Vol. 5, Issue 12, December 2014
Your neighborhood. Your magazine. The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, The Eagles, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes
River Jordan Direct Family Medicine
If you have thought that frequent massages and facials in a luxurious, serene setting is only for the wealthy, then I am very excited to tell you about MassageLuXe! A true believer in the health benefits of massage therapy, I have been fortunate to receive therapeutic massage in some really nice spas, but that is a special occasion type of thing – right? Not anymore! MassageLuXe offers a spa setting where you can get away from the stresses of your life, and the great location and affordable prices make it possible for people like you and me to regularly enjoy pampering facials and therapeutic massages without breaking the family budget or taking too much
time away from responsibilities. MassageLuXe opened last November, next to Publix, in the Northgate Square shopping plaza (at the corner of Van Dyke Road and Dale Mabry Highway) and continues to gain popularity as more people are finding out about this beautiful facility and its amazing staff of licensed massage therapists and licensed estheticians. With MassageLuXe in the neighborhood, you can afford to take the time to treat yourself well. In fact, MassageLuXe is currently offering an introductory special for new cus-
tomers and your first one-hour Swedish or deep tissue massage is only $38! There are many benefits to a MassageLuXe membership, but a membership is not necessary to enjoy See “MassageLuXe” on page 30
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2014 Dining Contest.............3 Community Calendar.............4 Community News Briefs.........6 Top-Voted Restaurants........10 LaserSpa of Tampa Bay.....14-15 The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay....................16 HoneyBaked Ham...........18-19 ToyMakers of EL............22-23 Posh Paws...........................24 Mount This! Fish Co......28-29 Holiday Family Time......34-35 Canine Estates.....................36
ECRWSS
By Kim Thomas
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
Postal Customer
Make Well-Being a Priority With a Membership to MassageLuXe and FaceLuXe
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Eric J. Crall, MD opened River Jordan Direct Family Medicine after becoming frustrated with the amount of time he was spending each day on administrative tasks and paperwork instead of taking care of patients. He says, “I became a doctor to help people stay healthy. After 17 years of working as a primary care physician for a large health care system, I found myself spending less time with my patients and more time on paperwork.” Located at 4651 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, Dr. Crall’s practice is based on the
Direct Patient Care model. This new model of primary care ensures that Dr. Crall’s patients receive expert personalized care and treatment for a very reasonable cost. The innovative Direct Patient Care model is now being embraced by patients, physicians, employers, and policymakers across the United States. Individual patients, families, or companies pay a low monthly fee and receive expert primary care while developing a lasting and trusting relationship with their doctor. Thanks to this model, River Jordan Direct Family Medicine patients receive See “Dr. Crall” on page 26
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Marcy Sanford
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DECEMBER 2014
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Kim Thomas
Congratulations to Winners of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest! From The Editor Kim Thomas We are excited to announce the winners of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest. Each year, we look forward to this contest because it is exciting to see how many responses we will get, and it gives us a chance to give back to our readers as a thank you for your support. This year, as in the past, our readers responded with gusto, with hundreds sending us their votes for favorite restaurants in the area. We have some excellent eateries and in some of the categories, we wish we could announce two winners because it was a close contest right up to the last entries! Not surprising to us, some of your favorite restaurants also happen to be some of our favorite advertisers
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and while we congratulate all of the top contending restaurants, we want to give special congratulations to the excellent restaurants that advertise in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. Bangkok Sushi was the number one pick in two categories: Best Asian restaurant and Best Sushi. Panini’s Bar & Grill was our reader’s number one choice for Best Lunch. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant was the number one pick for Best Mexican restaurant. See a full list of the top-voted restaurants on page 10. Thank you to all of our readers who participated in our annual dining contest and congratulations to the randomly chosen winners who will receive dining gift certificates to popular local restaurants. The Grand Prize Winner of
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest is Julie Hopkins from Ballantrae. Julie will receive $100 in dining gift certificates to local restaurants! Congratulations to the runner-up winners, who will each receive $25 in dining gift certificates: Sharren Roy of Ivy Lakes; Susan Sweet of Cheval; Danielle Valentine of Ballantrae; Candace Jeanneret of Oakstead; and Evelyn Kay Meyer of Odessa. Thank you all for your entries!
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 20,000 households in zip codes 33556, 33558 & 34638
220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2014 NeighborhoodNews & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Jim O’Reilly Editor Kim Thomas Advertising Sales Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Veiga Alexis Selby Jared Nager
Correspondents Julie Kanehl Marcy Sanford Katie Thomas
Dara Tucker
Art Director Dat X. Do Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Nothing that appears in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and adver-
tisement deadlines. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Community Calendar Metropolitan Ministries Central Pasco Donation Tent Dec. 15–23––Now is the time to provide help for neighbors in need! Metropolitan Ministries serves the poor and homeless families in Pasco and neighboring counties. Keystone Community Church makes giving easier by providing a donation tent open throughout the season at a convenient location at 21010 SR 54 in Lutz at the corner of SR 54 and Hwy 41. Spark your giving spirit this season with donations of nonperishable food, new toys, and monetary gifts. Tent Collection Dates: Monday–Friday, Dec. 15–19, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20; noon–3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23. For information call (813) 948-4522, or email Pastor Gary Edwards at pastor@keystonecommunity.org. Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location Now – Dec. 22––Toys for Tots is great program. For a lot of children,
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All it took was a dollar donation to buy each of these gifts. That dollar will help make a child’s Christmas a merry one.
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these toy donations are all they have to look forward to. LOL Transport & Moving has teamed up with the Marine Corps Toys For Tots program. There is a drop box at the 5811 Ehren Cutoff location in Land O’ Lakes. You can drop off a toy, toys, request a pickup or donate money. You can even request a pick-up from Rene Van Hout, LOL Moving’s owner. To request a pick up at your Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Odessa home or office, simply call 813-996-3775 or email Rene@LOLmoving.com. All donations must collected in by December 22nd. If you would like more information on Toys for Tots, go to www.ToysForTots.org. NAMI Family & Friends Support Group Meetings The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers two types of support group meetings each month, one for *family and friends of those with mental illness, and one for ** those living with mental illness. This includes all brain disorders, including, but not limited to OCD, depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia, multiple personalities,
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etc. Information: 727-992-9653 or www.namipasco.org. *FAMILY & FRIENDS SUPPORT MEETINGS 2nd & 4th Monday, Monthly, 7:30–9 PM––Medical Center of Trinity West Campus, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month in Conference Room C, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey 1st & 3rd Thursday, Monthly, 6:30–8 PM––Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Shoreline Café Meeting Room, 14000 Fivay Rd, Hudson, FL, 1st & 3rd Tuesday, Monthly, 7– 8:30 PM––NAMI Pasco Office (in Jallo Plaza), 6480 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard **NAMI CONNECTIONS Recovery support group for those living with mental illness. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7¬–8:30 PM––NAMI Pasco Office (in Jallo Plaza), 6480 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Land O’Lakes Wednesdays, 7–8:30 PM––Medical Center of Trinity West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey, Conference Room C: For information NAMI 727-992-9653
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Community News Briefs Tampa Bay Lightning Honors Madeline Robinson of Wheelchairs 4 Kids The Tampa Bay Lightning recently honored Madeline Robinson, of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, as the 11th Lightning Community Hero of the year. Robinson received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, which will be donated to Wheelchairs 4 Kids. Robinson is the driving force behind the local non-profit organization, Wheelchairs 4 Kids, with a mission to provide hope, confidence and resources to children with physical disabilities. Her drive was ignited while previously working with children’s charities and repeatedly noticing children with wheelchairs that were too small, broken and/or irreparable. Robinson realizes that it is difficult for families to acquire funding for wheelchair replacements. Kids grow quickly and children who are in wheelchairs outgrow their chairs and need replacements more frequently, which is a financial hardship on many families. Seeing a real need, Robinson
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started Wheelchairs 4 Kids in April 2011. Wheelchair 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other assistive devices, while also hosting fun activities to give children with mobility challenges an opportunity to live life to its fullest. Robinson continues to serve as Executive Director for Wheelchairs 4 Kids and to date she has impacted the lives of close to a hundred children in provided assistance. The donation from the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program is greatly appreciated but there is more work to be done! Robinson says, “We received a $50,000 donation which will be used to help pay for many of our kids on the waitlist, but there are more!” If you’d like to find out more about how you can help provide wheelchairs to children in need, please visit the website, www.wheelchairs4kids.org or call (727) 946-0963. Wheelchairs 4 Kids is located at 1976 Pinellas Avenue South in Tarpon Springs.
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Three HCA West Florida Hospitals Earn an “A” Patient Safety Score Medical Center of Trinity, Oak Hill Hospital and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point have been recognized with an “A” safety score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent non-profit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety ScoreSM, the ABCD or F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patients’ safety. “Earning an ‘A’ on the Hospital Safety Score demonstrates that our hospital continues to strive for excellence,” said Leigh Massengill, CEO, Medical Center of Trinity. “This demonstrates that the three hospitals in our Pasco-Hernando Area value patient safety. This is one more indication that we are ‘walking the walk’ in fulfilling its mission, vision and values,” he/she added. Eleven HCA hospitals received an “A” rating demonstrating that Tampa Bay’s largest health system focuses on making hospitals safe for its patients.
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To see the hospitals’ scores as they compare nationally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.HospitalSafetyScore.org, which provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved during the hospital stay. According to The Leapfrog Group, “The Hospital Safety Score is one piece of information you should use when planning a hospital stay.” They add that they also provide some of the scenarios where the Hospital Safety Score can help a patient make the right decision: ·Knowing where to go for an emergency ·Scheduling a high risk or potentially life-threatening surgery ·Preparing to have a baby ·If someone in the family is suffering from a life-threatening illness that could require immediate or consistent hospital care to be sure that the hospital you’re going to is safe. Scores were awarded to forprofit hospitals, not-for-profits and public hospitals throughout the nation. Not all hospitals earned an “A.” The Hospital Safety Score exclusively measures safety – meaning errors, accidents and infections.
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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is Invited to Participate in the Donate Life Float at the Rose Bowl Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has received an invitation to participate in the “2015 Donate Life Rose Parade Float Hospital CEO Rose Dedications.” Only a select group of hospitals in the area have been asked to have their CEOs prepare a handwritten message honoring the patients and families who, with the support of hospital staff, have saved and healed lives through the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation. The American Hospital Association has joined with the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations and the Eye Bank Association of America to offer this inspirational tribute to the donors of tissues and organs. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point CEO Shayne George has handwritten the following message: “In Honor of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and our life saving staff; We are honored and grateful to those who chose to donate a gift that can change a life!” This handwritten dedication will be placed in one of the rose vials in the “dedication garden,” which is filled with thousands of roses in the Donate Life Rose Parade float. For over 10 years dozens of or-
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One of the trademarks of the annual Donate Life float is a “dedication garden” filled with thousands of roses, each placed in a vial carrying a unique, personal message from an individual, family, or organization. In appreciation of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s support of organ, eye and tissue donation, the hospital’s CEO was given this exceptional opportunity.
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s CEO Shayne George prepares his 2015 note to be placed in the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. ganizations nationwide have collaborated to enter the Donate Life float in the Rose Parade. Originally envisioned by a lung recipient who wished to thank organ, eye and tissue donors for their gifts of life, the Donate Life Rose Parade float has grown into a national tradition featuring dozens of participants each year.
NorthPointe Business Park Lands Financial Services Company Representatives of Appius Wealth Management announced construction of a future headquarters building at Northpointe Business Park in Lutz, Florida. Appius Wealth Management plans to construct a 10,000square-foot, two-story building. The company will occupy the second floor, and 5,000 square feet of firstfloor space will be available for lease. This will add some much needed commercial space to the Pasco County real estate market. The Pasco Economic Development Council worked with Appius Wealth Management, its contractor the Perry Company, and Pasco County to obtain expedited permitting. “For more than 30 years, our firm has been providing comprehensive financial planning services to individu-
als, families and businesses. We are excited to move our headquarters to this centrally located facility that will serve our clients both locally and throughout the United States,” said Michael V. Addessi, CFP(r), AIF(r), EA, President/CEO of Appius Wealth Management. The new building will provide a long-term location for the company which expects to see above-average business growth, projected at 20 percent per year, and could result in a nearly twofold increase in the number of staff members over the next three to five years.
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LaserSpa of Tampa Bay Introduces the Latest in Laser Technology By Katie Thomas LaserSpa of Tampa Bay, located in Tarpon Springs, offers clients expertise in laser care, non-surgical cosmetic enhancements and complete aesthetic skin care for healthy, glowing skin. With a goal to meet clients’ needs and stay in the forefront of industry advances, LaserSpa of Tampa Bay is the best in the Bay for laser tattoo removal, anti-aging laser treatments, photofacial therapy, laser hair removal, cellulite treatment, Botox®, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, electrolysis, waxing and DermaLaser Acne Therapy. The skilled professionals at LaserSpa of Tampa Bay bring you the best and latest in laser technology, while treating you to spa services in a beautiful, serene setting. Barbara Frangos, DC started LaserSpa of Tampa Bay after realizing a need for aesthetic services in the community. She originally began her business in 2001 as Essentially Bare Hair Removal & Skin Care, but quickly realized that in order to offer clients a full range of services, her company would need to expand.
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From originally offering hair removal, Dr. Frangos began developing LaserSpa of Tampa Bay to further facilitate her own business growth and the growth of services she could provide to clients. Dr. Frangos says, “As I saw the needs of my clients change, I began to continuously update my own knowledge, further my education and expand our services to include treatments with the best state-of-the-art equipment available. We combine our experience and knowledge in laser care with the skills of our clinical aesthetician to achieve great results.” Expect a Friendly Reception & Professional Results! LaserSpa of Tampa Bay’s team members are not only experienced and knowledgeable in their specific fields, but everyone is personable and genuinely friendly. They are truly interested in what you want to accomplish and want to give you the best results and a good understanding of your treatment. They focus on educating you on the skin services you receive and give you the best treatment based on your needs, while providing great
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advice about home care for yourself during and after your treatments. Very few can embrace their cellulite, but with LaserSpa nearby, you don’t have to! LaserSpa of Tampa Bay offers state-of-the-art cellulite reduction with LPG’s Endermologie®, a non-invasive procedure utilizing FDAapproved technology that smoothes out cellulite, tones the body and improves overall appearance of the skin. Susan Giles is certified in Endermologie®, and offers this treatment that uses rollers over problem areas of the skin, which many say feels like a deep tissue massage. At the same time, suction is used to redistribute the skin and remove dimpling. Another service available, called Liftmassage®, helps to smooth out skin and even give your buttocks a lift! Clients enjoy Meredee DeLuca’s quick wit and expert skin care services as LaserSpa’s on-staff aesthetician. With over 25 years experience, Meredee specializes in facials, peels, microdermabrasion and more. She loves working with individual clients to help them find the perfect skincare routine and products for healthy,
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beautiful skin. Jenna Harris, ARNP performs both Botox® and fillers at LaserSpa of Tampa Bay, in addition to teaching her services nationwide. She is considered an artist in her field of expertise of cosmetic enhancements without surgery. Say Goodbye to Unwanted Tattoos! Dr. Frangos has more than 13 years experience in laser and pulsed light treatments and she has a true passion for staying at the forefront of laser technology. Dr. Frangos explains, “The technological advances in laser have allowed us to treat patients with all skin types.” LaserSpa of Tampa Bay’s laser services are offered for antiaging treatments and acne is treated with DermaLaser Acne Therapy, both of which offer great results. But perhaps the most dramatic change that lasers bring about is the erasing of bad choices – as in tattoos gone wrong. And if you’re looking for expertise, top-notch technique and superior technology, LaserSpa of Tampa Bay is your destination for tattoo removal, and now offers the PicoSure® laser for
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
client says, “I could not be happier with the results that I am getting from this laser. I was astounded after the first treatment, and see continued results after the second. My tattoo is practically gone at this point, and unlike lasers of the past, I know I won’t have to endure 10 plus treatments. Tattoo regret is an awful feeling, The images above show the superior results that are accomplished with the latest laser technology for tattoo removal - the PicoSure®. and I am delighted that Image #1 (left) is the tattoo prior to any treatment and Image #4 is after 4 treatments with the MedLight C6, which was the gold there is finally a laser that standard prior to the PicoSure®. Then check out Image #5 showing results after just ONE treatment with the PicoSure® laser! does what it claims.” Clients are raving about the excellent results they are getting for tattoo removal at LaserSpa of Tampa Bay! –Dianne O From tattoo removal tattoo removal. removal is unmatched, and she is truly the MedLight for red inks. When and acne treatments that work, to the “I am so excited about our an expert in her field. combining the power of both lasers, best in anti-aging treatments and celnewest laser, the PicoSure®,” says Dr. After many years of successful the results are phenomenal!” lulite reduction, Dr. Frangos and her Frangos, “It is super awesome and the tattoo removal using the MedLight Tattoos are a form of self-expres- team of skilled hands-on professionals very best in laser technology. It’s fast, C6, the previous gold standard in tatsion in many ways, but many people will give you the personal attention powerful and it works wonders on too removal, Dr. Frangos was amazed decide that later on in life that tatyou deserve at LaserSpa of Tampa Bay. both blue and green ink, which were at the quicker results PicoSure® oftoos that were once representative of the most difficult pigments in tattoo fered and is excited to bring the latest them no longer match their lifestyle. Boost your skin health and removal in the past!” laser to her clients. She says, “PicoWhen it comes to tattoo removal, your confidence – call LaserSpa of With over seven years of experiSure® erases blue and green ink in you want a treatment that works that Tampa Bay at (727) 934–4477. ence in tattoo removal, Dr. Frangos just two to three visits, whereas beleaves your skin clear. Dr. Frangos of- LaserSpa of Tampa Bay is located at has seen what works and what doesn’t fore it took fifteen to twenty! With fers just that! She is able to eliminate 1219 E. Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon and she won’t have you waste your the Picosure® laser, the time between unwanted ink and pigmentation of Springs. For a full and detailed list time or money on treatments that are treatments is less and the number of all hues from the skin. of services, please visit online at inferior. Her expertise with laser tattoo treatments are far less. I still utilize One LaserSpa of Tampa Bay www.mylaserspa.com.
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The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay Focus on Your Sight! The end of 2014 is upon us and the friendly doctors at The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay, LLC, wish you a Happy Holiday, and also would like to remind you to make sure to utilize your flex spending and insurance benefits before the end of the year! If you are in need of an eye exam, new glasses or contact lenses, you’ll love the service and selection at The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay. The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a friendly, full scope optometric practice where individuals and families enjoy excellent eye care provided by a skilled, friendly and experienced staff. With a convenient location in Lutz on State Road 54 at Oak Grove Boulevard (about a mile west of State Road 56), it is easy for you to get the best optometric care for yourself and your family, and they offer care for all ages, from babies six months old to the elderly. The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay has three highly skilled, Board Certified Optometric Physicians to care for your eye
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friendly styles by Disney, to sporty frames by Adidas, Nike Vision, Callaway, Ray Ban, Polo and Blackfin and Silhouette, to frames by top designers including DKNY, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co, Coach, Gucci, Bvlgari, Persol, ÖGA, Prada Eyewear, Versace, Smith Optics, Tory Burch, Callaway, Tag Heuer, Mont Blanc and more. The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay accept most insurance plans and are happy to answer your questions about your insurance coverage. If you have flex spending or insurance benefits left in 2014, call today! And make sure you see your way clear to a great year in 2015!
You’ll be amazed at the variety and selection available at The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay. There are frames for every individual and every budget – from durable, kid-
The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay, LLC, is located at 24412 State Road 54 in Lutz. For an appointment or additional information, please call (813) 949-7274 or visit the website, TampaBayEyeCarePros.com. The office is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
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The Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay provides exceptional eye care to patients of all ages. Pictured center, left-to-right are: Dr. David Scamard, Dr. Rick Robinson and Dr. Heather Worrell health. Dr. Rick Robinson, Dr. David Scamard, and Dr. Heather M. Worrell are dedicated to providing exceptional care to each of their patients. Looking for some new frames?
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TRINITY DENTAL CARE IES C N GE E! R E EM ELCOM W
(727) 372-2001 Toll Free: 1-888-tooth AK www.trinitydentalcare.com
We perform the following procedures: - Preventive Dentistry Dr. S. Shayes - Dr. A. Eskandari - Crowns, Bridges - Dentures, Partials, Repairs - Tooth Colored Fillings - Gum Treatment #DN15492 #DN15013
- Root Canals - Teeth Whitening - Dentistry for Children and Adolescence - Invisalign (the clear braces) - etc.
Evening & Saturday Appointments Available
• Nitrous Gas (Happy Gas) • Warm blankets, neck rolls and head phones in everyroom • 12 Month Interest Free Financing Available • Most Insurances Accepted • Evening & Sat. Appts. Available • Now Accepting Care Credit ®
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
1843 Health Care Drive, Building #1 Trinity, FL 34655 (at the corner of Mitchell Blv & Little Rd, behind Walgreens)
Exam (D0140) and X-Ray (D0272 or D0220)
$39.99 EXP. 01/30/2015. WEEKDAYS ONLY. New patient only. Cannot be used with insurance. Coupon needs to be presented at time of service.
The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for another service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee, service, examination or treatment.
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DECEMBER 2014
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‘Tis the Season for Honey Baked Ham®! The holidays are here! Parties full of holiday cheer, drinks, delicious food and the warmth of family and friends are upon us and nothing makes a party complete quite like a fully cooked and ready to serve Honey Baked Ham®. Since 1957, having a Honey Baked Ham® at the center of a holiday feast has been a tradition for many families. Some of us wait all year to savor the taste of a perfectly sliced ham or turkey breast with sweet, crunchy glaze. Your local HoneyBaked store has made it even more convenient to pick up your favorite products this holiday season with three pick-up locations. Now, in addition to the main HoneyBaked store in the Walmart plaza on U.S. 19 North in Port Richey and the satellite store in the Longleaf community of the Trinity area (located just off of Starkey Boulevard on Town Ave.), you also can pick up your Honey Baked Ham® at the Winn Dixie located at
1640 U.S. 19 in Holiday. With more locations, HoneyBaked hopes to help serve up more stress-free holiday meals for customers through greater ease of purchasing and serving its products. HoneyBaked is committed to making your order and pick-up services quick and efficient, so you can focus on what really matters this holiday season – your family and friends and the wonderful time you will spend with them! It is this focus on customer service and convenience that prompted HoneyBaked Ham to offer products at Winn Dixie. Lisa Shippy-Gonzalez, owner of the Port Richey HoneyBaked Ham store and the satellite store in Longleaf, is excited to bring her customers another way to shop conveniently. “Adding the Winn Dixie location to our other two locations in Port Richey and Trinity really gives our customers a whole new way to shop for their favorite HoneyBaked products. They can go into Winn Dixie and pick up everything
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
By Katie Thomas
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they need for a holiday party without having to stress about pick-up times, driving all over town for different ingredients or getting the perfect holiday dish. We have partnered with Winn Dixie for complete customer convenience!” If you'd like to pick up your Honey Baked Ham® from Winn Dixie, just head on over and pick one up. No call-ahead or order is necessary because Lisa stocks Winn Dixie
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daily to make sure the grocery story has as many HoneyBaked products as they will need for customers. Winn Dixie manager Bob says, “It has been a great experience pairing up with Lisa’s HoneyBaked store. We are really happy to bring two great community businesses together for the convenience of our shoppers.” Of course, you still can order your entire menu from the HoneyBaked stores in Port Richey and the satellite store in Longleaf, so that you can complete your meal with sides and desserts. Call ahead or order online and your meal will be ready and waiting. Get your family a ham or smoked or roasted turkey breast along with classic side favorites that include: Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes, Potatoes Au Gratin, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Cinnamon
Apples, Cornbread Dressing, an array of premium desserts and more. My mouth is already watering! “Our storefront allows you to see the hams, turkeys and other products you want just like in a normal retail store,” says Lisa. “We can make your holiday meal easier and everything tastes homemade! Customers love that they can shop at our store and save themselves the hassle of cooking, buying ingredients, preparing and presenting everything – we can do it all, so you can enjoy that time with your loved ones!” Isn’t it great to have a choice this year? Whether you choose to go all out and have your entire holiday feast prepared exclusively by HoneyBaked or just pick up a ham, a dessert, or a couple of sides, you’ll love that you made your life a little easier this year! ‘Tis the season for
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making memories with your loved ones and a HoneyBaked gives you more time for fun! Pick up your Honey Baked Ham® at Winn Dixie located at 1640 U.S. Highway 19 in Holiday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. If you choose to order from one of your two local HoneyBaked stores, call and place your orders as soon as possible! The HoneyBaked Ham Company of Port Richey is located at 8637 US 19 in Port Richey; call (727) 815-3739. The Honey Baked Ham satellite store in Trinity’s Longleaf community is located at 3104 Town Avenue, Suite 106; call (727) 372-7014. For a full description of menu items, catering information and store coupons visit the website, www.honeybakedonline.com
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DECEMBER 2014
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DECEMBER 2014
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The ToyMakers of East Lake is Making Smiles One Toy at a Time! By Julie Kanehl In this world there are precious few who truly put their talents towards helping others, without the expectation of pay or press, and without specific season. The ToyMakers of East Lake are an amazing group of men and women who donate their time, their love and their talents to creating toys for children in the hopes of simply bringing a smile to their faces while they are in the hospital, recovering from an illness, or facing distress of any kind. These ToyMakers of East Lake are busy elves all year long, making thousands of toys for children with only the hope of a child’s happiness as their return. Their mission: “To provide brightly painted, simple wooden toys to children in physical or emotional distress,” is simple yet powerful, and their all-volunteer, all non-profit organization is one that makes a great difference, especially to the lives of a
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child. With their simple mission and the love and efforts of their many volunteers, they have made a difference in thousands of lives! Authentic & Handmade with Love! ToyMakers of East Lake is an offshoot of a ToyMakers group that began with humble beginnings in Pasco County. Starting with just a few tools and a desire to help children in 1982, ToyMakers have delivered more than a quarter of a million handmade toys to local children in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and even Alachua counties to hospitals such as All Children’s Hospital, Tampa General, Shriner’s Hospital in Tampa, and Shands Pediatric Clinic in Gainesville, just to name a few. Toys have been delivered to children as far away as Mexico, the Caribbean and South America in the aftermath of disasters, and are often delivered to local fire departments and first responders, who really appreciate having something to give to
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children when they are in a crisis. The ToyMakers of East Lake organization began in 2007 by ToyMakers such as Gene Watson, who puts so much love and attention into his toys that you can’t help but smile. Located right here in Palm Harbor, ToyMakers of East Lake is an Outreach Mission for the East Lake United Methodist Church, who believes in their cause so much that they have proToyMakers is a fun and fulfilling way to make a vided them with a space difference in the community for a beautiful workshop. Through donations, creating toys out of wood using simple pledges and gifts, their toyshop is a patterns and bandsaws. Making all wonder to behold. Maybe you can’t kinds of toys, they are most famous for see it when you’re driving by, but their cars, “Batmobiles” and “Daisy there’s a whole lot of magic going on Racers”! in that shop. Many busy elves donate Each car is made by hand, and several mornings a week to carefully carefully sanded to remove any sharp
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Children cherish these simple, old-fashioned toys handmade with love edges. Each wheel is created, laced onto straws and painted with care, and then put together with more than glue at its heart. Next, they are meticulously painted by hand with lead-free paint donated by Sherwin-Williams, and given to boys and girls who clutch them to their chests and can’t wait to race them around their rooms. Maybe it’s the love that’s so present in each car, maybe it’s that each one is unique, just like every child, or maybe it’s that many children have never been given a handmade gift that can raise their spirits so quickly. Whatever the magic is, it’s real, it’s palpable and it’s truly touching. I took my own children to the ToyMakers of East Lake Open House and Silent Auction on Saturday, November 15th at the East Lake United Methodist Church. Each of my children were given a handmade car and given many chances to race their car on a handmade ramp outside the event. My three-year-old daughter wanted to do nothing but “race” her pretty car for hours, and she hasn’t slept without that gem of a car since that day. Children know a gift made with love when they receive one. While I was there, not only did I
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get an amazing tour of their toyshop and get to meet some of the kind people who volunteer their time for this wonderful cause, but I also learned that there’s more than one mission here. There’s obviously the declared mission of making toys for children who are suffering, but also I saw that there was a ministry here of adults, many of whom are retirees, who found a renewed purpose, a whole new group of friends, and a renewed faith in the world through volunteering. I was so moved by the program, that I want to volunteer! Why don’t you join me? You Can Help! Current President of the ToyMakers of East Lake Board, Bob Helms, is like many volunteers who thought they’d come by one Saturday a month, but fell in love with the mission, and in doing so, found himself at the shop on a very regular basis. Soon, his wife, Janet, joined the cause as well, and today they are both on the Board, hoping to help lead ToyMakers of East Lake to help even more people. Bob says, “ToyMakers are people like you and me! You don’t have to be
Gene Watson (right) is one of the founders of ToyMakers of East Lake able to operate complicated woodworking machinery to be a volunteer here. We have one volunteer who really enjoys tracing patterns onto the wood, and we have others who love to paint daisies on the Daisy cars.” He adds, “Whatever you can do, there’s a way you can help.” ToyMakers of East Lake is always looking for volunteers! In addition to making beautiful toy cars, Toy Makers of East Lake also makes boats, airplanes, helicopters, and walking duck and penguin toys, just to name a few! These walking toys are a really wonderful way of helping kids who need to be walking as part of their therapy – while walking their ducks; they don’t even realize that they’re doing their therapy! A third ministry is their bicycle program. Toymakers of East Lake collects used, discarded and out-grown bicycles, and refurbishes them and gives them to people in need – for both children and adults! Working with local schools and other charitable
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organizations such as Homeless Working Adults, they even help send used and refurbished bicycles to Haiti and other areas in need after a crisis, so that those people can get work and provide for their families. Additionally, ToyMakers of East Lake is proud to partner with students who are part of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship opportunities for students in our area who have very bright futures, but need help financially. These students need volunteer hours as part of the program, and many of the students who volunteer for ToyMakers of East Lake have found themselves coming back once their volunteer requirements have been met! They become volunteers for the love of helping others instead of just for credit! So, this year, if you’re looking for a way to give more than presents, and you’d love a way to give back and “pay-it-forward,” you can help by volunteering, donating, or even sponsoring this worthy cause! Every little bit helps! Whether you can donate your time, commit $5 a month, or simply donate the old bicycles in your garage, the Toymakers of East Lake would be very grateful, and you’d be helping a cause that doesn’t just help children at this time of year, but one that helps local children all year long. So, what do you say? How about I see you at the shop? The ToyMakers of East Lake’s Workshop is located at 2690 Tanglewood Trail in Palm Harbor, behind the East Lake United Methodist Church. If you would like to donate, sponsor or volunteer – and ToyMakers needs experienced woodworkers – please visit the website at toymakersofeastlake.org or email them at toys@toymakersofeastlake.org.
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Posh Paws Mobile Grooming “Where Your Pets Get the Royal Treatment!” By Katie Thomas During this busy time, you might feel yourself wondering how you can get everything done that you need to do, and take care of your pet’s grooming; Posh Paws Mobile Grooming is the answer! Located in Trinity, Posh Paws serves surrounding areas, including Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Posh Paws promises, “To love and care for each and every animal just like we would want someone to take care of ours.” With Posh Paws you receive a pet-loving grooming service that comes to your home - offering ease, convenience and peace of mind that your best friend is in certified, caring hands. Posh Paws owner, Taya Stuthers, has always had a passion for working with animals. She knew that she wanted a career that would allow her to work one-on-one with pets, while being able to bring convenience into
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people’s lives. Taya attended the Tampa Bay Pet Grooming Academy to become a licensed groomer and to learn the proper techniques necessary to start her own business. With over 300 hours of extensive training at Tampa Bay Pet Grooming Academy, Taya is experienced, knowledgeable and confident in her grooming abilities. Posh Paws is all about the convenience of pet-owners. The Posh Paws mobile grooming van comes right to your home and offers complete comfort for your pet. The climate-controlled van means your dog is comfortable on the hottest or coldest of days. A television plays your doggy’s favorite dog shows and your pet will never be left alone. Taya gives a completely personalized grooming experience to your pet and will meet with you and your furbaby, find out your dog’s likes/dislikes and treat them the way each pet deserves - with love, compassion and service fit for royalty!
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From full grooming packages to a la carte services, Posh Paws offers traditional and specialty grooms that will have your pet squeaky clean. Fullservice grooming includes a bath, blow-dry, ear cleaning, nail trims, tail, pad trimming and a haircut for their face. If you really want to spoil your pooch, request a Blueberry Facial or a Furminator treatment. Treat your pet to the best grooming services around with Posh Paws Mobile Grooming. After Taya comes to your house and grooms your pet, you will feel as if you have also treated yourself with a gift because your dog will be happy, clean and fresh! A Posh Paws Grooming gift is a great present for any pet lover who spoils their pooch. Gift yourself or a
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friend! From now until January 30, 2015, first time customers will receive $10 off (exclusions apply, call for details). Posh Paws Mobile Grooming serves: Trinity, New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Land O’Lakes and Lutz. Posh Paws’ hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Mon. – Fri. To make an appointment please call (727) 9922376 or visit online at poshpawsmobilegrooming.com. Email is PoshPaws7@gmail.com.
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“Dr. Crall” Continued from page 1 unparalleled access to Dr. Crall. “Because I am working for my patients and not insurance companies, I can spend as much time with my patients in the office as needed,” says Dr. Crall. “I proactively manage my patients’ health and help them manage any health issues they have. I am available to my patients by phone, email, or, if appropriate, by virtual visits. This can save patients’ time and give them peace of mind whenever they have an issue or concern.” Dr. Crall schedules an hour for each patient visit, so when patients come to his office there is little to no waiting. He says, “Because I spend an hour with my patients, I have time to talk to them about all of their health issues and really get to know them so that I can provide them with the best care possible. I am available to my patients during evenings and weekends by text or cell phone. My patients have direct access to me; they will not be talking to an answering service or an on-call physician or nurse.” “I have always loathed doctor's
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visits, until meeting Dr. Crall,” says River Jordan Direct Family Medicine patient Josh Parker. “I enjoyed meeting with him; he was very caring, openly sharing, and upfront about the situation at hand. He presented the options and information in an easy to understand manner, which helped me feel comfortable. Thank you, Dr. Crall, for being a forward thinker and offering a service that works for people like me and families like mine.” Dr. Crall is happy to help prospective patients to understand the rapidly changing landscape within the healthcare system to determine if the direct patient model would be suited to their needs. He says, “Because much of your health care is predictable, you can often save money with the direct patient model by automatically budgeting for your predictable primary care needs. You should still have insurance to cover high cost, unpredictable events, but because your day-to-day care is handled at River Jordan Direct Family Medicine, you can choose a plan with a higher deductible and a lower premium than your current plan. Most of my patients end up saving money on their health care, because of the low-cost primary care component.”
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Dr. Crall is very passionate about what he does and takes the time to get to know his patients and their healthcare needs. At River Jordan Direct Family Medicine the monthly membership fee is as follows: • Ages 17 and under, $30 • Ages 18-39, $40 • Ages 40 and up, $50 • Family maximum, $150
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• Student living out-of-area (whose parents are members), $10 Just a few of the ways River Jordan Direct Family Medicine patients will realize savings on their health care spending is by lower premiums for
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
higher deductible insurance, no copays for office visits, and less need for urgent care visits, since Dr. Crall is
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available at night and on the weekends. In addition, he has the time to discuss risks and benefits of medication, screening procedures and diagnostic testing, which helps his patients understand what is best for them and avoid the side effects that are always possible with testing and treatment. Additionally, you will have a doctor working for you, looking out for you and your family’s health. “I am very passionate about health promotion and disease prevention,” says Dr. Crall. “I want to help keep my patients accountable for living a healthy lifestyle so they can continue
to have good health and achieve healthy longevity.” "Dr. Crall has been my doctor for about 8 years and I couldn't be happier,” says Tom Wight. “Dr. Crall is genuinely compassionate and caring about his patients' health. He holds himself, as well as his patients, to healthy habits and focuses on longterm health and wellness, not just short term. Dr. Crall has helped me turn my health around for the better by providing the tools necessary to live a healthier lifestyle." If you are looking for a physician to be an advocate for you and your
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family’s health, you should visit Dr. Crall at River Jordan Direct Family Medicine! River Jordan Direct Family Medicine is located at 4651 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. The office is open Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dr. Crall is always available to his patients through phone, email, or text. For more information about the direct patient care model or to schedule an appointment please call (813) 321-1783, visit rjdirectfammed.md or email drcrall@rjdirectfammed.md. Same day appointments are always available.
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Mount This! Fish Company By Alexis Selby Living in Florida you are bound to either enjoy fishing or know someone who does. And, as a fish enthusiast, you know just how awesome it feels when you hook an amazing catch. That being said, what better way to relive that exciting experience, than with a replica fiberglass fish mount! Proudly displayed on your wall, a beautiful replica fish mount will happily commemorate a fish of a lifetime, while allowing you to either filet and eat the real fish or release it back into the wild to allow other anglers to enjoy the same exhilarating experience! Using the most advanced technology, top-of-the-line materials, skilled fiberglass workers, and talented painters to produce a fish replica in a timely manner, Mount This! Fish Company, a locally-owned Florida business, does an exceptional job of bringing to life your most prized catch and provides anglers and fishing enthusiasts of all levels with the absolute highest standard of quality and value in a fishing trophy. In the past, fish replicas would take anywhere from 3090 days to produce, but at Mount This Fish Company they strive to have popular items in stock along with offering a quick turnaround time for custom replicas. Established in 2001, Mount This! Fish Company (MTFC) has been ele-
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vating the standards of fish mount replica production. Huge fishing enthusiasts themselves, owners Troy and Jen Denson share a love of fishing and respect for marine wildlife that really shines through in what they do. From the detailed scales, to the unique speckles, this husband and wife team takes pride in reproducing the rich vibrant colors and true beauty of each species in every mount they create.
Custom Fish Mounts Over the past thirteen years Troy and Jen have focused on three major markets to sell their products. The first market is the angler who wants to commemorate a catch. Whether it is someone’s first catch, the catch of a lifetime, or one to add to the array of
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Co-owner Jen Denson, holiding a beautiful replica mount of a record-sized Large Mouth Bass fish they have caught during their time, each one is special and unique in its own way. Their fish replicas allow the fisherman to capture a memory while choosing to release the catch or filet it for dinner. With thousands of molds to choose from, all the angler needs to provide is the length, measurement or weight of the catch and using their expertise and knowledge of the various fish species Troy and Jen will recreate your fish to resemble the way it looked during the memorable day you caught it. (If you have a picture, that’s even better, as it allows them to produce a
replica that is as close to the real thing as possible.) MTFC’s second focus is on the retail customer who would simply like to decorate their home or outside area with nautical décor. Not all of MTFC’s customers are fisherman. Whether it’s the little boy that wants a shark themed room, or the homeowner who wants to decorate a room or tiki bar with fish replicas, MTFC offers a wide variety of sculpted species. MTFC’s half sided fish replicas are another great option and an affordable
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Nautical Décor
way to decorate with a unique style.
Corporate Fish Mounts MTFC’s third focus is providing a large quantity of replicas to corporate accounts; usually to decorate a new establishment or to use as a point of sale. These businesses vary from seafood or sushi restaurants to seafood markets, and marine related companies. Working with both interior designers and the owners themselves, MTFC will assist in producing a look that will be sure to wow customers. MTFC's extraordinary reputation has spread throughout the country and the world and has earned them the ability to be a vendor for Bass Pro Shops®; each year Bass Pro Shops® opens new stores all over the country and they decorate with a variety of fish replicas, many of which come directly from Mount This Fish Company. They also recently finished a project for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which included 42 suspended replicas, and are currently working on items for a chain of ship
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stores (similar to our West Marine) opening in South Korea.
Fish Mounts Make Great Gifts! Looking for the perfect gift to get your favorite angler.... As a fisher "woman" myself I know that nothing says I love you more than a commemorative mount of one of your exciting catches. For my birthday last year, I got a stunning mount from MTFC of a 32” Blackfin Tuna I caught in the Florida Keys that past year – it was one of my favorite gifts of all time and every time I look at that magnificent fish replica on my wall, I get flash backs of that awesome vacation! Thank-you so much Troy and Jen! My husband and I are avid fishermen, and as such our walls are lined with fish mounts – all of which have been masterfully created by Troy and Jen and the amazing artists at Mount This! Fish Company. We are very particular with our fish and when it comes to fish mounts we only go with the best of the best – which is why
time and time again, when we want to celebrate a wonderful fishing memory, we know that Troy and Jen will do an amazing job of capturing the beauty of our prized catch and create a mount that in itself is a masterpiece work of art! Whether you are an avid fisherman, homeowner, decorator or business owner looking for fish replicas or other unique nautical décor, Mount This! Fish Company serves to commemorate and/or decorate, offering the highest quality products, exceptional prices and extraordinary customer service. Give Troy and Jen a call today and commemorate the wonderful memories of that exhilarating catch with a
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stunning replica fish mount from Mount This Fish Company! Mount This! Fish Company is located at 4280 Hwy US1 in Rockledge Florida. Although they are a few hours outside of Tampa Bay all you have to do is send them a picture or measurements of the fish and they can conveniently mail your prized replica right to your doorstep. For more information please call Troy at (321) 403-6677 or email him at troy@mountthis.net, or visit their website at www.MountThis.net. Like them on Facebook (Mount This Fish Company) for specials, contests and the chance to win prizes and giveaways.
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“MassageLuXe” Continued from page 1 facial or massage. Anyone can make an appointment at MassageLuXe, but after one visit, you may decide a membership to MassageLuXe is where it’s at! For me, it was an easy decision to become a member. I’d met the owners Bill and Krysta, who told me about their business and gave me a tour of the impeccably designed facility. When I learned of just how affordable a membership is, that there is no contract, and that you can rollover your unused massage or facial sessions to the next month, I was greatly intrigued; but it was after my one-hour deep tissue massage and 15 minutes on the HydroLuXe table, that I was hooked! Memberships are month-tomonth, with no contract to lock you in. There are several levels of membership available depending upon how many visits you wish to have each month. Members enjoy perks like signature aromatherapy scents to enhance their massage sessions, discounts on products, and unlimited access to the HydroLuXe table – a water-powered massage table, where
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heated water jets apply steady pressure to your aching muscles. Trust me, it feels amazing running up and down your spine. Another great perk for members is the MassageLuXe referral program. Members receive a half-hour credit for a massage or facial for every new client referral to MassageLuXe. No catch here – the referred customers do not have to sign up for a membership for members to receive the credit. Members receive a halfhour credit for every referral, and that is an unlimited offer. Bill says, “It is a way for us to say thank you to our members who are helping us to promote our business.” Bill and Krysta are truly invested in making certain that your experience at MassageLuXe exceeds your expectations, not just on your initial visit, but every visit. From stay-at-home moms, to retirees, to business owners, MassageLuXe is perfect for everyone. Krysta shares, “A guy just came in who owns a gym nearby and said this was the best massage he’s ever had in his life. He loved the whole experience and is sending his wife in.” “We offer a luxurious spa experience,” explains Bill. “The check-in is flawless. The whole process is first class. We hear all the time from clients
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The owners and the licensed professional staff at MassageLuXe & FaceLuXe in Tampa welcome you to enjoy the benefits of regular massage and facials. that they just enjoyed the best massage or facial they’ve ever had.” Bill adds that his interview process is very strenuous and each of the licensed massage therapists and licensed estheticians are handpicked to meet his and Krysta’s high standards of excellence. MassageLuXe member John Doyle says, “I am a person who has had at least one massage per week for the past thirty years and so I consider myself well versed in the benefits and overall evaluation of Massage Thera-
pists. I find that the Licensed Massage Therapists at your facility have been well selected and are consistent in their delivery of a massage that helps my bodily aches and pains.” Another satisfied member, Yvonne Reed, shares, “I cannot say enough good things about MassageLuXe. I love, love, love this place. The staff is wonderful, professional, friendly, courteous... the best. I’ve had both massages and – for the first time in my life since joining MassageLuXe – facials. After every service
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I leave feeling completely relaxed and pampered. Their HydroLuXe water massage table is like floating on a cloud... one that massages. I stop in as often as possible to use it when I’m in the area. It’s a great perk for MassageLuXe members. I joined on my first visit. There was no hard sell, just the facts, and it was an easy decision to make.” MassageLuXe / FaceLuXe are Good for You! The benefits of massage are many. If you’ve thought of massage as only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself, it’s time to reconsider. Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and
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well being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for a stress reliever. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. Many find that regular, therapeutic massage is helpful for anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia related to stress, myofascial pain syndrome, paresthesias and nerve pain, soft tissue strains or injuries, sports injuries, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. The licensed massage therapists at MassageLuXe offer Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal massages in addition to specialty massages like hot stone, aromatherapy, reflexology, trigger point and sports massage. FaceLuXe at MassageLuXe offers a full line of facials to help your skin look its best. The VIP or LuXe facials from FaceLuXe are fabulous! Using the gentle, but effective, Repechage line of products, the expert estheti-
cians at FaceLuXe can invigorate, lift, and firm mature skin; deep clean and purify acne-prone skin to help eliminate breakouts; or brighten sun-damaged skin while diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. You can treat yourself to an eye or lip treatment that will rejuvenate these delicate areas. FaceLuXe also provides a full array of waxing services. If you are looking for the perfect gift, give your loved one a gift card for a one-hour massage or facial at MassageLuXe or FaceLuXe, but take my advice and don’t forget yourself. During the month of December 2014,
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MassageLuXe is running a gift card promotion of “Buy 2 Get 1 FREE.” Make 2015 the year to focus on your whole body well-being and start with a membership to MassageLuXe! MassageLuXe is located at 3919 Van Dyke in Lutz. Hours are 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Mon. – Fri.; Sat. from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sun. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 813-681-2232. “Like” MassageLuXe Lutz on facebook for continuing updates.
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DECEMBER 2014
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DECEMBER 2014
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Make The Most out of Family Time This Holiday Season! By Julie Kanehl The holidays are the most hectic time of the year, which is kind of funny when you think about it, because it’s supposed to be the time of the year when everyone comes together to enjoy each other’s company, share what they’re grateful for and rejoice in the greater meanings that are the basis for the festivities! Instead, we find ourselves busier than ever, more stressed than ever, and probably not feeling at peace with the holiday season. Is this ringing any bells? Well, here are some helpful tips to minimize the stress and maximize the togetherness! The first is to create a holiday to-do board! It’s easy and it doesn’t have to be fancy or “Pinterest” worthy! Just have everyone in your family write down a holiday activity that they would love to participate in during the next couple of weeks, and together as a family you can work together to make those things happen! These activities don’t need to be fancy or expensive!
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Here are some examples: Making sugar cookies, decorating them in the kitchen and sharing them with friends and family! How about choosing a night to go look at Christmas lights in your pajamas? No one will know! What about packing up a picnic of holiday goodies, your favorite movies and showing up at your best friend’s house for a holiday movie night? Maybe your little one wants to see everyone go ice-skating at the mall, or perhaps see a holiday
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Be Creative! Another idea is to spend some holiday time being creative! With all
of the fancy phone apps, it’s not hard to take a picture that will make a beautiful holiday card, so grab a friend or a neighbor with a smart phone and take some fun pictures that really show your family’s personal sense of style! Pictures can be printed off cheaply all around town, and you can even handcraft your cards from scratch. There’s nothing like a handmade holiday card! If you are too busy, you can easily have your picture made into a card that is
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
movie on the big screen? Maybe it’s as simple as having hot chocolate by the fireplace, if you have one, or fire pit even! Whatever ideas your family comes up with, it should be a great conversation–starter and set the tone that the holidays really should be about being together, instead of accumulating mass quantities of stuff!
ready to pick up at the store the next time you go out for milk. One of my favorite activities is a Holiday Themed Game Night! You can use your family’s favorite board games, play your own version of “Minute to Win It” or even have contests like “Who can go the longest without using their iPhone/Tablet!” Set the stakes high – maybe the winner gets to choose the next holiday movie or control the remote control for the next two hours. Perhaps they get to open the first present when it’s finally time! Think outside the box! If you’ve never tried it, maybe this is the year to get your family or friends together to make a gingerbread house! Or everyone could make his or her own and you’ll have a whole village of gingerbread. Have a contest! Set the rules, and then get out all of the old Halloween candy for decorating, and use whatever else is left over in the pantry from cereal to chips to make your own unique creation! Take lots of pictures and you won’t believe how much fun you’ll have! This is really a great activity for people of all ages, artists and non-artists alike, and it’s a tasty
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
activity too! Give Back! Of course, eating is an essential part of the holiday, so getting together to bake is a given, but maybe you can do something different this year and bake for someone else! Do you know of anyone who is in need? Maybe going through a hard time? It doesn’t take a holiday to reach out and help others, but sometimes this time is the best time to do just that. If you’d like to give back this season, there are myriads of opportunities out there. Many of the local churches and synagogues offer opportunities to help the needy! This can be as easy as donating clothes from your own closets to going out and helping to serve the homeless. Whatever you decide to do this holiday, do it with love and kindness. For these are the roots of every holiday celebration, and to be together at the holidays is really the greatest blessing of all. Happy Holidays from all of us at Neighborhood News and Lifestyles! We look forward to serving you in 2015!
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Adopt a Rescue Dog from Canine Estates! “At any given time Canine Estates can have up to 35 dogs, some are special needs,” says Dolly Smith, of the Canine Estates rescue organization. She adds, “Most recently we took in a whole family of Chihuahua’s, all fleainfested. There were five in total and then there were nine! At only 1 year old and just a baby herself, this little one gave birth to four puppies. Thankfully the puppies were born safely under the care of our vet tech.” Canine Estates is a local nonprofit organization that fosters and adopts out small dogs. Dolly says, “Canine Estates is not simply a rescue, we do not pick and choose the dogs that we take in. We take the ones others overlook, the blind, the sick or those very old. Deep down we always hope a “Special Person” will come along and adopt, because in the end they just want a warm bed and someone to love them. Precious is a beautiful golden colored Lhasa Apso mix, 10 year young and weighs 15 lbs. She is one of our senior gals but this breed has been reported to live up to 20 years so she has
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a lot of wonderful years and love to give to her new family! She does have KCS (dry eye) and will require eye drops for her entire life. An adult home or one with older children would be best for Precious! She is very sweet, loving and playful. She was found in Largo as a stray by SPCA before coming to rescue and is so ready to become part of a family once again.” Another Special Pup is Barney, a beautiful Shih-Tzu mix who has limited vision in only one eye due to glaucoma. Dolly says, “Everyone at Canine Estates loves Barney. His eye was saved when we took him to our vet and an ophthalmology doctor. He is so very sweet and loving and just draws you to him. Barney does take medication in his eyes but he doesn’t mind it. Dogs do exceptionally well with limited eyesight or even totally blind.” Dolly urges, “Make an appointment and meet some of our dogs at Canine Estates, you never know – your best friend just may be there to greet you.
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There are other dogs on the list for a “Home for the Holidays” that you may love! Prissy, a twoyear-old Min Pin mix weighing 16 pounds with a beautiful black shiny coat often described as regal looking! Puppy, one of the Chihuahua family, is three years old and weighs only 5 pounds! Puppy would love another small dog as a companion or he can fly solo! He craves attention. Courtney is a Doxie Chihuahua mix, and is two years old and weighs eight pounds. She loves chew bones, toys and gets along with other small
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dogs but likes to be the leader! Contact information: (727) 412-0558; (239) 851-1468, www.CanineEstates.com; or email Director@CanineEstates.com. Find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/ CanineEstatesInc.
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Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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