Vol. 5, Issue 9, September 2017
®
Your community. Your magazine.
™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
A Taste of Bundt Cake Changed a Career By Deborah Bostock-Kelley In December 2015, Tammy Mencia experienced serendipity. She was a longtime successful mortgage broker in Jacksonville and had just tasted a sample of a bundt cake that would transform her destiny and future career path. She and husband Ralph had been looking at different franchise opportunities and she was impressed by the moistness and flavor of the bundt cake. She googled the company to learn more
information and discovered Nothing Bundt Cakes fit the individuallyowned franchise business profile they’d been seeking with a future move to Tampa. After months of an intensive screening process, culminating in a three-hour interview with the franchise president in the home office in Dallas, Texas, Tammy and Ralph debuted Nothing Bundt Cakes in March 2017 in the Village Center, See “Bundt” on page 24.
Wild Birds Unlimited Invites You To Discover The Wonderful Joy and Health Benefits of Birding By Michelle Natkin Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the enchanting song of a bird from outside your window? Couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful colors of a Blue Jay? With hundreds of bird species native to the state, Florida is a bird lover's paradise, even if you live in a heavily urbanized area. Birding refers to the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby, and is less difficult than
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
From the Editor Carla Dubis................................3 Community Calendar...........................................6 Reflections on a Wesley Chapel Rotary team trip to Honduras..................................10-11 Together in Peace..........................................14-15 SAT/ACT/College Admission Outlooks.......16-17 Fall Means King Mackerel..................................18 Welcoming 20 Minutes to Fitness to Carrollwood...20 Old McMicky’s Farm Teacher Appreciation.............29
you may think. These outdoor pets can be very enjoyable without the extra costs of veterinary care and the housing and maintenance that more traditional pets require. You just need the proper supplies and the right information. Luckily, Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Village Center of Carrollwood, has exactly what you would need and more to start birding! See “Wild Birds” on page 26.
2
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Carla Dubis I want to start this editorial by thanking every single person that took some time to reach out to me and say a few words of encouragement in regards to my new role as Editor. Thank you! From the bottom of my heart, for your support and positive feedback. I also want to thank you for sending me your deepest condolences over the sudden and recent death of my father. Losing a loved one is never easy, but I am happy that my dad and I got to spend a lot of quality time together while he was here visiting. I find comfort in remembering all the good times him and I shared throughout my 31 years of life. Just remember to tell those you love how much you care and how much they mean to you on a daily basis. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Even though my college education was focused on Fine Arts and Web Design, there's always been a special place in my heart for the written word. I realize I am not an expert writer, and I will sometimes forget a comma or two, but I want you to know that I am extremely passionate about writing and sharing my thoughts and feelings with you through my editorials and stories. I want to share with you some of the emails I received from our readers,
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
because they brought a big smile to my face and my heart. "Carla, I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed your article in the Tampa Bay News. Very heart warming." Anonymous reader "I was reading your Editorial column and I just wanted to share with you the same proud feelings about Tampa, such a wonderful city, with so much History that goes back to the time of the Spanish explorers. As a Venezuelan native I can relate to everything you were saying. Tampa, for me, is a city full of surprises with open arms that has received and nestled a lot of talented people. Sincerely." - Haydee Mora, Realtor. Keller Williams Realty, New Tampa. "Good morning, Carla! My wife and I received the latest copy of Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles at our home. What a wonderful article and great presentation. I don’t know why you chose our Foundation but I can tell you this is one of the nicest things a news organization has done for our children, teens, young adults and their families during my 30 years at ESF. I can’t thank you enough for spreading the word. We also enjoyed reading your article, “From the Editor.” You make the words on the page come alive. You have been blessed with a gift
Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33618, 33624 & 33613 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 © 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Art Director Tony Sica
Publisher Matt Selby
Editor/Creative Director Correspondents Carla Dubis
that lifts people up and enriches them. I hope that one day our paths will cross…whether at Southern Brewing or another event. So THANK YOU again for doing such a wonderful story on the persons we serve." - Thomas Orth, Epilepsy Services Foundation Getting these type of emails make what I do so much more meaningful and all the hard work I put in seems worth it, so keep them coming! I hope you enjoy this issue of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, as always, it's jammed-packed with amazing articles about local businesses and fantastic community events that you will not want to miss. Thanks for your continuous support and readership. Enjoy! Carla
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird
Julie Kanehl Marcy Sanford Katie Thomas Kim Thomas Dara Tucker Deborah Bostock-Kelley Michelle Naktin
Nothing that appears in Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Carrollwood 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.
SEPTEMBER 2017
3
4
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
5
Community Calendar & News Briefs Saturday Yard Sale at Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood is sponsoring a community yard sale on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 8 AM until 2PM. Space for vendor tables is $20 and all kinds of items will be for sale including antiques, collectibles, clothing, toys, miscellaneous household items, etc. Preregistration to reserve a space is necessary so contact Maggie in the church office at 813.961.8747 or e-mail her at maggiek@gracelutherantampa.o rg for more information and registration. There will be a bake sale sponsored by the women of Grace and lunch will be
6
SEPTEMBER 2017
available sponsored by the Grace Youth Group. All proceeds will benefit our Outreach Committees and Youth Groups. Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood is located at the corner of 3714 West Linebaugh Avenue (off Dale Mabry just North of Busch Boulevard). Driveway is on Linebaugh Avenue. For more information contact Sheri Matheson at (813) 963-3517 or email her at sherimatheson@aol.com
as well as lift your spirits. It is a form of moving meditation. When: Beginning on August 31, every Thursday and Saturday Time: 10:15am to 11:45am Where: Easidance Studio, 5111 Ehrlich Rd. Ste.140, Tampa 33624 For additional information: 813-685-1211 or www.taoist.org Taoist Tai Chi Society is a charitable, non-profit organization
Experience Taoist Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation
NORTH TAMPA MARKET at the Carrollwood Cultural Center
An internal martial art that helps you achieve balance and strength, relieve stress and pain
Second Saturday of every month • 10 am – 2 pm A monthly outdoor market
®
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
located in the park behind the Center. This event is hosted by Tampa Bay Markets with fresh food, hand crafts and live music. For more information, visitwww.tampabaymarkets.com
CARROLLWOOD BLUES & BBQ - Sep 30 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Add a little sizzle to your Blues, and a little Blues to your red-hot BBQ sauce! The Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Carrollwood Village HOAs are pleased to present our 2nd Annual Blues & BBQ event. It’s going to be a good ‘ol fashioned backyard barbecuing bluesy time! If you are interested in getting involved, email Aaron Washington at aaron@carrollwoodcenter.org.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
7
8
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
9
Reflections on a Wesley Chapel Rotary team trip to Honduras By Eric Johnson Originally published in Wesley Chapel Magazine Hiking through the mountain hills on a very small path. Drips of sweat draining down my face. Stopping to catch my breath….. Entering through a small door into a mud hut… mud floors. Why am I coming up on my 8th trip to Honduras?
Children. Hope. Life. Children not dying from sickness caused by water. Fathers able to work more to provide for their families. Mothers taking care of their homes. A bit dramatic? Well no…just real. Very real. And for the people of Trojes Honduras…a daily reality. As Americans, it’s so difficult for us to realize life without clean water. We take for granted that we can wake up and brush our teeth. That we can turn on the faucet and fill our cups with water that will not cause us to become sick or even worse, be the death of our child. Even for me, after
10
SEPTEMBER 2017
7 trips to help the people of Trojes, I still take water for granted but I’ve realized that water is essential for life. The great news is that there is hope! There are thousands of families in the communities around Trojes that do not have to live with unsafe water and sanitation conditions anymore because of Pure Water for the World (PWW) and the commitment made to the Honduran people. This is all done one filter, one latrine, one wash-station at a time. One child, one family, one school at a time. Some of my most precious memories I have are from spending time with the children in their homes before we begin installing the water filters. I’m reminded of why I’m there when I kneel down, look into their beautiful eyes and see them smile. I’m sure it’s funny to them how I try to communicate in my broken Spanish….or Spanglish, because I usually get a bunch of giggles from them. The mothers take so much pride in their homes. Painting the walls, sweeping the dirt floors and welcoming us in like they have been waiting for us for years. The
community all comes together to see and watch as we begin the process of installing the filters. It’s amazing how many people can fit inside a small kitchen or living space as we work with the smell of wood burning on the clay oven. The process for installing the water filter takes about 45 minutes. Washing the small stones and layering them largest to smallest so as the contaminated water flows through it
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
begins the process of purification. Getting the flow of water right out of the filter is the most important part. Too fast of a flow and the water is not purified. I love that installing a simple water filter changes the lives of a family so much. So now imagine your children going to a school with no bathrooms or sinks to wash their hands in. Just a simple, open air block structure. No
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
electricity. No running water…can’t imagine it can you. Thousands of children attend schools like this in Trojes. When they need to go to the bathroom, they run outside the school to the side of the mountain. Washing hands is not even really heard of and so you can imagine how the bacteria
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
and disease spreads throughout the schools. This is why PWW has implemented it’s program to build latrines and wash stations at every school in the Trojes region. Along with the building of latrine comes hygiene education. I’ve been in the schools when the PWW representative
holds up their hands to show the children how to wash and scrub each finger. This is all part of the amazing change that PWW is making. A typical trip to Trojes involves 2 days of installing water filters, 1 day of building a latrine and 1 day of handing out de-worming medicines in a community. Water filter days are a little tough with all the hiking through the mountains. Latrine day can be a bit exhausting with all the mixing of cement and making the forms. But at the end of each day, when you are finished, and all the teams come together to tell their stories, you realize that you are there for a purpose. My Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, is an amazing club! A group of community servants that come together to make a difference! I love the passion that we have, not only for the Wesley Chapel community, but
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
for the World. In the past 6 years, almost 30 of our club members have given of themselves and served the wonderful families in Trojes. It’s not an easy trip. It’s full of adventure, sweat and tears, but the feeling you have when you return…is… well…unforgettable. Another word would be lifechanging. Why? Because when you go on a trip to a third world country, you are given an amazing opportunity to see humanity in a different light. To see a different way of living. To come back to America and count your blessings. But I think Khalil Gibran says it best, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” How can you give of yourself today? www.wcrotary.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
11
12
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
13
Together in PeaceEducating the World on Peace, Tolerance, & Acceptance Together in Peace offers spiritual messages for people of all faiths with contemporary BiWeekly interfaith services and community outreach! Are you seeking greater peace in your life? If so, please join them and let them help! Together In Peace can help you find INNER PEACE in your life, at work and at home! They help people learn practices that can bring positive changes as well as gain improved tolerance in facing that which you can’t control. You will understand how ACCEPTANCE leads to
14
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
nonjudgmental practices. They specialize in helping you uncover the beliefs of various faiths for improved, global understanding of all people. Founders, Reverend Nancy Mercurio and Jeffery King both bring decades of experience and are true walking, living angels.
OUR BELIEFS We are NOT a religion. We are a group of people seeking peace through spiritual practices. We are united in purpose. Each of us has a unique set of experiences and
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
spiritual beliefs, but can unite in purpose to make a difference in the world, one peaceful action at a time. Together in Peace strives to be example setters. We are all inclusive and through our Sunday services, community outreach, books, videos and lectures, we hope to inspire a call to action for people of all ages, faiths, races and genders to choose peace, tolerance and acceptance over violence, hate and judgment. We inspire community awareness by providing education on peace,
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
tolerance and acceptance. We initiate and support projects that build peaceful communities and acknowledge those who demonstrate peaceful actions.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED ATTEND BI-WEEKLY SUNDAY SERVICES 10:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m check TogetherInPeace.com Location: Carrollwood Cultural Center 13345 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 (in the studio building)
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
15
SAT/ACT/COLLEGE ADMISSION OUTLOOKS by Dr. Wayne Adams Remaining fall exam schedule: SAT: Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2; PSAT primary date Oct 11; ACT: Oct 28, Dec 9. Now that school has started and most schedules have settled down, we can all take a long, relaxing breath and think about fall planning. Seniors and their parents are thinking about applying to colleges, the SAT and/or the ACT Exam, FASFA forms, and Bright Futures and other scholarships … on top of all the academics and activities that constantly demand attention. The “gorilla in Florida” is the rock-hard deadling of November 1st from UF. Most other schools are fine with a January 1st application and standard exam scores following soon behind. For those wanting to apply for early option or early decision, most of these probgrams are fine with exam scores coming in late November through December – but make sure to check the dates with your target schools to be absolutely sure.
16
SEPTEMBER 2017
Juniors and Sophomores are simply looking forward to successfully completing their fall term, and doing their best on the PSAT coming in mid-October. Many are already preparing for the full exams, which gives them more time to prepare and experience the exams. On occasion, I have tutored seventh graders for the SAT and ACT, and it is becoming more common for me to start with ninth or tenth graders as well.
Everyone is hoping the Florida legislature extends the increase in the award for the Florida Academic Scholars program, which could cover full tuition at any Florida public college or university … plus give parents some additional negotiating ability with private schools. When I am asked, “Wayne, what do you do?” most expect the answer, “I am a tutor.” Instead, my answer is, “I help my
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
students have their best possible futures which includes doing their best on the SAT and/or ACT Exam.” This is why each of my students/parents receives a copy of two guides that I have written. The first is Negotiating with Colleges, which has saved many families from $1,000 to $10,000 a year in college costs. The second is How to Write College Application Essays that Colleges will Love, with 104 pages including how to write great essays and over 40 examples with my comments and explanations. Also, I help with college application information, ideas about possible schools, coaching for students in how to study most effectively, and special negotiating points. For example, you may be surprised to know that, if a family has a relatively low EFC (expected financial contribution) on the FASFA Form, it costs less to attend Eckerd College (a private school in St. Petersburg) than to attend USF. The reason is that Eckerd covers a very large percentage of the difference between their posted price and the
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
EFC, while USF does not. Many private colleges cover high percentages of the difference. And if your student is admitted to Harvard, Yale, or other top universities and the family makes less than around $65,000 a year, it is a “free ride” because they have huge endowments and invest in their students. Their admissions are “need blind”. More than 60 percent of Harvard College students receive financial aid, and the average grant this past year was $40,000. Families with students on scholarship pay an average of $11,500 annually toward the cost of a Harvard education. Check it out! If You Would Like To Talk More About How I Can Help You, please contact me at 727-253-0639 or at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 350 points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to eight of the top ten universities in the country, seventeen
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
of the top twenty-five, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force and Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. This year, he also tutored three juniors who scored at the national merit finalist/semifinalist levels on the most recent PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
17
Fall Means King Mackerel By Captain Matt Selby
September is still a very hot month in our area of Florida but with that being said, the water temperatures start to come down slightly and that means King Mackerel will be flooding our waters anytime. By the end of the month, the King and Spanish Mackerel, will show up in large numbers as they make their migration through our area well into November. Fall is my favorite time of year to troll the reefs and hard bottom off Clearwater, and the King Mackerel is exactly why. In my opinion, the King Mackerel is the most underrated gamefish in our waters. Some people don’t bother with them because of their, well, I hate to say the word but again, underrated
18
SEPTEMBER 2017
table fare value. I’ll admit, if you try to fry a kingfish fillet, you likely won’t be impressed. However, a bacon wrapped, smoked kingfish nugget is probably my favorite fish dish next to the panko crusted Wahoo bites I make. Most caught fish are what we call “snakes,” between 2 and 8 pounds, but the “Smokers” of 30 to 40, sometimes into the 60 pound range, are what keep us coming back for more, year after year! There’s nothing like the sound of the reel screaming as the fish takes runs as long as 200 yards! I’ve often joked about how I could set that as my alarm clock and I’d wake up pumped and ready to take on the day! They have been known to make an initial run so hard and fast that the bearings get burned out and
sometimes the angler will notice smoke coming off the reel, hence the nickname “smoker.”
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
I have fished the local Kingfish tournament called “King Of The Beach” for the past few years and while I’ve
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
never won it, I’ve caught a number of fish that would easily place top 20 out of the 500 boats on tournament day, and of course my personal best; 46 pounder (would have won it!) was caught just 15 hours before tournament time! I’m getting chills just thinking about the November tournament. I feel like this year will be my year!
WHERE & HOW TO CATCH Kings are found anywhere between 10 feet all the way out to 100 feet or more here off Tampa Bay. I know what you’re thinking, “Thanks Matt, that really clears things up.” The truth is, find the migrating baitfish and the predators will follow. I love searching the beaches for giants. The biggest kingfish are usually found in 2 places. The first place is the Florida middle Grounds and the second place is just off the beach where the sandbar drops off or hard bottom begins. The big girls off the beach are referred to as “Beachcombers,” and if you’ve ever noticed a restaurant on Clearwater beach with that name, now you know why. The females, along with many species of fish, are much larger than the males. A typical Male Kingfish is rarely
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
above 10 pounds but the females have been recorded as big as 80! My favorite method for catching the big Kingfish is a method called live bait slow trolling. This tactic is where the angler either drifts with the current or idles at the slowest speed possible. I usually set back a 4 rod spread with 2 baits low and 2 baits presented at the surface. You can’t forget the wire leader because many Kings are lost to cut lines. Sometimes if I’m trolling fast enough and decide against slow trolling, I’ll use 80 pound Fluorocarbon leader and hope they bite near the hook and not the line but it’s always a gamble. My second favorite tactic is one anyone can do, even from a kayak! This is easy, chum like crazy and throw out live bait on a float or a balloon and wait for the reel to start screaming! I’ve caught a number of 30+ pound fish this way, and you can too! If you want to catch the biggest Kingfish of your life, book with me for the month of October. I still have some days available! Capt-Matt Selby captainselby1507@gmail.com
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
19
20
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Welcoming 20 Minutes to Fitness to Carrollwood!
We would like to give a warm Carrollwood Neighborhood welcome to 20 Minutes to Fitness! They started their business 13 years ago in the Lakewood Ranch area and after many years of success with
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
bringing an improved quality of life to that community, the team decided now was the perfect time to bring their expertise to Tampa Bay. “We’re so excited to be a part of the Carrollwood community and
share our passion for fitness with everyone here!” says Angela Begin, co-Owner. 20 Minutes to Fitness offers a different kind of work out. They use a weightlifting strategy called “slow cadence strength training.” Never heard of it? Let me briefly explain. With Slow Cadence, weights are lifted in a series of ultra-slow movements, each repetition lasting 20 seconds, eliminating the benefits of gravity and momentum. Within 1 ½ to 3 minutes on each machine, your muscles will reach exhaustion – which is the goal! It takes three to six days for the muscle to rest and
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
recover. You can achieve in just one 20-minute session what might take 3 or more hours in a conventional gym. I don’t know about you, but this sounds like my kind of work-out! Come see for yourself why this is being called the world’s most efficient workout! The new facility should be open by the time you read this so you can visit them at 11610 N. Dale Mabry or call to schedule your FREE, no obligation orientation and find out everything you need to know about this brilliant fitness concept and why it’s so effective for so many people of all ages!
SEPTEMBER 2017
21
22
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
23
“Bundt” Continued from page 1 Carrollwood. Open the door of Nothing Bundt Cakes and the heaven-sent aroma of fresh baked goodness and friendly staff offering tasty samples immediately greets you. Inside the quaint shop, decorated in pale yellow and blues, displays showcase the different sizes of the bundt cakes, along with accoutrements to accompany the cakes like décor, candles, serving plates, and party accessories that make the shop feel even more homey and welcoming. Bundt cakes come in 9 flavors and multiple sizes- from full-size 8 to 10inch cakes and large individual serving size called bundtlets to bite-size “bundtinis” and each are
24
SEPTEMBER 2017
complimented by cream cheese frosting. “We offer 10 flavors of cake in 4 different sizes – 9 flavors we have all the time and we have a featured flavor that lasts 1 to 2 months,” said Tammy. “It is all baked in the bakery with a full kitchen in the back and are made with fresh ingredients including fresh eggs, real butter and cream cheese. Our signature cream cheese frosting – is delicious and our cakes are super moist.” Standard bundt cake flavors are chocolate, chocolate chip, classic vanilla, red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, carrot, lemon, marble, pecan praline, carrot and cinnamon swirl. They also offer feature flavors on a monthly basis that include Chocolate Turtle, Strawberries and Creme, Lemon Raspberry, Pumpkin Spice,
Peppermint Chocolate Chip and currently offering Confetti until Oct 1. A gluten-free chocolate chip cookie bundt cake flavor is available for those that suffer from a gluten allergy. Tammy’s personal flavor favorite is white chocolate raspberry and for a rotating feature flavor, pumpkin spice which will be available on October 1. “The difference in our cake is the texture of the cake and how moist it is.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
It's the first thing everyone says when they taste our cakes. We're famous for the thick frosting petals that adorn each of our cakes. Our signature frosting is made with velvety cream cheese and real butter. For a lighter touch, choose our drizzle frosting. Our cakes are unique and beautiful and can be decorated for any occasion. All of our decorations are handcrafted in the back of the bakery to add the
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
personal touch for each person’s celebration.” The shop has a huge book to share ideas for different bundt cake uses. There are the typical birthday, retirement, anniversary and holiday suggestions, but then they offer innovative ideas like tiered wedding bundt and bundlet cakes, and even gender reveal bundt cakes. Tammy described her employees and the bakery's involvement in the community as the two things that she found most rewarding about being the co-owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “I love all my employees. They’re what make me successful. It’s rewarding that I can provide jobs for them and they love working for us.” Tammy has 14 employees, but is looking to hire a few more seasonal employees for the upcoming holidays. Though actively involved in the local community, the charity Nothing Bundt Cakes selected to sponsor is Joshua House, and the bakery provides monthly birthday cakes for the children. “We take them their own individual cake because some of the kids had never been able to celebrate a birthday. We love that part of it.” Though her long-term goal is to open many different locations, Tammy is in the process of opening her second location in Wesley Chapel, run by friend and business partner Lori Chait, by the close of 2017. “My partner in the Wesley Chapel location, Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Lori, is a friend of mine of 40 years, since third grade. She came here from Virginia to help me open the Carrollwood location and was so interested, that she and her husband wanted to get involved and open the Wesley Chapel location.” Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a birthday club. Shoppers can sign up and receive a free bundlet on their birthday. Corporate also sends out Enewsletters with coupons and discounts to subscribers. A loyalty reward program provides a free matching bundt cake, bundtlet, bundtini after the purchase of 12 dozen bite-sized bundtinis, 12 bundlets or 12 bundt cakes. About ninety percent of advertising comes from word of mouth, from patrons coming into the shop off the street. Tammy also markets several days a week to local businesses and participates in local events throughout Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel. “I was looking for something different. My husband and I looked at many franchises before this. None of them grabbed us like this did. This is a great brand. It only took the one taste and we knew instantly, definitely that this was it, that this was something we could build,” said Tammy. “I have so much less stress in my life now. It’s very rewarding. I wanted to work for myself instead of somebody else. It’s a business that everyone is always happy and celebrating some special event in their life or someone else’s.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes is located 13252 N Dale Mabry Highway. Hours are MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hours will be extended for the holidays. For more information, call or visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/fl/tampacarrollwood.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
25
“Wild Birds” Continued from page 1 Long time bird enthusiast, Lucy Polak, has been a happy loyal customer since Wild Birds Unlimited first opened their doors in 1997. When the original owners decided it was time to retire, Lucy jumped on the exciting opportunity to take over. After working years in corporate America she found herself in between jobs. You don’t always understand why things happen but in this case, it was clear to Lucy, that this was destiny. Lucy purchased Wild Birds Unlimited two and a half years ago, and this past May celebrated their 20th anniversary! Luc is as passionate about birds as she is helpful. She will happily assist you with all your birding needs and guide you through the process. In addition to a wide variety of beautiful bird feeders, houses, nesting boxes, Wild Birds Unlimited carries field guides to help you identify the birds you will see, nature lotions, yard décor, and children’s books. Birding can be as mellow and relaxing as sitting in your favorite chair while watching them in your back yard or as exciting as spotting them in a national park. After a long day, you
26
SEPTEMBER 2017
may find yourself watching the sun go down over a community lake and spot a family of Sandhill Cranes making their way toward the tree line, or if you’re the adventurous type, you could go camping with your family and realize you’re falling asleep to the soothing hoot of an Owl. These types of things take us beyond ordinary experiences. After some time you’ll learn how to identify your own favorite species, sparking an interest on how to recognize them and even keep them coming back. Lucy believes that birding inspires a harmonious union with nature, and recognizes that it provides major health benefits. Keeping our minds active and healthy is essential for our overall sense of wellbeing. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that if we want to keep our brains healthy we need to keep learning new things. What better way to do that than by learning about birds? Bird watchers have to be ready to seize the moment after long stretches of inactivity. A bird can appear out of anywhere and a bird watcher needs to ready the camera or binoculars to capture the majestic creature in flight. A bird can be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Bird watchers need
their brains to operate on many different levels to make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be near by, and to snap a picture before a once-in-a-life opportunity is eclipsed. Studies have shown that these kinds of mental exercises can help fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and Parkinson’s. Not only is it important to keep our mind active, it’s just as important to keep our body moving! Following birds in their natural habitat is a sure way to keep us going and out of our
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
everyday routines. Bird watchers sometimes walk many miles in search of a certain species of bird. Certain species live high-up on cliffs and mountainsides, and you need to hike to get to see them. Lucy encourages people of all ages to give birding a try; she will guide you and provide you with everything you need to get started. It’s an easy and rewarding hobby anyone can enjoy. The amazing passion everyone who works at Wild Birds Unlimited share for our feathered friends cannot
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
be denied, and it comes from deep within. Shortly after retiring, the previous owner decided to come back to what he knew best and what he loved, so now you can find him working alongside Lucy. Both love assisting their customers with all of their needs and they enjoy making their store yard a beautiful bird haven.
Additional Birding Benefits Although it takes some time and dedication to feed these birds, the benefits of bird feeding go far beyond enjoying the moment with these beautiful feathered friends. Did you know birds eat much more than seed and nectar? Feeding birds in your yard invites them to munch on the insects, worms, and spiders that are eating your landscape. This can provide organic pest control with little need for toxic insecticides or harmful chemicals. Not Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
only do birds eat insects, they assist with flower pollination. This can result in fuller flowerbeds and beautiful birdfriendly landscaping with less gardening effort.
Ready to get started? Wild Birds Unlimited is your one stop shop to turn your backyard into the relaxing oasis you have always wished for. Many people, who have come into the store curious about what is inside, have later become very passionate about attracting birds. The staff at Wild Birds Unlimited is very knowledgeable and able to help you connect with nature whether you’re a beginner or expert. They carry the best bird food available in Tampa Bay. Most of the products are made in the U.S.A. and many of the houses and feeders are made from recycled materials. Some bird foods from other
places include fillers that the birds won’t really eat. Every ingredient in the bird food at Wild Birds Unlimited is a seed or grain that birds love to eat. They make sure that all the food is suited for this area and that it will attract the birds you want to see. The food is always fresh and it comes from farms that do not use insecticides. The goal at Wild Birds Unlimited is to help you enjoy the benefits of birding by bringing people and nature
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
together. The knowledgeable staff and owners are excited and ready to help engage you and the next generation of birding enthusiasts. Stop by today and unleash the beauty of color and song that birds will bring to your home. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 13140 Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. Log on to https://tampa.wbu.com/ for more information and store hours. SEPTEMBER 2017
27
produce a short video of highlighted clips to be used to promote Teachers ROCK public participation and to establish the most important human connection to the people who serve as teachers in our community.
The Gift
“Teachers ROCK” is a $20,000 Dream Wedding Gift of Appreciation for All Schools and Teachers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. This Dream Wedding Gift is open to all public and private school teachers in all grades Pre-K through 12th grade. Teachers make such a huge difference in the lives of children and families in our Tampa Bay community, we thought a great way for Old McMicky’s Farm and the community to show our appreciation was to help a teacher start a family of their own with this $20,000 Dream Wedding Gift. The “Teachers ROCK” appreciation gift has three primary goals. 1. To provide a great gift of a Dream Wedding to a deserving teacher. 2. To promote Awareness and Appreciation in the general public / Tampa Bay community of school teachers and the tremendous contributions teachers make to our local children and families. 3. To help build Esprit de Corps and Pride even more for our local teachers as a group internally. To help achieve the goal of teacher appreciation, especially goals #2 and 3, all applicants for the dream wedding will be requested to submit a video to include: A. What they love about being a teacher and B. What are some of their most special or proudest moments of being a teacher. The farm will then
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
The Teachers ROCK appreciation gift will provide one teacher residing and teaching in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco counties the wedding of their dreams at the beautiful, lakeside venue at The Barn at Crescent Lake at Old McMicky’s Farm. Their big day will host up to 100 of the winning couple’s family and friends for a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. This amazing wedding will include everything a couple dreams of on their wedding day – and more! All services are donated by the farm and our generous vendor partners. There is no cost to the schools or teachers
How Teachers ROCK Works There is an Application period, a Voting period, the Winner Announcement and then the Wedding. The farm will select approximately 6 – 8 of the applications as finalists, and then the winning teacher will be selected by the general public (fellow teachers, students and their families, and the general public) via voting. Providing there are applications from each county, the farm’s goal will be to select finalists representing teachers in each of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties to reflect our Tampa Bay community. Application Period: Sept. 25 - Oct. 16, 2017 Voting Period: Oct. 30 - Nov 20, 2017 Announcement: Dec 5, 2017 On or About The Wedding: May 12, 2018 During National Teacher Appreciation Month To apply and for more information please visit: https://oldmcmickys.com/teachers-rock-application-page/
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
29
30
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
SEPTEMBER 2017
31
32
SEPTEMBER 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • info@NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles