chocolate cake, tiramasu, zeppole and Italian gelato. And, to perfectly complement your dessert, Frank has added a new cappuccino and espresso machine and they now serve the best coffee available, Segafredo. Another great new addition to Stone Chase is their lunch menu, which includes lunch-size portions of pasta and salad dishes, in addition to
the pizza napolitanas, and flatbreads. Stone Chase has an excellent selection of paninis, burgers, and sandwiches served with delicious sea salt fries. Lunch entrees start at $6.95. So, now you can get a fresh, fabulous homemade lunch right here in Westchase and then top it off with a delicious Italian coffee to give you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day. In addition to the $5.95 flatbreads on Tuesdays and the $8.95 pizza napolitanas on Saturday, Stone Chase has happy hour everyday from 4 p.m. to close and 2-for-1 glasses and bottles of wine on Wednesday. They will be offering special dinners Thursday through Saturday and have
re-introduced Family Sundays, where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. On Mondays, guests can enjoy an entrée half off when they buy one entrée of equal or greater value, and on Wednesdays you can choose any pasta (excl. apply) for only $9.95. For the quality of food you are getting, these really are excellent deals! Frank says he has enjoyed getting to know Stone Chase’s regulars and seeing how much they enjoy and appreciate their meals. He’s looking forward to Stone Chase becoming the neighborhood restaurant for everyone
in Westchase. Stone Chase is located at 12227 W. Linebaugh Ave. in Westchase in the Publix shopping center. For more information or to check out their new menu, visit www.StoneChaseGrill.com or call (813) 818-8000. Stone Chase is open Mon., Wed. and Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Tues. 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun. 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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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.
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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 se-
lected for the People’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
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Dancers lit up the stage at the 2nd Annual Dancing With Our Stars Event, hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. 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 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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