sAt/Act

By Dr. Wayne Adams

Wow? Summer break has already started. Before we know it, high schools will be back in session in early August. How time flies, especially over the summer.

Upcoming Exams: ACT on Saturday July 16th and Saturday, September 10th; SAT on September 3rd and October 2nd; and PSAT on Wednesday October 15th.

More and more students prefer to prepare over the summer. Rising seniors want to see if their scores are high enough for desired colleges and universities (and for Bright Futures), rising juniors want to see how they would score plus preparing for the PSAT in mid-October, and many rising sophomores incorporate preparing for these exams as part of their longer term strategy to be admitted to the best university possible and seek to maximize scholarships.

Often when I talk with parents, they ask …

Question: “How do you keep my student’s attention for your normal three hour class?”

Answer: “That is not the problem. As your student will tell you, the problem is that the time goes by so fast.”

Question: “How do you motivate students to do their best?”

Answer: “When my students quickly see they can rapidly improve, they motivate themselves to see just how well they can do.”

Question: “Do you help students aim for a specific score or score range?”

Answer: “No, because I believe this adds too much pressure and is counterproductive. Instead, I ask them to do their best with the time and priorities they have … and the score will take care of itself. They also learn how to ‘have fun taking the test’, which sounds like words that should never come together but … as they will learn … really do and can greatly help with their mental outlook and test performance.”

Question: “What makes the difference in how different students score?”

Answer: “For my students, the factors are the academic preparation when they come to me, test-taking skills, special techniques that greatly help on the exam, how well they are guessing on testday, and ‘curve balls’ (those questions you seldom see but, when you do, you either know how to answer them or you are guessing). We have special preparations for these ‘curve balls’.”

Question: “Can you help with other areas of college admissions and costs?”

Answer: “Yes, and I have for years. This includes writing outstanding college application essays; key information for the ‘Top 25’ colleges and universities, ‘Five More’, and ‘Top 5’ in Florida; locations of very helpful web sites; and my guide Negotiating with Colleges that has helped my families save $1,000 to $10,000 a year in college costs.”

Question: “Do you have anything that can help my student get off to the best start as a freshman in college?”

Answer: “Yes, I have written a book about How To Can Survive and Thrive as a Freshman at a Secular University which I give to every family that has proven very helpful in parents and students preparing for the ‘college experience’ and then the student getting off to the best start.

If you would like to talk more with me about your student, please give me a call at 727-253-0639 or send an e mail at wwa0811@mykolab. com. Would be great to talk with you further.

Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve around 200 points on the revised Writing, Reading, and Math SAT superscore; and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 5 of the “Top 5”, 8 of the “Top 10” and 18 of the “Top 25” universities in the country, and many more 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, Naval - Air Force - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Palm Beach Atlantic, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He has also tutored three students who achieved National Merit Scholar Finalist awards. 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.

also punctual, trustworthy, and most importantly, caring. And now, it’s time to honor one very special and caring angel who helped make it all happen, Steve Insolia. Donna’s late husband Steve helped grow Donna’s Cleaning Angels to the huge success that it is today. Unfortunately, Steve passed away from Covid on Februrary 18th of 2021, leaving a void with Donna.

“You never told me how to live the rest of my life without you,” Donna says in Steve’s memory. “I honor you, I miss you, and I love you. My heart aches for your smiling face, and to hear your voice and laughter... He was spontaneous, creative, adventurous, funny, classy, and beautiful, just to name a few of his qualities,” she reminisces. While this past year has been unbelievably hard to bear, Steve’s angelic touch has been with Donna and her angels all the way. Donna continues to honor Steve by providing the best cleaning services possible with her team each and everyday. “Even though I have a broken heart, you will live on through me,” she says. I will be your voice and promise that I will never let anyone forget you...I keep going to make him proud.” Donna InsoliaFerrante was born into a mixed Italian and FrenchCanadian family up in New Hampshire, who were notoriously known for being hard workers. Her family’s dedication to their Italian restaurant of over 70 years helped teach her to have a strong work ethic in whatever she does. When Donna moved to Florida in 1991, she started cleaning houses as a side job. During this time, the inspiring entrepreneur was cleaning for an elderly woman on hospice, of whom she became close friends with. Donna soon gifted the older woman a beautiful crystal angel, and her friend then referred to her as her “Cleaning Angel.” And that’s how “Donna’s Cleaning Angels” got its wings!

Donna married “the love of her life,” Steve, in 1997, and his great business skills helped her employ 22 angels over time in the company. In addition, Steve lovingly started several other businesses for his wife, including Madam Butterfly Boutique and The Ten Dollar Store. The couple were active in many endeavors, including working at various flea markets and festivals throughout the state. As entrepreneurs with big hearts, Steve and Donna have trained their employees at Donna’s Cleaning Angels to work with the same positive attitude and dedication that they have shown. And as a result of the team’s hard work over the years, the angels have won the trust of their customers for doing “the job right the first time,” both openly and honestly. In fact, some of Donna’s clients have been using her for over 20 years! Diane Morris of Odessa was particularly pleased by the angels’ work, and wrote, “The girls work in teams, this way they have a lot more energy together. References and insurances provided per request. Her team brings their own supplies,” she said. “Donna herself returns my calls...I’m very pleased with this company, and understand why they’ve remained in business for so many years in this area. I have referred them to many people.” And many other happy clients agree! “I love the feeling of coming home to a sparkling clean home and Donna’s Cleaning Angels deliver every time!” JoAnne Peters of Palm Harbor rejoiced. As a true businesswoman, Donna enjoys getting to meet her clients while giving them

“A Magical Love Story Forever.”

Donna & Steve are married on December 27th, 1997

“When someone you love become a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” Donna and Steve together in 2020

a free consultation for their residences. Whether you need a deep-house cleaning or a regular cleaning, Donna’s angels will provide your home with the versatile tools needed to uncover your place’s natural shine. The experienced and welltrained angels perform every job with the finest cleaning products, including high-quality germ-killing chemicals, commercial grade vacuums, and much more. No matter the service or the situation, whether you need a last minute clean before you move out of your house, or a nice clean for your brand-new home before you move in, Donna’s Cleaning Angels are ready to help and do a thorough job. Or as they say, “We are obsessed with the details of clean!” Altogether, the impressive company serves a total of three counties, including Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas. Three decades later, the well-known cleaning service continues to shine brighter and brighter throughout the area, and it’s all a result of the great people who helped make it happen.

Steve made such an impact in so many people’s lives that Donna continues to share that same blessing every day with her community by providing the best in cleaning services. Donna’s Cleaning Angels’ ability to truly care for their clients brings heaven just a little closer to home. And now that one angel has already made it there, Donna honors him with these very words: “Thank you for giving me the most exciting life...Thank you for being my everything in life, Steve. Just know I am so grateful for all we had and did. You always told me that we were truly a magical love story and many people knew why that was so true…There will never be another Steve Insolia. Always know that I will love you forever and you are truly my magical love story. What a blessing you were to me...”

Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles would like to thank Donna and Steve for all of their support over the years. Dust your home-ownership worries away with Donna’s Cleaning Angels today! Call them now at (727) 942-8289. References provided upon request. As Steve would say, they really are “Simply The Best.”

“best friend” drives you crazy. “I can’t do this anymore!” You scream. Well, here comes the good news – help is available. Many dog owners, especially first-time puppy owners, find out that training a dog isn’t just a “walk in the park.” Luckily, the astounding dog trainers at Dogism, Oldsmar’s premier 7,000 + sq. ft. dog training and retail facility, are here to make your life easier – and even more fun!

You might wonder if anyone is capable of helping you with your “hopeless” dog. But it’s more than possible. Take it from fellow puppy owner and Local Guide Robert C. He writes, “Renee and Amy have been very patient working with my young dog and myself to help me develop the best relationship with my rather energetic dog. Renee has to be a ‘dog whisperer’ because when she speaks, the dogs listen.” And this is true. Renee understands the importance of “building that [good] relationship with your dog,” which is why she and her husband Jason opened Dogism in the first place. After spending several years competing in dog competitions with their own personal pups, Renee and Jason decided to create their own fun learning environment that wouldn’t be stressful. Now, on any given day, you can find happy dogs of all sizes and breeds ready to learn at Dogism.

So, where should you begin? Dogism’s programs will show you just where to go! If you’re thinking of adopting a puppy, or if you’re already the proud owner of a little pup, you’ll want to start with the Puppy Intensive to provide you with the best guidance on potty training, crate handling, and much more. However, if your puppy has already completed the intensive, or is older, check out Dogism’s S.T.A.R.(TER) Puppy program, which follows the AKC’s curriculum and teaches social connection for you and your furry friend. You’ll grow alongside your puppy as you learn how to connect with him or her, and have fun while doing it.

After your pup completes this program, he or she can move on to the Good Dog Manners course. This exciting, sixweek course is designed for dogs who are ready to learn good behaviors to apply in everyday life. While this course is as far as many doggies go, feel free to stick around and deepen you and your pet’s education with more advanced programs like the Advanced Manners CGC. You and your pup can go on to earn the prestigious Canine Good Citizen Certification as well. In fact, Renee and her trainers are certified in the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program, which is a well-respected chapter of the AKC. Dogism focuses on positive reinforcement in training, which means rewarding your dog whenever he or she behaves correctly. So, you’ll need something in hand to motivate your pooch with… like toys and treats! Remember to bring plenty with you to class, as well as “a lot of patience,” a good collar, harness, and leash. And if you’re running low on supplies, check out Dogism’s retail boutique, which is packed with trusted goodies and accessories. If you’re in the horrific process of losing your best friend, Dogism can help you through it. Whether you need help creating an “end-of-life journey” for your pup, handling tough decisions, or setting up a tribute or memorial, you can count on the caring staff at Dogism to be right there beside you. Additionally, you can also participate in companion-based “grief support,” where you can share your pain and experiences with other dog lovers.

Sometimes it’s hard enough just watching your aging golden retriever lie around the house all day.

Renee has a solution to that, too – bring him to “fungility!” These agility classes keep dogs of all ages and sizes active with new running path courses each time. Did you miss a class? No worries! You can check the schedule on the website to make sure you attend the right one for you. Stay tuned for new classes like Tricks and Fun Fur noses, as well. In addition, private lessons are available, whether they be onsite or in the comfort of your home. Is it bath time? Bring your doggy in for a wash with Dogism’s comfortable, back-friendly tubs. Renee and her staff know that spending time with your furry best friend should be “fun and easy,” so if you want to create a better relationship with a more obedient pet, then it’s time you head on over to Dogism. Your pup will thank you! :-)

Welcome to the “pawfect” place for your dog! Dogism is located at 110 Pine Ave S, Oldsmar, 34677. Call the experts today at (813)854-3647 to get started on your doggie training journey. Email them at contact@ yourdogism.com. Dogism is open Monday thru Wednesday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., and on Saturdays from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Training times are per schedule. Keep up to date with the schedule online at dogism.com, and follow Dogism on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/ yourdogism.