Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. East Lake Magazine. Vol. 15, Issue 3, March 2022. by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 15, Issue 3, March 2022

Your community. Your magazine.

The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 18,000 Homes In East Lake & 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, CRYSTAL LAKE CONDOS, 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, WINDMILL POINT, Woodfield

Realtor Laurie Powell Neiman Goes Above and Beyond for Realty Clients By Deborah Bostock-Kelley With a near half-century career, second-generation realtor Laurie Powell Neiman grew up in the business. From an early age, her mother Marie Powell was her mentor, operating Marie Powell Better Homes and Gardens, a prominent, respected realty company. While in high school, Laurie worked as a secretary at her mom’s office on weekends. After graduation,

BOB THE COMPUTER GUY & ASSOCIATES, INC. “We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World” In a world where technology reigns, everyone could use a hand when their computer malfunctions. For over 20 years, Bob The Computer Guy has been that “helping hand” for many folks in the Tampa Bay area. We’ve become more dependent on our computers especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your computer functioning properly and safely is essential if you are to keep pace with life’s daily and often times frantic demands. Sometimes our systems act quirky See Bob the Computer Guy on page 18

she continued in the real estate business, earning her sales associates license, and by 1978, she earned her brokers’ license. By 1991, Laurie became the broker/owner of the two offices in New Port Richey and Springhill. She sold to Prudential which is now Berkshire Hathaway in 2008. Fast forward to the present day, Laurie works sales for Re/Max REALTEC See “Laurie Neiman” on page 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor........................5 Jacobson Cullunary Arts..........8-9 Decorating Den..................12-13 SAT/ACT..................................14

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 3

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

Loyal To Local - Always As the COVID-19 situation seems to be slowing down within our community, we would like to take a moment to check in. We continue to encourage you to take care of yourself and your loved ones by observing recommendations from public health officials and staying home if you feel unwell. Many local restaurants and businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, with many suffering huge financial losses. Now is a great time to “buy” local first by ordering products and food to-go from your favorite local shops and restaurants! As you know, our publication’s primary focus is to cover all the great things that our incredible city of Tampa Bay has to offer. We focus our efforts on informing the community about local businesses and what products and services they have to offer you and your loved ones. We are proud promoters of a “shop local” mentality. When you shop locally, you benefit from a personalized customer service experience, as local business owners are usually running and operating their own shops. They feel personally invested in your purchase. Local business owners genuinely care about you and your family; they want to get to know you and want to make sure you’re enjoying the products or services they offer. After all, they are your neighbors. When you decide to shop local, you’re making a personal investment in your neighborhood and community. In fact, for every $100 spent, roughly $68-$73 of it returns to local activity. For or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com For Advertising Advertising Info Info 727-943-0551 727-943-0551 II info@nnlflorida.com info@nnl-

Money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local companies, service providers, and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our region’s tax base. Whether you realize it or not, by supporting small businesses you are individually stimulating the local economy with your support and, in turn, helping shape your community’s unique character and personality. By shopping local, you’re also supporting incredible local charities and non-profit organizations. Most of our featured local businesses and their owners are very involved in helping their communities prosper, and the majority donate a lot of their proceeds to local charities and non-profit organizations. Where we learn, shop, eat, drink, and play—all of it makes our community home. At the end of the day, it’s free to give a business a shout-out on social media, leave them a kind review, or hype them up through word-ofmouth. We’re doing our best to lift up all the small businesses we can right now, but we could use your help! Tampa Bay’s one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Let’s keep Tampa vibrant, eclectic and unique; let’s keep it local.

Carla Dubis Tedeschi MARCH 2022 5

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 7

Corned Beef in Pressure Cooker Recipe

Courtesy of the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy/Tarpon Springs H.S. Ingregients and Instructions: • 3 lbs. of corned beef • 1-1/2 cups of chicken stock • 1 large onion, thickly sliced • 1 (12oz.) bottle of beer Remove corned beef from packaging. Reserve spice package to use. Rinse meat and pat dry with a paper towel. Place onion at the bottom of the pressure cooker. please corned beef on top of onions. Add the chicken stock and beer. Close pressure cooker, according to directions. Cook 45 minutes: Begin by using high heat, then as steam starts to appear, turn heat down between medium and low.

MARCH 2022

Allow steam to release. Refer to manufacturer’s dorections before removing cover. Remove corned beef from cooker and let rest, loosley covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Thinly slice; serve and enjoy!

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 9

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 11

Creating a Relaxing Respite By Decorating Den Home used to be the place where we came to relax and get a respite from the stress of the office, the commute or a day of running errands. Today, some are spending more time in the home, maybe no longer going to an office. Now, many are aiming to make certain rooms in the house more of a relaxing respite. Getting away from work may mean going to a different area of the home. The obvious choice is often the primary bedroom. Turning it into a luxurious suite like the one shown above is often the goal. The starting point here was a color scheme of calming gray, white and violet. The transitional, channeltufted upholstered bed con-

MARCH 2022

trasted with a colorful, abstract rug. The true showstopper of the room. The marble tile fireplace and beaded wallpaper add dimensional elegance.

Teal swivel accent chairs provide a second respite area in this warm and inviting primary bedroom. Who doesn’t love to read by a fire?

Let’s not forget the key function of the bedroom, however. If you’re not waking up feeling rested, refreshed, and restored, something is missing.

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

Think about the environment you’re creating in terms of it putting you in a restful mood for the last part of the day and a revitalizing mood when waking up. Most of us think of the

bedroom as the place we want to be a relaxing respite. We want to wind down and prepare for a healthy night’s sleep and then wake up to an environment that inspires us for a new day. As you are

re-evaluating your bedroom in light of that goal, here are some tips: • Color is critical in promoting a space conducive to relaxation. Choose a calming color palette. Lighter shades of gray, blue, and green often promote calmness. • Improve storage so there is no clutter in sight. Clutter can instill a sense of chaos instead of calm. • Flowers and plants can be soothing visually and aromatically. Certain scents can have a calming effect. White candles can add an air of serenity. Natural sunlight does wonders for one’s attitude; let the sunshine in. • Throw pillows and blankets can create a feeling of coziness. Contrast hard surface floors with area rugs to create softness and add some tranquil color. If you have the space, create a reading or TV-watching nook with a comfy upholstered chair, a chaise lounge, or loveseat. A soft serene color palette of soft ivory, creams, and taupe give this space a calming and classic appearance,

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

ideal for both closing out the day and opening a new morning. A touch of glam and sparkle fills the room with the selection of custom fabrics in silk, satin and velvets. A custom-designed and built tete-a-tete transformed to be a bench with an open center allows the couple to share a seat while reading or watching TV, while not blocking the view. This small landing was the perfect place to be transformed into an intimate reading room. The vibrant pumpkin orange studio loveseat adds some fun and is perfect for lounging. The glass-enclosed book cabinets make for a classic library display for keepsakes and photos to conjure up those sentimental memories. The oversized coffee table also is a place for resting the feet. The small accent chair finishes out the corner of the room and offers seating for a guest. Yes, for some, exercising, especially yoga, is a relaxing respite. This was an add-on space adjacent to the mom and kid’s office/study space. There’s room for yoga mats and other equipment. The client loves gardening, so there is plenty of room for plants. It all makes for connecting with nature while keeping mentally and physically fit. The wall art and wall covering behind the bookcase create an outdoor experience in this multi-functional space. It can be a solitary retreat, a quiet place for just two or three to converse, or a space for entertaining a larger group. It checks many boxes. For more information, or to book a consultation, call Sally Giar today at 727-7894886

MARCH 2022 13

SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: LOOKING AHEAD By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Exam Dates: SAT on May 12th, June 4th, and August 27th; … ACT on April 2nd June 11th, and July 16th. One question I often have from parents and students is, “Dr. A, are there really that many ‘tricks’ that can help improve SAT and ACT scores?” The answer is, “Yes,” with some specific techniques, some ways of thinking, and some mental techniques to help reduce test anxiety and “stay focused, on track” when the inevitable distractions hit during an exam such as having to read a question multiple times, realizing it is taking too long on a question, and different forms of self-doubt. Math has many specific techniques that help students answer questions much faster with a far higher probability of getting the right answer. Here’s an example. If the question asks which of the four following expressions is equivalent to (8x2 – 4x +2) / (3x2 + 2x – 8) and gives you four possible fractions with x’s and numbers in the numerator and denominator, there is a way to get the correct answer in less than fifteen seconds working only in your head! Here’s how. No one said you couldn’t plug in 0 for x, which leaves our expression = -1/4. Now, plug in 0 in for x in each of the four possible answers. The answer that also = -1/4 is correct. If two of the possible answers = -1/4, then go back and plug in 2 for x in the first expression and get another “target number”. Use it for x in the two “possibles”, and only one will give you the new

MARCH 2022

target number. That’s your answer. All too easy … if you know how to recognize the six types of Plug-Ins in arithetic, algebra, and geometry problems and how to handle them. In five to 15 seconds my students avoid factoring, canceling out in the numerator and denominator, and using at least a minute of time on a test where “time is not your friend” … not to mention the far higher possibility of making a math error. By the way, almost all algebra problems and many types of geometry problems can be solved with Plug-ins if you know what to look for and how to do them. My students love “doing algebra without algebra”. I firmly believe that half of a student’s doing their best on these exams is mental. This is why I wrote Achieve and Maintain Your Peak Mental Performance Zone on the SAT and ACT including How To Win Over Test Anxiety for my students. This includes fourteen ways to “stay in the zone’ during the actual examination. As we all move into spring, many SENIORS are working on bringing up their exam scores up to qualify for the 75% or the 100% Bright Futures Scholarship (about $25,000). We have until the last SAT Exam on Saturday, June 4th, to qualify with the SAT, and until the last ACT Exam on Saturday, June 11th, to qualify with the ACT. At this point, it is not unusual to do a “Skill Strengthening” class to improve either the Writing and Language / Reading combined score or the Math score on the SAT, or either the English and Reading combined score or the Math and Science combined score

on the ACT. These focused classes are about half the hours of a full prep class. Sometimes, when we are aiming for more improvement, we do the full prep classes. My JUNIORS and some SOPHOMORES are usually focused on getting ahead with preparing for the SAT and/or ACT and either work over the spring, or get set to prepare starting right after school finishes for the ACT in mid-July and/or the SAT the last Saturday in August. For students wanting to do a combination class of ACT and SAT, we can finish either the week just before school resumes in August (with a complementary, additional review class the week before the SAT), or the week before the actual SAT Exam. During the summer, we easily schedule around family vacations, summer jobs, athletic commitments, and “surprises” as they may arise. If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 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+ points on the Writing, Reading, Writing

and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 8 of the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, 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, Naval - Air Force - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. 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.

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 15

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 17

Bob the Computer Guy - story continued from page 1 or slow down. They may even fall victim to cyber criminals. When this occurs, you need someone trustworthy you know you can count on to step in and bail you out. “It’s stressful when our computers stop working. We need them for everything; from showing up to work-from-home, grocery shopping, doctor visits, and even our kids’ schooling,” said Bob Dalles of Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. “We make every effort to make our clients’ repair experience swift and painless. People share how they’ve been having problems with their computer. Once my team has an opportunity to analyze, diagnose, and resolve their issue, they tell us they never thought their computer could run so well.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. is a computer IT and cybersecurity company that provides onsite computer repairs, cybersecurity solutions, data recovery, new system setups, data transfers, secure disposal of old systems and just too much more to mention! They service everyone whether it’s your residence or business. When COVID-19 hit,

MARCH 2022

Bob quickly adapted by changing company policy to better keep his clients and staff safer throughout the pandemic. Many appointments can now take place with a remote session via phone and internet. Some more involved jobs might require you to bring your computer directly to Bob. He’s located in the New Port Richey/Trinity area of Pasco County. Of course, Bob still provides safe onsite service to clients whose repair needs require an onsite visit from one of Bob’s professionally certified technicians. “A misconception folks have is they think we are a computer store,” said Bob. “We’re not a retail store. We are a service company. My goal is not to sell you merchandise!” Bob emphasizes. “My technicians and analysts work with you to develop

a solution tailored to your technology needs and budget. We are not going to suggest you buy a new computer unless that is the logical choice for your situation. Should you need to buy a new computer, I am not going to try to sell you one. However, if you need assistance with a new purchase, my team can make recommendations on what computer best suits your specific requirements and budget. Plus, they usually know where the best deals can be found too!” “It’s not uncommon for new clients to tell us they did not know companies like ours existed,” said Bob. “And they’re so glad they found us.” Bob became captivated with computers in the late 1970s. In 1995 he launched his own computer consulting and repair business. In 2008 he accepted a position as the

instructor for Computer and Information Technology with a Florida technical college. Bob enjoys sharing his expertise with others who possess his passion for technology. His love of computers inspired him to begin writing his published column “Tech Talk,” where Bob shares decades of IT experience while also enlightening his readers how to keep their devices running well and safe. “Tech Talk is very popular. A lot of clients tell me that they have followed the column from its first publication,” said Nikki, Client Communications Director. “Some clients even clip the columns and stick them on their refrigerators or file them away for future reference.” Cybercrimes are on the rise even more now that everyone has become increasingly dependent on

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

technology. The criminals behind these scam e-mails, phone calls, and text messages will not hold back when it comes to exploiting any technology weaknesses that you may have overlooked. Bob and his cybersecurity team want to ensure that you do not fall prey to these ruthless cyber criminals. “In early 2019 we launched a Cybersecurity Division,” said Bob. “It has been a God-send for our clients’ peace of mind. We’re helping folks be proactive by showing them how to secure their computers and online accounts. My team will help you implement the proper tools and will instruct you on “best practices” when using your computer and navigating the internet. I am thrilled to be able to provide this vital service for individuals and small businesses that heretofore has only been in the financial reach of

government agencies and large corporations.” “You want to be sure you’re wearing your cybersecurity seatbelt before the crash,” Bob warned. “Your data, personal information and internet identity is like gold in the digital world. You need to properly protect it before something happens to jeopardize it. My goal is to increase your online safety awareness to lessen your chance of becoming yet another cybercrime statistic.” Cybersecurity is still a new concept to most people. Bob encourages everyone to protect themselves properly and to seek professional guidance to make sure they are doing it correctly. “Some folks still believe they are too small or insignificant for someone to want to hack their computer,” says Bob. “Others feel that they don’t do anything

online to warrant protecting themselves, then lull themselves into a false sense of security believing that doing nothing is okay.” Bob continues, “Hey, I don’t know how to make it any clearer. If you do anything of a financial nature on your computer, YOU ARE A TARGET! Do you shop online? TARGET! Do you bank online? TARGET! Pay bills online? TARGET! Ever order a pizza online with your credit card? TARGET! If you choose not to secure your computer properly, YOU BECOME AN EASY TARGET!!! Still some people believe they are immune to attack because they think they don’t have anything worth losing. It’s kind of like saying that since you are not a race car driver going 200 miles per hour, you don’t need to wear your seatbelt when you’re just driving your car up to

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

the corner grocery. Don’t kid yourself. No matter how big or small, we’re all digital targets. We can all get hurt online. Please make sure you are properly protected. I hope you’ll call me today so, together, we both can be sure you are. Be safe my friend.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. offers computer and IT repair to homes and businesses. They also provide the cybersecurity services you need to keep you safer in your digital world. 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 need to call Bob The Computer Guy now! Call 727-5344000 today!

MARCH 2022 19

“Laurie Neiman” story continued from page 1 Group. She prides herself on being a one-stop shop for her clientele. She jokes that she “has a guy” for everything a buyer or seller could need. And she’s not kidding. Five-star testimonials and consistent client referrals attest that Laurie goes way above and beyond to help her buyers and sellers. “Every person’s needs are different. I do a lot of business in the 55+ community. I help people with absolutely everything. I don’t just help sell the

MARCH 2022

house. I help people find the mover, stage their home, and clear out their clutter, or find an estate sales person.” She relayed a story of an ill senior who could not adequately prepare for an estate sale. Laurie regularly visited between appointments to sort clutter of items keeping and items for the sale. “I like to help people whether buying or selling,” she said. “In today’s market, people are thinking homes are selling so easy, so it doesn’t matter what realtor they get. It’s essential that they pick a good realtor who knows the market and can get them the right

Laurie Neiman (left) and her mother, Marie Powell (r) price.” Laurie combines modern web advertising with tried and true, oldfashioned print and postcard promotion. “It’s important that you

have a good blend. Not everybody goes on the internet. That’s not their thing, so without old-school, you’re not reaching your full potential.” Laurie also hosts open

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

Laurie Nieman and her family houses. “My job if I’m listing your house is to expose it to as many people as I can. Some people call open houses old-fashioned, but many people like to come to open houses and see the homes. Normally when I have an open house, the home sells within a week.” For sellers, Laurie explained that realtors often price homes too low to give the illusion of selling the house at a better price. The realtors expect to get multiple offers and sell it for more.

“They say I got $40,000 over asking price, but maybe they should have priced it $40,000 higher, to begin with. The mindset is, why would I pay more than they’re asking , and the seller doesn’t even get what the value is because the realtor’s strategy was wrong,” she said. “I tell the owner we’re not pricing the house to give it away and get a crazy frenzy. We’re pricing at the top of the market, so we know we’re not leaving any money on the table. Many times sellers think they are

getting a bargain on their commissions to find out that the agent doesn’t provide professional photos taking photos on their cell phones and not marketing the home properly, and leaving thousands of dollars on the table pricing too low. They don’t actually do stuff that will help the seller get more money. What you save on a little bit of a commission, you probably lost more on what you could have gotten for your house.” When choosing a realtor, Laurie said that the client should ask about their time in business and what their strategy will be. Make sure they will deliver on all of the services offered. “You need to find an agent who knows the market and does marketing. Sellers who have worked with laurie say, ‘if you want to get most for your money, you should list with Laurie

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

because she knows the values and what’s what in the neighborhood.’” On the other side, Laurie said the realtor must know pricing so that the buyers are not paying too much for a house. “If they’re going to want to sell it one day, we need to make sure that they are paying the right value for a property,” said Laurie. Laurie is grateful for the unwavering support of her husband Joe and daughters, Angel and Lauren who know she is all about helping people. “I like to help people. People know I listen to what they want, whether buying a house or selling a house. I try to help them accomplish whatever their need. This is their biggest decision and most people’s biggest financial asset, so I work hard to be sure their needs are met. I don’t like to see anyone get taken advantage of. Everybody needs a home and someone to care about them. I’m faith-based. I think the Lord knows this is a calling for me. He gives me people who need help, and I try to take good care of them. This is my passion and my ministry.” Call Laurie Powell Neiman of Re/Max REALTEC GROUP for all your real estate needs at 727-385-0877.

MARCH 2022 21

MARCH 2022

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

MARCH 2022 23

24 DECEMBER 2021

For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.

Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. East Lake Magazine. Vol. 15, Issue 3, March 2022.

Articles inside

decorating den

See “Laurie neiman” on

sAt/Act

from the editor

Jacobson cullunary Arts