Vol. 12, Issue 04, April 2019
Your community. Your magazine.™
®
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 18,000 Homes In Trinity & Surrounding Areas
This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Anchorage, Bay Arbor, Boot Ranch, Brookers Landing, Crescent Oaks, Cypress Cove, Cypress Lakes Estates, Cypress Run, Cypress Trails, Deer Hollow, Grey Oak, Eagle Cove, Eagle’s Cove at Lake Tarpon, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Trace, Eagle Watch, East Lake Oaks, East Lake Woodlands, Hunters Wood, Keystone Bluffs, Keystone Palms, Keystone Ranchettes, Lansbrook, Lansbrook Village, Meadow Ridge, Nature’s Watch, Oak Hill Acres, Pine Ridge, Regina Estates, Ridgemoor, Tarpon Woods, Wentworth, Whispering Lakes, Woodfield
Your Family Dentist in Tarpon Springs – Dr. Seema Amin Tarpon Dental
By Tom Bostock Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another,” an ideal word to describe the general dental practice of Dr. Seema Amin and her caring staff at Tarpon Dental. She noted that “there are a lot of reasons that people don’t seek dental treatment. We don’t judge. We start today and don’t look
back.” Dr. Amin added that “although we treat emergencies, our focus is on comprehensive care to prevent emergencies.” Their website promises, “At Tarpon Dental, we help create smiles that will last a lifetime. Putting you and your family’s needs above all else, we strive to deliver the highest quality of dental care the moment you enter our office.” See “Tarpon Dental” on page 22
Donna’s Cleaning Angels - Simply The Best by Lisa Stephens What does a busy mom, working professional, single bachelor, retired senior and an office manager all have in common? They all need homes or offices cleaned! In today’s fast paced world, where everything needed to be done yesterday, leaving your cleaning needs to the professionals at Donna’s Cleaning Angels can help simplify your life. See “Cleaning Angels” on page 18
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor..............................5 Community News In The Spotlight...6 The Blanket Tampa Bay Story.....8-9 Fashion for Hope.....................12-13 Summer Camps 2019..............14-15 SAT and ACT Improvement....26-27 Tech Talk with Bob..................28-29
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Go Blue - April is Autism Awareness Month April is World Autism Month, so get ready to see a lot of blue all over our beloved city of Tampa Bay, including at the top of the iconic SunTrust Building in downtown Tampa! The Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles team cordially invites our readers, followers, relatives, and friends around the world to come together to “pledge to go blue” in order to increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Joined by the international community every year, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes, and communities all over the world will be cast in blue lights in recognition of people living with autism.
To “pledge to go blue” please visit www.autismspeaks.org. How Can You Show Some Support aside from Pledging to go Blue? Puzzle Ribbon - The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community not just in the United States but all over the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children in America. Show your support for people and children with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon - as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism. Connect with your neighborhoods - Many Autism Society local affiliates hold special events in their communities throughout the entire month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits
you, why not create your own and invite others? Some local events and workshops include; 1) 2019 WHO Wants To Race 5K & 10K For Autism Awareness - Tampa. Sat, April 27, 1:00pm. Tickets available through eventbrite.com 2) Autism, ADHD & Sensory Workshop for Parents, on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:15pm at Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, FL. 3) 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Festival - May 11, 10:00am - Tickets available through eventbrite.com Location: The Haven, Sarasota, Fl. www. thehavensrq.org 4) Unraveling Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Full Life Chiropractic. Understand the common threads of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, OCD, ODD and Tourette’s Sat, April 20, 2019. 1003 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548. Donate to the Autism Society - Your financial donation can help improve the lives of people impacted by autism. Every dollar raised by the Autism Society allows them to improve the capabilities and services of their over 100 nationwide affiliates, provide the best national resource database and contact center specializing in autism, and increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with ASD and their families.
Carla Selby
Community News In The Spotlight Fonda Dillard from The McCaffery Team, standing along side of Allen Crumbley and Dewey Mitchell, co-owners of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Florida Properties Group and Matt Vigh, Regional Market President, accepts top sales performance award at recent annual gala in Tampa, Florida.  Dillard is one of the ten current members of The McCaffery Team that achieved top two percent status for 2018 overall sales. This is the team’s third consecutive yearly win.
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From Blankets to Urban Shelter for the Homeless Beth Ross and The Blanket Tampa Bay Story
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley We are all one catastrophic event away from homelessness. Let the magnitude of that sink in for one minute. One lost job, one disease, one addiction, one death. ONE. A single event moves you from an accepted, contributing member of society to someone who most avoids your gaze. Through her work with the homeless in Tampa Bay, Beth Ross has discovered a sad reality. Most people will treat homeless animals better than a human being. People will capture, feed, bathe, and rehome pets, but most would never think to allow a stranger into their home for a hot meal, running water, and clean clothing. During a particularly chilly December in 2014, Beth was a volunteer at Trinity Café and reached out to the director to
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find out how many people in need were served daily. When she was told 285, she made it her goal to collect 300 blankets so that every single person would have a warm blanket on Christmas Eve. As fate would have it, in the same timeframe, the church Beth and her husband Ray attended was given a large donation. The church gave each family $100 and said to do something to help someone with the money; in January, they would discuss what was accomplished. Beth knew how much she disliked being cold, so she decided to use the $100 to buy as many blankets as she could to hand out to those living on the streets. Though Tampa Bay seldom dipped into freezing temperatures, during the coldness part of winter, even the ‘Sunshine State’ was uncomfortable when you lacked
essentials like a coat, hat, and gloves. Providing blankets both offered protection from sleeping on the ground or pavement and covered their susceptible, often exposed skin, serving as a barrier from the wind and the chilly temperatures. After she made her purchases, she created a page on Facebook and posted about her need for 300 blankets. Her post went viral and she was overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers as far away as Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, and California and managed to deliver 308 blankets. “I was so touched passing out the blankets to the homeless because they were so thrilled. They weren’t used to getting a gift,” she said. “We collected the next year and I got over 800 blankets.” This one small act of kindness set the wheels in motion. Beth created the nonprofit Blanket Tampa Bay to change the stigma
associated with homelessness. Paperwork that normally takes months of red tape was approved in two weeks. With an abundance of blankets, Beth joined the men and women at St Peter Claver Church providing food and passed out more blankets. “One day a remarkable thing happened. I was going to work and saw this man sitting on a bus bench. It was really cold and all he had on was a tee shirt and blue jeans. He didn’t look like he was doing well. I watched as the people hurried past him, purposefully not making eye contact because he was a bum. I stopped to see if I could him, but he kept saying ‘no, I don’t want any help. Leave me alone.” Anyone who knows Beth knows that answer would not do. The next morning, he was in the same spot, leaning over to the right. She stopped to ask if he needed help and he still gave her
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the same response. “The third morning – I saw that he was laying flat. I called a police officer friend of mine, Dan McDonald, Tampa PD Liaison for the Homeless and told him that he wasn’t doing well.” Officer McDonald baker-acted him to St. Joseph’s Hospital. “It turns out the guy sitting on the bench had been there for four days. He was suffering from a broken hip and kidney failure. People walked past him, didn’t look at him and it really broke my heart.” Doctors quickly repaired his hip and worked to restore his kidney function. He spent several weeks in the hospital before going to a rehab facility. “In rehab, we found out that his name was Charles and he had been employed by the Pinellas County Schools for more than 30 years and had a pension,” said Beth. “I always ask the homeless what’s your story because, no matter who you are, everyone has one.” Charles was married later in life, but when his wife died, his grown step-daughter whose
name was on the mortgage kicked him out and he became homeless. Social workers helped Charles file for his retirement and Social Security, and now he lives in an apartment. Doctors said if Beth had ignored Charles like the other passersby and not reached out to Officer McDonald, Charles would have died on that bench. Stories like that are all too common and Beth makes sure she learns everyone’s story. If someone tells Beth that he needs steel-toed boots or a chef’s jacket for gainful employment, Beth supplies whatever was the request. Over the years she learned many lessons. The most important is the homeless never get to choose. They are always given items, never allowed to pick out for themselves. After her second year, she offered them the opportunity to choose the blankets for themselves. Other requests were far from extravagant. Imagine not having little items we often take for granted – Q-tips, Band-Aids, nail clippers, backpacks to house
their few belongings. “The homeless seldom take off their shoes. They sleep in their shoes because they’re afraid someone is going to steal them,” Beth explained. One individual kept asking for sleeping bags week after week. Beth finally asked what he was doing with them and he revealed that he was handing them out to other homeless people, so they didn’t have to sleep on newspaper. Today, Beth has touched over 17,000 lives, donating over 7,500 blankets, thousands of hygiene items and backpacks, shoes, socks, and sleeping bags. Yet the most common human need can’t be solved by warm blankets, toiletries, and essentials. Inspired by Urban Rest Stops in Seattle, Beth wants to create a 45-foot container, an Urban Shelter, a safe structure for the homeless to shower and wash their clothing. She already has two staffing companies lined up, eager to help them find jobs. “Some of these people are
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Veterans, many have skills. I can help them get their resume ready. I have a clothes closet.” Beth has been told that the Urban Shelter needs to be south of the interstate, south of Trinity. “I’m trying to solve a community problem by getting the homeless cleaned up, getting them a job, getting them off the street, but that starts with the Urban Shelter. I’ve got the drawing – it’s amazing – I’m just trying to find a place to put this. It’s become a burning passion in my heart. We just need funding and we need land to get this Urban Rest Stop built. It makes me mad when people think that every single homeless person is a drunk or bum because everyone has a story. Sometimes, you just need to take the time to ask what it is.” To learn more or to contribute to Beth’s fundraising for the Urban Shelter, visit www.blanketampabay.org or https://www.facebook.com/ blanketforhomeless.
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Fashion for Hope By Lisa Stephens When diagnosed with cancer, the first thought that comes to mind for many patients is, “How long do I have with my family or loved ones.” The sudden fear of an uncertain future can be all consuming, which can further negatively impact the patient’s health. For many, the next thought is “How am I going to pay for this?” If detected early, chances of survival are much greater. Thanks to Women of Influence, a philanthropic group of women dedicated to raising funds for projects that go toward improving the health, and the wellbeing of women and children in our community, many women in the Tampa Bay area are able to better their own chances of survival should they be diagnosed with breast cancer. Recently, Women of Influence hosted the 3rd annual Fashion for Hope. Proceeds go toward providing women without health insurance an opportunity to get a mammogram. Early detection is not just important, for some, it’s a matter of life or death. The Women of Influence mission includes “inspiring and positively impacting the lives of women, children, and families throughout the Tampa Bay area.” A quick look at what they have done in the past certainly proves these ladies accomplish what they set out to do. Past projects this group has funded are; the purchase of a streaming video system for the neonatal intensive care unit at an area hospital, so that mothers could watch their babies twenty-four hours a day, more than 200 car seats for families who could not afford a car seat for their newborn, and a WII entertainment system for children to
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enjoy while waiting in the emergency room. The theme for this years’ Fashion for Hope event was “Saving LivesGeneration through Generation.” Co-Chair Kay Meyer explained her passion for helping others; “That’s where my heart is. For people who have a family history of breast cancer but no means of finding out what’s going on in their bodies.” Along with Co-Chair Michelle Gervais Stowell, and Honorary Chair Elena Azzarelli, these ladies and a platoon of others, created quite an afternoon of fun and fashion. Fox 13 News anchor, Linda Hurtado, was on hand to serve at emcee and keynote speaker. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she shared her story of diagnosis and survival. Linda was diagnosed at age 44. Because of a history of breast cancer in her family, she knew mammograms were important. “Because they found mine early, I had choices. Early detection is key,” she shared with the audience. She described herself now as “a survivor and thriver.” Following Linda’s introduction
and story of hope, models and their escorts took to the runway in fashions by Lilly Pulitzer, Kaiya Designs and The Platinum Zipper. Some of the ladies were even escorted by the very doctors that treated them through their battles with cancer. Dr. John Cox is a breast care specialist and surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa. He explained breast cancer is a disease of two subtypes; one type is found in women before the age of 50 and is usually more serious and harder to detect. The type that affects women after 50 is easier to see and usually more treatable. When asked when
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women should begin scheduling mammograms, he explained the issue is debatable. “I’ve seen more lives in the younger population so I feel we should screen in the ’40s. If
we can catch it in the early stages, it’s easier to treat than in the later stages,” he said. Dr. Cox is proud to be part of an event that means so much to the
community; “I’m honored and humbled to be here. I feel the women I treat are so special and amazing. I’m just along for the ride to be sure they get the best possible care.” Dr. Wayne Lee, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, was also on hand for the event. He also cared for many of the women in attendance. His passion for helping others doesn’t end in the operating room. He and AdventHealth nurse Margie Boyer, also a breast cancer survivor, work with a support group of breast cancer survivors. They created Return2Fitness/ Renewing Wellness, which is a group that meets at the AdventHealth site once a month. They meet in the cardiac workout room for exercise, to hear guest
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speakers and more. The Fashion for Hope event also featured a “chance to win” drawing, silent auction and shopping opportunities. Many thanks to the Women of Influence, AdventHealth and the countless volunteers behind the scenes making it possible for women to seek care for early detection of breast cancer!
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Westchase Swim & Tennis Center 10405 Countryway Blvd. Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-855-0662 Website: www.westchasewca. com Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-August 9 (Weekly Sessions) Hours: Full Day-8am to 6pm or Half Day-8am to 1pm OR 1pm to 6pm Registration Details: Register online at www.westchasewca. com or in person at site location. Price: Half Days/Residents-$75 per week, Non-Resident-$98 per week. Full Days/Residents-$150 per week, NonResident-$196 per week. Field Trip (optional) $20.00. Tennis additional $25.00 * Field trips include Skate World, Pin Chasers, Movies, Altitude and more. For more camp details and www.westchasewca.com. Tennis 9am10am Mon through Friday. Hillsborough County/Westchase Recreation Center 9719 Westchase Drive Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-964-2948 Website: www.HCFLGov.net/ SummerCamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 10-August 9 Hours: 7:30am-6pm
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Registration Details: Register online at www.HCFLGov.net/ SummerCamp. Price: $76 Basic Rate, $60 with Reduced Lunch Letter, $40 with Free Lunch Letter (Rates per 2 week sessions) *Sports, indoor and outdoor play, and active recreation Noah’s Ark Farm Camp 12971 Tyler Run Avenue Odessa 33556 Phone: 727-455-4985 Website: www.NoahsArkonWheels.org Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 10-June 13 and June 17-June 20 Hours: 9:30am-1:30 pm Registration Details: Register at https://go.netcamps.com/ org/686-noah-s-ark-farm-camp Price: $130.00 per week *Life on the farm is fun! Sheer a sheep, chase the goats, ride the ponies, cuddle with the bunnies and more! Farmer Rou makes life on farm and educational and fun experience. This camp always fills up so sign up quickly! In the Breeze Ranch 7514 Gardner Road Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-264-1919 Website: www.inthebreezeranch.com Ages: 5-17 Dates: Ongoing throughout
summer Hours: 9:15am-3:45pm (ages 5-8), 8:30am-4:45pm (ages 9-11), 7:30am-5:30pm (ages 12-17) Registration details: Register online Price: Per Day- $79 (ages 5-8), $59 (ages 9-11), $49 (ages 12-17) Check their website for discount coupons *Summer theme is “Swimming with the horses.” Camps include lessons in horsemanship, trail riding, mucking stalls, leadership development, training baby horses and more! Painting With A Twist 10110 Montague Street Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-749-7955 Website: www.paintingwithatwist.com Ages: 7-17 Dates: Call for dates or check online Hours: 9am to noon Registration Details: Register in person at physical location Price: $45 (Includes lunch) *pick one or more dates for this fun creative painting class! See website for which painting will be created each day. Carrollwood Day School “Turn It Up” Summer Camp 1515 W Bearss Ave Tampa 33613 Phone: 813-920-2288 Ext. 203
Website: www.carrollwooddayschool.org Ages: Grades 1-8 Dates: May 28-July 26 Hours: Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Road Tampa 33618 Phone: 813-269-1310 Website: www.carrollwoodcenter.org Ages: 4-13 Dates: June 3-August 9 Weekly and two-week sessions offered Hours: 9am-4pm Registration Details: Register in person, by phone with credit card, online or by mail. (Download forms from website to mail in) Register by April 30 for early bird discount. Price: Price Varies per age group and member or nonmember rates apply. Range: $150-$350. Tuition assistance is available. *Themes include Raiders of the Lost Art, Great Outdoors, Around the World, Wild West and more. Camps include painting, arts and crafts, music, drama, song and dance. Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa 33624 Phone: 813-969-0240 Website: www.mjpaa.com Ages: 3-17 Dates: June 18-August 3
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Hours: 9am-3pm and half days offered for ages 3 to 6 Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies per session-See Website for details *There is something for everyone at Mary Jo’s! Song, dance, drama, tumbling, musical theater and more. Too many options to list here! Full details are listed at their website. Rockatar Summer Camp 12631 Race Track Road Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-404-9194 Website: www.rockataracademy.com Ages: 4-12 for music camp/ ages 13+, call location for Summer Rock Band Program details Dates: June 7-August 2 Hours: 8:30am to 1pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $135 per week *Try the keyboard, guitar, drums and more at this fun music camp! You’ll also learn how to play in a band. Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp 5210 W Tyson Ave Tampa 33611 Phone: 813-244-4682 Website: www.floridafantasyfishingcamp.com Ages: 8-15 Dates: May 28-August 9 Hours: 9am-3pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $715 per week *Guided inshore fishing catching snook, redfish and more! Fish with professional guides in the Tampa Bay. Camp includes lessons in boating safety, knot tying, target casting and more. Overnite camps are available. See website for details. Tampa Tennis at HCC All Day Sports Camp 3901 Tampa Bay Blvd. Tampa 33614 Phone: 813-348-1173 Website: www.tampatennis.net
Ages: 5 and up Dates: June 3-July 31 Hours: Full Day 9am-5pm or Half Day 9am to noon Registration Details: Download forms from website and email completed forms to cnyholm@ hccfl.edu. Price: Full Day $175.00/Half Day $119 *Train with certified professions to improve your tennis game! Full Day 9am-3:30pm or Half Day 9am-noon or 12:30pm to 3:30pm Registration Details: Register online and order lunches online Price: Full Day $225/Half Day $150 *Enrichment camps and academic courses offered. You do not have to be current student at Carrollwood Day School to attend. HCA Summer Day Camp 6201 Erlich Road Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-884-8250 Ext 286 Website: www.hillsdalechristianacademy.org Ages: PreK-6th Grade Dates: June 3-August 2 Hours: 7:30am-6:00pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $180.00 per week/$35 registration fee *This camp offers a different theme each week with arts and crafts, drama, outdoor games and more! Camp Seal 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz Phone: 813-229-7946 Website: www.sealswimschool. com Ages: 4-10 Dates: June3-Aug 9 Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm Registration Details: Register online and complete required documents Price: $185.00/week or $50/ day *This aquatic camp offers swim lessons as well as archery, arts and crafts, robotics, field trips
and more. Pro Karate Center 843 County Road 1 Palm Harbor 34683 Phone:727-734-7659 Website: www.prokaratecenter. com Ages: 5 to 12 Dates: Throughout summer Registration Details: Register online or in person Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy 1108 Altamont Lane Odessa 33556 Phone: 813-368-0666 Website: www.suncoaststables. com Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 12-August 2 (Weekly Sessions) Hours: 9am-4:00 pm Registration Details: register online at website listed above. Price: $65 per day or $300 per week. Early arrival or late pickup/$5 per every 30 minutes. *Campers learn to groom and tack up horses, ride in the arena and other activities. Patel Conservatory Summer Camps/Intensives 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa 33602 Phone: 813-222-1002 Website: www.strazcenter.org Ages: 3 to 18 Dates: June 3-August 10 Hours: Varies by class Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies by class. See website for pricing info *Music instruction, voice, dance and more. If performing arts is your thing, you want to visit their website to see all they offer! Camp JCC 13009 Community Campus Drive. Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-769-4748 Website: www.jewishtampa. com Ages: Kindergarten-8th Grade
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Dates: June 11-August 2 Hours: Vary by camp Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies by camp session. See Website for details *Wide range of offerings. Some camps include field trips. Camps include indoor and outdoor water activities. Tampa Theatre Summer Film Camp 711 N Franklin Street. Tampa 33602 Phone: 813-274-8286 Website: www.tampatheatre. org Ages: Grades 3-12 Dates: June 10-July 26 Hours: 9am-noon (grades 3-6) 1pm-4pm (grades 7-12) AND 9am-4pm (grades 5-9) for full day film camp Registration Details: Register online Price: $195 for half day sessions per week/$380 for full day *Learn the process of digital filmmaking, storyboarding, lighting, editing and more! Clearwater Parks and Recreation Address: See below for various locations • Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Dr.(727-669-1914) • Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd. (727-793-2320) • North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex, 900 N. MLK, Jr. Ave. (727-4626276) Ages: Grades 1-8th Registration: Register online or in person Website: www.myclearwaterparks.com Dates: June 3-August 9 Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm Price $90 with rec card/$100 without rec card *See website for camp details and information.
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“Cleaning Angels” continued
from page 1
For more than 28 years, Donna Ferrante and her “angels” have been serving Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties with expert cleaning services second to none! Along with her husband Steve Insolia, this entrepreneurial duo makes quality customer service a top priority. Their longstanding history of serving satisfied customers is why Donna’s Cleaning Angels is the number one choice for cleaning services in the Tampa Bay area! Always working hard to meet customers’ expectations. Nothing speaks louder than customer comments. Pat and Margaret La Grazie of Timber Greens in New Port Richey said “The number of years Donna has been in business is definitely very impressive and people like stability. We hired Donna in 1995 and at that time she was cleaning our home by herself. After she broke her ankle in 2003, she hired her first employee and now sixteen years later we are still completely satisfied with all her accomplishments. We highly recommend Donna’s Cleaning Angels.” Dick Maier of Villa Rosa in Lutz said “We are so happy to see the girls each time because they do such a great job. We also love the customer service Donna provides us. It’s hard to find such caring and professional customer service these days. I wish Donna only continued success with her growing and thriving business!” Carol O’Neil of Odessa shared, “I have tried other cleaning services over the years with no luck. I was very frustrated. None of them were as dependable or detailed oriented as Donna’s Cleaning Angels.” They’ve been in business for almost 28 years because of the level of service provided to their customers. Donna and Steve realize the importance of staying in tune with customers’ needs and continue to stay strong and committed in a competitive market. Donna has always devoted herself to growing her client base. She knows that by providing a stellar cleaning service, she is instrumental in helping people enjoy their homes again. “Besides the influence of my family, I attribute the success
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of my business to a determined attitude and tremendous amount of ambition, unstoppable drive and commitment to my clients and employees,” she explained. Donna’s strong work ethic comes from a long line of hard working family members. For more than 70 years, her family has owned an Italian restaurant in the small town of Gorham, located in the white mountains of New Hampshire. Steve has owned and operated
several successful businesses in the Tampa Bay area over the years. “I’m always looking for something to do!” he said. Always eager to work and serve his customers. Keeping themselves educated on the latest products and newly introduced surfaces in the home is also a big part of their success. The many different materials
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used today for countertops, appliances and flooring are far different than they were years ago. Having knowledge of cleaning products and what surfaces they’re safe for is crucial. Even the way cleaning products are applied is important. “We train our staff on the little things that can make a big difference when it comes to safety,” Donna said. Clients are given a friendly reminder call on the day prior to a scheduled appointment. Once services are complete, a follow up call is made to be sure the client is fully satisfied. Donna’s Cleaning Angels is fully licensed, bonded and carries workman’s compensation on every employee. They adhere to all OSHA rules and guidelines. While no job is too large or too small, they specialize in large homes. “We have several long term clients in 7,000 to 10,000 SF homes. Services for more than just your home! Donna’s Cleaning Angels can make your workplace sparkle as well. Do not mistake them for your typical janitorial service. What’s the difference, you ask? A lot! “Janitorial services vacuum, empty the trash and clean up the restrooms,” Steve explained. Donna and her “angels” clean your office like they clean your home. Attention to detail is a must when it comes to making your office or professional practice shine for your own customers. They, vacuum, dust all surfaces, clean the blinds and fans, windows, mirrors and more. “We clean everything!” She said. “We’re not in and out in 30 minutes.” They currently have scheduling opportunities to add more commercial clients, such as Real Estate offices, dental and physician practices, automotive dealerships and others to their roster. The services don’t end with residential and commercial cleaning. They can cover your outdoor cleaning needs as well! Through their Simply the Best division of Donna’s Cleaning Angels, they can pressure wash just about any outdoor surface including driveways, sidewalks and more. They also offer window cleaning, inside and out! The company name comes from an experience Donna had with an elderly patient at a Hospice facility, one of her first cleaning jobs when she started the company as Donna’s
Cleaning Service. The two formed a sweet friendship and to show her love for her friend, Donna gifted her with a crystal angel. It was suggested by a nurse at the facility that Donna change the company name to Donna’s Cleaning Angels. The rest, as they say, is history! Donna’s Cleaning Angels work as a team. They are always presentable, friendly and bring everything they need to provide an exceptional cleaning. Donna explained “My teams come in with a large canvas kit with all
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their cleaning supplies. All of which are of the highest quality. The cleaning teams are trained on products to use. There is a lot more to providing a good cleaning service than just the cleaning. It is the care and professionalism that comes from all of us from me and Steve with the scheduling as well as the teams who really care about doing a good job. For free estimates or to schedule a cleaning service, call 727-942-8289. You can also find them on Facebook!
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“Tarpon
Dental” continued from page 1
and Implant Dentistry, as well as the entire spectrum of dental services. Let’s learn more Dr. Amin and her talented, professional staff. That’s a lot for a dental practice to promise on a Originally from England, Dr. Amin moved to Florida website for all to see, but Dr. Amin’s patients seem to in 1984 and a few years later attended the University think that she and her professional team have done just of Florida. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine that. Read what some of her satisfied patients had to say: degree (D.M.D.) at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1998. This was followed by a General “The very moment I walked in I felt welcomed Practice residency at the Veterans Hospital in Dayton and comfortable! Val at the front desk is professional Ohio, allowing her to advance her skills and techniques and friendly. I am a retired dental assistant, so I know before going into private practice and opening Tarpon dental office Quality when I see it! Dr. Amin, her chairDental in 2011. side assistant and the hygienist were amazing all by themselves! But add the State-of-the-Art X-Ray and Dr. Amin stays abreast of advances in her profession camera equipment, and you have your next dentist office through continuing education programs and for you and your family! You need their TLC!!!” memberships in prestigious organizations such as the ADA, AGD, ICOI. “A friend recommended us to visit Dr. Seema Amin In 2017, Dr. Amin became a Fellow of the International in Tarpon Springs, FL. Getting our first appointment Congress of Oral Implantologists. was pleasantly easy. Entering her practice for the first time was a great experience in more than one way; Her experienced staff is uniquely suited to their roles comfortable surroundings, welcoming smiling faces and in providing state-of-the-art patient care. 30-year veteran a fantastic team of professionals. Dr. Seema Amin and and Practice Administrator, Valerie notes that “I believe her entire team have what it takes to be a true family in treating everyone the way you want to be treated, practice.” that’s why working in this field has been so great!” Hygienist Erin (CRDH) says that “she is passionate about “Recently, on Saturday afternoon my daughter had dental hygiene and committed to prevention and patient a dental issue. I called Dr. Amin and left a message. education.” Her gentle touch helps Dr. Amin’s patients Within minutes Dr. Amin called back, (not an answering every day. service) and helped my daughter in her time of need. Dr. Amin even called back later on in the evening to check Every dentist needs well qualified, experienced on her. I have always been able to reach Dr. Amin, at assistants to work with patients on both routine and any time. With her commitment to treating her patients’ complicated procedures. Dr. Amin is fortunate to have dental needs, including after hours, gives me trust and Cherie, Kathy, and Zuleich working with her every day. confidence.” Cherie says that “I have had the pleasure of being Dr. Amin’s assistant since September 2014 and could NOT Tarpon Dental is a full-service general dentistry, family- imagine myself anywhere else.” oriented practice that features Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontic Procedures/TMJ, Crowns and Bridges, 20-year EFDA Certified Assistant, Kathy was equally
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positive in stating, “My most favorite part of dentistry is seeing my patients “before” smile and “after” smile, knowing that I was a piece of the puzzle in contributing to the smile that they have always wanted. It warms my soul to see our patients happy; a smile can spread like wildfire.” Newest assistant, Zuleich, with over 15 years of experience, says that “I like what I do and try to make patients feel as comfortable as possible.” Married to a local physician, Dr. Amin has two daughters. She is firmly committed to the community that she serves, supporting both her children’s soccer team and EKAL Foundation, an education charity in India. Patients love her; her staff adores her, and her commitment to on-going education ensure that her patients received the finest, cutting-edge treatment for all their dental needs. If you live anywhere in the Tarpon Springs, Trinity, or Palm Harbor area, you owe it to yourself, your family and your dental health to try Tarpon Dental. Your healthy smile will thank you for it. Give them a call at 727-937-4285. See why others choose them. 2611 Keystone Rd, B-7, Tarpon Springs, Florida. Visit their website for further information at www.tarpondental.com. For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
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APRIL 2019 25
SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: SPRING IS PASSING, SUMMER IS COMING By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Test Dates in 2019: Spring - SAT on June 1, and ACT on April 13 and June 8. Summer - ACT on July 13th, and SAT on August 24th. At this time of year, I am always amazed at how fast the spring semester is flying by. AP exams are looming in May, time for seniors to qualify for Bright Futures with an SAT Score or ACT score ends in early June, and shortly the summer will be upon us. It is very enjoyable for me to see my students continuing to greatly improve their test scores while learning “life-lessons” in our discussions. Not long ago, a parent asked, “How do you keep a student’s attention for three hours in your regular classes?” My answer was that my students are very surprised how fast the time goes by. Then came the question, “What do you do that makes such a difference with your students?” My answer involves the philosophy underlying what I do, the motivation that consistently develops for each student to “do their best” on the exams, and the strategies and techniques my students learn and practice. Different Philosophy: The core of my philosophy is that good teaching is really good learning that can be measured. While relating well to students, communicating, and other elements in the process of improving are important, the key is results. This is the reason for my slogan on the front of my Reference Binder: “What matters is not how much you know. What matters is how well you score.” (legally and ethically, of course) Second, my students learn quickly that I am their supercoach, their mentor, their guide who will help them see where they are in performance, work together with them to achieve our goals, and assist them along the way.
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Third, they learn that the key to performing on the exams is to have this definition success: When they walk out of the exam, they can look back over all we have accomplished and say, “I have done my best with the time and the priorities that I had.” In other words, they do not worry or become anxious about obtaining a certain score, being admitted to a certain college, or other “competitive” evaluation … they simply do their best. I have found over the years that the results will take care of themselves. One way this is reflected in my classes is there are no “good or bad scores” on a test. Scores simply show where we are, and where we need to keep working to keep improving. Different Motivation: The motivation for my students is to quickly see they can improve, and to develop the mindset that they want to do their best and “show how high they can fly”. We begin this process in the first hour of the first class, and it is always a joy to me to see how it takes root and grow in every student. You may be surprised that I do not give “homework”, I make “suggestions” that they can do outside of class to keep
improving. If they are in a tough week and don’t have the time, that’s fine and I do not want them coming back to class on a “guilt trip” that they couldn’t get their homework done. I always ask at the beginning of each class if they had a chance to do something outside of class, and almost always am pleasantly surprised at their answers. This is also why my classes are like taking a seminar in college at the junor or senior level. I don’t lecture much, because that assumes that I know exactly what they need. Instead, we use baseline tests and see what they need, and then they work to improve what they need. They quickly develop a sense of independence and accomplishment that is critical to their motivation. Different Strategies and Techniques: Because I have an extensive background both in the academic world and in the professional/business world, the way we approach learning is very different from a normal “class” because I have seen what works in life and what doesn’t for both learning and later doing your best in “live fire” situations. Three of these are Reverse Engineering, Targeted Handouts,
and Zeroing-In. Reverse Engineering: This is built on the principle that what the Reference Book writers and test designers think is most important to know will be covered in the questions. So we use this principle extensivelly in specialized testing and rapid review of the important skills which is far more productive and efficient than “reading a section of the book and then taking an exam”. I have used this principle in preparing for professional exams in many fields, and it cuts my study time required for top performance by 50% or more. Targeted Guides: For the test sections, I have prepared condensed guides that are our “quick study notes” that we review and cover huge sections of Reference Books very quickly. These are often tied into areas of Reverse Engineering. Zeroing-In: After a baseline test, we evaluate the scoring pattern and see the key areas where a student is strong, and where they need to improve. Then we “zero-in” on the areas of “reducing simple mistakes,” “building knowledge about how to solve specific types of problems,” and “broading experience with additional types
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of problems” not on that particular baseline test. If you are thinking about an SAT or ACT exam this spring (or both), give me a call. And students are already reserving classes for the summer because they can concentrate and have more time available than during the school year, and we work around vacations and work schedules. Look forward to hearing from you. Just call me at 727-253-0639, or send me an e mail at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 350 points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to eight of the top ten universities in the country, eighteen of the top twenty-five, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Service Academies: Navy - Air Force - and Merchant Marine - Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berklee Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. This year, he also tutored three juniors who scored at the national merit finalist/semi-finalist levels on the most recent PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.
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APRIL 2019 27
Tech Talk with Bob: Is your email at risk?
By Bob Dalles
Cybercrime is on the rise. A close family member, I’ll call him Doug, found that his identity was stolen. Doug was stunned. He believed he was taking adequate measures to protect himself online. He only visited reputable websites. He used, what he thought was, a secure password. He never revealed it to anyone. He didn’t write it on a scrap of paper stashed under his mouse pad or taped to his monitor. Even after taking these precautions, he learned that his direct-deposit retirement checks were in the process of being rerouted from his Florida bank account to someone else’s bank account in California.
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Someone hacked Doug’s account and almost siphoned his retirement cash. Lucky for Doug, he caught it in time. Doug later learned that his hacked account probably stemmed back to a data security breach with a popular website. A security breach occurs when private information, that you have willingly entered into a website’s database, is unintentionally made available to the public. Information like your email address, password, name, address, phone number, date of birth, credit card information, and more, could be included in the exposed data. Doug wasn’t sure how much of his personal information leaked out. Doug was very selective about the
websites in which he became a member. That didn’t matter. It turns out that Doug’s was one of millions of personal accounts exposed in a single website data breach. As careful as he was, Doug made one big commonly made mistake. He used the same email address and password for all his online accounts. When his password was exposed from this one website breach his other online accounts, where he used the same email address and password, were at risk. Doug thought he was employing safe online practices, and for
the most-part he was. All it took was one little “chink in the armor” of a trusted website to potentially create a major financial headache for Doug. After talking with Doug,
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I realized how much of a need there is to help folks become more proactive with their internet safety. Unfortunately, many people find out every day that they have become a victim of internet crime. Cyber security should not be a reactionary afterthought. Everyone needs to better posture their internet presence. Becoming safety aware is the first step. Therefore, I have decided to expand my company’s offerings by adding a partner to our Cyber Security Team where we can assist folks with improving their online safety practices. We now offer an “Email Risk Check” of your email address to let you know if it has been detected in a major security breach. There is normally a fee to perform this service. However, through April 30, 2019 we are offering it as a FREE service to help promote internet safety awareness. If we find that your email address has not been breached, then there is no charge and you’re good to go. If we detect a breach you may then opt, for an additional fee, to have us further research it and provide you with a detailed written “Email Risk Check Report.” This report will advise you who had the breach and what information of yours may have been exposed on the internet. We also offer private sessions with our Cyber Security Consultant to review your current internet safety practices, give you the tools to create and remember unique passwords for all your websites, and provide additional internet safety information to your family. I urge you to take advantage of our FREE “Email Risk Check” before April 30, 2019. Remember, there is no charge unless your email address has been detected in a breach AND
you want us to further research any breach we detect. Have the following information ready when you call: full name, full address, phone number and the email address you want us to check. It costs you nothing to find out. Just call us at 727-5344000 before April 30, 2019. 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 727-5344000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!
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