Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2019
®
Your community. Your magazine. ™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
Cornerstone Pros Has You Covered for Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Imagine July in Florida, a humid 98 degrees at the heart of summer. You insert your key in the front door and enter your home, expecting a cool reprieve from the sweltering heat. Instead you are greeted by a temperature equal to the outside. What happened to your airconditioning? As perspiration drips down your
face and your shirt sticks to your back, you grab a bottled water from your refrigerator and you Google on your cell phone a reliable repair company to call. While removing a glass from your cupboard, you happen to notice a clog in your kitchen sink – which is difficult to see because the kitchen light struggles to come fully on.
See “Cornerstone” on page 6
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PASCO - THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIP BANKING In the early ‘90s, Mike Mashke walked into a salon in Carrollwood for a haircut and left with a client for life. Shear Art Salon Owner Joanne Powers struck up a conversation with her new customer, as she did with every customer. But this one asked her about her business and took the time to talk about her vision for the INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor................................................5 TB Lightning - The Season that Got Away Again...10-11 Patio Pools Celebrates 40 Years..................18-19 When in Pain, Call Dr. Lane!.......................20-21 Tech Talk with Bob.....................................24-25 CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood...............26
future. At the time, Mashke worked as a branch manager for Barnett Bank of Tampa. While his career has taken him to several other financial institutions since, one thing has always been constant—the faith Powers placed in him from their first meeting to help her grow her business. See “First Bank” on page 14
Tampa Bay Lightning - The Season That Got Away... Again.
By Tom Bostock When Sir Fredrick Arthur Stanley (Lord Stanley of Preston) first donated a trophy cup to the championship hockey team of Canada in 1892, little did he realize how coveted his cup would become in the professional ice hockey world. Over the years, storied teams like the Montreal Canadians (23), Toronto Maple Leaf ’s (13) and Detroit Redwings (11), to name a few of the winning NHL teams, have won the prized cup multiple times. (thoughtco.com). It is the ultimate achievement in professional hockey. The fledgling hockey team that was awarded to Lightning founders, Phil Esposito, Henry Lee Paul and Mel Lowell during the league expansion in 1991, which began play in 1992 and was assigned to the Norris Division of the Campbell conference, appeared to pose no apparent threat to the established Northern teams in the National Hockey League. All of that changed in 2004 when
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Lightning Captain, Dave Andreychuk victoriously hoisted famed Lord Stanley’s Cup, after beating the Calgary Flames in the final of their 7-game series, announcing to the hockey world that the upstart Tampa Bay Lightning were for now for real! Today’s Tampa Bay Lightning seemingly put an exclamation point on how real they were, joining only 2 other teams in the history of the NHL with 60 wins, enjoying the rarefied air of only the 1976-77 Montreal Canadians and the 199596 Detroit Redwings. A recent 5 - 2 win over the Senators, with Yanni Goure’s 2 goal, 1 assist performance, helped clinched their 60th win in grand fashion. All eyes were on those final games and then the Lightning’s Stanley Cup run. Their 61st and 62nd win, a drubbing of the Bruins, ended their regular season, fueling fan expectations of greater things to come. Injuries impact team performance and the Lightning were no exception. According to ESPN. com, from information provided by
rotowire.com, Lightning stalwart defenseman Victor Hedman would not be active again until the playoffs. Since the Lightning had already secured their playoff berth, resting the injured defenseman seemed like a good idea. Joe Smith of The Athletic reported that head coach, Jon Cooper said that Hedman (upper body) was doubtful to suit up for the rest of the regular season. Not wishing to repeat last year’s loss to the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference finals, it seemed like a good idea at the time to have a well-rested Hedman. The Tampa Bay Lightning looked forward to the playoffs with a wealth of offensive talent and high-scoring lines to choose from. A fan favorite, Russian born Nikita Kucherov had taken the Lightning by storm, beginning to challenge ever consistent team captain, Steven Stamkos, for supremacy on the ice. He seemed destined for a greatness in the playoffs that was not to be. According to all the sports pundits and talking heads, the Lightning were poised to go deep into the playoffs; they were both fans’ and sports book favorites to win this year’s Stanley Cup. To win, the Lightning needed to overcome some old habits. Diana C. Nearhos, in a Tampa Bay Times article, reminded fans that the Lightning had to come from behind in each of its final four games. Twice they were able to complete the comeback for a win in those final regular season games. The playoffs proved something else entirely! Having closed out the regular season with a final drubbing of the Bruins 6 -3, to reach 62 wins, the Lightning breathed the rarified air
of only one other 62-win team in the entire history of the NHL, the 1995-1996 Detroit Redwings, but apparently were too preoccupied reading their own press clippings to pay attention to what happened to Detroit in the playoffs; they did not win the Stanley Cup that year. The fact that the Lightning spotted the Bruins 2 goals before they scored their first one in their final game of the season should have been a reminder to the Lightning of what could and did happen in the playoffs, just as it happened to Detroit. An unstoppable, impregnable juggernaut of offense, defense and goal tending took to the ice that first playoff game, pounding the other, ill prepared team into utter submission. Didn’t you just love the final battle in the seventh and deciding game? Oh, that’s right, there was no seventh, or sixth or even fifth game, for that matter. And surprisingly enough, the unstoppable offensive juggernaut wore the colors of the lowly Bluejackets, led by former Lightning coach, John Tortorella, a man on a mission. In an interview, after the complete annihilation of the favorite Lightning in a 4 -game sweep, John revealed his secret to the wins; he told his team to focus on one game at time. The Lightning, on the other hand, didn’t seem to focus on much of anything. Out shot, outscored and out of position in many instances, they skated their way to hockey immortality; the first team to win the President’s Trophy for scoring the most points in the regular season and then being swept in the first round of the playoffs, 6-3, 5-1, 3-1, and 7-3! Close only counts in horseshoes and
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this Lightning team didn’t even get a whiff of Lord Stanley’s cup with their inept on-ice play – or lack thereof. With Lightning efforts that probably belonged in the Hall of Shame, as the Zamboni cleaned and resurfaced the ice after the final game, I hope that they added some detergent sufficient to remove all traces and stench of these playoffs whose odors will probably linger with Lightning players until they start anew with Spring training in September. What will next year’s team be
like? Will it have the same promise of unbeatable offense and stifling defense that characterized this year’s team. Will we again have our hopes crushed by lackluster, indifferent play in the playoffs or will that championship be realized once again like its 2004 predecessor? Where there is life, there is hope and we diehard Lighting fans are no different. If you will play like the Lightning that we have come to know and love, we, your loyal fans will still be the Thunder!
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“First National Bank of Pasco” Continued from page 1 Powers started in 1986 with a two-chair salon near Fletcher and Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. Today, she has two locations; one at 13124 N. Dale Mabry in Carrollwood and one located at 4004 S. MacDill Avenue in South Tampa. She also started the Summit Salon Academy in the old Alessi Market on Gunn Highway in 2005. Powers now has over 60 employees, has trained more than 1,400 salon professionals, has a client base of about 15,000, and has raised over $100,000 for local charities.
THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIP BANKING. 2-2-2. “I honestly believe that if it weren’t for Mike [Mashke], my businesses
would not have grown to be as successful as they are. He believed in me when I was just getting started and help me get to where I am today,” said Powers. Mashke, who is now the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Dade City, Florida-‐headquartered First National Bank of Pasco, said that he has built his career and his client base by being open-‐minded to a client’s needs and helping them think creatively when it comes to their financial needs for growth. While that philosophy has always served him well, it has helped ignite one of the biggest success stories in Tampa Bay banking today. When Mashke joined First National Bank of Pasco in 2015, the loan production for the year was $15 million and the bank had three branches. Through the formation of a top-notch loan team and aggressive marketing outreach, they closed $17 million in loan production for the first quarter of 2019 alone and now have four branches; one in Lutz, one in Dade City, and two in Zephyrhills. They will be opening their fifth branch in the old State Vacuum building at Henderson and Kennedy near downtown Tampa this Fall. Even though Powers isn’t close to a physical branch, a First National Bank of Pasco courier comes to her each day. “It’s all about service,” said Mashke. “My relationship with Joanne [Powers] began in large part due to her frustration with the lack of attention and insight she felt she was not receiving from a large national bank. She really just needed someone to listen to her, understand her hopes for the future, and help her reach her goals. That’s the guiding philosophy of the entire First National Bank of Pasco team.”
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Joanne Powers, owner of Shear Art Salons & Spas and Summit Salon Academy, and Mike Mashke, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for First National Bank of Pasco. About FNBP: First National Bank of Pasco is locally owned and has a 30-‐year history of successfully meeting the needs of East Pasco County. They currently operate from four offices: one in Dade City, one in Lutz and two in Zephyrhills. A fifth branch will be opening in downtown Tampa in the third quarter of 2019. From consumer loans to mortgages to commercial loans to deposit accounts, they provide a wide array of competitive, quality products and services that distinguish FNBP as the premier provider of financial services in our market area. The entire FNBP team takes pride in being a good corporate citizen as they support local events and causes that are important to the community.
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16 MAY 2019
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Patio Pools Celebrates 40 Years Providing Pools to Tampa Bay By Deborah Bostock-Kelley It’s the big 4-0 for Patio Pool in Lutz. For four decades, this three-generation, familyowned independent pool installation, remodeling and retail establishment has been going above and beyond the expectations of clients throughout Tampa Bay. Founded by Charles Foster, daughter Gina Schrader runs the office, while her sons design pools, sell, handle marketing and social media and provide customer service. Even her 90 year old grandmother is part of the business, doing some light housekeeping on the weekends. “It’s definitely a family affair,” said Gina. “We’re kind of iconic in the area. Most people in the area know us because we’ve been in business so long. Either their grandparents had us build their pool, or their parents, friends or neighbors. We tout ourselves
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on being one of the fastest pool company in the Bay area. We’ve been around for so long that we have such a big presence in the Tampa Bay area.” Patio Pools is recognized for not only providing a high-quality product, but for an expeditious turnaround. She credits the great organization of Patio Pools for allowing the quickest installation possible. “We’re on top of things constantly. We typically will finish a standard pool in 21 working days. We’re definitely the quickest in the area.” When hiring a pool contractor, Gina said doing your homework is very important. While it’s good to look for customer reviews on social media, those can be bought. The client should investigate the business through the Better Business Bureau, Myfloridalicense.com and talk to friends and family to make sure ofthe legitimacy and proven
workmanship of the business. “Keep in mind how old the company is. You can have one company that has 5 complaints and you can have another that has 5 complaints, but one is only 5 years old. Keep in mind how long they’ve been in business, when doing searches of the company. We currently only have one.” She warned to be leery of a new company with hundreds of
detailed reviews. “They can be bought and we would never do anything like that. All of our reviews are authentic.” She also explained every photo on the Patio Pool website comes from completed jobs and no stock photography is ever used. She doesn’t need other people’s photos as Patio Pools has built nearly 8,000 pools since its inception.
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“We really pride ourselves on doing a good job because although we are big in the area because people know us, we are still a relatively-small family-run business. We have to do well. It’s our business.” As Florida’s rainy hurricane season can make installation unpredictable, if you’re looking to have a pool to cool down in this summer, Gina suggests the best time for installation is during the winter. It can take 2 to 6 weeks to get the permit, depending upon the municipality
and approximately 21-28 working days – from breaking ground to installation for Patio Pools to bring your vision to life. Not only can Patio Pool build your dream pool, they can remodel your old pool and re-top existing decks to make it look new again. They also can build custom water features, lanais, sun decks, fireplaces and fire pits, as well as outdoor kitchens. Patio Pools can also customize lighting and add automation so you can run your pool from your Alexa or your smart phone.
“We can do most of the items that you would connect with your swimming pool or backyard, excluding landscaping.” A retail store at 4118 Gunn Highway provides the chemicals, toys, cleaners, parts, equipment and everything to meet your swimming pool needs. They can recommend a perfect pool service if you don’t want to do yourself. “There are so many bad swimming pool companies out there. You feel like you’re doing the used car sales pitch. We really dislike that, it makes everyone in the pool industry look bad. When we sell to somebody, we don’t sell, we educate. We’re not going to lie and tell them something they want to hear just to sell the product. We’re going to tell them flat-out the truth. If you set the expectations to reality, then they know what they’re doing. It’s a big project. A pool is most likely the second largest purchase you will make besides your home or car.” Not only is Patio Pools proud to be part of their community, they love that the business is more than just business. Customers
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from forty years ago drop by the retail store to say hello, to show off grandkids’ pictures, and even a dog or two has ventured back to Gina’s desk. “I love my customers. We have made some very special relationship with customers,” she said and added. “And the other people I work with. We’re definitely a family, even the ones that aren’t related. It’s a good environment in a stressful business.” Gina said that she is proud that Patio Pools is recognized as providing a painless process, being the antithesis to horror stories heard about working with pool companies, and being responsive to customer needs. When asked if she had a favorite project or customer response, Gina didn’t hesitate to respond, “We’re proud of all of them.” Patio Pools is located at 4118 Gunn Highway. Call 813.327.4654 to schedule a free consultation and to learn more, visit www.patiopools.com, or follow on Facebook and Twitter.
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2 MAY 2019
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By Lisa Stephens
When in Pain, Call Dr. Lane!
Dr. Tommy Lane is a Chiropractic Physician serving Carrollwood and the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Lane and the rest of the friendly team at Lane Family Chiropractic & Wellness are dedicated to finding healthcare solutions to target your unique needs, whether you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, headache, shoulder or knee pain, or even just plain old muscular tightness and tension. You may need pain relief after suffering an accident, experiencing an injury, or if you have a specific condition such as chronic back pain or a spinal condition; even if you want to improve your overall health, Dr. Lane can help you achieve your wellness goals! “I have been managing chronic lower back pain for almost one year with Dr. Tommy,” said longtime Lane Family Chiropractic patient, Stephanie H. “When I first started treatment, I was barely
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walking, and now I am pain-free 90% of the time. I attribute my treatment success to all of the therapy (stretching machine and laser treatment) in addition to adjustments. I have previously treated with the large, corporate orthopedic facility in the Tampa Bay area and did not get a fraction of the therapy (or results) as I do with Lane Family Chiropractic. Dr. Tommy’s staff is top-notch: they check on you continuously during therapy and build a relationship with you, so you never feel like a number. The same with Dr. Tommy: He listens to my concerns, he remembers little details specific to me, and he treats me like his patient, not a number.” During your initial visit to Lane Family Chiropractic, Dr. Tommy Lane will explain the science behind how chiropractic care works, and give you a full evaluation to see if chiropractic care is right for you.“My first job is to find out the patient’s condition and make sure that we can help,”
Dr. Lane said. If there is a good fit, Dr. Lane and his team will develop a plan of chiropractic care that is specific to your condition and health goals. “The benefits are limitless. For most, it’s getting out of pain without the use of drugs or surgery. For others, it is getting their quality of life back and regaining their health,” Dr. Lane added. “Every time I see Dr. Lane, he
makes my day so much better,” said current patient, Jennifer C. “Not only are the adjustments just what I need, but his bedside manners are phenomenal! He truly listens and works WITH you to come up with a plan of action. His staff is always friendly and willing to help in any way they can. There are also more services than just chiropractic treatment. They offer services such as ultrasounds,
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traction, massage and more! I highly recommend you visit Dr. Lane!” Chiropractic care isn’t just for grownups. Infants, children, and adults can all experience subluxations in the spine. Infants and children can become subluxated from birth trauma, other minor or significant injuries and developmental stress. Even if your child is in excellent health, injuries from bumps, bruises, falls and spills accumulate over time and can result in joint pain, discomfort and health issues in their teen and adult years. While most of Dr. Lane’s patients are adults, Lane Family Chiropractic accepts patients of all ages! “Our youngest patient was days old, and the oldest we’ve treated was ninety-seven years old,” said Dr. Lane. “We first started going to Dr. Lane for my son, who has pretty significant kyphosis and pain associated with it,” said concerned mom, Janice S. “My son has had such relief and improvement, and he absolutely loves Dr. Lane.” One type of therapy doesn’t fit all - Choices abound at Lane Family Wellness. Most neuromusculoskeletal disorders, which include back, neck and joint pain in the arms or legs and headaches can be treated with Chiropractic Manipulation, which is a non-invasive treatment option. By applying a controlled force in a restricted area, this type of therapy is used to restore joint mobility in the body. Once mobility is restored, pain caused by muscle tightness and
inflammation can be decreased. Are you suffering from sciatica, bulging disc pain or herniations? Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical approach to treat these issues and more. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy to promote cellular activity may be just what the doctor ordered to treat inflammation and pain. To aid in tension release and muscle spasms, you can also schedule a massage therapy session. Research shows that a good massage offers a lot of benefits including reduced your heart rate, increased blood circulation, relaxed muscles, improved range of motion and more. Massage therapy also helps quicken recovery from injury. Did you know the body can help heal itself? Platelet Rich Plasma is a non-surgical treatment using a concentrated amount of your own body’s platelets. These platelets stimulate healing and are used to treat various types of soft tissue sprains, strains, and muscle/ligament/tendon tears. “I recently opened the Wellness side of our clinic in which we can expand our services for our patients,” says Dr. Lane. “We can tailor our services to their medical needs, like basic primary care, regenerative medicine or joint injections. We are trying to complete the whole circle for our patients and eliminate their issues from falling between the cracks and ultimately bettering their quality of life.”
About Dr. Tommy Lane Originally from Tarpon Springs, Dr. Lane attended St. Petersburg Junior College where he earned his Associate of Arts degree and played college baseball. “Working with people and the body was always something I wanted to do,” said Dr. Lane. On a baseball scholarship, he attended Warner University where he double majored in Exercise Science and Biology. Initially, he planned to be a physical therapist, but after hearing the experiences of a friend who interned in a chiropractic office, he changed paths to become a chiropractor. Dr. Lane earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia where he graduated with honors. After practicing at a multidisciplinary practice for a while, he and his wife Kellie moved back to the Tampa Bay area to be closer to family. For Dr. Lane, giving back to the community is as important as taking care of his family and his patients. He has served on numerous community boards, served as president of the Carrollwood Business Association, Hillsborough County Chiropractic Society and Kiwanis Club of Carrollwood. Over the years, the entire staff at Lane Family Chiropractic has participated in multiple toy and food drives for local charities in Tampa Bay. A Professional Team Providing Exceptional Care To offer the best customer experience to his patients,
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Dr. Lane has built a trusted staff. “I have several key players in my office which I rely on daily, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” he said. “First of all, my wife, Kellie. She has been with me since I first decided to go to graduate school.” Then he mentioned his “two main players,” Brittany Howe and Taylor Reinhard, who run the office day in and day out. Medical Director Dr. Yvette Suarez, and ARNP Nicole Demas are also on hand to provide basic primary care, regenerative medicine, and joint injections. “Both are highly skilled practitioners that are very successful in their fields,” says Dr. Lane. If you have insurance benefits, Lane Family Wellness will take care of filing for you. They always pre-verify so the patient knows exactly what the cost will be up front. “As a consumer and a patient, I don’t like hidden fees and waiting long times for the doctor. We have tried to create total transparency along with top quality customer service and expertise for our patients,” Dr. Lane expressed. “I called to make an appointment for my boyfriend after he had a bad car accident which was causing him back and neck pain,” says Joselynn M. “Lane Family Chiropractic worked around his schedule and managed to provide his treatment through his insurance. The staff is very friendly and wonderful, and Dr. Lane is awesome. This is a great place to go to. I highly recommend it.” The best part of his job, Dr. Lane said, is dealing with people and their healthcare issues. “They want results, not placebos. It means a lot to me that our patients trust us with their healthcare issues and needs and that they ask us for suggestions and guidance.” Don’t get used to living with pain, call Dr. Lane Today! Lane Family Wellness is located in the Georgetown Office Park at 1323 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa 33612. Call 813-968-4293 for your appointment. Visit their website at www.LaneFamilyWellness. com
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Tech Talk with Bob: I Think I’ve Been Scammed! By Bob Dalles Cybercriminals are using successful techniques in their quest to separate you from your money. I have been receiving an onslaught of calls lately from folks saying, “I think I’ve been scammed! What do I do now?” My friend Kathryn fell victim to a scammer just last week. She was minding her own business surfing the web when a message popped-up on her screen. This “official looking” pop-up message instructed her to call a specific phone number because she had “a malware infection that needed immediate attention.” If that wasn’t bad enough, she also found herself locked out of her computer. It was frozen. No mouse. No keyboard. She felt her only option was to call the phone number on the screen. Which she did. By the time those scammers finished with her they had not only taken control of her computer, but also convinced her
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that they could restore it to working order once she paid them $499.00. Which she did. These scammers called it a service charge. I call it extortion. Now mind you, Kathryn is a bright, intelligent woman who would typically never get taken for a ride by such crooks. But these cybercriminals are extremely good at what they do. They constantly hone their skills conning trusting people who think they’re in trouble. Why do they do it? Scamming people in this fashion has proven to be extremely profitable. Few get caught. Most are offshore. Your best defense is internet safety awareness and developing safer online habits. So, what do you do if you get a popup on your screen that tells you to call a phone number or click on a link? Take a picture of your screen with your cell phone. Be sure any phone number or website address is readable. Do not click on any links.
Do not call any phone numbers. Have your system examined for malware by a technology professional. Do not conduct any transactions involving private or sensitive information until you know your system is squeaky clean. What do you do if you receive a phone call from a stranger telling you that you have a malware infection or something else is wrong with your computer? Immediately hang up. Do not engage them in conversation. If they call back, hang up again or don’t even answer. What do you do if you have already downloaded their software to give them control of your computer? Immediately turn your computer off. If you leave it on, they can monitor your activity, steal your data, and even ransom it. Leave your computer off until a professional looks over your system. What do you do if you have given them your credit card
number? Immediately call your card issuer and have your card and the transaction cancelled. Don’t wait to get your credit card statement. Call your bank and deal with this as soon as it happens. Some banks may require you to file a police report.
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This story does have a happy ending. I was able to purge the malware from Kathryn’s computer and give it a clean bill of health. She called her bank. They flagged the transaction for their fraud division; cancelled Kathryn’s credit card; and had a new card in the mail to her the very next day. If Kathryn had done nothing, she would have been scammed out of nearly 500-bucks. But even worse, those crooks would still have control of her computer. They could spy on her or ransom her computer whenever they felt like it. Kathryn changed from being a passive victim to a vigilant internet user by recognizing and taking immediate control of her situation. These crooks can be intimidating. They’re relentless. They prey on a person’s fear of, and inexperience with, technology. Every time I speak with a victim of this scam, they always say the same thing. “I can’t believe I fell for it.” Sometimes their embarrassment of being scammed prohibits them from reaching out for help. Kathryn felt less violated when SHE took control of the situation. Be safer not sorrier. You do not have to be a casualty of these high-tech outlaws. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified Computer Technician. If you need a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. 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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FREE FOOD & FAMILY FUN: Something for Everyone at CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood By Kelly Stuart Williams What began as the Carrollwood Area Business Association’s (CABA) annual “Business Expo” in the 1980’s has become an annual event attracting nearly 4000 attendees, 100 vendors, and 30 restaurants. The event is now CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood (TOC), and this year it was held at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 12pm- 4pm. Among the many “tastings” and events in Tampa Bay, TOC remains one of the only free events that offers free food and free parking at a major Tampa venue in a familyfriendly atmosphere. When asked how the Association was able to afford to present a free event of this scale, CABA President Barbara Sekely explained the integral role that CABA member restaurants, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers play in planning and executing the event. “Since 1986, CABA was chartered as a volunteer-run, nonprofit that exists to serve its nearly 400 businesses that are members,” said Sekely. “As such, events like the Taste of Carrollwood give our CABA members an opportunity to “meet the community,” and it is the generosity of our sponsors and vendors who make it possible for us to keep TOC a free event to the public.” She added, “Raymond James provided a fantastic venue that most attendees had never fully experienced, and our CABA member restaurants stepped up to provide delicious food samples to nearly 4000 attendees: many who will return to their restaurants in Carrollwood. We are very appreciative to the volunteers
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who have been planning the event since 2018, and we thank all the attendees who joined us.” For the thousands who attended on March 31, 2019, the weather was ideal for enjoying all that Raymond James had to offer: under cover, out on the field, and up in the Pirate Ship. While the East Concourse featured 100 vendors to include Carrollwoodbased restaurants, businesses, fitness centers, AdventHealth-Carrollwood, and luxury cars from Ed Morse Cadillac, the field was open for all to enjoy. In the background, the Raymond James Jumbotron was displaying brightly colored vendor logos and videos in view of hundreds who gathered on the football field to attempt to kick a field goal. From atop the Raymond James Pirate Ship, attendees had a bird’s eye view of attendees passing the football and experiencing the field where the Tampa Bay Bucs and USF Bulls play. Ordinarily reserved only for private parties, hundreds of attendees climbed aboard the Raymond James Pirate Ship to experience the fun and the view, while the sounds of five Beasley Radio stations could be heard from down below. Another unique opportunity, that many enjoyed, was the East Stadium Club Bar 76, a new luxury sports bar at Raymond James Stadium exclusive to Club Level/ Season Ticket Holders and private parties but open to the public at CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood. According to the CABA Board Director of Special Events, Danelle Castillo, her Committee and the CABA Board chose Raymond James because of the many unique
opportunities that turned CABA’s former “business expo” into a festival atmosphere that provided something for everyone. “Initially, we were excited knowing that we could accommodate more attendees while keeping all of our vendors under cover. As we learned more about the exclusive opportunities like the Pirate Ship, the Field Goal Kick, and Bar 76, we realized that this was what we had hoped for: a celebration of Carrollwood that provided free food and family fun for the entire community,” said Castillo. The event was kicked off by a student from one of the CABA members, Bach to Rock, who provided Jade Ethier to sing the National Anthem that set the tone for an afternoon of musical entertainment: first, from the USF Herd of Thunder Marching Band followed by four hours of popular music from DJ Flash, Q-105 whose musical stylings were backed up by five Beasley Media Radio Stations: WHFS-FM 98.7, WLLD-FM 94.1, WQYK-FM 99.5, WRBQ-FM 104.7 and WYUU-FM 92.5. Ed Morse Cadillac, a 15-year CABA member, brought new model Cadillacs and Alfa Romeos that were available for “test drives” for those attendees lucky enough to win the raffle. For jewelry lovers, a diamond ring from International Diamond Center was awarded to a lucky winner in another Ed Morse drawing. Throughout the venue, hundreds of televisions prominently displayed the logos of all vendors. In-crowd entertainment was provided by a “fleet” of Star Wars characters, a balloon artist, a face
painter, and the Hamburglar from Casper’s Company McDonalds. Nearly all of the vendors provided interactive games and contests at their booths, and AdventHealth Carrollwood, the event’s MVP Sponsor, provided a jumbo game of “Operation” for attendees who wanted to pretend to perform surgery on-site. Adults who completed a scavenger hunt sheet were eligible to win a 50” flat screen television and vote for the “Best of” Taste of Carrollwood: a first-ever for the annual event. The winners included Shells-Carrollwood as “Best of” main dish; AdventHealth-Carrollwood won “Best of” Vendor Booth; and “Best of” Giveaway; the “Best of” dessert was awarded to a new Carrollwood dessert shop, “Tiny Bites.” Another first for the CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood was the selection of a CABA member charity designated to be included in all of the event’s publicity and to receive a portion of the proceeds from a 50-50 raffle. Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions was selected by CABA’s Special Events Committee from among its 20+ CABA member non-profits. While petting two beautiful greyhounds, attendees learned more about the significant need for greyhound adoptions in the Tampa Bay area. Planning has already begun for CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood 2020, and while the venue has not yet been announced; CABA will continue to be one of the only organizations to bring FREE FOOD and FAMILY FUN with a sampling of the “Best of” what Carrollwood has to offer to Greater Tampa Bay.
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Happy Mother’s Day, May The 4th be with you! May is full of holidays, proclamations, awareness events, and tacos, yes… tacos! Let’s start with Memorial Day. Formally known as Decoration Day, this is a Federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 27th, 2019, and it is a day to commemorate all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America. Many amazing troop supporters, and local business owners will be offering Memorial Day specials, one-of-a-kind offers, and fantastic discounts on merchandise, products, and services. Make sure to carefully browse this issue of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, so you can take advantage of those great deals and save big this upcoming Memorial Day. Apart from Memorial day, the month of May houses a few other special days as well. The 2nd Sunday of May we celebrate International Mother’s Day. I would like to personally wish my mother, Berardina Tedeschi, a very Happy Mother’s Day. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model. I love you! To all mother’s, grandmothers, great grandmothers, and foster moms, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day! Remember, successful mothers are not the ones that never struggle or get frustrated; they are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles and continue loving unconditionally. Star Wars fans? May the 4th be with you! Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas’ Star Wars. Fans of the media franchise observe it by re-watching the Star Wars movies, wearing costumes, sharing movie quotes and posting funny memes on social media. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May The Force Be With You” as “May The Fourth Be With You.” Also in May, many U.S citizens look forward to “Cinco de Mayo,” which is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. You wouldn’t guess it, but Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but in the United States has evolved into a huge commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, and the Holiday its frequently confused
with “Mexico’s Independence Day,” which takes place on September 16th. Lastly, I want to bring your attention to something of importance that also takes place during the month of May; Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Declaring May “Lyme Awareness Month,” is one move to help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention and proper education are your best tools to staying healthy. With the spread of the disease to all 50 states, Lyme awareness, education, and early intervention are critical. Even though Lyme disease may not be too common here in Florida, you can still get infected. Take it from someone who is currently battling this debilitating and life-altering condition. I spent several years not knowing what was wrong with me, not understanding why I was feeling so sick and tired all of the time, until I was properly diagnosed by an infectious disease doctor about five months ago. Please be prepared and learn the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. If you have symptoms such as; high fevers, chills, body aches, weight gain/loss, TMJ, headaches/migraines, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly on the knees and other large joints, heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, and problems with short-term memory amongst others, please contact your primary physician. Ask him or her, to advise you and refer you to a Lyme Disease specialist near you. Fighting Lyme has been an uphill battle, but with the proper treatment, I am finally feeling like myself again. It’s been tough to open up to everyone about this, but if I can help raise awareness with my own story, then so be it. If your health fails, it can overshadow everything else that’s going on in your life. Take care of yourself, eat a healthy diet, make sleep a priority, find a fitness habit that works for you and don’t get too stressed out. Stress can wreak havoc on your body. Until next time! Carla Selby.
“Cornerstone”
continued from page 1 Before collapsing into a moment of deep despair, envision a telephone number you can contact where each issue – airconditioning, plumbing, and electrical – are conveniently remedied by a single phone call. Though the scenario was extremely fabricated, the resolution is not. Founded on faith and family in Land O’Lakes, Cornerstone Pros, a woman-owned business, is proud to offer the Tampa Bay community licensed air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical service providers 24/7. “We developed our company on our values and integrity. We try to be a good example in the community and serving the Lord in that process,” said owner Dana Spears. First opened in 2006 to service customer air-conditioning needs, in 2011 Dana got her plumbing license and a plumbing division
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was added. Finally to compliment these two services, in 2014, the electrical division was formed. “We felt there was great demand from our customers to have one company to provide all of their home services,” said owner Dana Spears. Cornerstone Pros is a family business with 10 family members working together with other employees, totaling over 66. “We try to keep our ‘familyowned and operated’ reputation strong,” she said. “Customer service is what our company was built on and we are very proud of our online ratings. We understand that there are many tradespeople out there that know the mechanical side of our industry, but we felt that there wasn’t a very strong presence for customer service and meeting customer needs.” Coming from a customer support background, Dana made it her goal to combine exemplary customer support with qualified technicians. “We’ve built our business on
meeting our customers’ needs, providing them with a service that they deserve and I think it has worked very well for us.” Such services include maintenance, repair and replacement to your airconditioning unit. To ensure your a/c is in tip-top shape for the upcoming scorching summer months, Dana recommends checkups and tune ups before the heatwave hits. “Having us come out every 6 to 12 months to clean and check your drain lines and a/c system will extend the life of your system. It gives you that forewarning like ‘we’ve had to replace a few parts this year, your warranty is almost up and would you be interested in looking at replacement or do you want to wait until it dies’”? For this service, Cornerstone Pros provides maintenance tech, not service techs troubleshooting, but techs specifically trained to performed maintenance. A recommendation sheet allows the customer to know of any findings.
To save on your electric bills, Cornerstone Pros specializing in electric and gas tankless water heaters to replace outdated and energy deficient water heaters. Not only do the old-fashioned 40-50-gallon standard water heaters take up space, they add cost to your monthly electric bill. Cornerstone Pro’s certified experts can tackle any electrical need in your home including adding or replacing lighting and fixtures, replacing or installing ceiling fans, installing LED, cables for cameras, media equipment and panel upgrades. Cornerstone Pros offers a maintenance program for all three of their trades – Air-Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical. “We come out every 6 months for a/c. We do a home inspection on your plumbing and electrical once a year. We’ve really found that it gives our customers peace of mind.” She explained that if a customer is on the maintenance program and does have an
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emergency, not only will you take priority, you get additional savings on services needed. Cornerstone Pros services all brands and will provide you with a free estimate on installations or a second opinion on repairs. They make it a point to get to emergency calls within the same day. A flat-fee company, Cornerstone Pros offers upfront pricing so there are no surprises. With hurricane season beginning in June, to protect your home from electricity loss, Cornerstone Pros offers free estimates for full-home generators. During the hurricane that left entire cities without power, Dana said the generator allowed them to run their business. Cornerstone Pros installs Generac Home Standby Generators and if the electricity does go out at your home, your power will transfer smoothly to the generator. “We were without power at our office for 7 days, but we installed the standby generator and were
able to get our office running 2 days after the storm,” she said. From a clogged sink to a whole home re-pipe, customers have trusted Cornerstone Pros to fix their plumbing issues quickly, reliably and with integrity. In addition to expert plumbing services, Cornerstone can install personalized well water treatment and water purification systems. These systems will both remove impurities from your water and improve its taste. The removal of hard water can prevent fixtures in your home from discoloring and rusting, increasing the life of your appliances. As most people don’t plan for their a/c to die, home to need re-piping, or water heater to need replacing, Cornerstone Pros offers convenient financing options for every budget. Financing is also available for generators and water purification systems. What’s most important to Dana is ensuring her customers receive the best service possible, no matter what trade service is being
provided. “We want to build enduring long-term relationships with our clients,” she said. “(Potential customers) just need to look at our combined 3800 five-star reviews online. We’re very proud of that as a company. We work really hard to make a positive experience.”
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To schedule an appointment with Cornerstone Pros for air conditioning, heating, plumbing & electrical, call (813) 9494445. Learn more information about the specials and services they provide at www. cornerstonepros.com or on Facebook.
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