Vol. 5, Issue 12, December 2016
Your community. 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
August Stephenson is Tampa Bay’s Premier Jewelry Destination Where the Smallest Boxes Hold the Most Exquisite Gifts!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Local Student to Compete in World Tap Championships.......3 Oakdale Christmas Light Display......................6-7 SAT & ACT Improvement.....8 Save Time and Money with Grout Tech.....................10-11
Postal Customer
ECRWSS
See “Jewelry” on page 12.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Imagine the moment when she sees a beautifully wrapped gift. It’s just a tiny box, but her breath catches and she pauses before unwrapping it, her eyes widening with the realization that this gift is different from all the rest. That it contains something chosen with love and chosen just for her, something exquisite that she will cherish forever. Moments like this are created at August Stephenson, and there is still time to find that perfect gift for
someone special this holiday season. If you haven’t yet visited August Stephenson’s showroom, located on Tampa Road in Oldsmar, prepare yourself to be amazed at the vast and brilliant selection! There are great choices for both women and men at many different price levels, so you can shop for everyone on your list. With an unparalleled selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, diamond bracelets, diamond earrings, gemstones, designer jewelry and watches, August Stephenson is your
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Julie Kanehl
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Local Student Emma Returns to Germany to Compete in World Tap Championships! A local Florida girl, Emma Meyers, returns to Germany this December to represent the USA in what is considered to be the “Olympics of Tap Dance,” the World Tap Championships, being held in Riesa, Germany. After returning from Germany last December with two 6th place awards in hand, Emma Meyers was very proud of that accomplishment! Just making it into the finals is very challenging in a sea of 1,700 of the best tap dancers from more than 30 countries around the world! But Emma knew she must audition again and go for the gold one more time! Sixteen-year-old Emma did just that and was selected once again to be a part of the United States Tap Dance Team! The team boasts dancers from 17 states and Emma is the only tap dancer to represent Florida on the 2016 USA Team. Emma is an 11th grader attending Mitchell High School in Trinity as a part-time student and completing the rest of her classes online as a Florida Virtual student. She has studied all genres of dance since the age of three, but is very passionate about tap danc-
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ing, and is proud to be a 4th generation tap dancer. Locally, she trains with her beloved tap dance teacher, Cathy Scavelli, at Dance Extreme Academy in Trinity. In preparation for the World Tap Championships, Emma and the other dancers on the USA Tap Dance Team travel to Boston every other weekend to rehearse. The team tap dances a vigorous 15 hours each weekend before returning to their home states. The team will be competing with 26 different routines within three separate age categories. They will be performing solos, duos, trios, small groups and formations all choreographed by Nancy Chippendale and her daughters, Karen, Kelli and Kristina Carberry. This great experience comes from endless hours of hard work, but there will be time for fun. Upon arriving in Germany, the dancers and their families will have two days to sightsee before the competition begins. Tours have already been set up for groups to visit Dresden, Leipzig, Meissen, Berlin and Prague.
Tampa Bay 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: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2016 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird Jared Nager Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Emma Meyers Cheer on Emma Meyers and the United States Tap Dance Team by tuning in to the event via LIVE STREAM (www.ido-dance.com). The World Tap Championships, sponsored by the International Dance Organization (IDO), begins on Tuesday, November 29th and runs through Saturday, December 3rd, 2016. Emma is so excited to be a part of this amazing experience once again and this time hopes to bring home the gold! Go USA!
Editor Kim Thomas Correspondents Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker
Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do
Nothing that appears in Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Tampa Bay 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 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Oakdale Christmas Light Display Over 500,000 Lights of Joy! By Katie Thomas Starting the night after Thanksgiving, November 25th and lasting until January 3rd from 6 to 10 p.m., the Oakdale Christmas Light Display will be open nightly. Located in beautiful St. Petersburg, the Christmas Light House (as locals know it) will be celebrating its 40th year with a half million lights twinkling in the night. Voted as one of the top three light displays in the country, the Oakdale Christmas Light Display is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate the season with family and friends! The Oakdale Light Display is one of the largest and oldest running house displays in the nation. It has become a tradition for many people in the Tampa area to visit this festive home during the holiday seasons. People come from across the country and even from other countries to see
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the spectacular Oakdale Light Display. It was ranked in the top three light displays by NBC’s Today Show, was presented first in HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special, and has been featured in People Magazine. Started by a St. Petersburg family in 1977, the Oakdale Light Display began as a modest light display, but quickly grew to one of the largest in the area. By 1989, the display grew from 6,200 lights to 60,000 lights! Today, the display features over a half million lights (including fiber optics) and countless holiday-themed decorations. It takes approximately three months to install the display and requires about 12 truckloads to bring in the items from storage. Original owner Ted Kresge is now 76 years old and still sets up the display himself, along with family and a small crew of 8 to 15 people. The display is about a half-acre in size and features a 70-foot lit Christmas tree. The roof of the home features four giant Christmas trees made entirely of lights. There are over 700 animated objects, including dolls, bears, many Santas and toys! Many of the lights are digitally
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connected to play along with music, so you’ll get quite the show during your visit! The manger scene has over 150 pieces to browse over. Kids and adults alike love to play with the double-bubble machines that send out huge bubbles all evening long. From walkways lined with fun toys, to water features, and a huge collection of animated dolls, this place is all about the holiday spirit! There is a snowman that reaches three stories high and a large HOscale model railroad that runs 18 trains at one time! The layout includes city and country scenes with an airport, flying planes and a working carnival. Teresa Smith says, “A Christmas tradition for locals. My kids, 7 and 8, really enjoyed the light display. A perfect way to spend our Wednesday night as we gear up for Christmas.” Another visitor says, “Amazing! A must see for the family. Thank you for putting on such an awesome display!” I lived in the St. Pete area for six years and there was never a holiday season that I didn’t visit the famous Oakdale Light Display. Each year there was something new and
exciting to look forward to. I loved grabbing a hot cocoa and walking to the light display with visiting family and friends to check out all the fun animated scenes. Get in the holiday spirit, visit with Santa, and enjoy the twinkling lights as you walk through the gorgeous Oakdale Light Display. The atmosphere is celebratory and festive and there is endless fun to discover. If you have family in town to entertain, or just are looking for a festive, holiday activity to entertain the kids, the Oakdale Light Display is
the perfect place to visit! Located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL the Light Display is easy to find: Take I-275. Exit on #22 (I-175) going E to 4th Street South. Turn right on 4th Street S, and go approximately 1 mile, crossing 22nd Ave South. Take the next left, which is Oakdale. Go two blocks, park and begin your tour. The tour is completely free and it’s fun for the entire family! Log on to www.christmasdisplay.org for more information.
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: EXAM COMPARISONS By Dr. Wayne Adams NEXT EXAM DATES...SAT: Dec 3rd and Jan 21st, ACT: Dec 10th and Feb 11th Wondering if the SAT or the ACT is the better exam to take? Here’s a brief comparison by test section. SAT (Writing and Language) vs ACT (English). These test sections are about the same because “grammar is grammar” and the logical sequencing of sentences, words, and phrases functions on a standard set of analytical rules. SAT (Essay) vs ACT (Essay). These essays are very different, with the SAT being more difficult. The SAT is a combination of an AP Language and Composition Rhetorical and Analytical essay requiring 55 minutes. To score well, a student needs to know and to use key elements such as theme, thesis, syntax, diction, tone, mood, similie, metaphor, alliteration, and persuasive elements. I have had excellent results using a comprehensive critical thinking, analysis, chronological writing pattern, and writing template using question sequences to help my students organize and then express their thoughts well. The ACT is a “compare and contrast”
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essay requiring 35 minutes with a brief statement of a situation, three differning perspectives, and more stylized response. I have had great success with a “fill in the blank” approach using a standard structure and supporting quotations. SAT (Reading) and ACT (Reading). These sections are very different, with the SAT being more difficult. The SAT has different types of reading passages with 9 – 11 questions per passage. Half of the questions are either “terrible two’s” with an answer and then separate selection of the best support for that first answer, and “vocabulary in context”. The remaining questions involve different types of analysis, critical thinking, and often making inferences by “reading between the lines”. The ACT has four sub-sections that require “speed reading the passage first” and then answering a wide range of questions. On the ACT, the answers are there and the key is to find them. SAT (Math) and ACT (Math). Both exams test arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The major difference is that the average length of an SAT question is 6 – 7 lines with some questions over 15 lines, while the
average length of an ACT question is 3 lines. So the SAT takes additional skills in reading, sorting out the important facts, translating into mathematical problem, and solving … which takes more time. My students tell me the ACT Math is definitely easier. ACT (Science Reasoning). Only on the ACT exam, this section has nothing to do with knowing Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or other sciences. It is essentially another Reading section where the student finds answers from charts and graphs, experiments, and differing opinions of scientists about a topic. Speed reading does not help much, as it does in the Reading section, but “bottom up” reading for key concepts and ideas is essential. Net Result: The Shift to ACT Continues. The two key reasons continue to be that the ACT Exam has changed little (except for the essay), is totally acceptable as a standardized exam for college admissions officers, and if a student takes the ACT then that student does not have to take any SAT Subject Tests (as most top colleges require for full consideration). And More Students are taking my combination ACT and SAT Prep Class
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that saves 15 class hours from preparing separately for each exam. If you would like to talk with my further about your student and my classes, please contact me at 727-2530639 or at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the top SAT and ACT Tutors in the country and a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor. His students have been admitted to Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Princeton, Cornell, Duke, U Chicago, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Georgia Tech, UCLA, USC, Boston College, Northeastern, UF, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Gulf Coast, St. Leo’s, New College of Florida, U Miami, FIU, and many other colleges and universities; often with academic, athletic, or music scholarships. Normally, student scores increase 200 to 350 points on the SAT (Writing, Reading, Math, and Essay), and 4 – 8 points on the ACT. He has degrees and advanced studies from Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice. He is at wwa0811@mykolab.com or at 727253-0639.
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Save Time and Money with Grout Tech By Kim Thomas Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen be sure to call Grout Tech for a FREE estimate on cleaning or repairing old dingy tile and grout. Grout Tech can breathe new life into your existing tile work, making everything shine like new at a fraction of the cost. Grout Tech is a family owned business serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Grout Tech specializes in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, re-coloring grout, re-caulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles. Grout Tech will renew existing grout and tile to its original beauty by cleaning and maintaining the tile and grout lines. John Cole and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at Grout Tech. “Our bathroom tile was over
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With the help of Grout Tech, even the dirtiest and oldest of floors can be restored and renewed to their original beauty and splendor. 40 years old it was looking grungy and very dull. We called Grout Tech and we are extremely pleased with our results! We saved so much money by having the grout in our shower resurfaced and the tile cleaned and it looks brand new,” John shares. BJ is happy to set your appointment, come out and give you
a free estimate. She stresses, “It is important for me to be respectful of our customers’ time so I will always arrive at the time we set.” In addition to always arriving in a timely manner, BJ says that they can keep their prices low because they are a family owned business and not a franchise. She explains, “What many people don’t understand is that franchises are
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often forced to charge more for their services because they have to maintain their franchise fees, but not with Grout Tech.” Not only does Grout Tech keep its rates competitive, but the company will also honor any other quote as long as it is in writing. Because grout is a porous material, trying to remove stains is
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Before seemingly impossible. BJ explains, “Color sealing grout lines is one of the many services we offer and it is definitely the most effective way to create a perfect, new look.” Using a step-by-step process, Grout Tech begins by using a cleansing product to remove all bacteria and surface dirt with special machinery. They will then apply a color seal (of your
choice). Once the sealer is applied the grout lines will be permanently protected from any stains. The color seal also guarantees against cracking, chipping and peeling. Additionally, they will also cosmetically fix or replace chipped or cracked tiles, making your bathroom or kitchen tile like new again.
Carla Bartow, a satisfied customer, shares her experience, “When BJ came out to give us a quote, she looked at the job and I could tell immediately that she knew what she was talking about. We had our family room, kitchen and dining room re-grouted. They also regrouted the tub, shower and base of our toilet in our bathroom. They were fantastic! Not only were they professional and reliable but they also completed the job much faster than we had anticipated.”
Excellent Service Leads to Referrals Throughout the years, Grout Tech has grown through its many referrals from happy customers. People really appreciate that Grout Tech saves them time and money, but it is the excellent service provided that has really helped this business grow.
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Doris Strathearn, another Grout Tech success story, said that before calling Grout Tech her bathroom and guest bathroom shower and floor grout had deteriorated over time and the tiles were dull and stained. “The tile was in good condition but it was stained so we had Grout Tech come out and clean them and they turned out very well.” They were so pleased that they have already referred Grout Tech to neighbors in their community. Grout Tech can also remove and re-caulk around sinks, baseboards, tubs and showers serving to clean up old moldy areas and keep your dry wall free from water damage. From old to new in just one day! To find out more about Grout Tech’s services or for a free estimate call BJ at 727-768-6828.
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“Jewelry” Continued from page 1 fine jewelry and diamond destination. Offering quality craftsmanship and uniquely stunning jewelry, this family owned business has been a cornerstone in the Tampa Bay community for the past 30 years. “We really enjoy being part of celebrating the milestones and special occasions of our customers and we try to make everything perfect for them,” says Manager Michelle Hart. “We ask a lot of questions when our customers come in and we listen. We are patient and never pushy because we want to always get it right for our customers. We want to supply them with the very best value for the price range they want to spend.” Michelle is one of four siblings and their families who proudly call this area home and who, together, now run the company started by their
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parents Steve and Donna. Prior to opening August Stephenson three decades ago, Donna and Steve pioneered in the home television
shopping industry. The couple originally founded August Stephenson as a wholesale retailer of fine jewelry and diamonds, and as the company transitioned into retail, its owners have kept that same commitment to keeping prices low, while maintaining exceptional quality. This may be a family owned jewelry store, but there is nothing small about August Stephenson, not in the size of its showroom, not in the size of its inventory, and not in
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the size of its reach. Having a large inventory turnover and large customer base enables them to offer their customers exceptional value. “We have a very large Internet business both nationally and internationally, and are able to work with a great number of customers through email,” says Michelle. “We are here to serve our customers and help them find that perfect piece of jewelry, and get it at the right price – that’s our passion.”
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holiday season. August Stephenson has partnerships with many jewelry and timepiece designers and offer selections from brands including Gabriel & Co, Hamilton, and Tissot, to unique and playful pieces by Belle Etoile and Frederic Duclos. With such variety, you can affordably do all of your holiday shopping in one place, and get exactly the holiday reaction you are hoping for.
Choose the Best When You Say “I Do!”
A Dazzling Selection – With Something for Everyone! Diamond experts, August Stephenson Jewelers features an incredible selection of diamond jewelry, from the gorgeous rings featured in the bridal suite to fashion forward statement pieces, earrings and necklaces to suit every style, and diamond bracelets from dainty to divine! “We have diamond studs and hoops in stock for the holidays, ranging from $150 to $20,000,” says Michelle. “And we always say that diamond earrings create an instant facelift because when you put them on, you can’t help but smile!” There are literally endless choices of fine jewelry, for if you don’t see what you desire, they will find it for you, or create it for you. From custom diamond settings to family rings and
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more, if you can imagine it, August Stephenson’s master jewelers can create it. While diamonds are known as a girl’s best friend, we love emeralds, rubies and all other sparkling gemstones too! And pearls! Pearls are always a classic choice and for many years were worn only on special occasions, but designers have brought pearls out the jewelry box with fabulously fun designs that can be worn every day. “There are so many new and fabulous ways to wear pearls now and they are enjoyed by all age brackets.” August Stephenson offers an incredible array of gemstones and pearls including selections from Imperial Pearl and Paragon Pearl. They also have an impressive collection of crosses to choose from, which are a popular gift choice for the
The holidays are a wonderful time to propose, and there is no better place to find the perfect ring than August Stephenson, a year-round destination for engagement rings and bridal sets. “We have a wide selection of diamond rings,” says Michelle, adding that the store carries 400 styles that are ready to go, with no waiting. “We carry name brands, and we can custom make your ring as well! Our quality is superior on many fronts – from the designers we partner with to the products that we manufacture. Some people want a ring from a specific designer, and some people want a designer look without the designer price. We are able to meet the needs of both. We manufacture our own line of engagement rings because many times, people are looking for something completely different – something unique to them and their style and a symbol of their own love. Everyone’s love story is unique.” There is an entire area of the store devoted to the bride, and another for the groom, with selections at every price point. Designer collections in the store include Amavida by Gabriel & Co., Noam Carver, Ammara Stone, Benchmark, and Crown Ring, to
name a few. Offering one of the largest selections of bridal and designer jewelry in the Tampa Bay Area and at the best possible price, make August Stephenson your next stop when you are shopping for jewelry or watches. You will love the service you receive, the intimate and relaxed setting where you are offered refreshments, and the amazing selection of fine jewelry. Stop in any time from now until Christmas Eve and play their jackpot slot game for a chance to win a $15,000 dollar shopping spree at August Stephenson, and if you make a purchase, you will get multiple spins for your chance to win the jackpot or other great discounts! August Stephenson Jewelers is located at 3670 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. Hours are: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Mon. – Fri., and the last Sat. of every month from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. During the holidays they offer extended hours, and are open every Saturday. For more information and extended holiday hours, please call (813) 925-0555 or visit their website at www.AugustStephenson.com.
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