Westchase - Vol. 4, Issue 12, December 2015 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 4, Issue 12, December 2015

Your neighborhood. Your magazine. ® The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 15,000 Homes In Citrus Park, Westchase & Surrounding Areas

This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place

Come Check Out the New and Improved Westchase Mellow Mushroom

See “Mellow” on page 20.

If you have allergies, pain, or daily health issues that affect your life, you may find the relief your body needs at Optimal Living Clinic. Located at 13950 W. Hillsborough Avenue in Oldsmar, Acupuncture Physician Sam Cheever, uses the ancient medical practice of acupuncture to help her patients find relief, many times after they’ve given up hope. “When a doctor says there is nothing to be done for pain except for surgery, he has tried every method he has available to him,” says Sam. “With acupuncture we use different tools to help the body heal.” Originally a nurse, Sam turned to acupuncture after traditional medicine was not having any affect on her allergies. She says, “In 2007 I had allergies so bad they were affecting my quality of life. I was taking antihistamine See “Optimal Living” on page 18

Local Author Publishes Book......3 Community Calendar & News Briefs.............................4 New Classes at the JCC......6-7 Tampa Premium Outlets.......8-9 3 Wishes Aesthetics.........10-11 Shop Safer and Smarter this Holiday Season...............16-17

ECRWSS

By Marcy Sanford

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Postal Customer

Restore Your Health at Optimal Living Clinic in Oldsmar!

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

Undergoing a fabulous facelift, if you haven’t been to the newly renovated Mellow Mushroom in Westchase, or it’s been a while since you’ve visited, you have to come check out their great new look! With beautiful new artwork, fresh paint and a new bar and tables, this updated look adds some exciting appeal to this local hot spot! Keeping with the same 70’s theme, you will find the friendly, laid-

back atmosphere remains unchanged, and this awesome restaurant continues to provide a fun venue where you can come to hang out and enjoy craft beer, hand-crafted cocktails and oneof-a-kind creations. “Mellow Mushroom has amazing pizza and salads and a great selection of craft beer,” states happy customer Bill. “They get beers there in draft that others can't even get in the bottle. The atmosphere is laid

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Alexis Selby

DECEMBER 2015

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Local Author Publishes “The Vulnerable”, an Intriguing Non-Fiction Novel About Saving Her Brother From True Evil Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with local author Betsy MacDonald to talk about her new book, “The Vulnerable”. A true story, The Vulnerable is an intriguing book about Betsy’s Autistic brother Michael who suffers from Asperger’s and her journey to reconnect with her family and help Michael escape a tortuous relationship with a couple that was supposedly caring for him while all the while they were taking advantage of him, abusing, and even poisoning him, slowly trying to murder him and make it look like an accident just to gain his inheritance. The Vulnerable has all the makings of a Hollywood thriller, but like I said, this tale is unfortunately non-fiction. Speaking of Hollywood, Betsy is meeting with some movie producers that sought her out after reading her book, so a screenplay may very well be next. During our interview Betsy described to me some of the horrible things that these sick people did to her brother; it made my stomach flip flop. I can’t imagine how anyone could live with himself or herself after committing such heinous acts; manipulating an

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autistic person for their own personal gain. It’s absolutely disgusting, and when I asked Betsy what her ultimate goal was in telling her story she replied, “I just want to make people aware of what can happen to the ones we love, especially those who may become vulnerable without the right people in their lives. I want to help people see that they need to make a plan, especially if they have a child or a loved one with Autism. I want people to really think about what could happen to that person if they weren’t around, that way they can prepare and hopefully prevent something terrible from happening, because once it’s too late there might not be anyone around to protect them.” I don’t want to give too much of the book away, but what I will report is that Betsy has saved Michael and he currently lives with Betsy and her husband locally. I personally have a close friend, whom I’ve known since high school, with Asperger’s so this story really hits home for me. Betsy says, “Knowledge is power. It is my wish that by hearing our story, maybe one person’s life can be saved!”

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: alexis@nnlflorida.com © 2015 Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

Betsy MacDonald’s book “The Vulnerable” is for sale at Amazon.com. Betsy is a psychiatric R.N. holding positions as a Mental Health Director, where she lectures the public and health agencies. She has also run a hospital as Director of Nursing and has counseled and evaluated youth in school settings. She is a nationally published author with non-fiction cover stories. This true mystery has clairvoyance, hauntings, and gut wrenching emotion on a journey to crack her birth families code of silence. VULNERABILITY is forefront in attempt to save her Asperger's Autistic brother. To contact Betsy visit www.TheVulnerable.net.

Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Jared Nager Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly

Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas

Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker

Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach

Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

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DECEMBER 2015

Community Calendar & News Briefs Celebrating the Holiday Season with the Magic of The Nutcracker Ballet Presented by Tampa Bay’s Triple Threat Theatre at USF Theatre One. Dec. 5, at The University of South Florida in Theatre I, 3829 USF Holly Drive, Tampa Do you remember how you felt as a child during the holidays? The Nutcracker reminds us that the holidays have always been a time of magic, wonder and dreams. Experience that delight by joining us for this classic holiday tradition. Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre will present The Nutcracker Ballet on December 5, at The University of South Florida in Theatre I (located at 3829 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620). Curtain times are 2:00 and 7:00 PM. The performance includes Professional Principal Soloists and performers from The Classical Ballet of Tampa, set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score with Choreography by Stanislav Ivanov. The Nutcracker is often a young person’s first exposure to ballet. With colorful costumes and sets, paired with

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world class dancing, it will be a treat for both young and old alike. As part of the Theatre’s community outreach, Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre will also present fieldtrip performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, December 4th at the USF Theatre I. Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational theatre in residence at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy. The Nutcracker is the perfect family event to enjoy the splendor of the holiday season! Tickets will be available at TBTTT.org. Please make Triple Threat Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet a part of your holiday celebration this year!

4th Annual Golf Tournament Hosted by Equestrian Inc. Thoroughbred Rescue Sun., Dec. 6 at The Eagles Golf Club, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa Join Equestrian Inc. Thoroughbred Rescue for their 4th Annual Golf Tournament, which is sure to bring great fun and great competition!

It will be a Shotgun Start/Scramble Format, with tee-off starting at 12 Noon. Dinner and awards will follow at 6 pm. There is a $100 entry fee, which includes a gift bag, green fees, cart fees, range balls, snacks, drink tickets and dinner. There will also be a US Hole In One contest with many great prizes, including $10,000 cash, a flat screen TV, Callaway Irons and airline tickets. Sponsorships are available. For more information please contact Jack Fischer @ (813) 7310973. All proceeds benefit Equestrian Inc. Thoroughbred Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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Ready… Set… Shop… It’s Time for the Westchase Holiday Market! Sunday, December 6 from 10am – 5pm at the Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive in Tampa The sixth annual Westchase Holiday Market will be held on Sunday, December 6 from 10am until 5pm at the Westchase Golf Club located at 11602 Westchase Golf Drive. All net proceeds from the event, along with ticket sales from special raffles and See “Calendar” on page 14.

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New Classes at the Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com or (813) 769-4724.

The Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation, located at 13009 Community Campus Dr in Tampa, is proud to announce some exciting new classes:

New Coin Collecting Series

Sculpture Classes For as long as people have been walking the earth they have been creating sculpture. As a tribute to this, the JCC is offering sculpture classes. Their instructor, Stephen Handschu, has been a sculptor for more than 40 years. You can learn more about Steve and his work at www.handschusculpture.com. The classes, which begun October 12, are ongoing and newcomers are welcome at any time. They are held Mondays and Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m., with the exclusion of holidays. Cost is $80.00 for members/$95.00 for non-members, for 8 consecutive Classes. The materials Fee (block of alabaster) is $35.00. There is a minimum registration requirement of 8 students to hold this course To RSVP or for more information, please contact Marissa

DECEMBER 2015

Join the JCC for an exciting coin collection series hosted by John Frost, owner of Gilder Shop Coins & Currency. He will be giving free appraisals on your coins and will provide information on how to become a coin collector. Classes will start on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and will be ongoing. Light refreshments will be served. The charge for this program is $3.00 per session for members/$4.00 per session for non-members. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com or (813) 769-4724.

Mah Jongg Classes The JCC now offers an exciting new Mah Jongg series hosted by Vicki Solkin! If you’ve always wanted to learn the ancient Chinese table

game, now’s the time! Classes run October 27 – November 24th, with 5 sessions. Cost is $4.00 per session for members/$5.00 per session for nonmembers. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com or (813) 7694724.

Exciting New Book Club Series Join the exciting new book club series at the JCC, hosted by Adrianne Sundheim, starting on January 4th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Adrianne Sundheim moved to Tampa in 1966 and has taught all around the area

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since then. She currently teaches at the JCC and Aston Gardens. She is the discussion leader for the book club at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library and is a published author of poetry. She will be leading the book club once every two months and then you will meet every week to discuss the book you are currently reading. To RSVP or for more infor-

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mation, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com or (813) 769-4724.

JFIT at the Tampa JCC & Federation. The Tampa JCC offers a wide variety of fitness classes for people of all fitness levels. Classes include SALSA Aerobics, Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates, Stretch & Flex, Tai Chi, Meditation, Water Aerobics, 20-20-20 combo class, cardio circuit and SilverSneakers® Fitness classes. All classes are open to the public and are $4.00 per class for non-members. Please visit JCC’s website at www.JewishTampa.com for a complete listing of all classes or call Pam Cotner at (813) 769-4748 for more information.

ing friends. These lessons will be taught by Larry Sullivan. Larry Sullivan has been playing Bridge for 59 years and is the club manager and game director at the Tampa Bay Bridge Center (local duplicate bridge club) and has been for eight years. There will be a minimum of 4 players, maximum of 12 players. The cost is $45 for members/$50 for non-members for the 6 sessions. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com or (813) 769-4724.

Beginning Bridge Lessons The Tampa JCC & Federation is bringing Bridge to their campus. There will be six 1 ½ hour sessions that will cover the fundamentals of bridge, including bidding and the play of hand. This course will allow you to play this game with your Bridge play-

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DECEMBER 2015

Let the Savings Begin! The Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz is Now Open! By Julie Kanehl Tampa Premium Outlets is the long-awaited outlet mall that has Lutz and Wesley Chapel at the center of a lot of attention! Located at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, just off of S.R. 56 and west of I75, its location is convenient to all of Tampa Bay. Tampa Premium Outlets opened its doors on October 29th at 10 a.m. to excited crowds, impressive lines and of course, a lot of great deals. Owned by The Simon Property Group, which owns retail properties in 37 states and Puerto Rico, Tampa Premium Outlets has a lot of experience designing crowd-pleasing retail centers like this one. Their Grand Opening event included music, fireworks, and the opening of 103 stores, including popular brands like Coach, Nike Factory, Vera Bradley, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Tampa Premium Outlets is a 441,000 sq. ft. retail center that has more than 20 shoe stores, alone. Add in some fun dining options like Johnny Rockets (which will actually be opening on November 12th), a playground area for the kiddos, and savings that you just won’t find at other malls, and it’s no surprise that people are flocking to the new shopping center in droves!

Grand Opening Success! The main courtyard at Tampa Premium Outlets was abuzz throughout the day with live entertainment, contests and giveaways, and even stilt walkers made the rounds as many guests lined up at their favorite stores,

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eager to be one of the first ones in the door. Many of the stores offered gifts to the first 100 people inside, like Helzberg Diamonds, who offered a free pearl bracelet and extra savings to their first customers. There was a lot of excitement for kids of all ages at the Disney Outlet Store, as they gave away special edition Mickey ears to their first paying customers while supplies lasted. While many retailers used coupons, giveaways and outlet exclusives to garner excitement, some stores just needed to be there-like the Coach store, which had a line snaking half way down the corridor before the mall

even opened. Some of these stores are simply beautiful from a retail standpoint. Immaculately merchandised, every store displays its brand with pride: Stores like Swarovski simply sparkled, Kitchen Collection has you wanting to become a chef, and did I mention that there’s a Lindt Chocolate and an Auntie Anne’s? All the excitement and crowds aside, the employees of Tampa Premium Outlet and of the individual outlet stores were simply fantastic. Everyone was super-informative, helpful and while the mall was busy, it was

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a pleasurable place to shop! I spoke to one local shopper who came to the Grand Opening with her mom and her two young children, she said, “I’ve gotten some great deals! I’m really happy we came. The lines to pay are long, but worth it.” She also said, “I really like that there are lots of areas to sit and rest between shopping!” Simon Properties did a great job of designing the shopping center to have plenty of seating, so that while there are more than a hundred great shops to see, it doesn’t have to feel like a marathon.

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combined with the savings and discounts in the stores. Some examples include 10% off your entire purchase at Sketchers, $25 off your purchase of $100 or more at Vera Bradley and $15 off your purchase of $30 or more at Yankee Candle. This is just a fraction of the discounts! These savings last throughout the season, so get online, get your voucher and start racking up those savings! Tampa Premium Outlets is the perfect place to save money while shopping, and it’s also bringing a lot of jobs to the area as many of the retailers are still hiring! Whether you are in the market for a new pair of shoes, looking for a great place to spend the day with the family, or you are looking for a new job in retail, head on down to Tampa Premium Outlets!

Become a Tampa Premium Outlets VIP! The best news is that, while the opening weekend has come and gone, the savings will continue! It’s been printed that the savings at a Simon outlet mall like this one, can be up to

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65% or more than what you’d find at a regular store, which is great! But there’s a way to save even more. Become a VIP! As a Tampa Premium Outlets VIP, you have the opportunity to earn extra savings that aren’t made

public! It’s totally free, and it’s easy to sign up on their website! One you sign up, you simply print your voucher and take it to guest relations to pick up your VIP Coupon Book, and let me tell you, you’ll feel like a VIP, because these savings can be

Tampa Premium Outlets is located at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, Florida. They are open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. To reach their shopping line call 813-9386272, or visit them online at www.PremiumOutlets.com/outlet/Tampa.

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DECEMBER 2015

Get Party Pretty at 3 Wishes Aesthetics

By Alexis Selby Radiate beauty this holiday season and turn heads like never before, with a glorious facial treatment from 3 Wishes Aesthetics. With everything going on, this time of the year can be particularity busy and stressful – planning get-togethers, shopping for presents, all the cooking, etc. – so thinking about yourself is probably the last thing on your mind. But really, this is why it is so important to take some time for yourself; to allow yourself the chance to unwind and relax – even if it is only for an hour or two. So whether or not you think you have the time, you need to make some time in your hec-

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tic holiday schedule and do something nice for yourself – because you know you deserve it! With instant gratification and little to no down time, 3 Wishes Aesthetics offers some great services that can easily be squeezed into your list of things to do. They include: * Restylane Lyft: Rejuvenate a sagging mouth with this exclusive technique that minimizes swelling and bruising * Peppermint stick facial: Leaves skin clear and glowing for days * Cinnamon stick facial: This antiaging facial helps smooth and soften fine lines and wrinkles * Beautiful Image Microcurrent facial lift: Provides you with an instant

lift and glowing skin

CooLifting® Just in time for the New Year, starting January, 3 Wishes Aesthetics will be adding an incredible new wrinkle treatment to their list of services. CooLifting, also known as The Beauty Gun, uses new Cryo Technology that delivers a simultaneous combination of CO2, with a proprietary HA serum to renew the skin’s surface. This revolutionary non-invasive treatment offers immediate, visible results and will have you looking younger in only five minutes! Since opening 3 Wishes Aesthetics, owner and Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Jenny Molloy, has helped

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women and men of all ages to restore youthfulness and radiance to their appearance. Jenny offers a wide variety of services and is an expert in creating a relaxed look with FDA-approved Botox® or Dysport® and her comfortable treatments with FDA-approved Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane® soften and enhance facial features in a natural way that will leave your friends guessing – how does she look so young? Jenny has been providing her artistic talents to many happy Tampa Bay clients for over 12 years and offers a variety of mildly exfoliating facial treatments specifically designed to improve skin tone, minimize pores, and improve skin texture and color.

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CooLifting, also known as The Beauty Gun, uses new Cryo Technology that delivers a simultaneous combination of CO2, with a proprietary HA serum to renew the skin’s surface.

Her holiday gift to you, Jenny is offering $10 off her peppermint stick and cinnamon stick facials. Look for the 3 Wishes Aesthetics ad in this month’s publication and bring it in on your next appointment to enjoy your discount.

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Although, you might not look young enough to sit at the kids’ table, Jenny’s fabulous treatments and facials are guaranteed to knock years off of your appearance. So, if you are looking to really make a statement this holiday season and want to bring back youth and vitality to your appearance, give Jenny a call and book your appointment today!

3 Wishes Aesthetics is co-located with Westchase Hair Studio at 11059 Countryway Boulevard, studio B in Westchase. 3 Wishes Aesthetics is open Tuesday through Friday. For more information, visit www.3wishesaesthetics.com. To schedule an appointment, call (813) 852-1200.

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DECEMBER 2015

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“Calendar” Continued from page 4 silent auctions, will be donated directly to Autism Speaks. Last year’s Market raised over $1000 for this great charity. This year’s event promises to be exciting for all ages! Santa will arrive to hear wish lists and pose for pictures from 1pm until 4pm. “Best of Show,” 1st and 2nd juried prizes will be judged and awarded. Artists will demonstrate their work and you can grab a tasty bite from the grill at the beautiful Westchase Golf Club while listening to fabulous holiday music from Rockatar Music Academy from 2pm until 4pm! And, there will be face painters from 1pm until 4pm. Let’s not forget the shopping! You’re sure to find the perfect gift to complete your holiday list. Original paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture, along with handmade craft items such as wine bottle art, crocheting, clothing, glassware and woodworking are among the many types of artwork that you can expect to find. Raffles and silent auctions this year will include incredible prizes from members of the Westchase Artists Society, as well as generous donations from the Tampa Bay Rays, The Florida Aquarium, Whole Aveda Salon, RocketFizz, Tipsy Candle Company, C & C Painting, Bellanova Salon, Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski, and the Westchase Golf Club, to name only a few! A special thank you to our Gold Sponsors: Global Imaging Systems, Anne Hart & Toni Cason of Florida Executive Realty, and Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay. Join the Westchase Artists Society as they ring in the holiday season! For more information, check out their Facebook page at

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Westchase Holiday Market or contact Teresa Trubilla at trubilla@mac.com or (813) 8416563.

16th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade Sunday, December 13th, at Lowry Park Boat Ramp, 7525 North Boulevard in Tampa Friends of the River's 16th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade will be on Sunday, December 13th. All boaters and paddlers of canoes, kayaks, etc. in the Tampa Bay area are invited to JOIN the FUN at the Boat Parade for Everyone! Paddlers and boaters are needed to help create this FREE community event, sponsored for the 16th consecutive year by Friends of the River. This annual community tradition celebrates another year of life in a city with a restored, beautiful river running through it. On Sunday, December 13, 2015 boaters will assemble at 5:30 pm at Lowry Park Boat Ramp. The parade begins at 6:00 pm, arriving upriver at Sulphur Springs Park at approximately 7:00 pm. This event begins and ends at two City of Tampa Parks: It begins at Lowry Park Boat Ramp, on the Hillsborough River: 7525 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33604. The parade ends at Sulphur Springs Park, 701 E. Bird St. Tampa, FL 33604. Spectators may enter along the fishing bridge just north of Pool Pavilion, or through the parking area via Nebraska Ave. entrance between Bird St. and the Hillsborough River bridge. The event is held at dusk on the Sunday evening in December prior to Christmas during which the tide is at its highest that month. This year, the

high tide is at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 13, and will be low by 9:00 pm, 2 hours after the end of the event. Boaters put in or meet at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp. The sun will set that evening at 5:35 pm. We ask everyone to be on the river by 5:45. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and takes approximately one hour to reach its terminus on the River between I275 and Nebraska Ave. at Sulphur Springs Park, where a community party will welcome your arrival. Paddlers lead the parade, and powerboats bring up the rear. A designated safety boat will separate the two contingents, ensuring no power boat advances into the zone where paddlers are moving upriver at their own pace. The event is a slow parade – not a race! All participants are asked to proceed in a slow and safe manner. FAQs What kind of boat may participate? Whatever you've got that floats! This is the holiday boat parade for everyone! Paddlers of kayaks, canoes, jon-boats, and paddleboards are welcome, as are motor boats. Decorate your boat, whatever you've got, with battery powered LED lights (now available everywhere for ~$3/string)

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or with yard decorations on powerboats, operated by car batteries with inverters. Be creative! Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? Anyone 18 years of age and up may participate as individuals piloting their own vessel. Minors under 18 are permitted on boats captained by an adult. ALL participants, regardless of age, must complete a hold harmless liability waiver prior to the event. What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Free parking is available at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp. Boaters return back down river to the park after the parade, making a round trip circuit up and then downriver. Do I have to register via ticket to watch the Holiday Boat Parade event? No, tickets (which are free) are only for those who are participating IN the parade on a boat. Spectators need not acquire a ticket – just come to either park or anywhere in between along the river. For more information or additional questions please contact the parade organizer, Phil Compton with Friends of the River, at pmcomptonfl@gmail.com

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Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre Presents Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alice in Wonderland, JR. at HCC Ybor Campus Mainstage Theatre December 19 at 1 and 5 p.m. Lewis Carroll's famous inquisitive heroine comes to life in Disney's Alice In Wonderland, Jr. Bring the family and join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game in this zany performance. The show features bold, brassy, swift-moving action, along with plenty of catchy tunes, and outrageous characters. Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre will present the production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND, JR. on December 19, 2015 at the Hillsborough Community College Ybor City Campus in their Mainstage Theatre. Performance times will be at 1:00pm & 5:00pm. To purchase tickets or obtain more information, please visit TBTTT.org. Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND, JR. is presented through arrangement with Music Theatre In-

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ternational. Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. Music adapted and additional lyrics by David Simpatico.

Yoga for Health and Wellness for Adults 50 and Up Pose by Pose Yoga will begin offering Yoga for Health and Wellness for Adults 50 and up through the OLLI program funded by USF. The classes begin on January 19th and run every Tuesday through February 23rd from 10am-11am. You can register for the classes at www.usf.edu/continuing-education/olli/ or call (813) 9748036. There is a small membership and registration fee. These classes are available to any member looking to increase range of motion, strength and mobility. Mobile seniors, limited mobility and chair-bound seniors are all welcome as the studio is handicap accessible. Pre-registration is required. Pose by Pose Yoga is located at 17761 Hunting Bow Circle in Lutz. For additional information or to register for classes please call (813) 501-4987.

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DECEMBER 2015

Shop Safer and Smarter this Holiday Season Cadence Bank Shares Tips to Help Protect Against Identity Theft when Shopping Online The holidays are a busy time full of parties, travel, entertaining and, of course, shopping. And amidst the bustle of the holiday season, fraudsters are looking to cash in on unsuspecting victims. “Whether you’re shopping online using your desktop computer or mobile device, it’s important to protect yourself from fraudsters, especially during the often frenzied holiday season,” said Vikki McDonald, branch manager for Cadence Bank’s Carrollwood office. “Following a few simple precautions can help keep your information safe, however you choose to shop.” This is especially crucial as Americans plan to conduct nearly half of their holiday shopping online this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s latest survey, and one in five smartphone owners will use their phones to purchase holiday merchandise. While you can’t completely prevent identity theft, there are a number of ways you can significantly

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reduce your risk. Here are some tips to help you shop safely online this holiday season: Ensure a clean machine. Any device you use to shop online, including smartphones and tablets, should have the most up-to-date operating system, firewall solution, and security software with anti-virus and anti-spam protection.

If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals lure shoppers with websites that look legitimate and offer unbelievably low prices. Be leery of these types of communications, especially when they urge you to act immediately. This includes emails that indicate a problem with your order or payment and provide a link to view the website.

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Beware what you share. Consider the type of personal information being collected to complete the transaction and fill out only the required fields, nothing more. Take time to review the company’s privacy policy to understand how your information will be used and stored. Be WiFi savvy. You may choose to use your smartphone for online transactions, but never share personal or financial information over an unsecured wireless network (one that doesn’t require a password to connect). Using direct web access via your mobile device is safer than an unsecured network. Always verify the legitimacy of the site. Look for the “closed lock” icon on the status bar of your Internet browser, which means encryption is being used on the webpage you’re viewing and the information you transmit is secure. Also, make sure “https://” is listed at the beginning of each web address page. The “s” verifies the security of the site. Use a credit card versus a debit card when making online purchases for a safer payment option. Credit cards have added protection through the Fair Credit Billing Act in case you encounter a problem, and are

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less vulnerable because they aren’t directly linked to your bank account. Watch for fake delivery notices. Criminals take advantage of unsuspecting victims by sending emails that appear to be from legitimate delivery carriers and include a link to a delivery alert. When clicked, this can download malware onto your computer. Only use the tracking numbers provided to you in the initial email sent from the merchant after making your online purchase. Or visit the merchant’s website to track any packages you are expecting. Maintain a paper trail. Keep thorough records of your online transactions, including online receipt, product description, price, terms of sale and all email correspondence with the seller. Be sure to check your bank and credit card statements upon receipt and report any discrepancies immediately. Keep a close eye on your debit and credit card activity. With higher transaction volume this time of year, it’s possible to overlook fraudulent charges. Consider enrolling in mobile banking so you can monitor your accounts on the go, and sign up for text alerts for your

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debit and credit cards to receive notifications on your account activity. Incorporate these tips into your holiday shopping experience to help safeguard your identity and financial information this season. For more useful information about protecting yourself from fraud, visit Cadence Bank’s Fraud Information Center at www.cadencebank.com. Cadence Bank is located at 11790 N Dale Mabry Highway and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

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DECEMBER 2015

“Optimal Living” Continued from page 1 mediction every day and still could not find any relief. Even with the medicine, my allergies were getting worse and I was having horrible side effects. After my first session with an acupuncturist, I loved the way I felt and wanted to help others feel that way. You don’t have to live with allergies or chronic pain. Acupuncture can help you feel the way you should be feeling every day.” Acupuncture is effective because it promotes your body’s natural healing process. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and wellbeing. It is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that when the energy or blood flow within your body becomes blocked in one area, it can create health issues throughout your body. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overex-

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Acupuncture Physician Sam Cheever ertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can create a blockage within your body. Acupuncture can help unblock the obstruction within your body, which in turn can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as aid in the body’s ability to heal itself. At your initial visit, Sam will talk to you about all your health problems, your medical history, and your health care goals. “Many times doc-

tors only have about 10 to 15 minutes to spend with their patients,” says Sam. “Typically my initial visit with a patient lasts for an hour. Once I know all of my patient’s health issues, I can develop a treatment plan to get their body back in balance so it can heal and maintain.” “Sam is undoubtedly the most caring person when it comes to listening to a person’s medical situation and discomfort level,” says patient Marlow K. “I had pain, numbness, tingling,

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and a burning sensation in my right leg just below my buttock, which traveled down into the heel and ball of my foot for over ten years. This sensation had begun to increase and made it almost impossible for me to sit for longer than 15 minutes. I had visited several medical doctors, neurologists, pain management professionals, chiropractors, and massage therapists without finding relief. With Sam’s acupuncture procedures, my discom-

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At your initial visit, Sam will talk to you about your health problems, your medical history, and your health care goals. From there she will develop a treatment plan to get your body back in balance so it can heal and maintain. fort decreased significantly. Under her care, I look forward to being completely without the pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensation.” A perfect accompaniment to her

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acupuncture, Sam also helps her patients to live healthier, fuller lives through nutritional counseling. She says, “I like using food as a medicine. Eating properly can help your body

heal. Sometimes it is as simple as adding some amazing foods into your diet – ones that can help your body heal. I do not focus on depriving yourself of anything that you enjoy, but instead adding the proper nutrients to help your body function the way it is supposed to.” Sam enjoys helping her patients take control of their health and works to make sure that acupuncture is affordable and available to anyone who needs it. She will help you navigate your insurance if you do have acupuncture benefits; but even if you don’t, most people will find that a visit to Sam is within their budget. “I offer different packages and very reasonable rates,” says Sam. “It is $85 for the initial visit and $75 for a 1-hour treatment. I also offer a package of 5 treatments for $300. I am happy to discuss acupuncture, what happens during a visit, and how it could benefit you to anyone who is interested.” Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years (4000 - 5000) as a healing medicinal system for a wide variety of health issues. If you are suffering from chronic pain, persistent allergies, stress or depression, call

Optimal Living Clinic today to make an appointment for a free 30-minute consultation. They can usually accommodate next day appointments. Don’t spend another day suffering; call Optimal Living Clinic today! Optimal Living Clinic is located at 13950 W. Hillsborough Ave. in Oldsmar. Sam is usually available by appointment only Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.OptimalLivingClinic.com or call (813) 843-9799.

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DECEMBER 2015

“Mellow” Continued from page 1 back and casual and the staff is awesome. Definitely stop in if you are in the area.” Westchase Mellow Mushroom offers a full liquor bar and an extensive list of beers, a majority of which are locally brewed, including more than 115 microbrews and 30 beers on tap. “We try to have something different for everyone every time they come in and are constantly rotating beers on tap,” says Kitchen Manager Justin Newsom. So, if you are in the mood for a thirstquenching beer, look no further than Mellow Mushroom; with so many beers to choose from they have something for every palate and preference. Looking to find a new brew - try one of their flights of beer and sample up to 4 different smaller portioned beers - allowing you to find something you will really love. Shelly, a regular at Westchase Mellow Mushroom states, “We started coming here a couple of years ago. We usually built our own pizza but on a whim one night we tried the ‘Mighty Meaty’. Oh, Holy Heaven on a plate. If you've never had it, you're seriously missing out. A pie that dare I say it, would turn a vegetarian into a carnivore with one bite. Even my 6 year old who has been strictly cheese and pepperoni for his entire pizza eating life has been converted. The decor is fun and the food is amazing. They have a great beer selection too!” Westchase Mellow Mushroom has a fabulous selection of tantalizing menu items to choose from, including pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, pitas, oven-roasted wings and much more, all of which are prepared with great care, giving you selections that not only taste amazing, but look amazing as well. “We are well-known for our pizzas, and offer many different options, from our basic cheese pizza to our super-meat pizza which is loaded with toppings,” states Justin. “When it comes to our food, we do things differently. The food speaks for itself!” And, that is does, as from the first time my husband and I ate at Westchase Mellow Mushroom, we have been back many times since and have always had such a wonderful experience. “We are super vegan and vegetarian friendly,” says Justin. Mellow Mushroom offers many different alter-

DECEMBER 2015

that good!” If you are feeling a little creative, you also have the option of creating your own pizza or salad, for a customized entrée that is as unique as you are. One thing is for sure - no matter what you order, it’s guaranteed to be fresh and delicious!

Westchase Mellow Mushroom Now Offers Burgers – And They Are Really Good!

natives for every diet and lifestyle, including the use of Daiya vegan cheese and their gluten-free pizza, which has gluten-free dough and other glutenfree ingredients, in addition to their many other vegetarian and vegan menu options. If you are like me and like to have a little snack before the main entrée, than I recommend you try one of their delicious appetizers, which include everything from stuffed Portobello mushrooms to spinach artichoke dip. One of my personal favorites is the Bruschetta, which consists of diced tomatoes and Feta Cheese tossed in balsamic vinegar and olive oil served on fresh toast points and finished off with a balsamic drizzle. Crunchy and sweet and loaded with fresh tomatoes, the Bruschetta is every bit as appetizing as it looks. The Kosmic Karma Pizza, which is a specialty at Westchase Mellow Mushroom, is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, and the presentation alone is enough to make your mouth

water. This is a must-have menu item! This red-sauce-based pizza, topped with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta and Roma Tomatoes is tied in with a fancy pesto swirl and boasts a taste that is out of this world. The combination of ingredients was so delicious that I was almost at a loss for words. In fact, my husband was – “I don’t even have words for how good this pizza is. I can’t explain it, it’s just

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New to the menu, Westchase Mellow Mushroom recently added burgers to their list of options. “We now offer burgers, and they are really good,” says Justin. They are more of a gastro-pub style burger, cooked on flat-top and made using 100% grass fed free range beef. We also offer a veggie burger, which is excellent!” On our last visit my husband and I sampled their “Carnie” Pub burger, and OMG was it amazing! Made with 100% choice, all natural, certified black Angus beef, finished with Swiss cheese, cartelized onions, garlic aioli, romaine lettuce, sliced tomato and pickle chips and served on a brioche bun, this burger was juicy and flavorful and the combination of the ingredients made for an incredible taste that was out of this world. Looking for a vegetarian option? From what I hear their “Herb” Veggie Burger is just as delicious, made with their signature veggie patty made from quinoa, kale, brown rice and roasted mushrooms, and seasoned with roasted

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In addition to a full liquor bar and an extensive list of beers, Westchase Mellow Mushroom has a fabulous selection of tantalizing menu items to choose from, including pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, pitas, oven-roasted wings and much more, all of which are prepared with great care, giving you selections that not only taste amazing, but look amazing as well. garlic and shallots. It is then topped with fresh avocado, cheddar cheese, garlic aioli, romaine lettuce, sliced tomato and onion and served on a grilled brioche bun. Described as earthy, delicious, and filling, this is a patty both your spirit and tummy will enjoy. Both burgers are served alongside

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their red potatoes, which are roasted with crispy cartelized onions, fresh rosemary, kosher salt, fresh garlic, and a hint of paprika. Believe me when I say they are every bit as yummy as they sound! Westchase Mellow Mushroom has daily specials, including Happy Hour,

which is every day from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and includes $2.00 off on all mixed drinks, wines and beer, as well as $5 pitchers of beer and sangria and $2 off select appetizers (Bruschetta, hummus and pretzels). Mellow Mushroom also offers carry-out, and gift cards are available. Mellow Mushroom is the perfect place for a night out with friends or nice family meal. Whether you are enjoying a hot slice of pizza in their laidback outdoor seating area or sitting indoors in the spacious dining area, one thing is for sure – at Westchase

Mellow Mushroom you are sure to have a good time. The fun, upbeat atmosphere is a great place to bring the family and with their vast menu filled with delicious food, there is something for every preference and taste! Westchase Mellow Mushroom is located at 11955 Sheldon Road in Tampa. Hours are Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information please call (813) 926-3600 or visit their website at MellowMushroom.com/Tampa.

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