Vol. 13, Issue 02, February 2020
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
Korkis Insurance: Comprehensive Solutions for Your Financial Needs Insurance, Investing, Real Estate, Financial & Tax Planning By: Kelly Stuart Williams, MA The mantra that characterizes Korkis Insurance is expressed by Baskal Korkis as, “I’m driven by the idea that if you are going to do something, be great at it.” And GREAT is how many clients describe their experience with Baskal Korkis on Google Reviews: Tom Martin wrote, “We always appreciate the great service we get from this agency. We’ve been customers for a few years now and have been pleasantly
surprised by how efficient and friendly everyone who works there is. I called one day about a year ago during lunch hours and after three rings, Baskal Korkis answered the phone! I was shocked! So, the customer service excellence starts with the owner and trickles down throughout the organization. When the owner covers the phones at lunch, you know he cares about the business. He also spent a lot of time with me explaining ways to get some discounts. (much appreciated) Today I got a call from Chris following up on my
See “Korkis Insurance” on page 26
Stretch Rx Provides Solutions to Chronic Pain and Tightness, New Classes and Private CBD Line By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Stretch Rx Founder Ronda Musca wants the community to go through 2020 feeling wonderful. From adolescents to senior citizens, health benefits abound at Stretch Rx. After noticing that people were experiencing chronic pain with limited options for pain management, Ronda Musca opened Stretch Rx to fill a void and offer an alternative approach to feeling better, no prescription required. With a degree in Physical Science and Health Management and years of fitness
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor..............................5 Anne Frank’s Stepsister..................8 Rizzotto Wealth Management...10-11 La Mirage Beauty Salon..........12-13 Kentucky Transplant Transforms Wedding Events...........................14 National Rejuvenation Centers...16-17 La Bella Legacy........................18-19 Tech Talk with Bob...................20-21 SAT & ACT Improvement........22-23
See “StretchRX” on page 28
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Did you know that the month of February has a leap day?
February 29, is added to the calendar during leap years. This extra day makes 2020 366 days long—not 365 days, like a common year. The next leap day is February 29, 2020. The last leap day was on February 29, 2016!
Hail, Caesar!
Roman general Julius Caesar implemented the first leap day in his Julian Calendar, which he introduced in 45 BCE. A leap day was added every four years. At the time, the leap day was February 24, and February was the last month of the year.
Tradition and Folklore
Leap day as a concept has existed for more than 2000 years and it is still associated with age-old customs, folklore, and superstition. One of the most wellknown traditions is that women propose to their boyfriends, instead of the other way around. Does the movie “Leap Year” with Amy Adams ring any bells? When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal, Anna (Amy Adams) decides to take action. Aware of the superstitions and Celtic traditions that allow women to pop the question on Feb. 29, she plans to follow her lover to Dublin and propose. I personally don’t think I have the guts to propose to a man, but kudos to those brave and courageous ladies that pop the question themselves.
All About The Heart
The month of February has long been synonymous with tender heart shapes and the sensual color of red—thanks to the annual celebration of Valentine’s Day. But February isn’t just for friends and lovers. It also reminds us to take care of our heart and consider our risk factors, because February is Heart Disease Awareness Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. My father Julio Cesar, named after the Roman General, was only
62 years old when he passed away unexpectedly from a fatal heart attack on my living room floor 2 years ago, but it hurts like it happened just yesterday.
Don’t Wait
Your risk of heart disease increases as you get older but believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. The good news? Some risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable when people make healthy lifestyle choices. Some risk factors for cardiovascular disease include; obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol or diabetes. So, if you want to stay on top of your health and try to avoid the risk of heart disease, there are a few things you can do. Starting with not smoking, but if you’re already a smoker try your best to quit. If you are being treated for high blood pressure and cholesterol do your best to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Next, make heart-healthy decisions. Eat whole foods that are low in trans-fat, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat. Condiment your proteins with spices instead of salt. When you’re preparing a meal, make sure to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables instead of carbohydrates. Finally, get moving! Living a sedentary lifestyle will put you at a much greater risk for heart disease. Try to get in at least 20 minutes of physical activity 4-5 days a week, then build from there. Manage your stress levels. Stress is linked to heart disease in many ways. It can raise your blood pressure. Extreme stress can be a “trigger” for a heart attack. Make sure you get enough sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may raise your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Those three things can raise your risks for heart disease.
Until next time,
Carla Selby
6 FEBRUARY 2020
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Historic evening with Anne Frank’s Stepsister. Eva Schloss to Speak in New Port Richey Humanity shines most brightly through our collective experiences, and through the recounting of personal stories that teach to spread Hope, Tolerance, and Love On Monday, March 23, Mrs. Eva Schloss will share her experiences as the childhood friend and step sister of Anne Frank, including accounts of the publishing of Anne’s famed diary. The presentation will take place at the Center for the Arts River Ridge at 7:00 pm and will be suitable for people of all ages including teens. Families of all faiths are invited to attend. This is a special opportunity to hear a first-hand account from someone whose life intersected with one of the most compelling figures in our history. Chabad of West Pasco is honored to host the event. Tickets are available at: www.ChabadWP.com/AnnFrank Date: March 23, 2020 - See below for more details of the event. In 1938, Germany invaded Austria, causing many Jewish families to flee Austria to avoid persecution. Among the emigrants was 8-year old Eva Geiringer, who with her mother, brother, and father moved first to Belgium and then to Holland, where one of her neighbors was a German Jewish girl of the same age named Anne Frank. Anne and Eva became friends and playmates (though, as Eva would say many years later, Anne was “much more grownup and mature than me”). They passed the time by skipping, playing hopscotch and marbles, and drinking lemonade that Anne’s mother prepared. Ultimately, both Anne and Eva; along with their families, were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Later Anne and Eva would become stepsisters.
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Eva survived her concentration camp experience and made her way to England, where she married Zvi Schloss and raised three daughters. She worked as a studio photographer and ran an antique shop. Anne Frank did not survive Auschwitz, but she kept a diary that did. Since 1985, Eva Schloss has devoted herself to holocaust education and global peace. She has recounted her wartime experiences in more than one thousand speaking engagements. She has written two books and has had a play written about her life. In 1999 Eva signed the Anne Frank Peace Declaration along with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the niece of Raul Wallenberg, a legendary figure who rescued thousands of Jews in Budapest. Eva joins many courageous individuals who work tirelessly to end the violence and bigotry that continue to plague our world. Eva’s story is powerful and difficult to imagine, yet her insightful message reminds us that life is precious and fragile; that the creative spirit is stronger than fear, that the power of good is immeasurable, and that love makes all the difference. Event Info: Monday, March 23, 2020 at 7:00pm Center for the Arts River Ridge - 11646 Town Center Rd. NPR www.ChabadWP.com/ AnnFrank Ticket prices are $15 if booked by March 1, $18 if booked thereafter. A 10% discount applies to groups of 10+. A Sponsor VIP package, featuring priority seating, a private reception & cocktail party with Mrs. Schloss is also available. Call the center for more details 727-376-3366 For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
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Rizzotto Wealth Management
As the 2019 tax return deadline approaches, it is a perfect time for those ages 60 or older to take advantage of a $99 fee to have their income taxes prepared with a company that is trusted for going the extra mile for its clients. Rizzotto Wealth Management, formerly Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group, extends their $99 flat-rate fee for federal returns (state returns are included if applicable) to Active & Retired Military, First Responders, Government Employees and Educators of any age. If you don’t fit into one of the mentioned categories, give them a call to inquire about their special pricing. Through changing tax environments, it
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is crucial to work with a firm that is up to date on policy and can help you navigate through the stressful tax season ahead. All tax returns are prepared by one of the firm’s Senior Tax Preparers or IRS Enrolled Agents. Their preparers have an average of 20 years in the business and are ready to help you with all of your income tax needs. At Rizzotto Wealth Management you will find a team of Investment, Tax & Legal Experts. They specialize in educating their clients on subjects such as: how to preserve your assets, how to diversify your portfolio for growth and safety and how to create more income for retirement while reducing your taxes. They have expanded to
include additional Investment Advisory services and are committed to assisting their clients every step of the way when it comes to Investing, Retirement, Income Planning and Taxes. The firm is committed to providing exemplary service while displaying the highest standards of ethics and professional knowledge. They are approved members of the National Ethics Association and the National Association of Tax Professionals. Rizzotto Wealth Management’s main objectives are to help you Plan, Invest, and Protect. This goes beyond just the tax side of their business. They work with clients to develop an overall plan that encompasses
your entire financial picture, taking the time to establish a deep understanding of your financial needs in order to find the best investment strategy for you. With the start of the new decade, they want to make sure you are properly positioned for what is ahead. Meet the Rizzotto Team Ed Rizzotto, Founder and Managing Partner, moved to Florida 47 years ago from New York, grew up in Pinellas County and has been a Trinity resident since 2000. A graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Ed also served
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Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship and has been with the team over a year. Their team of IRS enrolled agents and qualified tax preparers have an average of over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and tax law and are ready to assist you with all of your tax preparation needs.
Nic Ranocchia (left; Managing Partner) and Ed Rizzotto (right; Founder and Managing Partner) both active and reserve duty for 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He started his Financial career over 20 years ago. In 1999, he joined a local retirement planning firm, where he helped hundreds of people with tax and retirement planning for over six years. Ed Rizzotto enjoyed the opportunity to benefit the community, and was determined to create a complete local business where he could help clients (both pre-retirees and current retirees) save money on their taxes, better manage their portfolios, plan for the future and focus more on enjoying their retirement years – and The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group was established in 2006. In 2018 Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group expanded by offering additional Investment Advisory services. Along with these new services came a new name and look. In 2019 Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group officially rebranded as Rizzotto Wealth Management. Ed holds
state-regulated Life & Health licenses and specializes in retirement planning and tax reduction strategies. Nic Ranocchia, Managing Partner, is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Nic is a financial advisor who takes pride in digging into clients’ portfolios and making suggestions that make sense based on data and trends. He also brings a modern approach to the table using the latest technologies available to ensure all information is considered before a decision is made. With these techniques, Nic has been able to help many clients reach their financial goals. Together, Ed and Nic work efficiently as a team to serve their clients financial needs as a whole. He is securities licensed and registered with FINRA as an Investment Advisory Representative and specializes in managed brokerage accounts. Lorrie Rizzotto, Director
of Operations, joined the firm in 2009. Prior to joining Ed in running their family business, Lorrie specialized in corporate incentive and meeting planning, and worked at Allstate’s Regional Florida office for 11 years before becoming an Independent Meeting Planner with HelmsBriscoe, where she achieved “President’s Club” status being Top 50 in the country. Married for 30 years, Lorrie and Ed have two children. Ed and Lorrie have a great team at Rizzotto Wealth Management. Dori Greeson, Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, also referred to as “The Vice President of First Impressions”, gives everyone a warm reception, oversees the day to day office operations and the coordination of tax season. Lauren Schafer, Marketing Coordinator, oversees their marketing functions. She is a graduate from the University of
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They go beyond just taxes Many members of the community have grown to know and trust the firm as a tax service, but their services stretch far beyond just taxes. With their expansion, they are now able to serve your financial needs as a whole, even better than before. Rizzotto Wealth Management is guided by your goals and objectives and are not obligated to any single product or company. They look at your complete financial picture in order to serve as your single source for all of your financial needs. Through all phases of life, the Rizzotto Wealth Management team can help you establish the appropriate portfolio to help you pursue your financial goals. Rizzotto Wealth Management is committed to assisting their clients every step of the way, whether you’re looking for something with higher growth potential or safety they’ve got you covered! To schedule a tax consult or complimentary financial review, please call 727.683.9119. Fee based financial planning and investment advisory services are offered through Truvestments Capital, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
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La Mirage Beauty Salon - OLGA IS BACK! By Carla Dubis Tedeschi It’s official! Olga Boudreau, longtime and well respected Palm Harbor Hair Stylist and educator, is BACK! After a 6 year absence, in order to take care of her husband who passed away from cancer in 2017. The previous owners went out of business in September, 2019. Olga decided to return to LaMirage with the help of her son Domenic and her magnificent team! LaMirage is back in business! “I’m so glad to hear that La Mirage was finally re-opened by Olga!” says Minna S. “There’s no other salon I trusted going to. Olga’s extensive training, creativity and wealth of knowledge are unsurpassed in all areas of hair, skincare, and nails. With extensive education and training at some of the best beauty academies in Europe, and with
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over two decades of experience in all things beauty related, you couldn’t ask for a more experienced and dedicated professional to leave you look-
ing and feeling beautiful! This majestic, amazing salon caters to both men and women and has been a longstanding staple in Tampa
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Bay. Some renovation projects for the Spa and Massage areas are in the works, but I have no doubt that under Olga’s passionate leadership, La Mirage Beauty Salon will soon take its rightful place as one of the best Beauty Salons and Spas in the country! The professional stylists at La Mirage are readily available for all of your hair care needs, such as haircuts
and coloring processes. From sassy and sexy to reserved and professional. The Nail treatment choices are endless, Skincare treatments are unparalleled. The best selection of beauty and cosmetic products at this establishment will meet or even exceed your expectations. “I have been going to Olga and La Mirage Beauty Salon since she and her husband built this luxurious salon over 21 years ago,” says regular, Mary C. “Her staff has been working with her between 15 and 20 years! All Master hairstylists educated by Olga herself in all areas of hairstyling including; highlighting, foils, color, cutting, Brazilian blowouts, and modern trends. Olga uses
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the best product lines offered to keep your hair healthy and luxurious. Redken, Pureology, Ola Plex, Deva Curl, It’s a 10, and Moroccan Oil to name a few. With the products Olga has personally selected for me, my frizz is gone! I love how silky my hair has become! Anyone of the stylists at La Mirage is simply outstanding. You will love the energy and feeling of being welcome when you walk through the door. Everyone is smiling, happy and laughing. La Mirage also offers Facials, Microdermabrasion, waxing, lash tinting, lash perms, All nail services, Manicures/pedicures, including Acrylics, Gels and, dips. Conveniently located at 3730 Tampa RD #3621, Palm Harbor, Fl 34684. La Mirage Beauty Salon always accepts walk-ins for all beauty services and treatments, but appointments are highly encouraged. Please call La Mirage at 727-7549551 and schedule your next visit today!
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Kentucky Transplant Transforms Wedding Events Cassie Thomas found her passion in life after a successful though uneventful banking career. Armed with a customer service and business background, Cassie has become an expert in wedding event sales and planning in her dream job as Event Director at Ace Golf, two family-owned golf clubs including Wentworth and Crescent Oaks Golf Clubs. In just 3 years, Cassie has organized over 200 Wedding Events at the two popular EastLake-area Golf Clubs and at Carrollwood Country Club. “I chose Wentworth and Crescent Oaks because of their two very different, beautiful reception venues. Also, as local, familyowned businesses, I have a lot more latitude to be creative and provide exceptional service”, says Thomas. Membership is not required to hold a wedding or event at either club, and the cost compares favorably with hotel
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and other venues. Wentworth offers a stately, upscale English Manor Clubhouse and Veranda. Crescent Oaks is a larger, Mediterranean style banquet facility with sweeping golf course views and a new outdoor event pavilion. Cassie helps brides plan their weddings with her positive demeanor, creativity, and
attention to detail. “I genuinely have a love for people, especially newly engaged couples. Building relationships and delivering unparalleled customer service in the events industry is what keeps me going”, says Cassie. A true Floridian at heart, Cassie was born in Northern Kentucky and then moved to Florida in 2010. She loves walks
on beaches with her fiancé Randy and loves her two adopted Pomeranians. Prior to joining Crescent Oaks, Cassie was a personal business banker for Wells Fargo Bank for six years. While working at Wells Fargo, Cassie helped hundreds to reach their financial goals. She now helps clients reach their event and wedding goals. Those considering a wedding or other event are invited to meet with Cassie for a tour and to exchange ideas. She is at Crescent Oaks Golf Club at 3300 Crescent Oaks Boulevard in Tarpon Springs, off East Lake Road a mile north of Tarpon (Keystone) Avenue. Her phone number is 727 937-4653 x31. For more information on Crescent Oaks, go to crescentoaksgolf. com. For more information on Wentworth, contact Caroline Carrozza at 727 942-4760 x31 or go to wentworthgolfclub.org.
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World Record Holder Increases His Drive with National Rejuvenation Centers
Ryan Winther By Ethan Lichtenberg Long Drive Champion and world-record holder for the fastest club swing ever recorded (227 miles per hour!), Ryan Winther, was tired. His motivation for competing, training, and business ventures were dwindling. The days of appearing on the Golf Channel driving a ball through their distance simulator to the amazement of the hosts and crew seemed distant. Although still in shape, Ryan was not as strong and was putting on body fat despite a healthy diet. Ryan’s co-host on NBC sports, “Driven” golf show, Charlie Zamora, took notice. He knew former Olympic weight-lifting champion, Jeff Wittmer, who is the business manager for National Rejuvenation Centers, St. Louis. He heard about the success of their protocols with Rejuvenation Medicine – the combination of bio-identical hormone optimization, personalized exercise, and nutrition protocols. Ryan agreed that
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something had to be done to get his drive back and called Jeff, who recommended that Ryan seek treatment from the founder of rejuvenation medicine, and author of the best-selling book “Rejuvenation; Real People, Real Results” Dr. Bartley Kerr at National Rejuvenation Centers in Palm Harbor. This was a pivotal and personal moment for Ryan. Still, he felt it necessary for others to see what he was going through and devoted an entire episode of “Driven” to his experience at NRC with Dr. Kerr. (The episode can be seen on NBC sports or YouTube https://youtu.be/ tBCNqjiFocI ). Initial blood work was reviewed, and it was found that not only was his testosterone low, but his cholesterol was also terrible. A plan was formulated for Ryan by Dr. Kerr and his medical team to not only get his drive distance back but to get his cholesterol under control and get “his drive for life” back. It worked! After only eight weeks,
Ryan’s Total Cholesterol dropped almost 200 points from 349 to 166, his triglycerides dropped from 233 to 66, and his HDL “good cholesterol” rose 13 points from 30 to 43! “The energy and mood elevation is incredible!” says Ryan. “I am enjoying training again, and my head is clear, and I am focused. I am motivated again to set some big records! Most importantly, I am healthy as my cholesterol is back in line without taking cholesterol medication, and my health insurance dropped my premiums thirty dollars a month!” “Hormone optimization is part of the puzzle, but Rejuvenation Medicine also focuses on the nutrition requirements of the patient and appropriate exercises to fit the patient’s needs,” says Dr. Kerr. “We revamped Ryan’s weight-lifting routine to focus not only on traditional strength movements but functional golf-swing specific movements as well to offer more clubhead speed and flexibility.
The nutrition component was tailored to Ryan’s need to maintain muscle mass and get slightly leaner. It is nice to see Ryan happy, recharged, and energetic!” National Rejuvenation Centers now has two locations: one in Palm Harbor, Florida, and one in St. Louis, Missouri. Hormone optimization therapy is much simpler than you might imagine. When a person is in their twenties, everything seems to be synced up both physically and mentally. But as you get older, age begins to take a toll. It appears that young people have an unfair advantage in life. As you get older, you begin to hit a wall. Dr. Kerr says most of his patients explain the feeling as “blah.” If you’re a male or female over the age of thirty-five, the chances are that you know this feeling. You don’t necessarily feel terrible, but you don’t feel as good as you could either. NRC provides middle age and older patients the hormone values of those healthy twenty-
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year-olds, who rarely get sick, have high metabolisms, and get results when they work out in the gym! These hormone levels are what Dr. Kerr refers to in his book as “optimal” levels. Your first visit with Dr. Kerr will be an in-depth health history and discussion with Dr. Kerr, and a medical examination will be performed by one of NRC’s doctors or nurse practitioners. Blood work is ordered to determine health and hormone deficiencies. After the results come back, Dr. Kerr and his team at NRC develop a plan to get your hormones in balance with hormone optimization therapy. Once these hormones are back to the way they should be, he recommends a personalized nutrition plan and exercise programs. Within five weeks, most patients return to him feeling
the way they did when they were in their twenties, and many feel even better. Their blood profiles usually change for the positive, body fat is reduced, and muscle is generally increased, and the mood is elevated! Dr. Kerr told me, “the best part is that it doesn’t take working out countless hours and eating next to nothing! Because these men and women have the optimal hormone levels of athletic twenty-year-olds, but also have the muscle fibers of a person over forty, long hours in the gym are counter-productive. The majority of NRC’s patients exercise no more than three and a half hours a week with specific methods to maximize outcomes from their training.” He goes on to say, “People are often shocked by how much food they can eat while losing body fat on the program.
Dr. Bartley Kerr, owner and founder, National Rejuvenation Centers They have to realize that since their hormones are optimal and they are exercising, they have to eat similar to athletes at the training table. Their metabolisms may be the best they have ever been, and healthy exercising adults need
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the fuel to keep them fit and healthy! Even better, hormone optimization will not break the bank and is more affordable than ever! Many people spend more each month on vitamins than NRC’s patients spend on their prescriptions! If you are tired, gaining weight, lost your libido, feel a loss of motivation, or just feel “off,” Rejuvenation Medicine may be right for you. Get your “drive” back, like long drive champion Ryan Winther, and be a champion in life! Call National Rejuvenation Centers today! National Rejuvenation Centers, LLC is located at 34278 U.S. Hwy 19 N. Palm Harbor, Fl 34648. Call 727785-5652, or visit www.nrcenters.com
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Senior Thriving not just Surviving at La Bella Legacy Florida may be the Mecca for Senior retirement, but it certainly is not the honey pot of resources for older adults who reach a time in life when they fall between the cracks of living independent, active and alone and those who may need a care model such as assisted living or even private duty home care. Many seniors are still healthy enough to enjoy active programs and social opportunities but don’t know where to turn or have yet to realize the answer for boredom, socialization, friends, fun, great food and purposeful days is here! The opportunity to build a new story to their life journey is here and has been since September of 2018. No one wants to speed up the aging process, so “La Bella Legacy Senior Day Program and Social Club” was built in 2018 by William and Janice Lindmar to deliver an active senior program that focuses on not only the physical aspect of delaying aging, but also the cognitive, social, sensory and lifestyle domains of life. A family owned and operated country club, non-institutional style, social club center Located in Trinity, Florida in Pasco County but servicing seniors in surrounding counties of Hernando, Pinellas with transportation options; La Bella Legacy has broken the Blueprint for Senior Social Programs and the stereotypical licensed “Adult Day Care”. The 2019 Trinity “Best of the Best” Award winning Day program and A+ rated and accredited business with the West Coast of Florida Better Business Bureau, is continuously developing a non-cookie cutter approach to its Program with state of the art amenities and active, engaging, and stimulating activities that even offer daily prizes such as Cash, Lottery tickets and a stash of amazing gifts like jewelry, perfume, colognes, mystery gifts and gift cards, La Bella Legacy Senior Day Program is quickly becoming a community and household name due to the incredible 5 star reviews on every media outlet, including their active Facebook page, their google business page and the Better Business Bureau. .The family behind this golden opportunity for seniors has over 40 combined years’ experience in the industry. Owners William and Janice Lindmar wanted something
more for families to consider when it came to looking for help for their aging loved ones. Coupled with their own personal experience with aging loved ones,, they knew exactly what they didn’t want when it came to establishing their business. “Smack in the middle of our careers, we knew we could do it better,” William said. He and Janice originally entered the elder care field as a result of their own experiences with their own family. Over the years, William and Janice worked their way up the senior living career ladder. They realized, the higher level the position, the less contact they had with the people they wished to serve. After many years of planning, they opened a senior social center that would have been exactly what they preferred to have had for their own family when they needed it. La Bella Legacy is an active senior day program that is designed to change the landscape of daytime senior care and socialization options. You won’t find members just sitting around in this modern 3,000 SF facility. If they are sitting, it’s likely because they are engaged in their daily senior specialized chair fitness and strengthening programs such as Zumba, Strength and Agility Training and evening light weights class, intense cognitive sessions or a specialized therapeutic breakout program for those members who may have some short term memory loss. Members range in age from 66 to a very active 95. This groundbreaking program caters to seniors that are just seeking companionship and socialization as well as
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those who may have a mild memory loss, however every member is active, social and ready for days filled with fun, entertainment, outings, catered meals and a sense of living and loving life each day. An all-inclusive social club offering various full or part time schedules with no long term contract commitments and a simple membership Plan that’s easy to understand and actually affordable, especially for those needing full time and daily services makes La Bella Legacy the Premier option for daytime senior fun and safety. Safety is always at the top the list. “If we feel that the program might be too much for a member, we let the family know,” William said. “Keeping seniors engaged and participating in activities and social opportunities is key to enabling them to continue to be active and enjoy their time spent at La Bella. Staying at home all day, in front of a television or alone, can sometimes hasten their ability to maintain good mental and physical health”. “Every detail was considered when it came to designing our center,” William advised. Each lounge is visible from around the center and easily accessible to everyone. They even have a boutique movie theater complete with leather recliners and a popcorn machine! A large open area in the middle offers a place to enjoy bowling, corn hole and fitness! When it’s time for a little rest, members can take a breather in the relaxation lounge, thumbing through magazines that date back to the 1920’s or go for a massage in the TITANPOD chair located in the exclusive Sensory Suite. Mem-
bers listen to all music genres from the Juke Box in the Gaming and Music Pub or try their luck at slots, poker, shuffleboard competitions and so much more. From Jeopardy Challenges and exciting competitions for prizes to Cash winning BINGO and Crafty Creations, the social
and physical activity never ends at La Bella Legacy! Whether a modest introvert or an outgoing extrovert, there is something for everyone Janice advised their program is one of the most affordable on the market and has the research to back that claim. If
their program isn’t a right fit for you, they will help you find the right match. “We want to be a resource for all families who need help, even if we can’t be the answer,” Janice stated. La Bella Legacy is located at 2051 Little Road in Trinty’s Premier Medical Center. Call
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727-267-4051 today as their is limited membership availability. Also, Find them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/labellalegacy for photos, videos and reviews. It’s a New Year, Why not Try a New View of Life with friends, fun and Great Food!
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Tech Talk with Bob: Is Your Router Protecting You? When digital connections replaced analog connections, communication became faster and cheaper. You could simultaneously connect more than a couple hundred devices for the cost of about two or three phone lines, and they ran approximately 15 times faster than you could get from a single analog dialup phone line connection. This had a tremendous affect on the communications industry. You saw it was happening. Remember years back when you could, all of a sudden, call anywhere in the country anytime for one low monthly rate? What happened to all of those long-distance phone charges we used to dread when we opened our phone bill? Digital technology replacing analog technology has changed the communication industry forever; not just in the convenience of the faster speeds and lower
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phone bills, but also in the way you need to protect yourself online. The digital technology our computers/phones/tablets we now use in our homes or offices have a central communication point, the router. The device we call the router or wirelessrouter (wifi-router) actually contains multiple devices that perform various functions for your network. One of these
functions is the potential to keep you protected from people and other machines that want to invade your network connection without your knowledge. Sometimes it is a cheapskate neighbor not wanting to pay for their own internet connection and sometimes it might be a cyber criminal preying on your unprotected network to use it for nefarious activities. Most routers are designed to work right out of the box. The router manufacturer wants your setup to be quick and simple. Although the router is configured to work out of the box, it is not configured, out of the box, to keep you safe. Creating a safer network and internet environment is your responsibility. A responsibility that unfortunately many people overlook mainly because they are unaware that they even need to do it. Some think that
just because their router is doing everything they want it to do (provide internet access) that they just assume that it is doing all the things they need it to do. Including keeping them safe. Often times people assume that their internet service provider (ISP) will keep them safe online. That is a dangerous assumption. Remember, your ISP’s job is to provide you with internet access, not protect your network. You don’t typically select your ISP and router by the safety they can provide. Selection is usually based on price and speed (watch any of the TV ads trying to get your ISP dollars). And it stands to reason, that when you select an ISP and install a router you’re interested in how well it provides you internet service not how it protects you. How many times have you purchased a car because you liked the seatbelts and airbags?
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Some ISPs may offer a token form of protection like a free antivirus program. In the old days of dialup internet connections antivirus was enough. Today’s digital world requires more protection than a wifi password and antivirus software. Routers can be configured to keep you safer online. Knowing how to configure them and actually taking the time to do it can be a bit of a chore. And to do it right, does require a certain degree of expertise. I highly recommend that you seek a cyber security professional for help with this particular project. Protecting access to your network is a critical component to your online safety. Criminals will exploit the easy,
unprotected systems. Please do not neglect hardening the security on the device that is your gateway to the internet, your router. Be Safer Online! 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.
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: WINTER AND SPRING By Dr. Wayne Adams I want to start by sharing with you about a nice Email I received in December from the parent of a student I tutored last spring as a junior. Her daughter was been selected a month ago by Princeton (#1 in the country) for Early Admission, one of only two students in that private high school to gain early admission to an Ivy. Later, we talked about my guide titled Negotiating with Colleges that each of my students receives as part of my prep courses. Yesterday we talked again about how going to Princeton might be less expensive than going to UF with 100% Bright Futures. You can also find out by going to collegescoreboard.com. Recently I received an Email from another student. She wrote, “I just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, this score would not have been possible (qualified for 75% Bright Futures). Now I see that if we had a bit more time I am capable of doig much
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more. I’ve been busy with classes and work, but I wanted to let you know that I did it!” About this time each year most applications have been submitted to colleges, so the focus of seniors turns to qualifying for Bright Futures Scholarships if they will be in Florida (or as a
negotiating tool for out-of-state colleges or private colleges in Florida). We call this “dialing for dollars” (lol). Seniors have until the last SAT in the spring (June 6) or last ACT in the spring (June 13) to achieve their qualifying scores. Many juniors start seriously thinking about preparing for and taking these exams to achieve their best scores. Some are thinking about “Top 25” colleges and honors programs at UF and other Florida schools, which require high scores. Others are not sure where they want to go at this time, but want to see just how well they can do. Everyone should be aware that next year the SAT minimum qualifications for Bright Futures Scholarships are going up: the100% from 1290 to 1330, and the 75% from 1170 – 1210. At the same time, the ACT 100% is staying the same at 29, and the 75% is dropping from 26 to 25. All parents are interested in possible scholarships, and are delighted when they hear me talk with their student
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about what Bright Futures is really worth and how long their student would have to work at $20.00 an hour to earn that much money from a regular job … vs having the opportunity to study and qualify with our classes. Students’ eyes really “light up” when they reallize hitting the 75% ($18,000 level) or 100% ($24,000 level) can be within their reach. And qualifying can be like having a job paying $60.00 to $80.00 an hour after taxes – just to learn and to do their best! As Juniors and Sophomores start thinking more about college, and parents start thinking more about costs, here is an update on popular colleges in Florida, and some well known colleges in the Top 25. The sources are from and 1. College Scorecard and 2. US News and World Report. There are
many categories available for you, so here we will look at School, National Ranking (NR), Graduation Rate in 4 years (GR), and Average Net Cost (ANC). The average net cost is after all school, state, and/ or federal aid and includes room, board, tuition, fees, and books. In Florida, it includes the impact of Bright Futures. For this comparison, ANC is the range of estimated cost for a family with an income of $48,000 - $110,000 per year. Get ready for some surprises! Princeton (#1): GR 98%, ANC $$6,200 - $16,600; Harvard (#2) GR 98% ANC $3,400 - $15,000; Yale (#3) 97% ANC $7,000 - $13,000; UF (#34) GR 88% ANC $7,700 - 11,300; University of Miami (#57) GR 80%, ANC $19,700 $25,500, USF (#104) GR 72% ANC $12,500 - $16,400. The key is getting
admitted. The cost of attending can be far less than many realize, depending upon the situations, and sometimes actually less than going to a Florida school when everything is realistically considered! If you would like to talk more … Please contact 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 and Language, Reading, Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite for English, Math, Reading, and Science. They have been admitted to 5 of the “Top Five” universities in the country, “9 of the Top 10”, “18 of the Top 25”, and many schools in Florida. These include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford,
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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 - and Merchant Marine Service Academies, 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 Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He has tutored 3 national merit finalists. 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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“Korkis Insurance”story homeowner’s policy. He took care of everything we discussed and even called me back to let me know how things worked out, (like he said he would). I taught Customer Service for a large organization before I retired, and I’m not easy to impress! But people- THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS! BRAVO!” Beginning at the age of 18, Baskal Korkis was an entrepreneur who was fascinated with business and investing. By the time he was 23, he owned 23 apartments that required insurance. Korkis said that his encounters with insurance agents were frustrating—that they didn’t take the time to educate customers about options. What Korkis saw lacking was customer service, so Tom Martin’s Google Review is especially rewarding for Baskal who views
himself as a “client educator.” A native of the Greater East Lake Community, Korkis believes that a part of great customer service is reflecting the international community in which he lives and works. Korkis’s staff is comprised of experienced and cordial professionals who are multilingual. “My staff speaks English, Spanish, and Arabic, so they will be able to take care of you and answer all your questions in the language of your choice,” said Korkis. Another Google Reviewer wrote, “This Allstate agency has the most helpful and knowledgeable group of agents in Pinellas County. Chris, Marta, Daniel & Amanda have all been wonderful to work with. They make insurance make sense to everyday people. I highly recommend this agency for all insurance needs! They have great rates on life policies & a lot of no cost information on
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continued from page 1
financial services that I didn’t even know existed. Wonderful people!!” Aligned with being a “client educator,” Baskal Korkis has created a comprehensive agency that specializes in commercial insurance, financial services, life insurance, real estate, annuities and more. “Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for all
of our clients’ financial needs; when we’re discussing insurance, we often discuss overall financial planning, tax planning, wealth management, etc.” said Korkis. For services not directly provided by Korkis Insurance, Baskal Korkis refers clients to a team of subject matter experts and licensed advisors including attorneys, CPA’s, real estate agents, wealth managers, investment advisors, and financial planners. “The experts who we work with have been carefully selected and vetted, and we only refer our clients to professionals who we work with ourselves,” said Korkis. Since December of 2013, Korkis has been operating his companies based on the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” For Korkis, he learned as a young real estate investor, that many insurance providers do not provide the best rate, nor do they give clients
the most accurate information. That is the reason that Baskal Korkis has hired a team of excellent customer service specialists who always put the needs of the customer first. “We care about the people in our communities, and we do everything
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within our power to serve them to the best of our ability,” said Korkis. As an active member of the community, Baskal supports law enforcement and veterans’ organizations. He views the members of his community and his clients like members of his own family. Among many awards, Baskal Korkis has been recognized as a “Premier Allstate Agent,” a designation awarded to those agents who demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and knowledge about products and services with high customer satisfaction. Baskal Korkis encourages you to call him for all of your financial needs and questions. Follow him on Instagram where he has 113,000+ followers! In East Lake, his office is located at 3033 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite B1, Tarpon Springs, FL. For more information, call (727) 493-0125.
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“StretchRX”
story continued from page 1. and wellness expertise, Ronda opened her third fitness company, Stretch Rx, to provide alternative solutions to chronic pain, muscle tightness and poor balance. Stretch Rx is open seven days a week by appointment with locations in Palm Harbor, Westchase, and Naples. Stretch Rx practitioners and massage therapists stretch their clients back to feeling great in private rooms filled with soothing aromatherapy and soft music. Using a far-infrared heated ionic BioMat endorsed by The Pope that helps release serotonin, practitioners stretch the client’s body to improve range of motion and flexibility. When done correctly, therapeutic stretching and exercise can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, decrease pain, help with menstrual cramps and eliminate toxins, among others. “Negative ion therapy is perfect for cell regeneration. People with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and generalized pain feel amazing when they get off of this mat,” said Ronda. As a complement to these stretching and exercise services, Stretch Rx offers reflexology, massage therapy and ionic foot baths by professionals with at least twenty years of experience. During a reflexology session, the practitioner stimulates pressure points on the clients’ feet that target various organs in the body to promote blood circulation and detoxification. While clients relax in a massage chair, ionic foot baths pull out toxins from the body during a twenty-minute soak. At the close of the session, the color of the water indicates what toxins were removed from within the body. If the client wants a massage, Ronda and her team advise the massage therapists where the most work is needed. Small group Stretch classes of no
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more than 5 students are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:15 am to 9:00 am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm, costing only $15 per person. To participate, interested students must call to pre-register. “Our stretching classes are designed to be beneficial for all ages and levels of ability. If they can’t get on the floor, they just need to tell us because we’re grouping people of the same abilities and flexibilities.” For an older person seeking to maintain their strength, flexibility, and balance, Stretch Rx is a great place to feel comfortable. Unlike a gym where you have no way of knowing the level of experience of the person assigned to you, at Stretch Rx, the practitioners have years of experience, possess an exercise science-related degree and/ or massage-related license. Not only does Stretch Rx work with seniors, they also offer highintensity conditioning, cardiovascular core-strengthening, and rehabilitation exercising, using your body to do the work, instead of relying on gym equipment. “We don’t need to use any fancy equipment. The exercises that I do can be easily carried on at home.” In November 2019, Ronda further expanded her services, working with a manufacturer to perfect a small-batch CBD full-spectrum (.3% or under THC) topical salve that combined
the benefits of essential oils, cooling menthol and Arnica with the pain and inflammation relief of CBD that can be incorporated into a therapeutic stretching, reflexology, and massage session instead of lotion. Available CBD products are the Joint Jam® topical salve, Salt Buzz® bath salts, and Bubble Buzz® bubble bath. They are available for purchase on JointJamCBD.com or at Stretch Rx offices in Palm Harbor and Westchase. “We use organic essential oils, CBD made in the U.S. grown in small batches, third-party tested, which makes us different from what you’d find in many stores. These have added chemicals in them. Our CBD products are natural, without synthetic fillers. The real deal and they work.” An added benefit of the products’ use for pain and inflammation is skin relief. Ronda’s clients have seen dramatic reductions in psoriasis, splotched skin and crepe skin. Testimonial client photos are showcased on Joint Jam and Stretch Rx’s Facebook pages. Client Douglas Palamara said that his feet caused him extreme pain. Using the topical CBD in reflexology treatment gave him intense relief. “Between the ionic foot bath and CBD foot reflexology, it’s great. I used to have plantar fasciitis. I put my shoes on and walked out of here. I didn’t even notice any problems with my foot. Before that, I was going for about a year and a half getting cortisone shots from the foot doctor
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and it didn’t help. This worked.” To schedule an appointment, clients call and briefly explain any issues that they are experiencing. When they come to their first appointment, the practitioner reviews their health history, pain, accidents and zeroes in on the clients’ specific issues to create a wellness plan customized to their individual needs. “What I’m finding in combining modalities – traditional like exercise, stretching and massage with nontraditional BioMat, reflexology, ionic foot bath, and CBD – is just amazing. I want people to feel better and I want it to be done healthily. I love hearing what people say. When I hear that I changed lives, I feel such joy. I love giving my clients a way to feel good.” For more information about the Palm Harbor, Westchase, or Naples location, visit Stretch RxFlorida. com. Mention this ad to receive $5 off of your first session. Though Stretch RX does not take insurance,
its affordable rates are structured much like an insurance copay. They charge $35 for 30 minutes and $65 for an hour. Package rates are also available at a discount. To order CBD products or make an appointment seven days a week, email StretchRx@gmail.com or call 813-382-2363 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
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