Vol. 13, Issue 01, January 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
The Crooked Wood - Fresh, Innovative & Open To The Public By Carla Selby Conveniently located at the Tarpon Woods Golf Club, and open to the general public, there is an innovative restaurant, where delicious and affordable dishes, unbeatable entertainment, and top quality service await for you. The Crooked Wood offers all your favorites,
including their own signature cocktails at their full liquor bar. Their kitchen has a team of professional and experienced Chefs to provide you with homecooked, fresh food with high-quality ingredients. “This is a very nice neighborhood barrestaurant. Relaxed and comfortable. Great service and food,” says recent See “Crooked Wood” on page 26
East Lake Insurance & Taxes: Family Comes First
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
By Ethan Lichtenberg
From the Editor..............................5
East Lake is a well-known area of Tarpon Springs famous for its smalltown feel and pride in the people that call it home. It’s a beautiful place with trees lining nearly every street, and the best schools in the area. Residing just off East Lake Road is a beautiful office area home to a company that is bringing the family back to the complicated world of insurance and taxes. We all pay taxes (well, for the most part), and all pay insurance for the things that need coverage. We all also know how irritating they both can be. To put it plainly, taxes are difficult. Most people need help with them, and that is for a good reason. It always seems like we’re all overpaying for insurance policies, as well. Are we getting the best deals? Do we have too
More Space Place.......................6-7 Tech Talk with Bob..................10-11 Holiday Food & Toy Drive............14 East Lake Woodlands 2020 Drive for a Cure…...................18-19 Project No Labels....................22-23 SAT & ACT Improvement........24-25
See “ELIT” on page 28
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New Year, Same You, and that’s OK… So what will it be this year? get killer abs, again; promise yourself to find a higher paying job, again, find “the one,” before December comes again, perhaps? We are not in this world just to be skinny and make money. Remember what Albert Einstein said? “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The truth is most of us do this every year, myself included. We set up resolutions, most of them too general and unrealistic. We hurry to make these long lists that at times can make us feel like our lives, as they are right now, are not good enough. We look forward to the new year as the beginning of a brand new life that will magically erase all the mistakes we made the year before. We become anxious and get really stressed trying to meet these goals in as little time as possible as if who we are today is someone so awful and undeserving that needs to be eradicated come January. Oftentimes we change our routines, put our bodies and minds through hell, and end up something we’re not... like, vegan. Which is fine, but is it really… YOU? I am not trying to discourage anyone from getting in shape, moving up the corporate ladder, eating better or doing something positive for their lives. What I am saying is that this cycle of unrealistic resolutions only perpetuates feelings of failure and inadequacy, which is certainly not very conducive to achiev-
ing any goal. I am proposing something new. This year, let’s throw away the rulebook out the window! And if you have to set a goal, set a goal to set no goals. Make a resolution to stop making (unrealistic) resolutions. If you don’t want to find yourself in the same position you find yourself every year, thinking the same thoughts, having the same feelings, do this instead: Rather than rushing forward in a state of panic to completely change everything you don’t like about yourself, simply forget all that and enter the New Year with zero pressure and just a positive mindset. Enter 2020 with a mentality of being a more open and present person. Resolve to accept yourself. Resolve to fall in love with yourself. Resolve to appreciate your surroundings. Spend more time doing what gives you joy, because life goes by incredibly fast and time is promised to nobody. So spend it wisely, spend it surrounded by people and things that bring you nothing but happiness. Remember this…You’re beautiful, you’re worthy, you’re perfect just the way God made you. Out of the positive state of being and accepting will arise all the doing, and achievements you never planned for but will be amazed to see unfold. Until next time,
Carla Selby
Resolve to Organize in 2020 with More Space Place
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Is your new year’s resolution to get out from under the clutter inside of your home or garage without the hassle of a remodel, costly addition, or outside storage unit? More Space Place has attractive, affordable, and functional solutions that will help you declutter, create more space, and get you organized in 2020. Founded as a single retail location in the early 1980s, today, More Space Place is a nationally recognized and trusted company. The business continues to expand due to its high level of attentive customer service and quality organizational products, with over 28 stores, both nationwide and locallyowned and operated. Clark Williams and Bob Schmidt are the owners of the three Tampa Bay area showrooms and Design Centers, located in Palm Harbor on US 19 N., St Petersburg on Gandy Blvd. and Lutz on State Rd. 54. More Space Place offers complimentary in-home design consultations, as well as three showrooms where clients can go check out the superb quality and options of style and finishes. “When someone visits one of our three Showroom Design Centers, they’ll find trained and experienced professionals who will introduce them to a full array of wall beds and cabinet options,” says Williams. “They will also find complete furniture collections for beautifully functional offices, media rooms, closets, garages, pantries, laundry
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rooms, Murphy wall beds and so much more. We have seen some very innovative designs created when a client comes in with an idea, and our designers work with them to make it a reality. It makes the business both fun and exciting.” Making the most out of the space you have is essential, whether your house is small or large. At More Space Place, it’s not too much to ask for furniture that’s both stylish and functional. Whether you are converting an ample or a small space, the company offers traditional, transitional, and contemporary styling. An extensive array of solid colors and warm wood tones allow customization of your furniture so that it fits into and enhances any home décor. More Space Place’s experienced designers will maximize your space with functional furnishings that can work for you. Your experience is further enhanced with 3-D software, allowing clients to see how various furniture designs would look in their homes. A messy workspace can cause unnecessary stress. Don’t be discouraged by papers and files needing storage and organization. Optimize your office with custom storage cabinetry installed to eliminate clutter and arrange miscellaneous items. Hide a printer or computer desktop and create storage for all of your office items and return your clean, tidy, and organized home office back to you. Your workspace doesn’t have to take up the entire room. The smart home office
designs at More Space Place feature options to keep you organized and maximize your workspace. Your office will be professional and suited ideally to your unique needs, to help you get work done more efficiently. More Space Place will do the hard work for you. A knowledgeable designer will design the perfect solution, and present it to you in 3D software. After your approval, it will be installed by one of their professional installation teams. For desk space, file cabinets, open shelving, drawers, computer space, they will work with you to create the storage solution of your dreams. No matter your style, you can personalize your storage space precisely to your liking. A large office space can quickly convert into a guest bedroom, with the addition of a custom Murphy bed. More Space Place is the number one Murphy bed retailer in America and offers the largest collection of durable, highquality Murphy beds in the Tampa Bay area. Today’s wall beds provide the same comfort as standard beds and also have the choice of firm to
extra plush mattresses. “The people at More Space Place went beyond in customer service, suggestions and execution. Their installers were amazing and we are 100% satisfied. The guest room/office looks spectacular, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis,” “says recent customer Karen Q of her Murphy bed experience. Williams recalls that 20 years ago, there were minimal choices of furniture and closet solutions and very few options for finishes and materials. “More Space Place now proudly offers the largest selection of wall bed styles available, and in addition, a massive line of complimenting space-saving and organizational furniture. Also, we are one of the only companies offering the ‘Invisa-line’ boring system. This new technology makes the adjustment holes in the furniture for shelf adjustment almost 60% smaller than what others offer,” explains Williams. More Space Place can transform a cluttered garage into one well-organized, that you’d be proud to show off.
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Frustrated by untidiness in your high-trafficked laundry room? The experts at More Space Place can create a hidden space for laundry detergent, fabric softener and other laundry room items – instead of stacked on top of your dryer. If you’re tired of parking your car in the destructive Florida sun when you own a garage, let More Space Place create the ideal solution. Use the garage space to its fullest capacity with custom cabinets, a supply cabinet to hide untidy mops, brooms, dustpans and other cleaning supplies for an orderly appearance. Garages in Florida all too often become our most concentrated catchall space. As a result, the garage becomes the most natural large storage location. But these often become so stacked up that car storage is impossible. The inability to find stored items causes us to buy more and more, also adding to the storage issue. Unless you have recently moved into a brand new home, you likely have the problem of an overstuffed garage. But, no matter the storage situation, everyone needs to prevent future
storage problems, and everyone wants to drive into an immaculate garage when they come home. Reduce clutter and think about what you really want to accomplish with your properly organized garage. Would you like a workshop, tool shed, laundry room, single or multi-vehicle storage, or even a Man Cave? With the help of skilled designers, you will discover numerous options which include but are not limited to shelving and cabinets as well as a world of hooks, racks or baskets. Unlimited height options are available for floor or wall mounted cabinet or shelving systems. Workbenches are available in both standing and sitting heights, as well as worktops with extra tough surfaces. More Space Place also offers slat wall systems where tools or other equipment like bikes, garden tools and other garage items can be easily stored and accessed. Sometimes it’s just pushing through a jammed closet to find an item that needs an immediate resolution. The local experts at More Space Place can makeover your wardrobe with a wall-
hung closet systems, floorbased closet systems, or even a combination of both. Professional designers will help you create your design in your finish choice to make a one-of-a-kind highly functional closet to fit your needs and budget. “Selecting furniture is a very important decision and one that requires time, energy and a lot of “touching,” yes… touching. I have personally bought a few pieces of furniture online after reading great reviews from other clients, only to be completely disappointed after receiving my product, because the quality of the materials was not what I was expecting. Having the opportunity to go into a store, to see the quality and TOUCH and FEEL what you are looking for cannot be beat,” Williams says, “We believe that if people have the opportunity to see all the various options, they get a better understanding that this can be an incredible creative experience, instead of just hanging some rods and shelves. This process also makes the purchasing decision easier. Since there are so many colors, finishes and materials available, seeing these in
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person also ensures they’ll find the best combination of styles and finishes to match the aesthetics of their home and lifestyle.” More Space Place has three convenient showrooms in the Tampa Bay area: Palm Harbor, US 19 N just north of Tampa Road (727.773.9888), and St. Petersburg on Gandy just west of the Gandy Bridge (727.507.9799) and in Lutz a few miles west of I-75 on State Road 54 (813.935.8432). Hours for all locations are Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment. They are closed on Sundays. Visit www.MoreSpacePlace.com for more information.
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BOB THE COMPUTER GUY & ASSOCIATES, INC. “TECHNOLOGY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH” In a world where technology is dominant in society, everyone could use a hand when their technology malfunctions. For more than 20 years, Bob The Computer Guy has been that “helping hand” for many people and businesses in the Tampa Bay area. Like it or not, we have come dependent on our computers and other Information Technology (IT) devices functioning properly to keep up with our daily pace. At times our devices act quirky or slow down; sometimes they can even fall victim to cyber criminals. When this occurs, we need someone we can trust to swoop in and save the day. “It is always stressful when our devices stop working
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because we rely on them so much. They always seem to let us down when we need them the most.” said Bob Dalles, President of Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. “That’s why we like to make our customers’ repair process as swift and effortless as possible. People tell me how they’ve been having problems with their computer; and then once we have an opportunity to analyze, diagnose, and resolve the issue, they tell us they never realized their computer could run so well.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. is a mobile computer and IT company that provides repairs and setups for everyone from individuals in their homes to
Bob Dalles, Owner, Bob the Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. small businesses and larger multi-office operations. All appointments take place at the customers’ home or business,
simplifying the process for them. “A misconception folks have about us is they think
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we are a retail computer store where they carry in their computer for repairs,” said Dalles. “We’re not a retail store. We are a service company. We’re not looking to sell you merchandise from our inventory. My professionally certified and experienced technicians and analysts are here to help you determine the proper solution to your technology needs. And if you find there is something you do need to buy, we can make recommendations and then assist you with your purchase online or locally. We do all this in the comfort of your home or office!” “There’s no need for our customers to disconnect their entire system, haul it into a repair shop and wait for days or weeks to get it back. It is actually better for us to come to your location to save you the effort but it also lets us make sure that everything is
working cohesively,” Dalles said. “It is more than the safe operation of just your computer or printer, it is how they communicate with each other, and any other devices you have attached to your network and internet connection. By doing this in your home or business, we can be sure that everything is working the way it should be so you can go back to business as usual.” “It’s not uncommon for us to hear new customers tell us that they did not even know companies like ours existed,” said Dalles, “and that they’re so glad they found us.” Dalles has been intrigued with computer technology since the late 1970s. In 1995 he launched his own computer business. In 2008 he became the instructor of Computer and Information Technology for a Florida technical college. He also writes a technology
column entitled Tech Talk, where he shares his over 40 years of IT experience while also informing his readers on information that they need to keep their devices running well and safe. “Tech Talk is very popular. A lot of customers tell me that they have followed the column from its first publication,” said Nikki, Customer Communications Director. “Some of our customers even clip the columns and put them on their refrigerator.” Dalles’s technicians will often come back to the office with stories of seeing those clippings on the fridge or near the computer. Each of Dalles’s Associate-Technicians are handpicked by Dalles, not only for their knowledge, but also for their passion for the job and for helping customers with their technology. Among those passionate and knowledgeable technicians is AssociateTechnician, Christian. Christian has been with Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. for five years and is a favorite among customers. “It is always a rewarding experience when I go out on a service call. I am usually welcomed with a concerned smile. When I leave the clients are very thankful for our help,” Christian said. Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. isn’t just here to help you when you need to set up a new computer or when your printer isn’t working. They are also in the business of protecting you and your data. “Your data is everything
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and you want to protect it and protect yourself,” warned Cyber Security Analyst, Bill. “We want you to not only be protected, we want to help you play an active role in your own security.” Cyber crimes are on the rise. The criminals behind these scam e-mails, phone calls, and text messages will not hold back when it comes to exploiting any technology weaknesses many may have overlooked. Dalles and his cyber security team want to make sure that no one falls prey to cyber criminals by helping individuals implement the proper tools and educate them on how to avoid becoming a victim. “In early 2019 we launched a Cyber Security Division,” said Dalles. “It has been a God-send for some of our customers. I am extremely proud of what our Cyber Security Team has accomplished. We’ve been able to provide and make affordable a service that has only been in the financial reach of governments and multimillion dollar corporations.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. is an entirely mobile computer and IT services company providing 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 there is no other choice. You want Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. Call Bob Now! 727-5344000.
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Holiday Food & Toy Drive in Oldsmar is Huge Success Bob McCaffery, leader of The McCaffery Team, is pleased to announce a successful Holiday Food and Toy Drive program in conjunction with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/ Florida Properties Group and Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay for 2019. The attached photograph of food and toy donations were recently collected by McCaffery Team members demonstrating the compassion for the local families in need by caring residents of East Lake Woodlands in Oldsmar, Florida. The donations filled a conference room at the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Florida Properties
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Group’s Oldsmar Office inside the East Lake Woodlands community with a total donation weight of 525 lbs of food. According to team leader McCaffery, special thanks go out to Team Members: Fonda Dillard, Sharon Greenfield and Linda Gagliardi for their excellent effort on this important Holiday project. All of the food and toy items shown here were presented to Metropolitan Ministries to help those local families and individuals in need. This is The McCaffery Team’s second successful donation program between Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Florida Properties
Group and Metropolitan Ministries in 2019. In August, Team Members collected needed back-to-school supplies from East Lake Woodland’s residents for local, underprivileged school-aged
children in Pinellas County. For information on future programs, please contact The McCaffery Team at 727331-8257 or visit us at our website: TheMcCafferyTeam.com
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East Lake Woodlands 2020 Drive for a Cure…
Our plans are coming together quickly, and we hope yours are too! We want you to be ready for the East Lake Woodlands “Drive for a Cure” Golf Scramble. The Four Person Team Scramble will take place on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. Arrival and registration begins at 10:00 AM with an 11:30 AM shotgun start. There will be flights for women, men and mixed foursomes. Dinner, along with several auctions will follow play. The cost is $100.00 (if paid before February 15, 2020; or $115.00 if paid after February 15, 2020) and it covers golf, cart, range, snacks, dinner and a contribution to our charities. Dinner will
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begin at 4:00 PM. and auctions will begin at 5:00 PM. The cost for dinner (only) is $50.00. All costs include a contribution to our charities. Last year, in the U.S., there were an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 62,930 new cases of in situ
Drive for a Cure supports local efforts to spread awareness about breast health, assist with breast cancer screening, provide diagnostic services and treatment, and provide short-term financial assistance to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The event supports Love Thy Neighbor (L.Y.N.) Fund, which provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment and recovery in Pinellas and Pasco Counbreast cancer among women resulting in 41,760 breast ties. Our event supports the Morton Plant Mease cancer deaths (1:8). Although breast cancer in men Mammography Voucher Program (MVP) which prois rare, it does happen. In 2019, there were an estimat- vides screening, diagnostic and treatment for uninsured ed 2670 new cases among or underinsured patients in men in the U.S. resulting in Pinellas County. Since 2007 500 deaths (1:883). the Drive has raised over East Lake Woodlands
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$323,000. In 2019 we raised $41,000, and this year’s goal is to go over the $375,000 mark for the organizations we support. Participation and sponsorship is very important to this effort, and there are many opportunities available to help us meet our goals. Come play with us on our beautiful, top-quality golf courses; you’ll have a wonderful time and you will be instrumen-
tal in supporting this very worthwhile cause. For more complete information about the event, registration, sponsorship and donations, please visit our web site at: www.elwdriveforacure. com www.facebook.com/ elwdriveforacure.com We’ll see you on February 28th!
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Project No Labels Debuts “Dear Self You Are Worth It,” Affordable Mental Healthcare Initiative in January 2020 If you scroll through Facebook posts, depression, lack of selfworth, and mental health issues are a bridge linking all ages and gender identities, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. You will also notice that people want to get help, but find the insurance copays or for those without coverage, the outright payment for therapy is cost-prohibitive. Many try to deal with their pain without support, sometimes self-medicating with drugs, alcohol, food, and sex, which could result in dire consequences.
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Project No Labels, the 501c3 nonprofit that unites the Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community with its allies through volunteerism and activism, paid close attention to these posts and memes. In 2020, it will make mental health care obtainable for members of the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg communities. “For the past four years, Project No Labels has been involved in different spheres of social issues. People have always felt comfortable to talk to us about the pressing issues around the community. One
issue that really stuck out to us is Mental Health Care. It seems like people
needed hope, inspiration, and better coping mechanisms,” explained
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founder/CEO, Claire Elisan. “For too long, mental health therapy has been out of reach or out of mind for many who truly needed it. This program is an affordable opportunity for personal growth.” From January 6 to April 28, 2020, Project No Labels will assist in opening the gates to affordable therapy sessions to the local communities. The resulting pilot program “Dear Self You Are Worth It” is in collaboration with Dr. Katie Schubert, a licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Board Certified Sex Therapist in the State of Florida, and a Nationally
Certified Counselor. Steph Ostrow, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Intern, will provide the therapy, supervised by the doctor. The program was created to bridge the existing gap between the need for mental health care and the financial burden that limits its access. “It is Project No Labels’ effort to make mental health care attainable. Each session will cost $30 per hour; however, the cost to the community is only $20 per hour,” said Claire. “Our organization is picking up the additional $10. We are also looking
to do a voucher program for anyone who needs the service but can’t afford the $20. To some, it’s either gas in the tank or food on the family’s table versus $20 for their mental health. Unfortunately, they’re forced to sacrifice their psychological well-being. “We are currently looking for Sponsorship Partners for this program for both the cost to Project No Labels as well as the voucher program to cover the entire cost for anyone who can’t afford it but is in need.” The affordable spots are limited, with acceptance on a firstcome, first-serve basis.
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Dr. Schubert said, “This program is incredibly important. Mental health care is expensive, and a lot of people don’t have health insurance policies to cover sessions. Our community is suffering from high rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This is a great opportunity to see an expert and find happiness and peace in your life.” For more information on this event, please visit projectnolables.org, or contact directly at (813) 438-3537 or via email at projectnolabels@gmail. com.
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: 2019 AND THE FUTURE By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Spring Test Dates in 2020: SAT Mar 14, May 2, June 6; and ACT: Feb 8, Apr 4, June 13 and July 18. As 2020 begins, most seniors have taken their last SAT or ACT Exam and submitted to selected colleges and universities along with their final applications. The exceptions are those who don’t have the scores to qualify for the 75% or 100% Bright Futures levels. Qualifying for the 100% level means around $25,000 over four years; the 75% level means around $18,000 over four years. We call this “dialing for
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dollars”. As of this writing, Bright Futures (BF) will “superscore” both the SAT and ACT scores for eligibility. Students also have until the last spring exam for the SAT and ACT to
take and submit a score for consideration. With AP exams in May, again most of my seniors want to prepare and take their exam(s) before mid-May, or at the first of June. 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. Unfortunately, the SAT qualifying scores for Bright Futures have increased for all students not graduating this year. The 100% and 75% qualifying score for the SAT both went up 40 points to 1330 and 1210 respectively. The 100% qualifying score for the ACT remained the same, and for the 75% level dropped from 26 to 25. Juniors also want to see how they will do on a full
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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 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 only 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. Here’s a very important question for you: Which school is less expensive to attend for a year: the University of Florida or Princeton University (#1 ranked in country)? The answer will probably surprise you: University of Florida $12,000 Princeton $10,000 To find out more, go to collegescoreboard.com. It will be very enlightening! If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-253-0639 or send me an email 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 twenty-five, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Service Academies: Navy - Air Force - and Merchant Marine - Penn
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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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“Crooked Wood” story
continued from page 1.
customer and local food guide Tony M. “I had an awesome weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas. They also have $.60 wings and $1.50 well drink specials on Mondays. Our server was very accommodating. We will definitely be back.” The Crooked Wood Bar & Grill opened its doors back in August 2018 and has quickly become one of East Lake’s hidden gems by offering a refined spin on bar food at an unmatched location. “The main concept was to develop a sports bar that was able to stand out by serving fresh food made from scratch with high-quality ingredients,” says the owner, who has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. “Nobody should have to settle for fried onion rings and greasy, previously frozen processed foods, and we’re here to offer the community a healthier and tastier alternative. In sum, we are a high-quality spin on the traditional sports bar.” The Crooked Wood is open to the public seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to12:00 pm, with
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Bloody Mary’s and bottomless mimosas available. This East Lake gem offers an extensive selection of dishes, including scrumptious appetizers, fresh salads, homemade soups, sandwiches (including an amazing lobster roll), juicy hot dogs, mouth-watering Kobe burgers, flatbreads, and seasonal signature dishes. They also offer incredible daily specials and fantastic sports packages for those big game days. “The food at Crooked Wood is just fantastic, period!” says frequent customer Jeffrey R. “Start with the pub nachos, and top their creamy mac and cheese topped with your favorite protein, you will not regret it. It is the best Mac and Cheese ever! I enjoy the fact that the owner stopped by our table and talked about how they make everything fresh and specifically recommended several dishes for our party. He stopped by after our selections were made to make sure everything was looking and tasting great. The grilled wings with honey BBQ were amazing; the meat was falling off the bones. I want to come back every day so that I can try everything on the menu. It is my new favorite place in town, hands down.” Start your meal with one of their “Shareables,” like the Pub Nachos (chips or
fries); topped with IPA beer cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño and your choice of protein or Kobe chili, the Paleo Platter; green apples, smoked gouda, mixed nuts, sliced turkey & sliced top-round, or their famous and mouth-watering Grilled Wings (traditional or boneless); with your choice of sauce (mild, hot, Florida fire, bbq, honey bbq, kc bbq, Thai bbq, teriyaki
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or Caribbean Jerk) or dry rubs (garlic parmesan, chipotle ranch, sweet & smokey bbq, or everything bagel) served with celery, carrots and your choice of ranch, orange cheese or blue cheese. Enjoy a creamy She Crab Soup with big chunks of jumbo lump crab, take a big bite of a juicy Kobe burger, transport your taste buds to Nashville with their Momma’s Mac and Cheese topped with Deep-friend chicken tenders smothered in Buffalo sauce, or experience a Maine retreat with their fantastic Lobster Roll. Finish your meal with one of their magnificent desserts, like Chef Dave’s famous Walnut Whiskey Bundt Cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or their delicious new dessert “The Waffle Bomb.” Into adult beverages? Enjoy a delicious Watermelon Margarita, a Blueberry Mojito or a refreshing Coconut Rum Runner. The Crooked Wood also offers an excellent variety of craft and bottled beers, as well as
red, white and sparkling wines. Their drink prices can’t be beat, starting at only $5.00 for top-shelf liquor and $20.00 for whole bottles of wine every day! The Crooked Wood has something for everyone to enjoy, and the Tampa Bay community is taking notice. With an outstanding score of 4.7 out of 5 stars in online reviews, people are raving about The Crooked Wood all over the internet. “What a hidden gem! Food is amazing—very fresh and innovative menu,” says recent customer Lexa S. “Our server was top-notch, so friendly and accommodating. We had the seafood nachos, which had chunks of fresh crab, lobster, and shrimp—delicious! My husband’s Kobe burger was juicy and cooked perfectly. My buffalo mac and cheese was so flavorful, and the pasta was done al dente. Dessert, a chocolate mousse pyramid, was a beautiful presentation and tasted as good as it looked. My
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compliments to the chef and staff! The prices were great too. All five of us raved about our meal and can’t wait to come back.” The Crooked Wood is the perfect place for a quick lunch, a romantic date night or a fun night out with friends. “We have TV’s on every wall to watch your favorite game from NFL, NCAA, MLB, and more! Come hang out with friends and play pool, darts, golden tee golf, or golden strike bowling. You can also enjoy fantastic live music every Friday night. We’re like a playground for grownups,” says the owner. “Our beautifully renovated patio is the perfect place to relax, eat some amazing food, and enjoy all the elements of nature that the golf course and our fountain garden have to offer. We have also added lights to the patio that create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere at night and a comfortable, private sectional sofa seating by a firepit. Aside from the beach, no other place in town has a better outdoor patio than we do!” Starting January 4th, The Crooked Wood will start offering their fabulous homemade creations “To Go.” Most dishes will be available to be picked up and ready for you and your family to enjoy at the convenience of your own home. The Crooked Wood is located at 1100 Tarpon Woods Blvd. Palm Harbor, FL 34685. Make sure to like them on Facebook so you can stay up to date with their daily specials and live music schedule. The Crooked Wood is available to host your special event, private party or even your dream wedding. They also cater. For more information, please call (727) 240-4866 or visit them online at www.thecrookedwood.net
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“ELIT”
generally the same; she told me, “absolutely not.” story continued from page 1. G. Moussa of the East through the office door much coverage or too Lake area said: “Taxes is satisfied and getting little? To answer all the are always a breeze for the best deals around. G. my personal and business difficult questions that Maajoun said “They were returns thanks to Besne!.” insurance and taxes very professional and it all Customers leave relieved bring to the forefront of comes down to one word; because there is no our lives, Besne and her integrity! Great customer family introduced East generic plan for each service and loved the Lake Insurance & Taxes type of insurance that the atmosphere. Thanks, in 2017. Since then, they company offers. Whatever have assisted hundreds of Besne, you’re the best.” the customer needs, East I asked Besne what people in finding the best Lake Insurance & Taxes insurance companies and areas they tend to serve will modify a plan to fit. to most; she told me, “the getting the most money From my experience, company serves anyone back on taxes they can. the worst part about who walks through the Besne, her husband, insurance is how many doors, but the areas we and her three children different companies you see most extend from are a happy family who have to deal with for each East Lake to Clearwater, created an approachable type of insurance. That’s and Palm Harbor to way to take care of where East Lake Insurance Safety Harbor.” With a people’s insurance and & Taxes can help taxes. Besne had her first wide range of people child in 2015, the second coming to see the ELIT team, the things each in 2016, and the last in person needs vary widely. 2018. She joked with me Because her agency is an that she was bored in 2017, so she “decided to “Independent Agency,” birth a business instead.” Besne and the staff at East Lake Insurance and Besne was a quiet and Taxes offer multiple lines sweet woman who, from of insurance from multiple the moment I walked companies. “We are not in the office, seemed approachable and willing obligated to offer one to answer any questions I company,” she explained. Before the business had. Insurance and taxes began, Besne worked for are very unapproachable another company that parts of life, so it is only offered similar services. fitting that a big, happy However, that company family is doing your dirty had many limitations. work for you. Besne and That’s what sparked the her three employees, idea to create her own whom she treats like an business that served each extended part of the customer differently. I family, work day in and asked Besne if the plan day out to assure every for each customer was customer that walks
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tremendously. They can keep all of your insurance needs in one place. Instead of calling five different companies and waiting on an automated phone line, you can call ELIT, and she can take care of all your questions in one place. The company offers insurance policies for auto, home, property, flood, life, business, boat, and other recreational items. Cover everything you need to in one place, that treats you like family. It’s that time of year again. A new year is coming, and you know what that means... taxes — the dreaded
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time of year filled with forms and phone calls. If you had trouble with everything last year, trust me, nothing is going to change. Instead of shuffling through your years’ worth of paperwork, have East Lake Insurance & Taxes help you out. Most likely,
you will get more money back and not have to deal with any headaches — a win-win situation for your holiday season. I’ll leave you with this; insurance and taxes are a confusing endeavor, so leave it to the experts. If you’re feeling worrisome about who to go to, the
ELIT family will treat you like you deserve to be treated. After all, the world needs a little more family tradition in it. East Lake Insurance and Taxes LLC is located at 3033 Ridgeline Blvd, Suite B2, Tarpon Springs 34688. Walk-ins are welcome but they also
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take appointments to ensure clients do not have to wait upon arrival. Call today to set yours at 727-437-0725. They can also be found on Facebook at East Lake Insurance & Taxes Tarpon Springs. Office hours are MondayFriday 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.
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