Vol. 7, Issue 10, October 2019
®
Your community. Your magazine. ™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
Nothing Bundt Cakes Pays It Forward By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Imagine a child never experiencing the magic of having a birthday cake, surrounded by friends and family singing happy birthday. For Tammy Mencia, co-owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes, thinking of a young child who never celebrated his birthday, literally brought tears to her eyes.
She knew she had to make a difference with her and her husband Ralph’s bakery. Each month, Tammy, Ralph or her employees deliver individual birthday bundt cakes as a sponsor to the Joshua House, a haven for abused, abandoned, and neglected children to make them feel appreciated on their special day. See “Nothing Bundt Cakes” on page 24
John Erb’s Services Center: Aligned with Care By Kelly Stuart Williams, MA community for his barbecue beef and chicken that he serves at local celebrations and festivals and If you live in Carrollwood, brings to the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Northdale, Lutz, or the Lively Seniors) who meet monthly surrounding area, you have at the Northdale Civic Association probably met John Erb of John at Northdale Park. Erb’s Auto, Truck & RV Service If it’s a community event in Center. In addition to running “Greater Carrollwood,” chances a services center that has been are that John Erb is meaningfully named “Best of Northdale,” five times, John is legend in the See “John Erb’s Services Center” on page 18 INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor.................................................5 Clothes To Kids, Inc..........................................6-7 Right Price Liquors in Carrollwood............10-11 Wheelchairs 4 Kids.....................................12-13 ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc............14-15 Tech Talk with Bob.....................................20-21 Spooky Empire...........................................22-23
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Boos, Breasts & Bolts October is all about Halloween, fall leaves, candy, hockey, and breast cancer awareness. This month we raise awareness by taking a stand against breast cancer by walking, donating, and simply repping pink. So every day of this month, we should show our stand against cancer by remembering a few important points: About 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer. That is a whole 12.4% of all women. Breast cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer among women. Breast cancer can be significantly reduced if spotted early on, usually in your early to mid-twenties. Awareness can save a life. Check your own boobies for lumps and irregularities. Not sure how or where to start? Visit www. nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam The color pink was officially adopted by the American Cancer Society as a color for Breast Cancer Awareness. The National Football League, or the NFL has also become a sponsor of the American Cancer Society by wearing pink socks, bands, and some teams have even donned pink shoes. Wear pink, for your grandmother, mother, daughter, future daughter, niece, friend, yourself. Remember this cancer can also affect men, so wear pink for everyone. Please check out the Making Strides of Tampa Race/Walking Event on Saturday, October 19th at the Raymond James Stadium. The event will be Presented by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Every year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events unite communities with a shared determination to save lives from breast cancer - all while raising money to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer through
research and early detection. Every event is an inspiring opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors and to ensure that no one with this disease ever has to walk alone. Join or donate to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer today and help save more lives. For more information about this and other Breast Cancer Awareness events please visit www.eventbrite.com. With plenty of breast cancer awareness events, amazing fall festivals, Halloween parties, hockey games, and pre-holiday celebrations across the city, you’ll have plenty of fun choices for you and your loved ones this October. For us Lightning fans, it’s been a painful offseason as we’ve had plenty of time to relive the disastrous and heartbreaking first-round sweep in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. But, hopefully, this year will be our year! The bolts will take on the Florida Panthers on Thursday, October 3 in Tampa to open up the regular season, and I am ready to support our team… are you? Obsessed with Halloween? Ditto. Have you purchased your Howl-O-Scream tickets yet? Time is ticking. Howl-O-Scream 2019 celebrates “20 years of fear” as it unearths longburied icons of the past and new nightmares with sinister surprises at every turn. Brave souls can venture though horrifying houses, terrifying scare zones, and thrilling rollercoaster rides in the dark for 22 select nights. Run for your life from September 20th until November 2 as gruesome ghouls emerge from their tombs to twist your daydreams into nightmares. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy with your little ones, consider Tampa Bay’s No. 1 Family Fright Fest events; “Creatures of the Night,” recording weekly on Friday and Saturday until 10/26 at the Lowry Park Zoo. Enjoy and be safe! Carla Selby.
Clothes To Kids, Inc…helping students dress for success! With school in full swing, one issue on many kids’ minds is “What am I going to wear?” For many students, what they wear affects their self-esteem and confidence, both of which can have an impact on their ability to achieve academic success. Fortunately, for families in the Tampa Bay area with students eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches, there is a program to which they can turn for their clothing needs. Clothes To Kids, Inc. has a simple mission; to provide new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis school-age children, free of charge. Yes, free clothes! With this worry behind them, let the learning begin! How it all began Childhood friends and graduates of Clearwater High School, Jode Frisbie Eye and Marie Bouchard McClung established Clothes To Kids, Inc together. With a desire to help
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children in need, these ladies began collecting clothing in 2002. Their goal was to provide a store with a positive and cheerful environment where families and children could shop with dignity and respect and receive clothing for school, free of charge. In 2003 the first Clothes To Kids location opened its doors in Dunedin. Growing quickly because of the many donations from both
individuals and businesses, they moved to their current Clearwater location. In 2009, a St. Petersburg location was opened to meet the needs of families in that area. In 2018, the Tampa location opened its doors serving children in Hillsborough County. Since its beginning, Clothes To Kids has provided more than 129,000 wardrobes, which include new and quality used clothing, to children!
October, 2019 marks the 17 year anniversary of this amazing organization. Staying true to core values With the opening of each Clothes To Kids location, the core values of the organization remained intact. Compassion for those they serve and making families feel comfortable and welcome; Respecting those who shop there by maintaining confidentiality
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and not question or judge their circumstances; Building selfesteem by providing clothing that makes children feel good about themselves; Serving those children by working hard and giving their very best. Executive Director, Jennifer Jacobs has been with Clothes To Kids, Inc. since 2011. Her inspiration to work with the organization came when she learned about their mission and how it applies to all. Greeting the shoppers, she explained, is her favorite part of her job. “Especially the little ones and the high schoolers who come in and don’t want to be there and then they leave with a bag full of clothes they picked out and love and are smiling from ear to ear!” Jennifer explained that making a difference in the lives of our future generations is what motivates her. How you can help “There’s a very good chance that what someone donates today could very easily be on our store floor for a kid to select and love
the next!” New and quality used clothing are always in demand. Because kids come in all sizes, they collect all sizes of clothing for children in grades PreK4-12th grade. They also distribute more than 80,000 pair of underwear each year! Unopened packages are a current urgent need. They also accept scarfs, earrings, ties, hats, belts, bracelets and necklaces. Of course, cash donations are also welcomed so that they can fulfill their critical needs when a certain category runs low. Jennifer explained that for every dollar donated, .87 cents goes towards the program. They are recognized as a 4-star charity navigator charity, which is the highest rate given to charities. Be sure to watch their website for upcoming events! In October, the Kick One Back event will be held at the Rialto Theater. This event is held to raise awareness and funds. Each year, Clothes To Kids, Inc. distributes more than 15,000 pairs of shoes. A new pair of shoes costs them, on average, $12. Tickets for this event can be purchased on their website. In
April of 2020, their Our Clothes Matter Luncheon-Awkward Years will be held at the St. Pete Coliseum. Individual tickets are $50 and table sponsorships start at $500 for a table of ten. Both adult and youth volunteer opportunities are available! Be a greeter, work as a sorter, mender or restock clerk. Students in grades 9 through 12 can earn service hours which can be used toward Bright Futures scholarships! Volunteer applications can be
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found online. For more information, visit www.clothestokids.org. Eligible shoppers must live and attend school in Pinellas or Hillsborough County, be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (proof of eligibility or “lunch letter required), and must call to make a shopping appointment. For Pinellas County, call 727-4415050. For Hillsborough County, call 813-616-6430.
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#ShopSmall and #BuyLocal at Right Price Liquors in Carrollwood By: Kelly Stuart Williams, MA Look no further than Right Price Liquors at North Pointe Plaza in Carrollwood where you will find some of the best prices and best selection of liquor, beer, tobacco, and lottery needs. With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to stock up at one of our community’s most convenient and accommodating liquor stores in the Tampa Bay area. Understanding that customers have many choices when it comes to purchasing beer, wine, and liquor, Owner Jimmy Panjabi (JP) prides himself on providing personalized customer service at Right Price Liquors. As well, JP shared that his product selection and options are often greater than some of the larger, national chains. Panjabi added, “We go out of our way to make sure our customers feel welcome, and when they request something we don’t have in-store; we do our best to help them find it. We have
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provided an online business site where customers can discreetly ask questions about availability and rates at rightpriceliquors. business.site. Our pricing is very competitive and often cheaper than big box stores.” Conveniently located near the Staples, Walmart, and Publix Super Market at 15227 N. Dale Mabry in North Pointe Plaza, Right Price Liquors strives to be their customers’ one-stop-shop for libations. The store is well stocked, and merchandise is easy to find. When a product is unavailable or out of stock, JP and his team are happy to accommodate and will place a special order, “If we don’t have the products you want or need, just ask us,” said JP. With the Holiday Season swiftly approaching, JP reminds holiday shoppers that the perfect gift to bring to a holiday party is a bottle of wine or favorite liquor. For the discriminating palate, Right Price Liquors provides hard-to-find
spirits such as Macallan 18 Year Luxury Scotch Whiskey. Beer drinkers will find a craft beer selection that includes the coveted Voodoo Ranger IPA. And if you’re feeling lucky, Right Price Liquors is a vendor for the Florida Lottery. Right Price Liquors prides itself on being a part of the small business community in Carrollwood. According to the
American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores. Independently owned stores are better for the community, because they provide economic activity in a variety of locations along with solid living wage jobs
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that can’t be readily outsourced or automated. Small business owners take ownership in their community and “have skin in the game”: a strong incentive to take care of their local shop and their neighbors. (Justinholman.com) Many customers report that it’s nice to know the owner is behind the counter which is often where you will find JP who said he greatly appreciates his customers’ kind words: “Customer service is better. Variety is superior. Product is well organized and easy to find, and that makes shopping less stressful.” According to a study conducted by Trulia, customers are much more likely to get to know a small business owner who works in their neighborhood. A stronger sense of community has been reported to be one of the most popular desires in large metropolitan areas like Tampa. No longer do you need to drive 10+ miles in Tampa traffic to find the perfect beer, a single-malt scotch, a vintage bottle of wine, or a lottery ticket. Right Price Liquors provides a boutique liquor
store in the middle of Carrollwood, where you can feel good about contributing to a Carrollwoodowned and operated business. In addition to its convenient location, Right Price Liquors features plenty of parking in a well-lit parking lot. They are open seven (7) days a week: M-Th, 10:00am – 9:00pm; F-S 10:00am – 10:00pm; and Sunday from 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Give JP and his team a call at 813-321-6180; get a quote at rightpriceliquors.business. site; or go see them in North Pointe Plaza. The holidays are just around the corner, and so is Right Price Liquors!
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Wheelchairs 4 Kids Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a Tarpon Springs 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities. We provide wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other assistive equipment at no charge to the families. Many children faced with living with physical disabilities are in wheelchairs that are too small, in disrepair, or do not fit the needs of the child. Children outgrow their wheelchairs before government or insurance programs will allow for a replacement – generally every 5 years. Not only is it unsafe for a child to be in a chair that is inadequate for their needs, but it can impact their health in numerous ways including scoliosis, respiratory problems and pressure sores. In addition, families are faced with trying to care for their special needs children in homes
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that have not been modified to meet their specific circumstances. Wheelchairs 4 Kids does home modifications such as ramps, door-widening, and roll-in showers which not only increase the comfort and safety of the child, but the caregiver’s as well. We have had several instances of parents “showering” their children in the back yard with garden hoses because they could no longer safely get the child in and out of the tub. No child should have to experience such a blow to their dignity. We have been able to remove the tubs and replace them with roll-in showers with shower chairs. Thankfully, we have been able to secure local contractors (thus stimulating the local economy) who will donate their services and all we need to do is purchase the materials (at discount!). We also do vehicle modifications such as lifts.
Some interesting facts that may be of interest: • Medicaid generally only replaces a chair every 5 years. Children grow! • Medicaid may provide a power chair, but no means for the family to transport it or even get it into the child’s home. They need ramps and door widening • The Muscular Dystrophy Association has terminated their $2,000.00 per family stipend for equipment/modifications due to reduced donations and an increased focus on research. • Easter Seals and UCP have cut back on their equipment programs. • There are several organizations that are shipping wheelchairs to third world countries but very few that help children in the states, due to the high cost of customizing chairs to fit the needs of the child and
meeting regulatory standards. The majority of our referrals come from physical therapists, social workers and other advocates for kids with physical disabilities such as UCP and the Spina Bifida Association, Shriners Hospitals and Children’s Medical Services. We are always looking for more children who need our
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mobility assistance. Wheelchairs 4 Kids was incorporated in April 2011. Having worked and volunteered with children’s charities for years, we saw a definite gap in services for kids with physical disabilities. It was quite common to see kids in chairs that were uncomfortable and unsafe. After researching the situation, it became apparent that the limited services that were available were disappearing as demonstrated above. The organization operated out of the Robinson household for 1 ½ years at which point it was necessary to find an office. We were fortunate to find a landlord who greatly discounted the lease. We now have a staff of 6. To date we have helped over 530 kids with a goal of serving a minimum of 180 kids in the coming fiscal year. We host 3 major annual fundraisers. On November 23rd we will host our 9th Annual Wheely Good Time live & charity auction at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets are available now for $65
each. Our Wheely Good Time event has quickly become one of the most talked about events in Tampa Bay! We have gained a reputation of getting once in a lifetime experiences to auction such as a table for 4 on Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen show or a Meet and Greet with Sting, Sammy Hagar and the always fabulous Sir Paul McCartney! The evening will be hosted by Emmy Award winning Fox 13 News Anchor Mark Wilson and will consist of cocktails, premium hors d’oeuvres, music, family testimonials and presentations as well as the always popular live and silent auctions. We also are expecting some sports stars and local celebrities to attend. Once again, we will be using mobile bidding which allows people to bid using their Smart phones. It also allows for supporters nationwide to bid online allowing us to reach thousands of potential bidders. The auction site opens 1 week prior to the event allowing supporters to preview items and
even start bidding on them. On January 23rd we will host out 5th Annual Kimberly Knorr Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament at Cypress Run Golf Club. Singles are $200 and Foursomes are $750. Each team is paired with a celebrity golfer. Our golf tournament is named in honor of our wonderful friend and board president, Kimberly Knorr who passed away suddenly on June 23rd of 2015. She was only 45. Kim was an amazing woman who gave so much to make Wheelchairs 4 Kids such a success. Her husband, Randy Knorr, two time World Series champ and current GM of the Washington Nationals, chairs this event. We have athletes from the world of baseball, football and basketball participate. Some of the stand-outs are Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve DeBerg and Ian Desmond who was selected to play in the 2016 MLB All Star game. It was his second appearance at the big game! Due to the caliber of our celebrities and the quality of our
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tournament, we attract foursomes from some of the best known businesses in Tampa Bay! It is a great networking opportunity! Finally in April we host our “Jail & Bail” fundraiser at Charley’s Steak House where we “arrest” prominent business people, government officials and community leaders. They are issued prison garb, fed a “last-Meal” then thrown in the slammer to answer to Judges Julie & Steve Weintraub for their crimes. Once their bail is set they must contact all their business associates, friends and family to raise bail. Their crimes range from insider trading (retired NFL players using connections to get ahead in Fantasy Football) to impersonating an actor (local business owners/lawyers appearing in commercials). The sillier the crime, the better! All funds from sponsorships, auction item donations and bail are used to fulfill our mission of improving the lives of children with disabilities.
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ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc. Residents of Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties have access to one of the country’s premier tree and landscaping service providers in Allpro Tree and Landscaping. Whether you own a residential property or a business, Allpro landscaping and tree experts are at your service. They design impeccable landscaping, trim every type of tree, grind tree stumps, remove stumps, install and remove sod, place rock beds, lay mulch and perform all sorts of other yard-related duties.
Allpro is ready to help you during the 2019 Hurricane Season
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale paints an informative picture of potential damage to your trees from a hurricane, particularly improperly pruned trees. Using a rating system of 1 – 5, it warns that, at 74 to 95 mph, a category 1 hurricane can cause damage. “Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled,” possibly causing “extensive damage to power lines” creating outages that can last “a few to several days.” Downed trees can block roads, delaying the response time for emergency
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crews. Snapped branches can become lethal projectiles. The time to prepare is now. When you take the steps that you need to make your home secure, don’t forget one important element that is often overlooked and can
cause damage to your home, your trees. The solution is not the removal of trees but taking proper preventative care of them. According to certified arborist and owner of ALLPRO Tree and Landscape Inc, Pete Spiridis, a lot was learned from the damage
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that was caused to and by neighborhood trees, during the 2018 hurricane season. He said that “more of the trees that failed were improperly pruned trees.” Proper pruning not only improves your trees’ overall health, it ensures that your family will be able to enjoy the shade of their favorite trees for many years to come. Pete encourages you to call him at either (727-409-3315 or 813-244-9234) or visit the website at www.myallpro.com to make your appointment for a free, no obligation inspection of your trees. Arboreal diseases, detected early, can be controlled and cured. Unpruned or improperly pruned trees are more susceptible to disease than properly maintained ones. ALLPRO not only diagnoses and crafts unique landscaping solutions for your grounds and trees, but also uncovers any underlying causes that may be contributing to your tree/landscape issues. A full-service tree and landscaping service, ALLPRO provides tree trimming, tree removal, tree stump grinding, landscape design and installation as well as yard clean up and all landscaping services. As Pete explains on his website, “Trees in urban areas of Tampa Bay endure especially brutal stimuli. Some trees do not have the genetic predisposition to deal with these
forces.” At ALLPRO, the arborists “customtailor solutions that promote the health of your unique trees” If you are wondering if ALLPRO lives up to its reputation of providing “the elite service that you deserve,” as their website pledges, why don’t we just ask the experts? National online home service guru, Angie’s List, was impressed enough to present ALLPRO with their “Super Service Award.” The Better Business Bureau, who analyzes and rates companies, according to both the quality of the service they provide, and the complaints received about them, awarded ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc. its highest rating, an A+! So many of their satisfied customers are also happy to confirm the excellence of the service that they received from ALLPRO. If word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising, David K. is one of their best advertisers. According to David, “the service from ALLPRO was phenomenal. They were very responsive to the initial inquiry, highly competitive for the work that needed to be completed and they were extremely professional when completing the work. We are extremely pleased with ALLPRO.” Roger M. agreed as well, noting that he had used ALLPRO to remove several trees for a pool. “Job well done and will use them
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again.“ Susan Y. said “We’re extremely pleased with Allpro. Pete immediately responded to our call for an estimate and gave us a prompt, thorough written bid. Our tree removal project began and was completed exactly on time and they left our property looking pristine. Work was excellent and the crew was experienced, professional and friendly. I would highly recommend Allpro Tree & Landscaping.” Douglas Z. also had many wonderful things about Allpro, on his 5 star google review he wrote, “Pete handled a major clean up, hedge trimming, mulching and tree trimming this past week.Five guys were here for two days and they worked hard. Very friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated to doing good work. The price was fair and we are very pleased with the results. I will use them again...I definitely recommend this company.” With hurricane season in full effect, while you are preparing your home, don’t forget your trees. Dead branches and over-hanging limbs represent potential hazards. The folks at ALLPRO are ready to help. Just call (727-4093315 or 813-244-9234) and don’t forget your free, no obligation inspection. Visit their website at www. myallpro.com for more information.
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“John Erb’s Services Center” Story Continued from page 1 involved. In fact, care and community involvement are what characterizes his brand. When asked how he would describe his business, John said, “We like people, and we like helping people. You will never be left stranded to get to a business meeting or doctor appointment, or just want to go home. We want to take the stress and provide comfort to our customers.” John’s motto is, “It’s nice to be nice to people.” A cursory review of Google Business at John Erb’s Services Center demonstrates their commitment to “being nice to people.” Dawn Ashkenaz wrote, “I’ve been going to John Erb since 2007! I trust them with my vehicle and feel valued as a loyal customer. Even after I moved across town, I still go out of my way to bring my car there. If you’re
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looking for a mechanic you can trust, John Erb’s is where you want to go.” Of the 110+ Google Reviews online, the word “caring” is among the most common term used to describe John Erb’s Services Center. Other keywords include preventative, comprehensive, and fullservice. Of the core services included are oil changes, brake services, A/C repair, transmission, engine repair, brakes, electrical repair, steering, differential, and wipers. They also provide auto and truck tires and a wash and detail booth. For those who need to move their belongings one-way or local, John provides Penske truck rentals. Accordingly, the John Erb “campus” is comprehensive indeed. A past president of the Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA), Diane Stoddart of LTC Financial
Solutions said, “John builds relationships with people and with their cars. John knows my car and what makes it run great. And his team helps us plan for what to expect as our cars age, so we can plan and budget for what’s likely.” Stoddart’s words are aligned wither work and John Erb’s unique focus on the person first but also on the life of the car. “Planful,” is a rare characterization of most automotive repair shops;
however, it is the perfect “alignment” for customers like Diane Stoddart who help clients plan for the unexpected by providing insurance and long term care products. She added that John’s focus is on the “long term care of her automobiles.” In addition to being caring, comprehensive, and preventative, customers choose John Erb’s Services Center because of its convenience. Open seven
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days a week, John Erb’s Services Center is conveniently located across the street from Gaither High School at 16133 North Dale Mabry. As a child, John Erb began helping his Dad at his service station in Plainview, New York where he put air in tires when he was still in elementary
school. By the time he was 12, John was already changing automobile tires. And at 21, he was a fully certified mechanic. John characterizes his services center in Tampa as a “campus” that consists of a 5700 square foot main building and another 3400 square foot oil change facility
that houses his “Oil Frog” oil change operation. It is located behind the main service center, but the “Oil Frog” tent is often seen at community events like the Northdale Family Fun Fest that John sponsors every year. With all of his community involvement, John has developed a loyal, trained staff to include experienced, certified mechanics. John credits his staff for the continued success of his operations, and many members of his team have followed his lead, and they frequently volunteer in the community. Reportedly, John wanted to pursue a career in the “caring” fields of either medicine or law enforcement. He chose, instead, to pursue the career his father taught him. However, few have brought “caring” to the field of automotive care and repair as has John Erb. In fact,
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some say John and his team have led the way to making “Greater Carrollwood” known as a caring community. John has been a Silver Sponsor of the Egypt Shrine Circus for many years, and through Tampa Bay Business Builders, he supports The Children’s Home. Other charitable endeavors include raising money for schools in Haiti and the Humane Society, John has 5 children, and 13 grandchildren. As the holidays approach, look for John to be playing Santa Claus throughout the community such as the CABA Holiday Tree Lighting in Northdale Park and at other events such as the Shriner’s Hospital, where he says he experiences great joy. John and his “care team” invite you to visit John Erb’s Service Center at 16133 North Dale Mabry; call 813.908.3333 or go to www. JohnErbs.com.
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Tech Talk with Bob: SSD’s...The Gift of Speed!
By Bob Dalles
When computers first came out, we were all amazed by the cool things they could do. Over the years, computers could do more and more. Today we are not amazed as much as what tasks computers can do but how quickly they can do them. Typically, what has been done in the past is to speed the computer up by replacing its central processing unit (CPU) with a faster one and/or adding more random access memory (RAM). Those methods are still used today. But now we have another option to speed up our computers… the solid-state drive (SSD).
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Your programs and data are stored on the computer’s HDD which is comprised of mechanical parts and electronics. A SSD is comprised of only electronics so it is not subject to the physical constraints of having mechanical parts. The HDD has spinning platters that hold your data and a read/write head that transfers data back and forth to the platters (similar to a record player’s platter and tone arm). The HDD’s moving mechanical parts make the HDD’s response time slower than a SSD. Which in turn makes your waiting time for a program to boot up or a file to load considerably longer. A computer with a SSD will serve
up those files and programs much faster. I always get asked, “how fast?” I hate to put myself on the spot because everyone will experience different results. I will tell you this. My computer boots up four times faster with a SSD than it did with a HDD. Everyone that I know who upgraded from a HDD to a SSD were amazed with the performance increase and were
happy they decided to upgrade. In addition to being fast, SSDs are lighter than HDDs because SSDs do not have the HDD’s mechanical parts. Instead, SSDs use microchips similar to the well-known flash drive. No moving parts also means that SSDs do not generate any noise or vibrations that the HDD’s spinning platters are known to produce. SSDs also create less heat where HDDs can get very hot. Another benefit is SSDs are durable. The HDD is one of, if not, the most fragile component in your computer. HDDs are susceptible to damage caused by the computer being dropped or banged around when it is moved. SSDs can tolerate a
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greater impact; a real benefit to laptop users. SSDs also consume less energy. Another major benefit for laptop users because battery life will increase. How much? My battery life doubled on my laptop. Again, your results may vary. If you are looking to increase your loading speeds or want more battery time between charges, this is one of those rare times when you can have the best of both worlds. Be advised that SSDs cost more than HDDs but most people have found them to be a worth-while investment in their computing experience. Be Safer Out There! Never enter confidential information into any web site
until you know the web site and your computer system is safe. 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.
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OCTOBER 2019 21
SPOOKY EMPIRE TAKES OVER TAMPA WITH AN ADVANCED OPENING ON HALLOWEEN DAY
The nation’s largest thriller convention has extended to a four-day weekend starting on Halloween for children, families, and adults, in celebration of the spooky holiday Spooky Empire, the company that hosts one of the most coveted and recognizable thriller conventions in the nation,is set to have many firsts as they enter their 17th year. This year, the convention welcomes attendees in a new city its new host location, Tampa Convention Center. As a special treat, doors will open an
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extra day in advance in celebration of Halloween on Thursday, October 31 and continue through Sunday, November 3, 2019. The opening on Halloween day will feature tricks & treats for guests of all ages and a discounted price tag of $20 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. During Thursday’s festivities, convention goers can experience the ‘dark side of comic con’ with a day full of exhibitors, afterparties, vendors, kids costume contests with prizes, and trick-or-treating. Throughout the weekend, guests will be able to meet and mingle with their favorite stars, buy amazing collectibles from hundreds of vendors and artists, see new and emerging films as well as old favorites, and even get tattooed by some of the best artists in the world. “Needless to say, Halloween
is our favorite holiday and without a question, we needed to incorporate it as part of this year’s Spooky Empire,” remarked Gina Mongelli, co-owner of Spooky Empire. She added, “we want our new fans to know and our longtime fans to remember that the convention is not only for adults, but it’s also kid-friendly.” Celebrities and bold face
names joining the festivities this year include some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture, including: • Director Clive Barker, best known for his films Hellraiser, Hellraiser II, Candyman, Midnight Meat Train, and Night Breed. • Sam Raimi, director of Army of Darkness, Evil Dead, Ash vs Evil Dead, Spider-Man, Grudge,
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Crawl, Xena, and Hercules. • Plus, his brother actor Ted Raimi from Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, Xena: Warrior Princess, Ash vs Evil Dead, Twin Peaks, Midnight Meat Train, and SpiderMan. • The infamous actor Bruce Campbell of Army of Darkness, Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, Xena: Warrior Princess, Burn Notice, Adventures of Brisco County Jr, and Bubba Ho-tep.
• Actor James Hong who has been featured in Big Trouble in Little China, The Golden Child, Kung Fu Panda, Blade Runner, Seinfeld, Tank Girl, Wayne’s World. • And Danielle Harris, known for her roles in Halloween 4, Halloween 5, Halloween (Rob Zombie), Holliston, and Hatchet 2. More celebrity guests will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
The Tampa Convention Center offers sparkling waterfront views of the Garrison Channel which connects to the Hillsborough River, 600,000 square feet of transformable spaces, and state of the art amenities. The facility has fourlevels of space comprised of an exhibition hall, ballroom, spacious pre-function areas and several breakout rooms. In addition to the facility’s features and amenities, the Tampa Convention Center’s central location gives visitors direct access to some of the city’s top hotels, restaurants, and attractions. All advance tickets, now on sale, are discounted. Prices increase after October 1st and at the door. In advance, fourday passes are $90, three-day passes are $80, one day passes on Thursday is $20, Friday and Sunday are $40, and on Saturday $50. Limited VIP Packages are available for $250 and include
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early entry to all three days, raffles, T-shirts, autograph line fastpass, exclusive VIP party access on Saturday night with guest celebrities in attendance. Tickets for children 12 years old and under are free. Rooms are available at Embassy Suites Tampa and all overflow hotels which can be found onSpooky Empire’s website. Spooky Empire attendees can reserve rooms online at discounted prices starting at $135 per night. Mention ‘Spooky Empire’ for the special rate. For more information regarding the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www. spookyempire.com.Stay tuned as more activities, special guests, celebrities and more will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about Spooky Empire, visit spookyempire.com.Follow them on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram (@SpookyEmpire).
OCTOBER 2019 23
“Nothing Bundt Cakes” Story Continued From Page 1
Additionally, the bakery gives back a portion of the sales on its birthday each year. Tammy’s face lit up when she spoke about her visits. “We take them their own personal cak because some of the kids have never celebrated a birthday. We love being part of that. We love helping them.” The bakery also participates with Florida Hospital when they do their Breast Cancer Gala. “We’re a big supporter of being there for them and giving back a portion to them when we sell our cakes at the Gala. That’s my heart.” When they have a surplus, they donate on Wednesdays to the Community Village Food Pantry. On October 14-19, the bakery will be offering “Bundts for Blankets” for the nonprofit Blanket Tampa Bay. For each new or clean, gently-worn blanket donated to the charity working with the homeless community, Tammy will give the donor a free individual serving size bundtlet. *** Debuted March 2017, Tammy is proud that her bakery is synonymous for not only luscious and moist bundt cakes but their love and genuine connections to the community and outstanding customer care. “In two and a half years, we’ve grown a lot. We now have a Wesley Chapel location that opened last July and at the end of next year, a St. Pete location. The brand is growing. We’re well-known in the community. There
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is now awareness. In the beginning, if you said Nothing Bundt Cake, people would say who? What? Now, we are known.” The delicious bundt cakes come in 10 regular flavors and one changing feature flavor, which in November is you probably guessed this fall customer favorite - Pumpkin Spice. In December, the holiday flavor is Snickerdoodle. Full-size 8 to 10-inch cakes and bundtlets to bite-size “bundtinis” are complemented by cream cheese frosting. Regular flavors are chocolate chip, classic vanilla, red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, carrot, lemon, marble, pecan praline, carrot and confetti. Nothing Bundt Cakes also offers chocolate chip cookie flavor in a gluten-free 8-inch cake, bundtlet and bundtinis made with rice flour.
Even after over two years, white chocolate raspberry remains Tammy’s favorite flavor. To complement the cakes, Tammy also provides accouterments like décor, cards, candles, balloons, and gifts that can be incorporated into their purchase. Serving plates, plastic silverware, and party accessories make Nothing Bundt Cakes a convenient one-stop-shop. “All our cakes are 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.” Perfect for any occasion, from a birthday to a holiday celebration, Nothing Bundt Cakes even offer delivery for an additional fee. Tammy
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recommended calling the shop for details. “Our cakes can be decorated for any occasion. All of our decorations are handcrafted in the back of the bakery to add the personal touch for each person’s celebration.” For Thanksgiving, they decorate the cakes
with a turkey topper or a pumpkin patch with a bow. For Christmas, cakes with reindeer antlers with a string of lights draped between or a beautiful artificial poinsettia make the perfect centerpiece for the holiday table. “These 8 and 10-inch cakes are a great gifts to take as a hostess gift if you
are going to a dinner party. Our bundtinis are perfect selections for a holiday party or an office gathering. We have cute little toppers that are called ugly sweaters.” Tammy said that bundtinis also make for perfect gift-giving to business clients, bosses or employees, doctors, dentists, teachers, etc. She suggested that customers place orders early to ensure they get their favorite flavor. 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 cakes and even gender reveal bundt cakes. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers an e-club. Shoppers can sign up and receive a free bundtlet on their birthday. Members are the first to know of changes to the menu, new flavors, and specials. Tammy said that her business is the best kind of business to own because everyone is celebrating something, so everyone is happy. “It’s a great feeling knowing my business puts
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a smile on people’s faces and makes their life a little sweeter every day.” Nothing Bundt Cake, Carrollwood is located 13252 N Dale Mabry Highway. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Please check with the bakery for holiday hours. Find Nothing But Cakes at the Junior League at the Fairground on November 7-10 and at Enchanted Christmas St. Pete at the Tampa Bay Ray’s Stadium starting November 29, 2019. To order call 813-999-4024 or order online at http:// www.Nothingbundtcakes. com/bakery/fl/tampacarrollwood.
OCTOBER 2019 25
26 OCTOBER 2019
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OCTOBER 2019 27