Vol. 8, Issue 11, November 2020
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Maloney’s Local Irish Pub: Serving Up Good Times with Grateful Hearts By: Joy Bergman If great food, a variety of beers/ alcoholic beverages, trivia, live music, huge flat screen TVs and your favorite sports teams all in one place sounds like your ideal night out, then you have got to check out Maloney’s Local Irish Pub! The pub located in Carrollwood at 12904 on North Dale Mabry Highway is known for the wonderful “atmosphere, the staff, the food,”
but another great thing that happy customers like Jeffrey B. love, is that “it’s just down the road from home!” From Wednesday trivia to game night, from excellent food to stellar service, from lively entertainment to good time vibes, Maloney’s of Carrollwood has served for five years as a pub with the purpose of bringing the community together. Maloney’s owners, Todd Wingard and Brian
See “Maloney’s” on page 16
Mr. Electric of Lutz Gives Homeowners Professional Electrical Service and Peace of Mind By: Deborah Bostock-Kelley In 2018, after years of traveling throughout the country for his career, when Eric Campbell finally decided to come off the road, he was looking for a franchise business that could be he and his wife, Christy’s legacy. He wanted a company that shared his values. With healthcare finance and consulting background, Eric
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor................................................5 Tech Talk with Bob.............................................6-7 Bucs Youth Leadership Program.....................8-9
searched for a process-oriented business. When he discovered Neighborly, the Mr. Electric brand’s parent company, he knew he found his perfect match. “The values mimicked my own,” he said. “As a finance guy, I’m very processoriented. With a franchise like Mr. Electric, there are processes in place to ensure every customer receives the same high-
See “Mr. Electric” on page 12
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What if you woke up today with only the things you thank God for yesterday?
You don’t have to be a religious person to be thankful for all the things you’ve been blessed with. In many spiritual traditions, prayers of gratitude are considered the most powerful form of prayer. Through these prayers, people recognize the ultimate source of all they are all they will ever be. Feeling thankful can improve your health in both direct and indirect ways. Some research shows that the experience of gratitude can induce a sense of happiness and relaxation, which in turn improves the immune system, and decreases blood pressure! This November, let’s all vow to count our blessings each day. If you have kids, they should always be one of the reasons to feel thankful for daily. When you see them running around the house giggling, remember that joy, and take it all in, and thank whichever God or higher power you believe in that you have little bundles of joy that keep you on your toes and keep you going. Work on establishing a daily “thankfulness” routine in which you remind yourself of the gifts, benefits, and good things you enjoy and focus less on what you lack or what’s causing you stress. Try to consider simple things like the last time you enjoyed a homemade meal or had a great cup of coffee—did you pay attention to all the flavors or the feelings of pleasure as you took the first bite or first sip? It’s easy to ignore such small moments of positivity in our lives as we’re currently living in a constant state of panic and anxiety, but stopping to appreciate the simple pleasures makes them even more powerful. Practicing gratitude can also make you better equipped to handle difficult situations in your life, which naturally and inevitably arise, especially this year. My family and I have tragically lost not one, or two, not even three, but actually 6 close friends and relatives to COVID-19. We are also going through a tough financial situation, and to makes things harder, my health has retaken a bad turn with Lyme
disease and Graves disease, but I try to remain positive and smile through the pain. What are some things that make me feel personally thankful? A genuine smile from my little nephew, a long and warm hug from my mother, baking pumpkin bread with my sister, funny memes sent by a friend, cuddling with my cats while watching a romantic comedy…little things like that are what keeps me going these days. Setting aside a couple of minutes a day to recall moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, your personal achievements, or all the amazing people you have in your life gives you the potential to live a more positive life with a true sense of gratefulness. Find yourself tethered to your cell phone or the internet for hours each day? Harness the power of this technology to send out some good vibes, such as a text or Facebook comment. Tell your followers, friends, and relatives who much you love and appreciate them. Into funny inspirational messages? I know I am! Why not share or write a daily gratefulness post? It might be cheesy but helpful! Words are compelling, and the more we remind ourselves of the good, the less we focus on the negative. If you find yourself struggling to come up with reasons to feel grateful for, why not try putting yourself in the shoes of someone less fortunate? I know we shouldn’t even compare our current situation with anyone else’s, but that’s not the point. Recalling someone who may have a debilitating physical condition, for example, may inspire gratitude for your own healthy body, which you may have taken for granted otherwise. Lately, with the limited use of my left arm, I still feel thankful that the right one is strong and able to type these words for you to read. With all that said, I am truly thankful for each one of you! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to our readers and advertisers for your loyalty and readership; I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your plates and hearts always be full! Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.
Tech Talk with Bob: CORONAVIRUS CYBER CRIME Leave it to society’s lowest form of dirtbags to take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. The Coronavirus Pandemic has given cyber criminals yet another platform in which they can snatch your money and contaminate your computer with dangerous malware leaving it in a precarious state. My friends, I urge you to be on the lookout for these cyber scams. It is not my intent to frighten you but rather to make you more vigilant and aware of steps you can take to protect yourself
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and the people you care about. The COVID-19 outbreak will certainly increase cyber criminals’ email phishing campaigns in the coming months. As you spend more time at home you will probably be spending more time online. While online, please, be wary of any links you click. There may be coronavirus computer attacks poised for attack in your email’s inbox right now. It’s just a matter of whether you will click the link or delete the email. with in regard to how I’ll bet you are getting they are reacting to this emails from many of pandemic. Especially the companies you deal
watch out for the emails you may receive from companies you DO NOT
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do business with. If you get an email from a bank you have never done business with, beware. Why would they send you an email? You may also be getting emails from helpful friends and family that may include links to news stories, medical information and so forth. Emails made to look like they come from credible companies, organizations, and other familiar entities can be spoofed (faked) to look like they came from a trusted source. Embedded in these phishing emails might be links offering to connect you to another website with more information.
Please think twice before you click that link. If for any reason you are not sure you can trust the link, then do not click it. We have the ability to provide support without needing to send an IT Specialist out to your home or office. We can safely remote access your computer to perform most repairs. We can also remotely perform complete scans for viruses and other malware issues. So if you think you have malware, we can scan for it remotely from our location to yours. So, during this pandemic, we can still provide technical support to you over your phone
and internet connection. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility, but you do not have to do it all yourself. We’re here to help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally
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Certified IT Specialist. Call us now at 727534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!
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BUCCANEERS SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IN TAMPA Joint Effort Between Buccaneers Players and Staff to Uplift Youth Through Mentorships, After-School Support and Community Events Today, as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Social Justice Initiative, the team launched the Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program, a first-ofits-kind commitment to provide support to students at Young Middle Magnet School in East Tampa. The announcement was accompanied by a video released by the Buccaneers including personal testimonies from cornerback and Social Justice Player Board member Carlton Davis and Young Middle Magnet School Principal Dr. Henrissa Berry on current social inequities and the program’s goal to help bridge the gap for East Tampa students. The video may be viewed at https://
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twitter.com/Buccaneers/ status/1318537461174251520. Launched in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Safe & Sound Hillsborough and City of Tampa Parks & Recreation, the program includes a comprehensive effort by the Buccaneers to engage with families in East Tampa through unique player and staff mentorships, leadership development and community outreach opportunities. It is a new component of the team’s Social Justice Initiative, created in 2018 with a $1,000,000 commitment by the Glazer family to break down barriers to racial and social equality.
“The Buccaneers are dedicated to creating positive change in our community, and that begins with our youth,” said Buccaneers Co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “We want to provide students with the tools necessary to unlock their potential and achieve their goals. I am proud of this commitment from our players and staff to establish meaningful relationships and help empower Tampa Bay’s next generation of leaders.” A joint effort between Buccaneers players and staff, the Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program includes a commitment from players and 25 staff members to serve as mentors for 25 Young Middle
Magnet students. Young Middle Magnet, a Creative Science Centre in the heart of East Tampa, is a Title I school that specializes in hands-on learning through its STEM curriculum. Student mentees, ranging sixth, seventh and eighth grades, were identified by the school and matched with Buccaneers mentors who represent nearly every field throughout the organization, including scouting, football operations, sales, marketing and digital media. Developing consistent, long-term relationships with Tampa Bay youths was a goal identified this year by the Buccaneers Social Justice Player Board, comprised of cornerback
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Carlton Davis, guard Ali Marpet, punter Bradley Pinion and tackle Donovan Smith. The Board helps spearhead important conversation and team engagement in social justice causes throughout the NFL and the Tampa Bay community. “For over two years, the team’s Social Justice Initiative has helped us learn more about the variety of issues that are at the root of systemic injustice,” said Marpet. “We want to apply this understanding by building relationships with Tampa Bay youth that will help inspire these students, as well as everyone involved, to be stronger leaders.” “The impact that a mentor can have on someone’s life, it’s life-changing,” said Davis. “We’re excited to kick off this program as a Bucs family – all of us together – to create that change by being a positive influence with these students.” Beginning this week and continuing twice a month throughout the school year, players and staff will lead group workshops aimed at empowering the mentees to become leaders in their school and community. The virtual workshops will be moderated by Safe & Sound Hillsborough, a local non-profit dedicated to building strong families, safe schools and healthy neighborhoods, with a focus on areas where social problems have accumulated.
“This initiative will provide a unique growth experience not only for the students, but the mentors themselves,” said Safe & Sound Hillsborough Executive Director Freddy Barton. “As we explore topics such as social justice, policymaking and service to others, all participants will be able to share their experiences and work together for a common goal…to help develop and support our future leaders.” A full-time Program Success Coach from Hillsborough Education Foundation will monitor attendance, academics, behavior and extra-curricular involvement while providing communication support between the mentors, students and parents. Each mentee will receive a variety of resources to support their academic needs, including a Buccaneers backpack, a mobile hotspot, school supplies and team gear. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, workshop sessions this year will be virtual. “We are grateful for the
Buccaneers’ partnership to help build equity in education by providing guidance and support to at-risk students in our community. This leadership program will give mentees the tools and resources they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. In addition to group workshops, mentors and mentees will connect for a oneon-one session at least once a month. Studies have shown that students with a mentor are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs, 52% less likely to skip a day of school, 55% more likely to enroll in college, and 81% more likely to participate in extra-curricular activities. “Mentors are gamechangers for our children,” said Addison Davis, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools. “We know these lasting relationships help to build self-esteem and bonds that continue throughout their educational journeys. We are grateful for community partners like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who repeatedly step up to show our students how much they care.” As additional support to students and families throughout the surrounding neighborhood, more than a dozen Buccaneers staff will participate in monthly afterschool programs at three local community centers to
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assist with tutoring, athletics, activities in arts and technology and group discussions. In collaboration with City of Tampa Parks and Recreation, Buccaneers staff will also conduct community events in the East Tampa area, beginning the week of October 26 at Oak Park Community Center for the Buccaneers annual “Day of Service” supported by Jabil. “The City of Tampa is no doubt a sports town and it’s initiatives like these that really influence the next generation for the better,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “As a former athlete myself, I can’t tell you how important the mentorship of those who came before me played in my life. Thank you to the Glazers for your continued commitment to our great community.” Youth empowerment, police relations, criminal justice reform and workforce development have been focal points of the team’s Social Justice Initiative, which supports year-round player efforts dedicated to achieving social justice through purposeful dialogue and impactful programs that effect positive change in the community. This fall, the team has also launched BucsVote, a team campaign encouraging voter participation and civic engagement. For more information, contact Allen Barrett (abarrett@ buccaneers.nfl.com).
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“Mr. Electric”
- continued from page 1 quality electrical service, and everybody is charged the same prices. The customer is getting things done by code, by professional electricians.” In less than two years of starting Mr. Electric of Lutz, Eric has over 170 five-star reviews on Google touting his company and employees’ professionalism serving customers in the Tampa Gulf Region. He has already outgrown two offices and is moving on to the third, recognized as the fastest-growing franchisee in the Mr. Electric system. His one service van has graduated to nine vans, and his licensed and bonded electricians share over 250 years of experience in his team of 15. Though Mr. Electric has always followed safety protocols of shoe booties and gloves, social-distancing, face masks, and sanitizer are a regular part of the
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pandemic’s service procedures. For his team and his customers’ safety, Mr. Electric employs stateof-the-art technology, Service Titan, allowing the customer to electronically sign and approve any quotes for work or remit payment for an invoice via text. For services outside or in a garage and not in the customer’s home, contactless service is available. “The customer will be in their home and won’t need to
talk to us person-to-person. We can show up on-site, tell them what we need to do, how long it will take, send the estimate, pick up the phone, call them and ask how they would like to proceed. We’ve done that a lot, more than I would have thought, over the last six months. They can look out their window and see us visually doing the work, all without contact.” That same technology allows a grapevine between all
electricians in Mr. Electric of Lutz’s employ. If an unusual problem arises during a standard troubleshoot call, a response is at the electrician’s fingertips. He simply clicks an app to talk or sends his question, photos, and even video of the issue to the team. “If the Service Professional runs into an issue that he or she hasn’t encountered, they can put it into our app, and other guys on the team can help lead them
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through the issue. This has been a huge help on troubleshoots.” Eric said the most common issue in residential calls is replacing an outdated electrical panel, outlets, wiring, or installing new fixtures. Eric explained the danger of keeping an electrical panel past its shelf life. “An electrical panel only has a 20 to 25-year life before you should think about replacing it or have someone evaluate it and give you an assessment. Oftentimes you go into a home to look at a problem
with a receptacle or a switch – something going on in a couple of rooms – and we open the panel. We see the panel is 40 years old, the company who manufactured it is no longer around, so we’re unable to get the proper breakers that go into it, and they may be known fire hazards. They’re several panels on a banned list that we run across all too frequently.” Though Eric himself is not an electrician, he has no problem getting hands-on for his customers in other capacities. In a recent removal and installation of a chandelier in a 25-foot foyer ceiling for customer Abbey Shandra, Eric and his service manager, Alan Hancock, were on site for the service. Eric was happy to lend a hand to be his employees’ gopher. “I handed them a screwdriver,” Eric joked. “I can do that kind of stuff.” Mr. Shandra posted on Google his appreciation for having the president of the company oversee the installation.
“I opened this company to A – hire people and be a productive member of society and B – for my wife and me to build something for our retirement…if I ever decide to retire. We strive to do the right thing for our customers. My integrity means the world to me. If I can’t do something right, I’m going to figure out how to do it right, even if it costs me money.” Eric said what he likes most about being the president of Mr. Electric of Lutz is helping people. “We are truly keeping people’s homes and workplaces safe from their electrical system. Sometimes we go into a home and shake our heads in amazement at how unsafe their electrical system is.” Sometimes technicians pull out a receptacle and discover it is completely burnt. Frequently work done by unlicensed contractors or untrained handymen necessitate an urgent call to Mr. Electric to repair the repair. Homeowners don’t realize
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that saving a few dollars could become a dangerous fire hazard. “You have to pay for a professional. An analogy is you go to a doctor to see a doctor. You don’t go to the guy at Target for a medical consult,” he explained. “Our employees are licensed, insured, drug-tested, background-checked, wear a uniform, and have clean vehicles. We aren’t parking in your driveway, dripping oil. We are professionals. When I go to bed at night, I know I can sleep well because I’ve helped homeowners and business owners by keeping them safe, and I’ve employed guys that I feel very comfortable having in your home, and I’m glad to be able to add to the Tampa’s workforce.” Mr. Electric is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Call (813) 461-3030 for an appointment or visit mrelectric. com/lutz to learn more information. In November, Mr. Electric of Lutz offers customers $50 off whole home surge protection installation.
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“Maloney’s”
- continued from page 1 Pheiffer, opened up their Carrollwood location in early 2016, adding on to their already successful Westchase and Downtown Tampa restaurants. Once you come on in to the exciting Carrollwood location, just look over the menu and let the fun begin! If you’re in the mood for a little bite to go with your beverage, Maloney’s Local Irish Pub serves some tasty appetizers like the Dublin Shrimp, the Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, Pickle chips, pretzel bites, Irish potato skins, and more! And of course, if you’re looking for daily specials, Maloney’s has delicious options, like the Chicken Finger Basket and Shock Top draft special on Sundays, the Chicken Sandwich and boneless wings special on Mondays, the Shepherd’s Pie and Reuben sandwiches with Guinness Pints on Tuesdays, gourmet burgers paired with Maloney’s red on Wednesdays, and Thursday’s Fish n Chips combo with Smithwick’s.
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And who could forget MondayFriday’s Happy Hour, from 3-7. Megan, a newcomer to the area tried Maloney’s for the first time and said, “I was thinking this was your typical dive Irish bar but I was shocked that I was completely wrong…this place was awesome…” She went on to say that Maloney’s Reuben was “One of the best Reubens I’ve had in a while!” Another local named Ashley commented that “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came,” she said. “Tony [Maloney’s Carrollwood GM] always makes us feel welcome. I personally feel that their mild wing sauce should be poured on everything.”
Indeed, it’s a good feeling when you find a place where you truly feel welcomed with excellent service, great food, and… awesome beverages! Maloney’s is known for having a full-liquor bar, including 20 different beers on tap. And people like longtime Maloney’s goer Amanda are grateful that the pub continues to hit the mark with their service: “This place is a great neighborhood bar. The staff is fantastic, friendly, and consistent…They’ll have your drink waiting for you before you even sit down.” This comes as no surprise, seeing how Maloney’s states on their website that they, like the Irish, strive “to keep your stomachs, and pints, full to your heart’s content.” And the pub does just that, offering their most popular fare to satisfy including their beloved Shepherd’s Pie, their Fish n’ Chips, their wings, and their specialty burgers, like the well-known Blarney Bacon burger. Maloney’s also serves flatbreads, sandwiches, and even some healthier entrées
like the Gulf Grouper meal and the Grilled Chicken and veggies entrée. There is also a great selection of rice bowls to choose from. If you’re already getting excited about the Irish pub, then come and drop by! Maloney’s is open every day from 11 AM to “whenever the party ends!” And if you’re looking to bring the party to you, Maloney’s caters to the entire Bay-area. You can even get the help of Maloney’s trained staff for your next occasion, or you can just book the restaurant out for you and your crew! But of course, if you’re just too hungry now to even think, you can place an order for Maloney’s through Uber Eats and Door Dash. For the sports fans – Looking to catch the big game? You’ve come to the right place. Maloney’s broadcasts all your favorites from college football to baseball and more, including local Bay-area icons like the Bucs, Rays, and Lightning! And, no matter where you sit in the welldecorated restaurant, whether it be at one of the many inside tables or bar, or outside on the
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beautiful patio near the fountain, the games can be seen playing everywhere through the pub’s various 100’ HDTVs. There are even a couple more recently added TVs as well as some more fans to keep you cool! When it comes to sports enthusiasts, Maloney’s is no stranger towards welcoming in fan clubs, from local teams all the way to groups like the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. So when the game’s about to come on, get your fan gear, grab some friends, head over to Maloney’s, order some
cheesy fries, and get ready to go! But just know that no matter what team you root for, or whether you prefer the Shepherd’s Pie over the Fish and Chips, Maloney’s owners as well as Tony, would really like “to thank everybody for all the support” during this time. While Covid 19 has hit many businesses nationwide this year, including Maloney’s, the Irish pub was able to bounce back and reopen in early May while still following CDC guidelines. Since then, the staff has been grateful to see their old fans as well as some new ones come
in, relax, and have a good time. Maloney’s is also appreciative for the pub’s neighbors in the plaza and would like to thank Chilis, Anthony’s, Maple Street Biscuit Company, and Side Splitters for coming together and supporting one another. Gratefulness is when we reflect and realize just how truly blessed we are, both now and always. And while the staff of Maloney’s is ever so thankful for all the love this year, they are enthusiastically looking forward to what 2021 will bring! Maloney’s Face Book page shares this sentiment with the Irish toast,
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“Slainte go saol agat,” – which means “Health and Life to you!” And may everyone be filled with both of these wishes with many more blessings to come! Maloney’s Local Irish Pub’s Carrollwood restaurant is located at 12904 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Call the pub at (813) 252-5526, and visit their website here: https://www. maloneyslocalirishpub.com/ Follow “Maloney’s Local Irish Pub – Carrollwood” on Face Book for game day/specials updates and their Instagram @ maloneyslocal!
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