Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, East Lake, Vol. 12, Issue, 01 January 2019 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 12, Issue 01, January 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

Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design “Brings Your Dreams to Life’

By Thomas Bostock

“I HATE this kitchen! There isn’t enough storage or counter space to prepare a meal!” “Yeah, this bathroom was modern … in the 1970’s!” Does this sound like you? Is your tired kitchen or bathroom still stuck in the 70’s, with outmoded plumbing fixtures and appliances, in need of a facelift or even a

complete remodel? If you are not sure how or where to begin, why not see the experts at Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design? As their website promises, “We’re bringing your dreams to life!” Owner and founder of Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design, 4 years ago in February, Glenn Rumer, worked

See “Authentic Kitchens” on page 28

Start off 2019 feeling and looking great with Stretch Rx! By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

From two to ninety-two, many health benefits can be found for all ages at Stretch Rx. After noticing that people were experiencing chronic pain with limited options for pain management, Ronda Musca founded Stretch Rx to fill a void and offer an alternative approach to feeling See “Stretch RX” on page 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor..............................5 Florida Hospital Guardian of Excellence Award........................6-7 Medical Center of Trinity.........10-11 Bob the Computer Guy...........12-13 Rizzotto Tax & Advisory Group......................................14-15 Dr. Paula Nelson......................16-17 SAT/ACT Testing.....................18-19 Andre Lacroix BMX Star...........24-25

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As 2019 starts, many people around the world will be optimistically setting themselves New Year’s resolutions. According to a YouGov poll, the most common aspirations for the coming year in the U.S. are; to eat healthier get more exercise and save more money. Almost one third, perhaps being more realistic, answered that they never bothered with any resolutions. I used to set highly unattainable resolutions every year when I was in my early twenties, but that quickly changed. As I grew older, not being able to keep my highly unrealistic resolutions by February, March or even late January, increased my levels of anxiety and gave me terrible feelings of hopelessness, so I stopped. That does not mean I don’t set short-term and long-term goals for myself anymore; it just means that I stopped making unrealistic resolutions, and I stopped thinking of the New Year as a catalyst for sweeping all my die-hard habits and character traits. I started thinking that every new year we should focus more on reflecting on our past year’s behavior and promise ourselves to make small positive lifestyle changes, that will lead to a healthier and happier life. Often, what we don’t realize is that the problem isn’t that we aren’t capable of sticking to our resolutions— it’s that

we need to do a better job making resolutions that are actually achievable. Otherwise, it’s almost like setting yourself up to fall short. Change is hard, but not impossible. If you want to set yourself up for the best chance of success start by making smaller resolutions. You think: “I am going to get in the best shape of my life, I will not eat junk food ever again, I will work out five times a week, and get a promotion.” All great aspirations, but creating a resolution that is too big sets you up for failure. Are you going to be able to swear off french fries completely? Unlikely. Start by limiting your junk food cravings to only once every couple of weeks would be much more achievable. If you were someone who never worked out before, are you going to go to the gym five times a week? Start with two times, then after a month or two, raise it to three times a week, and so forth. Your body needs time to adjust to a new physical routine, and starting too strong will only cause you to feel overwhelmed, and you’ll be more likely to give up. Reassessing your goals throughout the weeks and months, it takes to get there is essential. We’re also more likely to achieve our resolutions when we make them public. Use social media to let all your close friends and relatives know of your goals and have them hold you accountable. That way it’s harder to back out!

Celebrate small successes. I cannot stress that enough! I always had unrealistic goals about my weight. I would say: “I want to lose 40lbs!” But I would beat myself up for only losing 5. Any weight loss is progress! So don’t feel discouraged. If your focus is just on the endgame, it’s easy to feel hopeless and to want to give up. Rather than waiting until you’ve shed all the weight, give yourself a “Yay, me!” celebration each time you drop 5! Remember that it’s only HUMAN to slip up, as long as you get back on track! Having a lapse is more common than you think. In fact, over 75 percent of resolution makers slop up within the first two months. Some get so upset that they completely give up. But that will not be you! Acknowledge your screw up but get right back on track. Figure out a way of preventing it from happening again. Just whatever you do, don’t give up and believe in yourself! Reaching that goal weight, developing better eating habits, or getting into a regular fitness routine are all healthy lifestyle changes that are worth sticking with for more than just a few months. Those good habits should not have a deadline; they should be a lifelong commitment. Good luck!

Carla Selby

Florida Hospital Receives National Honor for Patient Experience Two Tampa Bay area locations received the 2018 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award

Florida Hospital, soon to be AdventHealth, has announced Florida Hospital Palm Harbor Emergency Room and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently received the 2018 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® for achieving and sustaining excellence in the category of patient experience. The award for both emergency and inpatient services is measured through random, voluntary patient surveys and the scores are measured against hundreds of hospitals and emergency rooms across the country. This is the first time Florida Hospital Palm Harbor ER has received the honor. “Our Palm Harbor ER is specifically designed to provide fast, expert care for the entire family,” said Jason Dunkel,

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President and CEO of Florida Hospital North Pinellas. “This recognition highlights our efforts to continuously improve the patient experience for everyone who receives our care. Every patient who comes through our doors should have the expectation of excellence and the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a testament to our commitment to providing a unique brand of inspired, compassionate care.” The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is the highest achievement from the organization in the category of patient experience. This is the third time Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has received the Guardian of Excellence Award for their inpatient services.

“We are dedicated to providing exceptional, whole person care to every patient who chooses us for treatment,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. “The Press Ganey award showcases that we are truly elevating the quality of care and overall health of our patients each time they visit our facility.” The award represents an important recognition from the health care industry’s leader in measuring, understanding and improving the patient experience. About Florida Hospital, West Florida Division of Adventist Health System (soon to be AdventHealth) The West Florida Division of

Adventist Health System is a 1,810 bed health care system currently comprised of ten acute-care hospitals including Florida Hospital Carrollwood, Florida Hospital Dade City, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lake Placid, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Sebring, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Ocala, Florida Hospital Tampa, Florida Hospital Wauchula, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, as well as three freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including Florida Hospital Central Pasco ER, Florida Hospital Palm Harbor ER and

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health care in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Polk Counties, as well as parts of Sumter County. For more information, go to floridahospital.com.

Florida Hospital TimberRidge ER. Additionally, it has one post-acute care facility, Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, over 45 multi-specialty Florida Hospital Physician Group practices, 15 Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens clinics and 6 Florida Hospital Centra Care Urgent Care Centers. The West Florida Division also provides home

About Press Ganey Press Ganey pioneered the health care performance improvement movement more than 30 years ago. Today, Press Ganey offers an integrated suite of solutions that enable enterprise transformation across the patient journey. Delivered through a cuttingedge digital platform built on a foundation of data security, Press Ganey solutions address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 33,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

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A Caring Community Member – The Medical Center FOR Trinity By Tom Bostock Although it has taken a little over 6 ½ years, as CEO Leigh Massengill proudly characterized their transition, ”from the Medical Center ‘OF’ Trinity to the Medical Center ‘FOR’ Trinity – “a one-stop shop for all of the healthcare needs for our healthcare families,” it certainly has been worth the wait! They have been growing ever since; another twostory addition is already underway.

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With its ever-expanding outreach embracing the community it serves, Medical Center of Trinity is no longer a medical stopover for patients with special issues, but the actual interventional medical destination for that level of treatment for the residents of Pasco county and Trinity. Centrally located at 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, Medical Center of Trinity, a part of 16-hospital group HCA, has received many quality care and service awards from within their

parent company as well as National organizations. They are still the only neonatal intensive unit in Pasco County and most recently added Maternal Fetal

Medicine to their Women’s Services program. As the neighborhoods continue to grow and their health needs diversify, the center will be ready and able to meet

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those healthcare needs. In August of this year, the center obtained their latest surgical robot, the XI. Joining several other state-of-the-art robotic surgery tools including 2 Da Vinci robots, this latest cutting-edge technology will allow their skilled surgeons to perform even more complicated surgeries involving, oncological (cancer related), gynecological, thoracic, general surgery and urological procedures, using minimally invasive techniques. When Medical Center of Trinity first opened, they

saw a need to be able to provide cardiac services for the community. CEO Massengill noted that, from the very beginning, she felt that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we needed to have more comprehensive cardiac services for this growing community.â&#x20AC;? The result was their awardwinning cardiac center. Their newest Level ll NICU, staffed by ALL Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specialty physicians, is similarly recognized for its expertise and level of care. The center boasts more than 300 physicians with future plans to include a graduate medical education program and pediatric facility.

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BOB THE COMPUTER GUY & ASSOCIATES, INC. “TECHNOLOGY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH”

The next time you need professional quality help with your computers and other technology devices you’ll want to call Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. We have come to depend on our computers and Information Technology (IT) devices every day. Occasionally these devices act quirky, slow down or completely breakdown. When this happens, we need someone to swiftly help us get back up and running, someone to give us reliable and courteous service, someone to explain the problem without confusing “technical jargon.” Most of all, we need an IT professional we can trust who will give us an honest assessment of our situation and charge a fair price to fix it. That is exactly

Bob Dalles, owner of Bob the Computer Guy

what you can expect when you call Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. “Stress levels can boil when the technology devices we have come to rely on stop working,” said Bob Dalles, president of Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc., a full-service computer and IT company dedicated to providing reliable

technology help and superior customer service. “We understand the additional anxiety and inconvenience of having to disconnect your computer (or other device), drag it into a repair shop, and then wait days or weeks to get it back. We make our customers’ repair process effortless because we come to their location and perform the computer repairs on-site. It’s a major convenience that our customers love. They schedule a time for us to come to their home or office, and when we leave their problem is solved and their computers are fixed.” Dalles has been involved with computers since the late 1970s. In 1995 he launched his own computer business. In 2008 he started teaching as

a Computer and Information Technology Instructor for a Florida technical college. He also writes a technology column entitled “Tech Talk” where he shares information from his decades of experience working with technology. “I have received some wonderful feedback from readers. I am glad they find the column informative and entertaining,” said Dalles. Dalles’s company serves hundreds of customers in the Tampa Bay area. Many are businesses, but the rest are home users. “We especially enjoy working with individuals in their homes,” Dalles said. “They need tech help too and are not always sure where to find service performed by professionally certified

technicians who they can trust. It’s not uncommon for us to hear new customers tell us that they did not even know companies like ours existed; and that they’re so glad they found us.” Bob The Computer Guy and Associates, Inc. treats every customer like a friend and every computer as if it were their own. “We take great pride in the high level of service we provide,” said Dalles. Dalles personally hand picks each AssociateTechnician to make sure that they not only know their craft, but also provide top-notch customer service. “We want our customers happy,” said Dalles. “We won’t settle for less.” “Customers enjoy our flexible scheduling process,” says Dalles. “We’re not just a 9am to 5pm operation. What is great about working with

us is that customers are not required to fit into the rigid business hours that many other service providers require. We will be happy to schedule appointments in the evenings and weekends; if that’s what you need. The benefits of working with us is that you and the Technician set the appointment for a time that works best for you; day or night, weekday or weekend. You are in control.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. prides itself on being “senior friendly.” Associate-Technician Christian, is very popular with our customers. “There are a lot of tech savvy seniors who rely on their computers every day. Some have commented to me that they really value the way Christian takes his time to explain the repair to them, one

customer even commented that she loves him.” Another happy customer comments: “Facing a financial deadline, my laptop was not responding properly. After serving clients all day, technician Christian offered to come to my home at 6:00pm. YES! He came, he saw, he conquered. Within 75 minutes my Toshiba was running smoothly. Thanks Bob!” - John L., Palm Harbor, Florida. Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. is an entirely mobile computer services company. In addition to onsite troubleshooting and repairs, they offer setting up networks, printers, scanners, new computers, tablets, phones, and other tech devices; virus, spyware and other malware removal; securing your computer and network;

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transferring data between devices; system and data backups; personal tutoring; and more! They provide technology help with a human touch. Whatever you need, no job is too small. For honest, reliable service performed by professionally certified technicians at a fair price then you want Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. Call Now 727-534-4000.

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The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group “Your Partners in Tax & Retirement Planning”

With the 2018 tax return deadline looming, it is a perfect time for those age 60 or older to take advantage of a flat-rate $69 fee to have their income taxes prepared and filed with a company that is trusted for going the extra mile for its clients(i). Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group extends their $69 flat-rate fee for federal returns (state returns are included if applicable) to Active & Retired Military, First Responders, Government Employees, & Educators of ANY age. If you don’t fit into anyone of those categories, no worries they have special pricing for you. All tax returns are prepared by one of the firm’s experienced Tax Preparers or IRS Enrolled Agents. The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group is up to date on the changing tax environment and want to help you navigate through this tax season. Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group has an experienced team of financial, tax, insurance, and legal professionals who help to educate their clients on important subjects including: managing asset risk, unnecessary taxes, diversifying(ii) portfolios, the importance of wills/trusts and planning for income during retirement. 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. Edward G. Rizzotto, Owner and President, is an Insurance Agent and Financial Representative who holds both a state-regulated license to offer insurance products and a securities license to offer specific investment products.

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Meet the Rizzotto Team

Ed Rizzotto, Owner/ President, 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 both active and reserve duty for 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He started his Insurance and Financial career over 20 years ago as an agent for Allstate Insurance. Then promoted to Agency Manager, he was responsible for overseeing 22 agencies in southwest Florida. 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. Lorrie Rizzotto, Vice President 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 30 years this November, Lorrie and Ed have two daughters attending the

University of South Florida. Ed and Lorrie have a great team at Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group. Dori Greeson, Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, gives everyone a warm reception, oversees the day to day office operations and the coordination of tax season. Alton Scott, Insurance Consultant, with more than 18 years of experience in the Banking, Insurance and Financial Services industry, has extensive knowledge in the areas of health insurance, Medicare supplements and Medicare. Scott holds a state-regulated Life and Health License and a Securities license to provide certain investment products, Nic Ranocchia, Licensed Life/Health/Annuity Agent, is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a degree in Finance. He has over 5 years of customer service experience, as well as experience in the banking business. Ed and Nic will work as a team to offer insurance products to fit clients’ needs. He came on board two years ago to assist Ed and gain knowledge and experience to begin a career as an Insurance Professional & Financial Planner. Lauren Schafer, Marketing Coordinator, recently joined the team in September and will be overseeing their marketing functions. She is a graduate

from the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship and has over 3 years of experience in customer service. Their team of IRS enrolled agents and qualified tax preparers each 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. Reducing Tax Liability in Retirement The first thing Ed and his team will want to look at is your past tax returns, explaining, “We’ve had people who had other advisors and financial planners who convinced them to make changes, not aware of the tax impacts. To me, the tax return is the most important document the client owns, that’s why it is the first thing we look at when the client meets us for their initial appointment. If there is an investment or change that could cause a taxable event, we know that up front.” Ed and his team are very tuned in to their clients’ needs and concerns. “Saving on taxes, reducing or eliminating taxation on social security and protecting the financial wellbeing of a spouse after another’s death – those are things that my clients are concerned about,” explains

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Largo. Call (727) 683-9119 or visit www.rizzottotax.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. Representative of and securities offered through Brokers International Financial Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Brokers International Financial Services, LLC and Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group are not affiliated companies. (i) Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group provides tax services which are separate from the securities services offered through Brokers International Financial Services, LLC. Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group does not offer legal advice. (ii) Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. It is a method used to help manage investment risk. (iii) Pursuant to requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service,

Ed Rizzotto (right), owner & president of Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group and Nic Ranocchia (left), his Assistant Advisor. Ed. “Today, people also want alternatives to the low interest rate environment provided by CDs and money market accounts.” He adds, “If clients are already collecting social security when they come to us, they want to know how they can reduce or eliminate taxes(iii) on not only social security income, but their overall taxes as well. A major concern today and what I believe will be a concern for years to come for pre-retirees and current retirees is how to obtain ‘Guaranteed Income for Life’(iv) from your retirement and non-retirement plans. Unfortunately many employer sponsored plans and individual IRAs do not offer this benefit when you retire. We will show you how to put some things in place now that will enable you to set up lifetime income down the road. This is income you will never outlive, similar to a pension. We spend many hours with our clients to put sound plans in place by sharing ‘real time’ tax, income and social security analysis(v) through sophisticated software. We want our clients to leave our office with a

better understanding on what their income needs will be in retirement, and how to control, reduce or possibly eliminate taxes(iii).” Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group takes a team-oriented approach to tax, retirement and estate planning and Mr. Rizzotto welcomes discussions from clients’ estate planning attorneys. If you do not already have an attorney, Mr. Rizzotto often refers clients to a trusted elder law attorney, who frequently meets with clients to review Wills and Trusts. “They can help you make sure your plan is up to date and our staff will make sure your accounts and beneficiary designations coordinate with your estate plan.” While taxes are a large part of The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group, the majority of their clients also utilize the firm’s other services including investments, retirement planning, long term care, annuities(iv), life insurance, wills and trusts and small business bookkeeping services. Ed says, “Clients like the opportunity we provide to get everything taken care of in one

place.” A word of advice, “You’re never too young to start saving for retirement,” says Rizzotto. “We have found that many people we meet who are still working have changed jobs about every five to seven years, and many of those people left their retirement plans at their old employers (i.e. 401k, 403b, 457 and TSP plans, etc). Many of these plans can be rolled over to individual IRAs or Roth IRAs, thus giving the client more control and the ability to have someone to advise them.” The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group is located in the community of Long Leaf in the Florida Design Consultants Center at 3030 Starkey Boulevard in Trinity. A second location is in Pinellas County at 1034 Belcher Road South in

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any tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for purposes of avoiding penalties imposed under the United States Internal Revenue Code or promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any tax-related matter. Please contact us if you wish to have formal written advice on this matter. (iv) Fixed Annuities are long term insurance contacts and there is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the annuity contract. Withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 may result in a 10% IRS tax penalty, in addition to any ordinary income tax. Any guarantees of the annuity are backed by the financial strength of the underlying insurance company. (v) The Retirement Analysis gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. Please keep in mind that these are just estimates. We can’t provide your actual benefit amount until you apply for benefits, and that amount may differ from the estimates provided.

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New Year same old life problems? Call Dr. Paula Nelson For over 25 years, Dr. Paula Nelson has been helping couples and individuals have happier lives. What makes her different from other counselors? Dr. Paula has been through counseling herself. She tells her friends and family “if you are going to see a counselor, ask if he or she has been through counseling! It’s ok to ask such questions.” Dr. Paula states “You want to be an educated consumer. After all, this is your life you’re talking about.” As a result of experiencing counseling herself, Dr. Paula uses methods based on the research of what really works. Dr. Paula is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master Certified Addiction

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Professional, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Certified E-therapist. She specializes in working with couples and individuals on relationship and marital problems, addictions, the effects of childhood abuse and neglect, big traumas, little traumas, anxiety and phobias. Dr. Paula utilizes the Gottman Method approach to couple’s therapy. “Drs. John and Julie Gottman have spent 40 years researching what makes a relationship work. They have developed an approach that not only repairs troubled relationships, but strengthens happy ones.” Couples who come to Dr. Paula complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup. The

Dr. Paula Nelson results from the Relationship Checkup help Dr. Paula to develop a treatment plan with her couples so that they can create the relationship they desire in a shorter amount of time.

Dr. Paula is excited about the benefits she’s seen using EMDR therapy. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. Most of us have experienced some distress growing up. We may tell ourselves that we’re not good enough or we’re unlovable or we are alone. EMDR uses eye movements, tones, or tapping to process memories and transform these negative self-messages. Dr. Paula says “I have achieved great results with my clients. In less than 12 visits, I’ve seen improvement that would have taken over 2 years of talk therapy to

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accomplish.â&#x20AC;? EMDR is also effective in treating addiction. Using EMDR, Dr. Paula has been able to help people to reduce their level of urge to use and to create a positive self-image of their life without addiction. Dr. Paula also offers online counseling for those who are unable to come into the office. Dr. Paula says that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen

many clients benefit from online therapy. Dr. Paula is located at 1968 Bayshore Boulevard, Suite 109, in Dunedin. For more information on online counseling or to make an appointment, call 813951-8889, email paula@ drpaulanelson.com, or visit www.drpaulanelson.com.

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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: 2019 AND THE FUTURE By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Spring Test Dates in 2019: SAT on March 9, May 4, and June 1. ACT on February 9, 2019, April 13, 2019, and June 8, 2019 As 2019 begins, most seniors have taken their last SAT or ACT Exam and submitted to selected colleges and universities along with their final applications. The exception are those who don’t quite have the scores to qualify for the 75% or 100% Bright Futures levels. Here are several key requirements for these scholarships awards: AcademicScholars (100%): Weighted GPA 3.50+, Volunteer Hours 100, SAT 1290/ACT 29. Estimated 4 year value: $26,000+. Medallion Scholars (75%): Weighted GPA 3.00+, Volunteer Hours 75, SAT 1170/ACT 26. Estimated 4 year value: $18,000+.

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As of this writing, Bright Futures (BF) will “superscore” both the SAT and ACT scores for eligibility. This means that if a student akes an exam multiple times, BF will use the highest scores in each area. One of my students started preparing for the ACT last year as a junior, and her first score was 23. She kept working, and recently got her superscore

up to 25.50. BF rounds up the score at 0.5 and above, so she is now eligible for the Medallion Scholars scholarship. Great determination. Bravo!!! Students also have until the last spring exam for the SAT and ACT to take and submit a score for consideration. The last SAT this year is on Saturday, June 2nd, and the last ACT this year is on Saturday, June 9th.

With the new Bill on the way to the House, double check this eligibility time to make sure it does not change. For juniors, spring exams are very popular. Most have received their PSAT scores back and have an idea where they would score on the full SAT, although often the full exam score is lower because there are more questions in each section and an essay. Juniors also want to see how they will do on a full exam, and whether they can do better on the SAT or the ACT. Usually, my students to about fifteen percentiles higher on one exam or the other. The only difficulty is that we can’t predict which until they take them both. I have had multiple juniors from many different public and private high schools work over this summer and fall, and many scored so high they will not need to retake an exam. Sophomores who prepare

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want to see what it is like to take an SAT or ACT exam, and use this time to also prepare for the PSAT which they will take next fall as the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships. While these are not huge scholarships, colleges love to have national merit scholars and often reward them with large academic scholarships. Plus they are very helpful in being admitted to top level colleges and universities. If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 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, seventeen of the top twentyfive, 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 Berkley 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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“Stretch RX”-

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better, no prescription required. “We offer stretching and exercise for all decades,” Ronda explained. With a degree in Physical Science and Health Management and years of fitness and wellness expertise, she opened her third fitness company, Stretch Rx. They provide alternative solutions to chronic pain, muscle tightness and poor balance. Stretch Rx offers multiple solutions for your health and fitness needs. Children and adolescents experience improved sports performance and flexibility after training with Stretch Rx. Parents of young children find relief from shoulder and back pain. Working men and women can improve pain in their shoulders, neck and back from sitting at computers and slouched over cell phones. For seniors, stretching helps to maintain balance and avoid dangerous falls.

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With locations in Palm Harbor, Westchase and Naples, open seven days a week by appointment, Ronda and her team stretch, exercise and massage their clients back to feeling great. Using a heated ionic BioMat, practitioners stretch your body to improve range of motion and flexibility. When done properly, 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 very good for cell regeneration. People with fibromyalgia, arthritis and generalized pain feel amazing when they get off of this mat,” said Ronda. “It elevates your core body temperature and gets your heart working – like doing a light walk”. The BioMat’s far infrared rays and negative ion therapy have been so successful, it is actually

endorsed by The Pope. It’s been used in Europe for years for various medicinal treatments. It also has been used in drug detoxification programs as the heated mat causes people to release serotonin and feel good. “You get the mat as a bonus because I know it works. I’ve been doing this work for 24 years,” she said. “It heats up the body, helps

people with pain feel better and helps us move people in ways they could would not normally move without the heat.” Therapeutic BioMat stretching and exercise sessions are done in a private room filled with soothing aromatherapy and soft music. This one-on-one approach encourages clients to learn the techniques so they can be easily practiced at

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home. Stretch Rx receives many referrals from doctors for clients who are finished with physical therapy but are still not ready to go to the gym. Stretch Rx services should not be used as physical therapy, but they are an

excellent next step after completion. “If you’re not feeling well or you’re in pain, but you don’t need physical therapy, you don’t need surgery and you don’t want to take pain pills - we’re the solution to that.” As a complement to these services, Stretch Rx offers reflexology, massage therapy and ionic foot baths by professionals with at least twenty years of experience. To schedule an appointment, clients call and briefly explain any issues that they are experiencing. A comprehensive health assessment form is sent to new clients. When they come to their first appointment, the practitioner reviews their health history, pain, accidents, and metals in the body and zeroes in on the client’s specific issues to create a wellness plan customized

to their individual needs. “It’s not about I stretch you and you leave. If I’m stretching you and I might discover that we really need to work on your core or strengthening or talk about eating healthier and detoxifying with a foot bath – we address the whole person. Everyone comes in for stretching, but they never leave with just that.” If you need a massage, Ronda and her team advise the massage therapists where the most work is needed. “We give specifics and we work those specific areas. We do offer just ‘feel good’ massages, but our process is very targeted. If you always have neck pain, we’re going to figure out what it is and we’re going to stretch and massage that area. If you just generally feel awful, we might suggest a foot bath, which is another form of ion therapy that draws the toxins out of your feet.” For Stretch Rx’s ionic foot bath that pulls out toxins from the body during a twenty-minute soak, clients relax in a massage

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chair. At the close of the session, the color of the water indicates where the toxins were removed from within the body. “We usually like to follow it up with a reflexology foot massage. It’s a really nice experience and people swear by it.” During a reflexology session, the practitioner stimulates pressure points on the client’s feet that target various organs of the body to promote blood circulation and detoxification. Though Stretch Rx does not take insurance, its affordable rates are structured much like an insurance copay. They charges $35 for 30 minutes and $65 for an hour. Package rates are also available at a discount. For more information about the Palm Harbor, Westchase or Naples location, visit StretchRXFlorida.com. To make an appointment seven days a week, email StretchRX@ gmail.com or call 813-3822363 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

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The City of Oldsmar Could Soon Have An Olympian! For talented 20 year-old Oldsmar resident Andre Lacroix, his love of all things BMX began when he was a young boy. He was first introduced to the sport by his father Ken, who brought him to the BMX track in Oldsmar, Florida when he was only three years old to watch a National competition. That day Andre got to feel the adrenaline with every jump and had the opportunity to meet a lot of the pro’s. Needless to say, Andre was hooked. “I want to be just like them,” said young Andre to his father… and that he did. Andre has been riding the Oldsmar track for about 17 years now and it has definitely paid off. BMX has given Andre the opportunity to travel the entire country, mostly South America. He has now become one of the riders that he used to look up to as a young boy. Proof that dreams do come true. In case you didn’t know, Oldsmar is home of one of the

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top BMX tracks in the United States. This track hosts the USA BMX Gator National each year. Points earned at the Elite Level at this event are utilized for qualifying for the 2020 Olympics for each rider. Andre and his family credit the city of Oldsmar

for building such a great BMX facility. Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life, and Andre’s parents support and encouragement have definitely made a huge differ-

ence in his life. “My parents are the biggest influence on my life. Unlike a lot of parents who force their kids into college and other things, they allowed me to take a shot at my dream and I feel so blessed for that,” said Andre. His mother’s Peruvian citizen-

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ship has also played a big factor in Andre’s professional career. “Having a dual citizenship with the country of Peru, where my mother was born, has played a huge factor in my life, and has allowed me to ride for the Peruvian National Cycling Team,” said Andre. He has recently represented Peru in the South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia and aspires to medal in the 2019 PAn-American Games in Lima, Peru in July of next year. In 2016, Andre won the National Championship in Peru. “I also won several state titles as an amateur and placed top 25 in the country several times.” Having a positive support system is key for anyone trying to excel and reach for their dreams and Andre has been blessed with an incredible group encouraging individuals. “I’d like to thank John and Blake Sawyer for providing me with the best BMX products in the world; Ssqueared Bicycles and Answer products. My family of course, as they all support me so well, and my amazing and

caring group of friends who all push each other to be better every day,” said Andre. Andre’s plans as of now, include finishing off a great season with the help of his coach, Domingos Lammoglia, and recuperating from a sports related injury. “I tore my PCL in my right knee about four moths ago, so I have been trying to get all my power back from the downtime I had then,” said Andre. He is also preparing for the Pan American Games that will take place in 2019. “With the Pan American Games being held in Peru, I know a lot is expected of me and I’ll be ready to show out when the time comes!” His goal is to qualify and compete in the 2020 games in Tokyo, Japan. Oldsmar could possibly have an Olympian! I am personally very excited for Andre and wish him nothing but the best in the competition. I will refrain myself from saying “Break a leg,” because we all know it could happen… so good luck Andre! When questioned about his main goals and expectations Andre had this to say, “I want

what just about every BMX rider who takes it seriously wants… an Olympic Gold Medal! So that definitely is my main goal! I also have goals of becoming a world finalist and contender for USA BMX Pro Series #1 Pro Title.” With such ambitions and determined mindset, we’re pretty sure Andre will succeed in achieving all his goals. With every dream there’s obstacles though, and even though Peru pays for most of Andre’s travels and entrance fees, they cannot fund him entirely. This is where Andre has thought out of the box. He established an S corporation “LaCroix BMX LLC,” in hopes to get corporate sponsorship from local companies. “In exchange I will advertise the company via Instagram, Facebook and on my Jersey and number plate all US and International races, including the Pan-American games,” said Andre. “For major sponsors I Will be giving back to the community in the name of the sponsor by hosting a one-day BMX clinic at a local track for free to all riders in the name of

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the sponsor.” The reason for the S corporation is so that a sponsor could utilize the sponsorship for marketing and tax purposes. Andre wants every young athlete out there to “Reach for the stars! As cheesy as it sounds, don’t let anyone put you down and work hard every day!” Fantastic words of encouragement for any young kid with hopes and dreams of making it big in a particular sport.` Andre concluded his interview with the following message to the community; “Please come out to the local track in Oldsmar, it’s taken me all over the world! I have also opened my own company ‘LaCroix BMX’ in hopes of finding cooperation’s that are willing to help me meet my goals. I will also be marketing all companies who support me.” You can contact Andre directly by emailing him at lacroixbmx@gmail.com with any marketing inquiries. You can also follow him on instagram @andrelacroix.

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“Authentic Kitchens”-

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for a competitor for several years until customer service was not first. Glenn decided that he didn’t want to work for a company where the customer came second. Together with his talented design team, his present company stresses “customer first” in every aspect of their projects, from start to finish. No job is too large or too small for Glenn’s creative staff who, he said, were attracted to work for him, by the, “freedom to design.” The result is anything from a breathtaking, functional kitchen or distinctive bathroom to a fully equipped, gourmet chef’s kitchen, the likes of which can only be found gracing the pages of the latest interior design magazines. Glenn smiled when he mentioned his design staff of Rebecca, Natalie, Cindy, Becca, Michele, Kelli and Project Manager, Brandy. He said that he and his staff represent almost 40 years of successful design experience. Unlike some of his competitors, his design staff are all degreed interior designers, ensuring the finest quality service when they are recreating your remodeling dreams. Glenn said that all of their projects represent “the personal touch.” He added that “we aren’t the lowest or the most expensive. We are extremely competitive for similar products. We are not just a salesman trying to sell you some cabinets. We come in and look for the potential of your space, then brain storm with you and create that dream for you. We represent the finest products in the industry.” He stressed the quality of his products and staff, promising the “wow factor” for all of their installations. Able to do floor-to-ceiling remodeling, or just minor

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updating, Glenn said that the process should “be an enjoyable experience” but at the same time, it will disturb your life, especially if it is a kitchen or master bath.” Since we are taking out the heart of your home and we know it will not be easy. So, we do our due diligence to make the process as timeless as possible. We make sure we have all the products before we start. That way when we start there is no slowing down due to products not being there. Thus, allowing us to get the job done as quick and professional as possible. Allowing you to move back into your newly renovated dream space. “Doing this for 19 years, customer service is most important to me,” Glenn said. They have products that they are comfortable working with and recommending to their customers. “We say what we mean, and we stand behind it, something that is lost in most businesses today,” something missing in today’s self-service world. Using state-of-the-art computer programs, Glenn’s designers go the extra mile for their customers. After asking the questions necessary to make their clients dreams a reality, the designer conducts an in-house consultation, reviewing the customers’ needs and offering pertinent suggestions to improve the final product. The interior designer visits the site on a regular basis as well as Project Manager Brandy or Glenn to follow up, during the course of every project, making sure your dreams are met by the design you and the design team have created. The devil is in the details and Glenn’s staff employ unique project books, which as he says, “show what is being done on the job.” “We

try to be very detailed on the front half. We pre-act instead of react,” he said. Upon completion, the customer is given the Project Book. It contains pictures of everything that went into their project, all color and brand selections, making it easier if the customer needed to repaint or replace something in the future. Glenn said that they continuously maintain those records on the computer in case a customer loses theirs. With a superior rating from the Better Business Bureau, let’s see what some of their customers had to say about their experiences with Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Designs on Facebook: “I would definitely recommend Authentic

Concepts! Rebecca designed my kitchen remodel. She did an awesome job designing. Glenn and Brandy were awesome too. My project was beautiful, NO issues, on time and on budget. I will definitely hire for my bathroom remodel!” “We are having so much fun working with Glen, picking out the right granite for counters & flooring. He is so friendly, professional and has been so helpful. He is overseeing every part of the job, is quick to respond to any questions and give us advice” “Glenn did a bar room for my step daughter. I was in the business for 47 years and haven’t seen anything better. Thanks Glenn. You and your staff are a class act.” “When we decided to remodel our kitchen we

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interviewed and had four designers visit and provide us with various designs. Not yet convinced, although the designs were within budget, shortly after we contacted Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Designs and spoke to owner/designer Glenn Rumer. Mr. Rumer visited and we not yet mentioning what we wanted he had the vision as a designer and explained to us how he would design and remodel our kitchen, which included tearing down walls, partial ceilings, relocating electrical wiring, plumbing and appliances. And it was exactly what we desired with some additions and changes that we made. As a professional experienced designer Glenn guided us through the design process, yet he listened to and was very respectful of our personal taste. We found his prices to be competitive with the industry, He executed his design exactly as he presented it to us on paper For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

and completed it within the time frame, he quoted us. His work crew was professional, knowledgeable and respectful. They were well organized, clean and on time when they were scheduled to be in. Thanks to Glenn Rumer we have the kitchen of our dreams. We have a bathroom to remodel and we will be contacting Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design, in the near future, to do it.â&#x20AC;? If your kitchen or bathrooms arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working for you, let the talented designers at Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design work for you! They bring your dreams to life. Call today for a no cost consultation. 727 785 3097, 3265 Tampa Rd. Palm Harbor. Open Mon-Friday 9:30 to 4:30 and Saturday 10 to 2. After hour appointments are available.

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