Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. Carrollwood. Vol.7, Issue 8, August 2019 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 7, Issue 8, August 2019

Your community. Your magazine. ™

The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila

Michael’s Grill - Where quality food and exceptional service make the difference By Carla Selby While trying to find the right words to describe this neighborhood gem, I ran into a 5-star google review that did the work for me; “Always delicious. Always fresh. Always a welcoming smile and fantastic service. In a city full of chain restaurants, Michael’s Grill will blow you away with incredibly delicious dishes and top-notch customer service,” says recent customer B.M. and I couldn’t agree more!

Located at 11720 N Dale Mabry Hwy, the same location where they first set roots over 18 years ago, Michael’s Grill is an awardwinning restaurant offering the Carrollwood community some of the most delicious lunch, dinner, and brunch options in the area. My family and I love Michael’s Grill, and I am sure you will too. The food is consistently spectacular, and the only thing probably more impressive is the See “Michael’s Grill” on page 18

Lose Weight and Keep it Off

Suz Kagel Before and After INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor.................................................5 Hair by P.D is Back...............................................6 ADVENTHEALTH B.E.S.T. Program....................8 Vivid Theatre Productions..........................10-11 Tech Talk with Bob..........................................20 Drinking With Purpose...................................22 Grout Tech.................................................24-25

For many people, losing weight is at the top of their bucket list. For others, it is the only way to become, and feel healthy again. Many of us have tried yo-yo diets, or buy the expensive celebrity promoted trends, that pop up in social media and TV and radio commercial hype. The failed weight loss remains, and people continue to be discouraged. However, Medical Weight Loss, LLC at (813) 269-SLIM has been proving since 2007 that weight loss, whether 10 pounds or 120 pounds,

can be done safely, affordably and successfully! Many different diseases, such as diabetes, auto-immune and thyroid problems and heart disease, are linked to being overweight. Knee and hip problems are also factors in this area. We know about these things. Weight loss is not just a matter of looking good, but, is a medical program of improving your life and reducing your health risks. Feeling better, is also a great by-product of slimming down. See “Medical Weight Loss, LLC” on page 14

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CARROLLWOOD TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES VISIT US ONLINE AT: TBNEWSANDLIFESTYLES.COM

220 S. SAFFORD AVE. TARPON SPRINGS, FL 34689 MAIN OFFICE: 727-943-0551 FAX: 727-942-2432 ADVERTISING E-MAIL: INFO@NNLFLORIDA.COM

Publisher Matthew Selby

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Editor Carla Dubis

General Manager Jim O'Reilly

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Photography by Mike Bird (c) 2019 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. All Rights Reserved. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles is published monthly and distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to over 22,000 Homes in Carrollwood and surrounding areas. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Nothing that appears in this publication may be reproduced in any way without consent of the publisher.

Hi readers! I have been focusing my editorials on bringing awareness to specific causes and movements every month. In July I focused on Minority Mental Health Awareness, and I received a lot of positive feedback and heartfelt written letters from readers who felt moved or identified with my case. I want to say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for your caring words and for sharing your own personal stories with me. It’s a good feeling knowing that what you write can touch people, even if it’s just one person, makes it all worth it. August happens to be National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Immunization, just like Mental Health, is a very delicate subject, but I still wanted to bring it to your attention. There seems to be a strong immunization opposition with the “antivaxxers” movement, and while I am pro vaccines, I respect both sides. I believe it is the parent’s right to choose what they think is best for their child. I know parents who vaccinate without hesitation and those parents who are afraid to vaccinate both have their children’s best interest at heart, so I am not here to judge, just to share my own point of view, which I hope you can respect as well.

As I said, I am provaccines and believe them to be beneficial for kids, adults, and even our pets, after all, they are our family too. Thanks to vaccines, we can protect young infants against whooping cough and other preventable life-threatening diseases. Pregnant women can pass on protection to their newborns by getting vaccinated against whooping cough during their third trimester every pregnancy. Family members and caregivers can strengthen that protection by getting upto-date on the whooping cough vaccine, which helps prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease to infants and their mothers. Whooping cough is just one of several vaccinepreventable diseases that threaten Americans. Outbreaks continue to occur, and many vaccinepreventable conditions remain common. That is why I urge the members of our community to be persistent in raising awareness about immunizations and encouraging timely vaccination. No child or adult should ever lose their life from a preventable disease. Let’s all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share

strategies to increase immunization rates in our community. Here are just some ideas on how to do this: • Talk to your relatives, friends, and coworkers about how vaccines are not only for children. Shots can protect people of all ages from dangerous diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. • Get a flu vaccine every year, and encourage others to do the same. Remember, it is not just about protecting yourself. Getting a flu vaccine can also help protect others you may come into contact with, especially young children and individuals with compromised immune systems who are at higher risk of getting sick. • If you own a business, please invite a doctor or nurse to speak to your employees about the importance of vaccines. • Big on social media? The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging you to take photos and use the hashtag #Ivax2Protect when you share vaccine information content on your social media accounts. As always, thanks for your support and readership.

Carla Selby.

Hair by P.D is Back at Hairsmith! Pittsburg Donna is back and better than ever at Hairsmith! Hairsmith, located at 5319 Ehrlich Rd is convenient to just about everyone in Carrollwood and Donna is excited to provide her skill-set and service to this community after a short hiatus recently. Hairsmith is now under new management and ownership. Reisy Lantiqua has taken over and is dedicated to providing the Carrollwood community with a fantastic atmosphere and top-notch stylists! Call today to book your next appointment with Donna Montagnino at 813-464-1388. Hair By P.D. 813-464-1388 Hairsmith 5319 Ehrlich Rd Tampa Fl 813-962-1660

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ADVENTHEALTH PROVIDES TAMPA BAY TEENS WITH THE ‘B.E.S.T’ EXPERIENCE TO FIND CAREERS IN HEALTH CARE Dr. Dexter Frederick and his Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T) Program offers a unique opportunity to teens to get hands-on experience in the hospital.

AdventHealth hosted the 8th year of the Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T) Program which provides handson health care experience to 85 teens across Tampa Bay. The B.E.S.T Program encourages high school and middle school students to focus on careers within the health care sector. Students participate in either a four, two, or one week program where they are immersed in hands on workshops which include lab work, triage, suturing, and shadowing hospital staff on rotations. The B.E.S.T Program was offered at AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “We’re honored to expand the B.E.S.T Program to provide this unique, hands-on health care experience to more than 80 young people pursuing their passion of finding professions within the medical field,” said Dr. Dexter Frederick, founder of the B.E.S.T Program. “It’s quite the experience to see countless students go from not having any idea on how to take the first steps to start a career to having a clear vision for their future

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because of this program.” B.E.S.T. has developed, guided and mentored hundreds of high school students who are now doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals. Over 96% of the students who attend the B.E.S.T. Program go on to college to achieve their dreams.

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Vivid Theatre Productions Strives to Give Voice to Women in Inaugural Season By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Vivid Theatre Productions’ mission statement reads, “when likeminded individuals come together to make art, we truly create something honest, sincere, and thought-provoking. Through this and every aspect we allow our audiences to be not only engaged, but also immersed in the true magic and art form of theatre, through which we can truly experience every facet of the human condition.” Conceived out of the desire to create a semiprofessional theatre company that is the antithesis of repeated themes of recent musical and nonmusical productions, founder Drew Eberhard has a vision. Like Kevin Costner’s famous, oft-repeated quote from “Field of Dreams,” Drew knows “if you build it, they will come.” And building it, he is. With a solid background working in theatre and Bachelor’s degree in theatre from Ball State University in Indiana, Drew is looking to take his company to the next level. Drew seeks only plays and musicals that create an extraordinary theatre experience, fostering a culture of collaboration with his cast and crew, creating theatre that resonates with timeless stories and universal truths.

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“We don’t want to always do the same type of shows and cast the same people. It’s allowing a different perspective in theatre in Tampa Bay area,” he explained. “Vivid Theatre Productions is doing stories that are culturally-relevant, grounded in the idea of providing thoughtprovoking work and doing it in an artistic manner.” A traveling company – one that does not have a set venue

– Drew is excited to be able to bring theatre to a diverse groups of people throughout Tampa Bay, depending on the venue location. In July, Drew gave Tampa patrons a taste of what is to come with the musical cabaret Broadway Miscast, a fundraiser for the inaugural season, hosted at Powerstories Theatre in Tampa. An entertaining mix of twenty-six different Broadway

shows, a diverse variety from Pippin and Newsies to Hadestown and Hamilton, the cast from teen to adult sang parts for the opposite gender. A testament to Drew’s recognition in the theatre community, joining Drew for the fundraiser on stage were the talents of Brilee Gold, Sean McKinley, Heather Mendoza, Kidany Camillo, Lena Morrisseau, Jason Ensor, Erica Garraffa,

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Topher Warren, Chonesty Montgomery, Sonali Balan, Bri Filippelli, some well-known voices in Tampa Bay musical theatre. “We had a great night taking popular known Broadway songs and flipping them, giving a performer a chance to sing a role that they normally wouldn’t get cast in singing,” he said. Vivid Theatre Productions’ season will consist of two musicals and four non-musicals. Following the theme of “A Season of Extraordinary Women,” Drew’s inaugural season will showcase and empower women, in strong contrast to the current political landscape of devoicing women. His second season speaks to revolt, revolution and standing up for what you believe in. “In many stories women tend to be looked past in a maledominated society. I don’t feel like women’s stories are being told in the right manner or being told enough,” he said. “It sets us apart from other companies because of the different variations of the shows we’re picking. I’ve talked to people in the area who have seen or heard my announcement of the season and of all of the theatres in the area, my theatre seems to have the most unique and well-rounded shows. I picked my shows to give for not only the relevance, but to give the audience something to take away and make them think.” Opening with Yasmina Reza’s

God of Carnage at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 East Kennedy Boulevard in the Channelside District on September 6-15, the season follows with In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks on November 8-17; Sweat by Lynn Nottage on March 6-15, 2020, and A Doll’s House Part 2 by Lucas Hnath on June 5-14. Two musical are planned in the schedule, but until licensed, Drew will not reveal. Having worked in 2018 as an actor in an alleged semiprofessional company that took advantage of its talent, Drew has firsthand knowledge of what not to do when forming his own theatre company. “I’ve been successful getting all the rights for all the nonmusical shows, have financials in order, working on sponsorships, and have our venues. I will announce my musicals once I have the rights. It’s the steps that one needs to take to succeed because I’ve learned from having been through the ringer from a new company I thought was headed in the right direction, but was not. We’re doing things the right way from the beginning to make sure this succeeds for the longterm.” A prism logo represents Vivid Theatre Productions and Drew explained the significance of both the design and the company name. “When you refract light from a prism, all different colors and aspects of light are reflected. The name Vivid was selected because we are pushing cultural relevance to the forefront of the spectrum. In doing so, we are inviting people from all backgrounds, all genders, and all walks of life to help tell these stories.” To learn more about the Vivid Theatre Production’s first season and upcoming auditions, visit www. vividtheatreproductions.org or follow on Facebook.

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Medical Weight Loss, LLC

Continued From Page 1 Dr. Gail Jachimek

Medical Weight Loss, LLC (269- SLIM), opened in 2007, and is headed by Dr. Gail Jachimek. The main clinic is located at 5111 Ehrlich Road. Their other weight loss clinics are in Wesley Chapel, FL., Lake Geneva, and Waukesha, Wisconsin. Their prices have not increased since they began the medical weight loss practice. Dr. Jachimek and her husband are both Chiropractic physicians, and have those clinics here and in Spring Hill. So, they also treat patients that are in pain from accident injuries, and have every day neck or back pain! Their medical weight loss program combines pharmaceutical appetite suppressant medication, fat burning injections and pills, and a clinically proven diet with medical doctor and nursing support and counseling to help their patients reach their “target” weight goals. This physician supervised program helps those who have before tried and failed to lose unwanted pounds. Dr. Gail says, “We opened the clinic because I was entering menopause and gaining

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weight. When I asked my primary physician, as well as my doctor friends, for help, I got extremely rude responses. I was told to “push away from the table”. Dr. Gail does not want her patients to go through the same degrading experience. At the time, Dr. Gail was living on chicken and salad, and practicing level 3 kickboxing. She says, “I had been thin as a young woman, so I also assumed that anyone over weight deserved to be

overweight because they were ‘eating chips in front of the television,’ etc.” When the unexplained weight gain happened to her, she was then convinced that other factors were involved. She wanted an answer. Determined to learn more, Dr. Jachimek joined the ASBP (American Society of Bariatric Physicians) and went to their symposiums for further education and tools. She discovered that there are many contributing factors to weight

gain - not just your diet. Some of the major contributing factors included hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, environmental toxins, autoimmune disease, type 2 diabetes, etc. It was then that she opened the main clinic in Tampa to help people dealing with the same frustrating weight gain frustration she had faced. They have since opened 3 more clinics in Florida and Wisconsin. “At Medical Weight Loss, LLC, we have medical doctors,

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James Luecht Before and After as well as nurse practitioners, that have been treating our patients successfully for years, so that the root cause of these problems can be addressed. Our registered nurses and supportive staff are there for you to help you every step of the way.” Medical weight loss plans are not new, and many are similar, but those programs usually involve significant upcharges and hidden fees. Dr. Jachimek’s 269-SLIM program is different. Her program is focused on the long-term results, meaning, not only will the process safely

take off your weight during the active phase of the program, but also prevent the pounds from returning during the “maintenance phase”...(which is free)! This is no diet trend – This is looking at your medical history, evaluating your EKG, bloodwork and lifestyle. Then, their doctors propose a plan for you, and prescribe appropriate pharmaceutical appetite suppressant medication, fat burning injections, vitamin therapy and fat burning supplements. “The program is simple, inexpensive and easy to

follow. We give you a large list of foods to buy/choose from,” says Dr. Jachimek. “The program is easy, because it is food bought in the grocery store, (no special foods to order) just regular meats, fruits and vegetables on our list. This factor also makes it more affordable, because you don’t have to buy special foods, or cook separate dinners if you have a family.” Under the supervision of their medical doctors, patients can drop 20 to 30 pounds in the first month. Dr. Jachimek said that it is common to see 5-10 pounds dropped in the first week. “We have had patients that have lost 17 pounds in their first week, as well as patients that have lost over a hundred pounds on our program”, says Dr. Jachimek. Accountability is also a major part of the program. Keeping the patients safe and on track, their nurses evaluate, and treat patients weekly to provide support and give suggestions on how to reach and maintain their target weight. Dr. Jachimek stresses that there are no price surprises at Medical Weight Loss, 269SLIM. The initial visit is $195 and weekly visits are just $55. That’s it! This is what you have been waiting for! An inexpensive, easy and successful way to lose the unwanted pounds that have

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made you miserable for years. As their slogans say, “With 269- SLIM (MEDICALWEIGHTLOSSLLC. COM) there are no hidden fees…just pounds gone”…or “Weigh less for WAY less”… or “When you’re done fooling around, call us!”. Medical Weight Loss LLC is located at 5111 Ehrlich Road, Suite 128 in Tampa, 33624. For more information or to make an appointment, call (813) 269-SLIM (7546). Or visit their website at www.medicalweightlossllc. com. Their staff and nurses will be glad to answer your questions! Don’t forget to ask about getting a Free Week! We’ll see you at the beach…!

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Michael’s Grill

Continued From Page 1 attention to detail of husband and wife team, Michael and Andrea Reilly. The value they bring to their patrons is second to none when it comes to the taste, personalized attention, quality of the food, and small touches such as the scent of fresh-cut flowers, and flickering candles that decorate each table. “We enjoy making people happy; it makes us happy. It’s a great feeling when you can give someone a great meal. Our love for the customer and great quality food shines not only through us, but our servers and kitchen staff as well,” says Andrea. Together, Michael and Andrea provide not only mouthwatering food and unparalleled customer service, but also a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where new customers become regulars, which then turn into great friends and become part of Michael’s Grill family. “After being a part of this community for so long, I feel like I can’t go anywhere without running into a friend that I’ve made at our restaurant,” says Chef Michael. “I love sharing my love for good food with the community and Andrea, and I feel like that shines through in the guest’s experience. Over the years, so many of our customers have become friends that we not only see at our restaurant, but we also go out with when we have some time for ourselves.” Growing up in Miami, Chef Michael had the opportunity of going fishing regularly. Which you could say, sparked his interest and passion for all things seafood. He also enjoyed diving for lobsters at Biscayne Bay and learned how to cook them in creative new ways properly. During my last visit, I had

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the pleasure of trying one of the newest additions to the menu, the “Caribbean Lobster Tail,” grilled and brushed with a lemon butter sauce, served over chef’s stir-fried rice. The lobster was juicy and perfectly cooked, and the rice was very flavorful, with hints of ginger, soy, and pineapple. Yummy! If you’re looking for a unique seafood dish, look no further. Andrea suggests pairing this spectacular dish with a glass of champagne or white wine. “I’m a lobster and champagne kind of girl,” says Andrea. Me too, Andrea, me too.

I also had the opportunity of trying yet another delightful new addition to the menu; the “Wagyu Sliders.” These sliders are now my new “go-to” dish at Michael’s Grill. I don’t consider myself a big fan of burgers, mainly because many restaurants and big chains don’t use top quality beef when making their patties, which translates into a less than appetizing meat flavor. But as you can expect from every dish at Michael’s Grill, these new sliders are made with topquality ingredients, starting with the Wagyu beef. WAGYU

is a Japanese cattle breed derived from native Asian cattle. Wagyu were originally draft animals used in agriculture and were selected for their physical endurance. This selection favored animals with more intramuscular fat cells - “marbling” - which provided a readily available energy source. The unique taste and tenderness of highly marbled Wagyu beef make for an unrivaled eating experience. Wagyu beef is not only a gastronomic delight, but it’s healthy and delicious as well. Michael’s new Wagyu sliders were as deliciously

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people happy with what I prepare. I often scroll through our reviews online because the positive feedback is what makes me enjoy coming to work every day,” says Michael. “The years have just flown by for us. It doesn’t feel like work when you’re passionate about what you do, and Andrea and I love it!”

tender and juicy as they were flavorful. They came prepared in three unique ways; one had a creamy gorgonzola topping, another one had Chef Michael’s homemade BBQ sauce with crispy bacon, and last but not least, the third slider was topped with a delicious wasabi slaw. My husband and I kept fighting over these sliders, and we both agreed that it was a new favorite dish at Michael’s. Listed only on the dinner menu, you can also request them for lunch. Just ask Andrea or Chef Michael if they could prepare these succulent Wagyu Sliders for you during your lunch stop. I promise you they will be more than happy to accommodate your request. “Every time we stop by the food is excellent. We feel at home the moment we walk in. Andrea will usually greet us at the door, and Chef Michael and her will stop by our table to say hi and make sure we’re enjoying our meal,” says local customer A.F. “The wait staff is always polite and check on us often. My family and I have been coming here since they first opened their doors almost 20 years ago and we’ll keep coming back for more. They also have a very delicious Brunch on the weekends, some of the tastiest food you’ll ever have.” Almost 120 years ago, long before anyone invited

their friends to feast on eggs Benedict, french toast, and mimosas, the word brunch appeared in print for the very first time in the United States. Today, just like a runny egg, brunch dribbled out into the mainstream and is more popular than ever. During Saturdays and Sundays, make sure to stop by Michael’s Grill to satisfy your brunch cravings. You will not regret it. With unique and tasty options like the Seafood omelet, made with shrimp, crab and mozzarella finished with a Newberg sauce, the Filet Hash and Eggs, prepared with filet mignon, hash brown potatoes, poached eggs and creamy homemade hollandaise sauce served with a homemade biscuit, and Andrea’s Brioche French Toast served with seasonal berries and warm maple syrup and mascarpone cream, you can be sure that Michael’s Grill will become your go-to brunch spot in the neighborhood. They also have a fantastic selection of eggs Benedict and fresh homemade quiches. During my last visit, I also had the pleasure of trying their Crab Cake Benedicts, made with their famous crab cakes, poached eggs, creamy Hollandaise, grilled asparagus served with your choice of home fries or grits. It was, without a doubt, one of the tastiest

egg Benedicts I’ve ever had. “Michael has been flipping eggs since he was 15 years old,” jokes Andrea. “So this dish is a perfect combination of his passion for seafood and his ability to make amazing eggs.” While Chef Michael prepares all the main entrees, Andrea is in charge of baking and tending the bar. Customers rave about her sticky toffee bread pudding and sangria, so make sure to try those on your next visit. Andrea is also in charge of the beer, wine, and champagne list selection at Michael’s. She makes sure to taste everything before it becomes an official part of the menu; that way, she ensures quality and taste. Michael’s offers one of the most extensive wine pours in Tampa Bay. With a generous 8 oz pour, you get your money’s worth, so don’t be afraid to add that wine glass to compliment your meal. To this day, Chef Michael will still pause for a second to watch guests try his food from the kitchen. He enjoys watching people’s first impressions when the food arrives. He particularly finds joy when the customers express out loud how good something tastes or how impeccable the presentation is. “If I have a second, I love observing people try our food for the first time. It’s very gratifying to know I can make

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Private Events What do people remember most about an event? Considering nobody got intoxicated and made a fool of themselves, then the answer is always the food. So what better place to host your next private event or party, than a spot that offers fantastic service and award-winning food that people will be raving about long after the event passed? Michael’s Grill has a separate conjoining dining area that can comfortably seat up to 40 guests. This separate area has its private bar and features the same elegant décor and welcoming ambiance. So, if you are looking to book your upcoming holiday party or even a small and intimate wedding, give Michael’s Grill a call today and book before it is too late. Andrea and Chef Michael would like to thank the community for their incredible support through all these years. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts; it’s been a pleasure serving you and getting to know you and your loved ones. It will be 19 years this December, and we wouldn’t be here without your amazing support and loyalty,” says Andrea. Michael’s Grill is located in the Main Street Shopping Center at 11720 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. They are open Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; and Sun 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For additional information, please call (813) 964-8334 or visit www.MichaelsGrill.com

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Tech Talk with Bob: Smile when you open your refrigerator. By Bob Dalles We’re all accustomed to the convenience of the light in our refrigerator turning on every time we open the door. Now, cameras inside your “smart” refrigerator can take pictures of your food inside each time you open the door. Your refrigerator may be able to tell you when something has expired. The technology exists where you can connect to your refrigerator through an app on your phone that lets you view the contents inside while you are at the grocery store. Your refrigerator learns what you use, how often, and when you are running out of something. You can link your refrigerator to your bank account and have your refrigerator automatically order your groceries for you; and then alert you on your computer or smart phone. More of our everyday devices have become or are becoming “smart.” Items you wouldn’t expect, like your new washing machine, may now connect to the internet. Be aware that it’s not just your refrigerator and washing machine but a myriad of products on the market today that can connect to your wireless network. Some examples (and this is the short list): cameras (not just security

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cameras but cameras in appliances, like your refrigerator); doorbells; exercise bicycles; home theater systems; lamps, light bulbs, and other automated lighting equipment; door locks; kitchen appliances; set top TV boxes and HDMI sticks; baby monitors; smart (bathroom) scales; lawn sprinklers; smoke alarms; smart TVs; thermostats; washers and dryers; wrist watches; speakers; network extenders; video gaming systems; medical equipment like CPAP machines, insulin pumps and even pacemakers; garage door openers; pool pumps and heaters; digital assistants that listen for your voice commands; and so many more. Estimates expect up to 50 billion devices to be online by the end of the decade! It is easy to get caught up in how cool this technology can be. While your fridge can provide you with helpful information when you’re at the grocery store, its programming also sends details about your usage to the fridge’s manufacturer. Perhaps how often you open the doors, your preferred temperature settings, how well the compressor is running, how much ice it’s making; how often you change the water filter; anything its manufacturer has instructed it to monitor. It

collects this information and regularly transmits it across your wireless (WiFi) network, through your internet connection, to servers waiting to analyze your data. So, the next time you open your refrigerator door… SMILE, you may be getting your picture taken. Have a tech question? Email it to TechTalk-TBNL@

BobTheComputerGuy. NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727-534-4000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!

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By Deborah Bostock-Kelley A chiropractic student and foster parent, and a California commercial realtor, two 29 years olds on two very different career paths, had their lives changed by mother. Not the capital M Mother, but the kind used to create a delicious, healthy live sparkling fermented drink called Sunny Culture. In 2015, Rany Bochi had been perfecting a water kefir recipe in his mother’s kitchen, testing flavors out on friends and family, not really thinking beyond his familiar circle. Unlike dairy kefir which is detrimental to anyone with lactose intolerance or the bitterness of pungent vinegarbased drinks, water kefir is fermented by filtered water, organic superfoods, and organic cane sugar which is used to feed the mother culture. Caffeine free, gluten-free, and organically certified, with no added sugar post fermentation, water kefir is functional and refreshing. “We found a product that combines the benefits of all. As a non-dairy kefir, it still has the wide spectrum probiotic, but it has a lighter, refreshing aspect unlike other beverages,” said Rany. “Many moms who wanted to give something healthy to their kids haven’t been able to do that because of caffeine or high sugar. We’re like a probiotic fruit juice for kids.” Rany reached out to his childhood best friend and his passion and enthusiasm about this new product motivated Patrick Whitner to change careers to become a partner and official taste tester of the fledgling new company. “When we tried the Hibiscus that’s when we looked at each other and we knew we had a product that could go to the mass consumer,” said Patrick. The next step was trialing the water kefir at the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. From the many raves and positive reviews of

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Drinking With Purpose local taste testers, Sunny Culture was officially born. “Our goal first and foremost is to educate about the importance of gut health. We are part of the solution and we get excited when people intake a variety of different fermented foods. We want our company to be part of our customer’s healthy lifestyle.” said Patrick. “It’s a privilege to be part of that for people.” Named Sunny Culture – a callout to the Sunshine State – the bottle features a symbolic mangrove tree representing strong roots. This Tampa Bay independent business has a mission to make gut health accessible to all, especially children, and particularly children in low income areas. The startup’s goal is to partner with local organizations that work with foster children and local schools to provide probiotics to children. “Most kids in low income areas are eating many processed foods. A little bit of probiotics go a long way, especially because of the wide spectrum nature of our live probiotic.” Recently certified organic, bottled in eco-friendly glass in flavors of Ginger, Blueberry, Elderberry and Hibiscus, each product is handcrafted locally. Never using any concentrates or extracts, Sunny Culture is made from real blueberries, elderberries, hibiscus, and ginger. “We use whole organic real ingredients – the way it’s supposed to be,” he said. “We call it ‘no shortcuts.’ That’s how you get the true benefits of all the ingredients. We want to be the probiotic of choice and provide a guilt-free sparkling water experience.” Some customers drink Water Kefir as a refreshing beverage while others drink it for the functionality. “Each flavor that we’ve chosen is with functional intention,” Rany explained. “The

biggest thing we are trying to do is to encourage people not only to drink our product because it is refreshing, but also to drink with purpose.” Rany and Patrick chose water kefir product rather than another dairy kefir because the sugar in commercial dairy kefir was alarming. “We’re kind of the stepping stone for people to start experimenting with fermented foods. We call it ‘the gateway to fermentation.’ Probiotics are a big part of digestion as a whole and we are extremely passionate about sharing that message with our community.” Sunny Culture’s Hibiscus is featured in Hibiscus Negrone, a signature cocktail at the Hall of Franklin. The team is also looking to expand into other bars as healthy mocktail options for nondrinkers. Already successfully sold in local yoga studios and health food stores like Abby’s Health

and Nutrition, Duckweed Downtown, Rollin’ Oats Market, Lucky’s Market, among several others, Sunny Culture is celebrating a local Metro launch in Whole Foods in South Tampa, Carrollwood, and Clearwater locations. “We hear stories at farmer’s markets – that’s why we, the two founders, are out there in the Florida sun every weekend,” said Patrick. “It’s about us being able to connect with the community and listen. It’s humbling when we hear testimonials about our products and it just ignites our fire even more why we are doing what we are doing and why we changed both of our lives to go on this mission together. We want to be part of people’s lives. That’s a gift to us. We don’t take that responsibility lightly.” To learn more about Sunny Culture visit drinksunny.com, facebook.com/sunnyculture or Instagram.com/sunnyculture.

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Grout Tech - Your Tile and Grout Specialist! Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and retiling 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 17 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. Jeremy G. and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at

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Before Grout Tech. “Our bathroom tile was over 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.” BJ is happy to set your appointment, come out and

After 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 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 seemingly impossible. BJ

For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

Before

After

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. Kathy G., 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 regrouted. They also re-grouted 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.

For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

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. Grout Tech’s success stories say that before calling Grout Tech, their bathrooms, guest bathroom showers 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 727768-6828.

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For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

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