Westchase - Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 2013 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

WESTCHASE AREA

Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 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 Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place

New York New York Pizzeria – Fresh, Authentic, Delicious! strong Italian roots and have spent their lives perfecting delicious pizza and Italian cuisine. Freddy is originally from the Bronx, N.Y. and began making pizza's at his uncle's New York pizzeria when he was thirteen. By the time Freddie turned seventeen, he had moved to Connecticut with his family, where he began running their family’s restaurant. Freddie says, "This has always been a part of my life. We

Happy Holidays.......................3

Where the Massage Comes to You

Community Calendar............4 Priel Salon............................5 News Briefs...........................6-7 GetMoreOffers.Com........10-11 Holiday Gift Ideas.........14-15

Baltimore where she trained at the Baltimore School of Massage. Licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia and See “Barkdoll Massage” on page 18

Brain Balance........................22-23

ECRWSS

Licensed Massage Therapist Karla Barkdoll

Postal Customer

Massage is a universal language that has been “spoken” for centuries in every region of the globe, and it has many benefits including the ability to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, and aid in relaxation. For many people, massage is a rare treat that they look forward to at the spa or as an experience during their vacation. Others use massage on a regular basis to help with chronic pain, reduce inflammation or to help heal after an injury. Whatever your reason for wanting a massage, Barkdoll Massage Therapy makes it easy, affordable

and best of all, Barkdoll comes to you. Barkdoll Massage Therapy, which is an entirely mobile-based massage business, is based in the Trinity area and is owned and operated by Licensed Professional, Karla Barkdoll, who has been in the massage industry since 2001. Serving Trinity and the surrounding communities, Barkdoll Massage Therapy is completely different in that it takes all of the stress out of your massage experience by bringing it straight to you. No traffic, no stress, just pure relaxation where you feel most comfortable! Originally from a small town in central Pennsylvania, Karla moved to

See “NY NY Pizza” on page 20.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Barkdoll Massage Therapy, By Julie Kanehl

serve people the best and use only the finest quality ingredients." Tony grew up in Italy and then

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

Served hot and fresh, the famous mouth-watering pizzas at New York New York Pizzeria offer locals a true taste of New York City. Handcrafted and baked to perfection with all the fresh ingredients and perfect blend of cheeses, New York New York Pizzeria has the most authentic and traditional slices around. With five locations throughout Tampa Bay, this pizza joint has brought the area the best of the big apple; warm Italian greetings, fantastic traditional Italian cuisine and piping hot New York style pizza that will melt in your mouth! The most recent New York New York storefront is

conveniently located in Westchase, at 11203 Sheldon Road, and the team is ready to show you what true New York style and flair is all about! Owner Freddie Mamudi and partner Tony Sino are cousins that work alongside each other, and these guys are dedicated to creating the most authentic N.Y. style pizza around. I had a chance to watch them work in the kitchen, from the process of making the dough, to hand tossing the pie crusts, to adding the perfect amount of ingredients for a deliciously composed pizza, and one thing is for sure – these guys have mastered their work, which can truly be called an art form. Freddie and Tony both have

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Katie Thomas

DECEMBER 2013

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News

From The Editor Alexis Selby

Wishing You Happy Holidays And The Best Of Luck In The New Year! The holidays are here, bringing along with it a whirlwind of festivities and celebrations, and at this time I would like to take the opportunity, on behalf of all of us here at the Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, to wish all our readers and advertisers a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and most importantly, whatever your belief may be, great tidings this holiday season. From our dedicated advertisers to our loyal readers, it is you we have to be thankful for. It is all of us together that make our community strong – from our local business owners to all the other hardworking employees and community members that call this area home. To so many, Thanksgiving is not just about getting together and celebrating with family and friends over a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, but also signifies a time to reflect on the past year

and give thanks for blessings – including the joyous opportunity to be united for such an occasion. This holiday season, I would like to reiterate how grateful I am to be part of such an extraordinary community that has so warmly welcomed me into their hearts and their homes with open arms. Over the past couple of years, and the many years I have been writing for the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, I have had the chance to meet so many of our wonderful local business owners and let me tell you, they have left an impression on me that will last a lifetime. They are some of the most dedicated, honest and hard-working people I have ever met, who, no matter how busy, will still find time and money to support local school programs, athletics programs and many other great charities. It has been a real pleasure getting to know the people in this community and I look forward to many great years to

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

come! This year, as millions of people across the country come together with their closest friends and family, I ask you to reflect about the many things in life that you have to be thankful for. We are such a blessed community and are so fortunate to live in a place where love and friendships are so abundant. Where neighbors become friends, who work and live together in such unity and harmony. I would like to conclude by saying how grateful our entire Neighborhood News & Lifestyles team is for all of our readers and for your continued support over the past year. We wish you a prosperous and bountiful holiday and many joyous years to come! As William Arthur Ward, once said, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

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

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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DECEMBER 2013

Community Calendar 11 Free Events in December @ Studio 108 Yoga & Holistic Healing Newly open, as a way to say hello to and get to know the wonderful Westchase area community, for the month of December Studio 108 Yoga & Holistic Healing is offering 11 free events, all of which are open to the public. These events are a great opportunity to meet the owners Missy and Randy and all the other wonderful teachers and students that are creating a joyous community home away from home. Free events include: 5 Meditation Classes, every Monday in December from 7:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Experience the basics of meditation in this short taste of a seated guided meditation. These sessions help reduce your stress levels and help you find a deeper level of physical and mental relaxation. Increase your creativity, concentration and focus by learning to still your mind. 5 Yoga Nidra Guided Relaxations held every Sunday in December from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Come experience the deep relaxation of the

DECEMBER 2013

yogis with this deep-guided relaxation called Yoga Nidra, which is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still allowing you to maintain full consciousness. This guided Yoga Nidra takes winding down to a whole new level. 1 Yoga Class @ Studio 108 in Westchase when you mention the Neighborhood News. (1 Free Yoga Class anytime in December 2013) With a variety of great yoga classes to choose from, including Hot Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Hot 108 Hour, Yogic Arts TM Yoga, their Signature Funky Flow and so much more, Studio 108 has a class for every level and preference. Yoga Nidra Reserve spots for all events now! You won’t want to miss out! Pre-registration is available on-line at www.Studio108Tampa.com. Studio 108 Yoga and Healing is located at 11059 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa next to the Public Library on Countryway Blvd and less than a 1/4 mile from Publix. For more information please email info@studio108tampa.com, call (813) 343-8887 or visit their website at www.Studio108Tampa.com.

Nar-Anon The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a twelve-step program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength and hope. Meeting times and locations are as follows: Mondays, 7:00 p.m., Turning Point, Mary Martha Bldg., 6227 Sheldon Rd., Tampa. Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m., Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz. ***** Narateen***** same location, day and time. Saturdays 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Church, 207 Buckingham

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Ave., Oldsmar, FL 34677. Tuesdays 6:45 p.m. at All Saints Church, 1700 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs, FL 34688. ***NARATEEN MEETING*** (Same day, time and location.) Wednesdays 8:00 p.m. at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Rd., New Port Richey. Mondays 7:00 p.m. at the Crystal Beach Community Hall, 517 Crystal Beach Ave., Palm Harbor. (Off Alt 19 - 2 Blks. So. of Alderman Rd.) Tuesdays 8p.m., except holidays, 411 Wood St., First United Methodist Church of Dunedin (Behind church in Fellowship Hall)

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

My Wonderfully Soothing Experience at Priel Salon Before my visit to Priel Salon, I had a lot going on and was really stressed out. We were about to have visitors stay with us for 4 days, our house needed to be cleaned, I needed to go to the grocery store, and things were not going well in my daughter’s class. On top of all that I had several assignments due during the time our visitors were going to be in town and I couldn’t figure out how I was going to work with someone staying in our guest room, which also serves as my office. My mind was racing with all the things I needed to do, questions that needed to be asked, and tasks that needed to be finished, and then I entered Priel Salon – my worries seemed to just slip away. Almost instantly the beautiful, calming décor of this exclusive keratase salon and hair spa, calmed me down. The salon had a soothing nature, boasting a fresh– not chemical – smell, the seats were very comfortable, and the beautiful crystal chandelier was mesmerizing. But, there was still a lot of nagging thoughts going through my mind, that is, until I met with Cynthia. At that moment, Priel’s co-owner Cynthia Abrahamsen, who runs the store alongside her husband Erik, came

out to talk to me. Her relaxing, friendly personality certainly helped draw me away from my internal stress and then she asked me a wonderful question. “Would you like a hair treatment and a blow out?” Well of course I would. No matter how busy my day, I wasn’t going to turn down an offer for some pampering. “Priel Salon is a hair spa,” explained Cynthia. “We analyze your hair and then customize a treatment for you to make it healthier, stronger, and fuller and to repair damage. The treatments are wonderful for all types of hair issues, including sensitive or itchy scalp, thinning, fine, dry, flat, or damaged hair, as well as color-treated or sundamaged hair. Priel Salon also has a line specifically for men. After one treatment you will see a huge difference. It’s like botox for your hair.” During your hair treatment, Cynthia cleans it and gives you a wonderful scalp massage, then your hair is treated to a deep conditioner and a 5-minute conditioning hair mask with a hot towel wrapped around your head. While you relax in the treatment room, which is closed off from the rest of the salon, you are treated to an invigorating hand massage. Trust me, it was

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

bliss! Afterwards, my dry, frizzy, colortreated, sundamaged hair looked shinier, smoother, and more luxurious. And, I felt calmer, more centered and certainly less stressed. It’s amazing how something as simple as getting your hair done can have such an effect on your mood and personality. Following your treatment, you can purchase follow up treatments to do at home (which I did). “If you follow through with 3 rounds of follow-up treatments, you will see long term benefits for your hair and scalp,” says Cynthia. “You can do the treatments at home or you can come back to the salon.” In addition to specializing in deep conditioning treatments for your hair, Cynthia and the other stylists at Priel Salon are experts at hair extensions, ammonia-free hair coloring, ombre coloring, and balayage.

This holiday season don’t let stress get to you and your hair. Give Priel Salon a visit, and relax and enjoy, as you leave with beautiful, revitalized tresses. Priel Salon is located in Citrus Court Shopping Center at the corner of Gunn Hwy and Henderson Road at 6116 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa. They are open Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about the salon and the services they offer, visit their web page www.PrielSalon.com or give them a call at (813) 969-6917.

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DECEMBER 2013

Community News Briefs

Local Ballet Students Volunteer at an Arts Center for disABLED children This past year, 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

DECEMBER 2013

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 make the experience relevant and valuable to students. For any information about TPAC classes and services, please contact them at (813) 344-0960, (813) 494-2643 or email them at therabilites@hotmail.com Please visit their website www.tpackids.com for details pertaining to their program and class schedules. You can also find them on Facebook by searching Therapeds PT.

Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council Announces Inaugural Class Includes Local Veteran and Businessman Robert J. Silah, Captain (Re-

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tired), U.S. Navy The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council announces the inaugural class of inductees into the newly established Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Inductees are: 1. John R. D. Cleland, Major General (Retired), U.S. Army (Melbourne) 2. The late Rep. Sam M. Gibbons, former U.S. Army Major (Tampa) 3. John L. Haynes, Major (Retired), U.S. Marine Corps (Monticello) 4. Robert F. Milligan, Lieutenant General (Retired), U.S. Marine Corps (Tallahassee) 5. Jeanne E. G. Rubin, Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy (Sunrise) 6. Robert J. Silah, Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy (Tampa) The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the state of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida. The induction ceremony took

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

place at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2013 in the Cabinet Room of the State Capitol Building in Tallahassee. “This ceremony sets forth a proud tradition of recognizing veterans for their leadership and civic contributions to the state,” said retired Air Force Col. Bruce Host, a former Leon County Commissioner who serves as council chairman. “We look forward to recognizing these distinguished veterans and many more in future years.” The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council, a seven-member advisory panel, is responsible by Florida Statute for submitting to the Governor and Cabinet a list of recommended nominees each year. In selecting its nominees for submission, the council gives preference to veterans who were either born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state. The council’s recommendations for the inaugural class were unanimously accepted by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet on Sept. 24, 2013. For more information, please visit www.FloridaVeteransHallOfFame.org/index.asp

Captain Robert J. Silah Captain Silah graduated from Marquette University, Milwaukee and is a native of Wisconsin. Commissioned

Ensign US Navy in 1963. Qualified in Surface Warfare, and has had duty in aircraft carriers, amphibious and mine warfare ships and others, with numerous deployments to the Caribbean, Western Pacific, and Mediterranean and 2 tours to Vietnam. He had other significant shore assignments with the offices of the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, DC., and US Central Command. In this last assignment, he served as Deputy Inspector General with duties in Southwest Asia, inspecting embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Somalia, and Pakistan, as well as briefing Ambassadors and staff on Embassy operations. He also served as Chief Inspector in a number of Central Command major exercises. He concluded his active duty and 27-year career in Tampa. In 2004, he founded Operation Helping Hand to help the wounded/injured active duty patients being treated in Tampa, where he and his wife Kathy reside. He is also founder and president of SKY Sportswear Inc. Captain Silah can be reached for further comment at bsilah@aol.com or (813) 963-1854. He is a current member of CABA with his business Sky Sportswear and his non-profit Operation Helping Hand.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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DECEMBER 2013

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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DECEMBER 2013

GetMoreOffers.Com is the New Face of Real Estate By Julie Kanehl 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 through websites that show MLS listings. Clearly, the market and the face of

DECEMBER 2013

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 tailor-made 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.”

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Broker Keith Gordon 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

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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 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 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 that buyers don’t go away after they’ve made an offer. If they’ve made an offer, they’ve

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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 in-house, from selling a house, or being approved, to buying a new one. Jurgen Schmidt said, “As a Real-

tor/Broker at a full-service firm, when it came time to list my out-of-state 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 expectations 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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DECEMBER 2013

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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DECEMBER 2013

Great Gift Ideas for the Holidays! By Marcy Sanford This holiday season you don’t need to run all over town searching for the perfect present for everyone on your list. You can find wonderful gifts at one of the many great stores, salons, or restaurants right here in Westchase. Show your loved ones how much you care, thank a special teacher or employee who has helped you throughout the year, give your friends something to show them how much you appreciate them, and support your local businesses at the same time.

Gifts for Her If you need great gifts for the wonderful women in your life, the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Clothes Mentor can help you out. Just a short drive down Tampa Road to US 19, Clothes Mentor has top labels and brands for a fraction of the cost. Get your significant other or loved ones beautiful designer fashions without paying the extravagant designer prices. Each week they receive an average of 1,500 new items, so the selection is

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always new and different. Clothes Mentor carries casual and dressy clothes in sizes 0 to 26, plus petites in each section, in addition to shoes, handbags, and accessories to help you add a little pizzazz. And, if you’re unsure about what present to purchase, the attentive staff at Clothes Mentor is happy to help you pick out something special. Personally, I love time at the spa, but I don’t always make time to go. However, if I have a gift certificate, I’m sure to take advantage of some pampering time. In fact, listen up guys; I can’t think of one single female friend that I have who wouldn’t love a gift certificate to a salon or spa. And we have some wonderfully luxurious ones in our area. She can get her hair, nails, or toes done at Westchase Studio 7, get facial or hair treatments at Westchase Hair Studio & 3 Wishes Aesthetics or get a wonderful new hair style, deep conditioner, or hair coloring at either place or at Belanova Salon, Retro Salon Studios, Priel Salon, or Salon Lofts. Want to really make a lasting impression on that lovely lady in your life

Clothes Mentor has top labels and brands for a fraction of the cost and has some great gift ideas this holiday season. – how about take her on a special date to Simply Art. Invoke your inner artist as you bond with her over great conversation as you paint side by side in one of their guided step-by-step classes.

Gifts for Him Give the guys on your list something they’ll really appreciate – a gift card to The Golf Club. This innovative club mixes the ability to play some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses with the chic atmosphere of a martini bar. Or get him a gift certificate to one of the fabulous restaurants

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in Westchase. He’s sure to love the innovative, delicious sushi from Aki Sushi. Is Greek cuisine more his style? Then a gift card to Greek City Café would be just the thing. Or perhaps he would love the tempting tacos and fabulous fajitas from Surf Shack. There is wonderful pizza to be found nearby at Mellow Mushroom, Angela’s Pizza, and NY NY Pizza, and fresh, delicious seafood at Ballyhoo Grill and Lobster Haven. No matter what type of food your favorite guy likes, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to any of these great restaurants. Guys can get pampered too, so

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

Learning Express has accessories to make your Loomer’s eyes light up! why not treat your man to a day of pampering. In fact, ladies, a gift card to one of these lovely spas listed above would make a wonderful present for the guys on your list too.

Gifts for Kids If you need a gift for a child, Learning Express in Citrus Park Mall has you covered. With unique, fun

toys for children of all ages, and an extremely helpful staff, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at Learning Express. If you have a child, you are probably already familiar with the Rainbow Loom craze. Learning Express has accessories to make your favorite Loomer’s eyes light up, including every imaginable color of rubber band and personalized cases to keep everything organized. And if your child is already obsessed with the Rainbow Loom, you might want to look at the Loopdedoo, a cool spinning loom kids can use to make bracelets, headbands, and more. One gift every kid is sure to want is an ultra thin electronic Boogie Board tablet. Kids can write or draw on the tablet using a stylus or even their fingers. This is a great gift for children of all ages, a fun way for a beginning writer to practice his or her letters and great entertainment for children traveling over the holidays. Older children will love drawing on it or even writing reminders and lists for themselves. In our household, we love doing crafts and creating works of art. Learning Express has all kinds of arts and crafts kits and supplies that boys and girls of all ages will love. Just looking

at the fun spirograph makes me want to draw some fabulously funky designs. Budding artists will love an art easel to inspire their creative side (and parents will love the space to keep supplies organized and neat). To me, one of the best things about the holidays in Florida is that the weather is perfect and the kids can play with their outside toys immediately. Learning Express has some great games and toys for the most active kid, like the fun ride-on plasma car or the mini ogo sport – a fun game where kids bounce a ball on a trampoline-like mitt. Learning Express carries plenty of games for inside too including the hot new Doinkit Darts. These darts have magnets instead of sharp tips making them a safe alternative to the real thing. And the design of the darts and quality of the magnets mean the darts will still be flying straight (depending on your throw) and hitting their mark after many games. In addition to all these great ideas, Learning Express carries the full line of Calico Critters toys and many Melissa & Doug gift sets that you can’t find anywhere else. The staff at Learning Express is happy to help you find the perfect gift for any child. But,

if you want to make things easy, their Santa’s Wish List service takes away the guessing game of what your favorite child wants. With this service, children can come into the store and tag toys they like so grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends can see exactly what’s on their list. Another great gift idea for children, one that will last a lifetime, is music lessons. Give your child the magical gift of music by purchasing music lessons at Westchase Music School. This wonderful school offers lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, bass, brass and woodwinds instruments, harp, and more.

Gifts for your Furry Friend Don’t leave your favorite pup off your list this holiday season. Dogism is your one-stop-shop for all your pet’s needs. They have a great selection of cute, clever, and durable toys, leashes, and dog accessories. They also have cool, unique leashes, and collars, and any training equipment you might need. So start making your list and checking it twice, don’t leave anyone off no matter if they’ve been naughty or nice. Just a few stops in Westchase will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

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DECEMBER 2013

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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DECEMBER 2013

“Barkdoll Massage” Continued from page 1 Florida, Karla is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and is Nationally Board Certified. Karla’s massages can be done anywhere – at home, poolside, or at the office. Most of her clients choose the room in their house that offers the least distractions, and there she creates a wonderful environment for massage. She also takes the time to really speak to her clients before their massage to learn more about them so that she can create the best personalized massage experience. Lindsey from New Port Richey says, “If you are looking for the best massage, then look no further than Karla, she is a rare find. Once you have a massage from Karla, you will look no further, that I will guarantee!” Massage Services that Improve Your Life “Your Health is your Wealth” is the philosophy at Barkdoll Massage Therapy, and that is why Karla takes the time to really find out what kind of massage you prefer, whether it’s a Swedish massage or a deep tissue treatment for chronic pain, Karla’s massage

DECEMBER 2013

will make a difference in your life. Karla offers a wide range of affordable massage therapy styles and packages. If you are looking for a traditional massage, Swedish massage treatments are designed to improve circulation, reduce stress and to relieve muscle tension. This massage is very popular all over the world because of its light, long, and slow strokes that relax your cares and worries away. If you are interested in trying something a little different, hot stone massages use something called warm stone therapy, which is the art of using heated stones in combination with a Swedish massage. According to Karla, the warm stones dissolve muscle tension and induce a deep relaxation. Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic treatment designed to ease the pain and discomfort associated with chronic pain. Karla says, “During deep tissue massages I use trigger points to specifically find the places where the work needs to be done.” Deep tissue massages can help people who live with painful conditions live a fuller life. Another style of massage that Karla offers is sports massage and injury rehabilitation. This style of massage combines the benefits and style of a deep tissue massage with stretching, which can improve the range of mo-

tion in joints. Whether you are healing after a car accident or are suffering from chronic pain associated with a medical condition, this kind of massage can be extremely beneficial. One of Karla’s clients from Trinity recently said, “I have had the pleasure of having Karla as a massage therapist for the past six years and it has always been an enriching and healing experience. She is knowledgeable, professional and a kind-hearted person and I have no hesitation in recommending her service. She has hands of gold!” Prenatal massages are a fantastic way to pamper the mom-to-be while easing some of the side effects of pregnancy. Karla uses specially designed massage table pillows that create a comfortable position just for her during this time, so that pregnant moms can safely enjoy their massage. Aromatherapy is proven to aid in relaxation, which is why Barkdoll Massage Therapy offers a variety of essential oils and scents that can be used in collaboration with any other style of massage. Most often used with a Swedish massage, aromatherapy oils are applied by Karla during your massage to enhance the massage experience. One local couple recently wrote, “We all have very busy schedules and it

saves us time and stress to have Karla come right to our home. My husband has chronic pain and her weekly massages help him tremendously. Whether you just want a great stress reliever or you have a medical condition I would highly recommend Karla!” If you are looking for a fantastic way to improve morale at work, how about offering your employees a corporate seated massage? This is a fully clothed, seated massage that can be done right at the office. This style of massage focuses on the back, neck, shoulders, scalp, arms and hands. What a great way to let your employees know how much you care about them! My Massage with Karla I am a huge fan of massages. I go every chance I get, but to be honest, that isn’t very often. When I’m not busy with my family or writing for the Neighborhood News, I’m like most moms and am usually concerned with everyone else’s comfort over my own. That’s why I was so excited to be given the chance to experience one of Karla’s massages by the staff at Neighborhood News. (Thanks Jim!) Scheduling my massage turned out to be a breeze because Barkdoll Massage Therapy is one of the only

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places that offers evening massage appointments. It was all very easy for me since I wasn’t going to have to worry about driving anywhere or a babysitter for the kids! On the evening of my massage appointment, I simply picked out a quiet room in the house, sent the kids outside to play with my hubby, and got ready to enjoy my massage. Karla arrived right on time and brought everything she needed with her. A true professional, Karla even wears a clinical massage uniform. Within just a few minutes Karla had set up the massage table and was set up and ready to go. I was really impressed with how quickly the room I had picked had been transformed. Before we started she spoke to me about what kind of massage treatment I wanted, and she asked if I had any injuries that she needed to be aware of. We decided on a combination Swedish and deep tissue massage. She also offered me many different aromatherapy options from rose oil to eucalyptus. I felt totally at ease, and while she stepped out of the room, I comfortably got onto the massage table and got settled. When Karla came back in a moment later, she put on what I like to call “massage music,” and spoke to me about what she was going to do before

she began. To my surprise, I was even more relaxed because I was at home. I enjoyed the entire hour instead of wondering how many minutes had passed, or wondering about the kids. I felt safe, pampered and well cared for. After my massage, I felt like a softened stick of butter, and I was able to just put on my slippers instead of my shoes! This was an incredibly cool experience that made me feel more centered, and really changed my outlook. I felt great for days and my entire family could see what a difference it made for me both physically and emotionally. I can see that a massage with Karla would be a great gift, which is why I’m so happy that she offers gift certificates, but one of the best parts about Barkdoll Massage Therapy is how affordable it is. I might not have to wait for a special occasion because her pricing is competitive and affordable enough to fit into anyone’s budget on a regular basis. From now on, I’m going to take better care of myself, and that includes having massage treatments from Barkdoll Massage Therapy on a regular basis. See you in a few weeks Karla!

Barkdoll (License # MA47546) is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or to request more information about massage packages, corporate events or

gift certificates, call (727) 372-6389 or email Karla at barkdollmassagetherapy@yahoo.com. Find more information online at www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com.

Barkdoll Massage Therapy is an entirely mobile massage therapy business that comes to you. Karla

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DECEMBER 2013

“NY NY Pizza” Continued from page 1 spent some time in Jersey, before he moved to Florida to open up shop with Freddy. Growing up in Italy, Tony was surrounded by fresh, flavorful Italian cuisine and received the touch of warm, welcoming hospitality that big Italian families are so well known for. Together Freddie and Tony opened the first New York New York Pizzeria in Ybor city over seven years ago. Their pizza slices are a true testament to their success. Once you try a slice, you will be craving a whole pie. Trust me! There is a reason why these guys have New York New York locations in Ybor, Hyde Park, Wesley Chapel, Riverview and now Westchase! So stop on by to any one of their locations and grab a slice on the patio, order delivery, or visit the guys inside for a sit down meal and a show –you can watch the dough being handmade, hand tossed and hand topped before it is put into a big brick oven to bake! New York style pizza is a unique, one of a kind creation that people from all over the world have come to

DECEMBER 2013

love and crave. The specialty pizza originated in Naples, Italy and was introduced to New York City in 1905 by a Neapolitan immigrant. Since the beginning, New York style pizza has been hailed as one of the best in the world. Hand-tossed dough is brushed with the finest olive oil available and topped with a light marinara sauce, as mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top along with other fresh ingredients; from there the pizza is baked in a brick oven to a crisped, melted deliciousness! New York style pizza always has a thin crust and the slices are huge and foldable, so you can eat it on the go – like a true New Yorker in a New York minute! The guys at New York New York Pizzeria keep it classic, traditional and true to New York style. Freddie and Tony hand make the dough daily, so it has the right amount of time to rise. The guys use only the best of cheeses – 100% Grande mozzarella and ricotta – which are of high, consistent quality. A favorite among New York New York pizza lovers is the N.Y. N.Y. Supreme – enjoy flavorful pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, olives, bacon, mushrooms, onions, peppers and ham atop perfectly melted fresh mozzarella; all of which is baked to crispy, thin crust bliss! New York New York Pizze-

ria has over twenty-two specialty pies to choose from or you have the option of building your own. The Grandma is another favorite and a true Italian classic, composed of a thin seasoned crust, fresh plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, garlic and olive oil – magnifico! True to Italian hospitality, Freddie and Tony would not let me leave New York New York Pizzeria without eating first! The guys hooked me up with a delicious slice of their gourmet Florentine pizza. The fresh, moist and rich ricotta cheese spooned atop a thin crust with melted mozzarella, fresh garlic, spinach and tomatoes came together perfectly. This was absolutely one of the best white pizza's I have ever tried! The pizza was baked to crisp perfection and had just the right amount of olive oil! I was shocked by how huge the slice was, but after I took the first bite, I knew I would be able to eat the whole thing! New York New York Pizzeria team member Kristina Loeffler, a friendly chick with cool style, also loves the Florentine. She says, "I always go for the Florentine, it is just so good, every time. Working here is great. We have fun and the food is delicious!" Don't miss out on some of the other favorites at New York New York Pizzeria. The menu offers everything

from mozzarella sticks, garlic knots and calamari to delicious hand crafted salads that range from simple to extravagant! Kristina explained to me that a lot of customers love the pastas, especially with the made from scratch marinara, alfredo and marsala sauces. The Chicken Francese is a popular item and is made fresh with chicken breast that is sautéed to perfection with white wine and lemon butter sauce. New York New York Pizzeria also has hot and cold subs, sandwiches, wings and burgers! When you eat at New York New York Pizzeria you get the best quality and huge portions for a great price! Freddie and Tony are two Italian

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Freddie and the team at New York New York Pizza hand make their pizza dough daily, giving it the perfect amount of time to rise, making for some of the best tasting pizza in Tampa! New Yorker's that love bringing a piece of their heritage to the community. If you're going to have a slice of pizza, you better go to these guys! The combination of fresh hand made dough, gourmet cheeses, made-fromscratch sauce and fresh toppings just can't be beat! Enjoy a taste of New York at New York New York Pizzeria!

New York New York Pizzeria's Westchase location is at 11203 Sheldon Road in Tampa. Call (813) 9266969 for free delivery, take out or catering! Visit NyNyPizzeria.com for more information. Deliveries go out within a ten-mile radius and military members and churches receive 15% off their purchase!

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DECEMBER 2013

Brain Balance of Oldsmar Shares Stories of Success It is a natural thing for a parent to want the very best for their child – to dream of their future and imagine it filled with smiles, happiness and success at every stage of life. So when it becomes clear that a child is going to have problems meeting the milestones that their peers are having no problems with – that the intricacy of their brain doesn’t fall into the “norm” – it is heartbreaking for the parents and the child. Sometimes it isn’t clear to parents that anything is wrong until their child starts school and their confidence level starts dropping as they struggle to perform in a world where they are expected to fall into place with the rest of the class. That is when the search begins for a way to help a child learn and grow; to achieve success despite their individual challenges. Brain Balance Achievement Center of Oldsmar, located at 4022 Tampa Road, is an achievement center designed to help children who have been labeled with or who exhibit signs of ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Tourette’s, learning disabilities or processing disorders. As the statistics for such conditions have grown exponentially over the last two

DECEMBER 2013

decades, many parents have been given very little hope that their children will ever be able to grow properly and learn to succeed. Brain Balance offers hope and success. Owner and Director Larry Polnicky is a parent who knows firsthand how it feels to search far and wide for a solution. He opened Brain Balance in Oldsmar because the Brain Balance Center in Atlanta, Georgia was the best solution he and his wife found for their son who has autism. In fact, it seemed like the only thing that did work. Since opening the Brain Balance in Oldsmar, the Polnicky family has known much joy, not only in seeing the growth and success of their own child, but in seeing the difference Brain Balance is making for local children and their families by helping them to succeed beyond the label, without medication, and with proven results. Personal Stories of Success at Brain Balance The following stories are personal stories that parents are willing to share about their children and the help they have received at Brain Balance. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles and Brain

Balance would like to thank these folks for sharing such heartwarming stories with our readers. Respecting their privacy, we are not using full names. Soaring through Reading Levels–– “My son was assessed for a new school today,” writes JF. “He was to start 4th grade. His reading comprehension level put him at 7th grade. I am thrilled. Six months ago in August he

was just below 4th grade [level]. I know that Brain Balance has made the difference in his reading comprehension scores.” Calm, Focused & Learning––CS shares, “We have noticed our son is calmer, and if something does bother him, it is very short lived. He is transitioning better. His teacher has commented on how calm and focused he’s

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become. He’s had great days at school because of the great staff at Brain Balance! We are very excited to see how much more he will achieve. His music teacher said he never raised his hand in class until today. He asked for the drum and played and hummed a classical piece of music that the teacher recognized right away! Thanks!” Off Medication––“He is off all his meds,” shares parent JC. “He is losing weight and getting better sleep. He has been acting out some still. His primary care doctor is going to try to find something natural for him. She has also recommended him getting counseling. He is more affectionate. Has a tutor and should be through with 9th grade by the end of June. He will have the opportunity to opt out for anything he can test out for.” Self-Aware and Socializing––DW writes about the great things that her daughter is experiencing after attending Brain Balance. “Here are just a few of the wonderful things that Brain Balance has done for Danielle. Most recently Danielle has stopped taking her “brain pill” as she called it. This was medication to help with focus. So far no negative effects noted from not taking it! She is eating better, exercising more, and requires less sleep. Physically stronger…she recently did a ropes

course, climbed a rock wall and did zip line. “She is calmer and less impulsive. This has been noticed by others is group settings and social gatherings. (It’s not just MY opinion!) She is controlling her voice level better. (Not as loud.) And is SELF regulating her actions more because she now has selfawareness. Conversations now on a more mature and age appropriate level. She is initiating social interaction on a more meaningful level at home, school and church. She is interacting and bonding with peers and building friendships and developing a more appropriate sense of humor. She has begun journaling in the form of art and short stories or comic strips. She is better able to grasp intangible concepts such as religious beliefs. What more could you ask for! But I know there is still more to come!” Great Strides Forward––TB of St. Pete writes of her daughter, “We went snorkeling off Grand Cayman and Cozumel - and she did fantastically! She kept track of all her gear, was able to navigate the reef with ease, and had the time of her life swimming with the dolphins! What a trip!” Her mother’s letter also noted that Angela had made the high school bowling team. “She started her average (with-

out bumpers) was around 29. With only two weeks of practice she’s up to a 55 average, and we’re looking to break 100. Her coach is wonderful and her teammates embrace her and cheer her just as they do each other. Tears came to my eyes the first time I saw her roll that ball right down the center. “Her exit testing wasn’t all that great - but then Angela has never been a test taker. She shuts down, and I don’t know if that will ever change. But I do know that these stories I relate to you, as well as many other “intangible” changes in her life are without a doubt related to her Brain Balance training and learning. Anecdotal or not, this girl has made some great strides, and we’re more excited than ever about her moving forward and being able to live a fulfilling, happy life. Thank you to your whole [Brain Balance] team - from the moment we walked in to the suite until we left we felt positive energy coming toward us.” The Brain Balance Mission The Brain Balance Mission Statement is “to make the Brain Balance Program available to as many children as possible, that each child may reach their greatest physical, mental, social and academic potential.” In order to do this, education is key. The directors,

coaches and founders of Brain Balance really want parents to understand that there is hope, that there can be success, and that their children have bright futures ahead of them regardless of labels or limitations. Brain Balance offers free informative events for parents to come and learn about the details of the program and to see if it’s a right fit for their family. Guests who attend the free event are given a discount on the initial assessment. Call for details. Free parent information event: Saturday, 12/21 at 10 a.m. Please RSVP by calling 813-749-0872 or email oldsmar@brainbalancecenters.com. Find out WHY kids struggle with academics, behavior and/or socials skills. Find out what you can do to end the struggle and improve your child’s focus and performance in many areas. Brain Balance is a research-based drugfree program that helps children reach their full potential. The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Oldsmar is located at 4022 Tampa Rd., Suite 6. Please call (813) 475-6977 for additional information. Email them directly at oldsmar@brainbalancecenters.com or visit brainbalancecenters.com.

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DECEMBER 2013

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