Vol. 13, Issue 10, October 2020
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, 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
Same Day Teeth®: The New Way to Bring Back Your Beautiful Natural Smile Written By: Dr. Michael A. Pikos
“Thanks to Dr. Pikos and Dr. Hedger I now have a beautiful smile,” recalls Gail Portervint. Gail suffered from periodontitis which caused tooth and bone loss. She came to Coastal Jaw Surgery looking for help with her failing teeth and to restore her self-confidence.
The doctors at Coastal Jaw Surgery have been caring for patients in the Greater Tampa Bay Area for over 37 years. Dr. Michael A. Pikos opened the Palm Harbor office with the goal to treat patients like family while ensuring their oral surgical needs are cared for. See “Coastal Jaw” on page 18
Let Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design Bring Your Dreams to Life
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
During the pandemic, many people stuck at home have discovered imperfections in their homes, especially where they spend most of their time – the kitchen and bathroom. Owner and creator of Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design, Glenn Rumer, along with several skilled designers, have been busy making homeowner’s dreams come to life. “(Customers) have been banging down our doors, and we’re doing our due diligence
From the Editor.............................5
Clearwater Pool and Patio..........6-7
Maryellen Crowder..................12-13
SAT/ACT Improvement.............16-17
See “Authentic Kitchen” on page 20
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Boos, Breasts, Bolts, & Votes! The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it illness, death, and a “new normal” that includes social distancing and wearing masks—not to mention significant disturbances to many families’ every day lives. With fall already here and the countdown to Halloween on, many parents are left wondering, is Trick-Or-Treating canceled for 2020? The short answer would be, probably not. The long answer; it’s not going to be the same. It’s going to look and feel very different than in previous years, and it will vary a lot depending on where you live. In Pinellas County, where I currently reside, we have a Facebook group for our community to stay on top of whatever is going on in our neighborhood. Some concerned parents decided to get online and ask if there would be anyone interested in still celebrating Halloween this year. The response was incredibly positive despite the pandemic situation. Many neighbors were open to trick-ortreaters knocking on their doors, while others informed everyone that they would be placing bowls with candy outside their homes for the little ones to pick a few and move on to the next property. Whether you decide to partake on the Halloween festivities this year, don’t forget coronavirus guidelines are still in effect, social distancing, wearing a mask, and properly sanitizing/hand-washing. Try considering costumes with masks already incorporated, or that would allow a mask to be worn appropriately against the face to provide the best protection, and always allow proper hand hygiene to be performed after every house visit. Experts also agree that all adults should even be wearing masks if going door to door to help reduce transmissions of the coronavirus. Another thing you could try would be making individual baggies containing a few pieces of candy for every kid, and instead of having them place their little hands in your candy bowls, hand them each a goodie bag and a sanitizing wipe to go along with it!
This month let’s also try to focus our attention on something else aside COVID, Trump, and Biden. Whether you identify as a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, always be respectful and kind to everyone, because you don’t know their struggles. There is never a need for name-calling, bullying, destroying property, or belittling anyone because their beliefs differ from yours. Remember, we all want what’s best for our loved ones and our country, even if we disagree on how to get it. Let’s shift our attention to more prominent causes that can bring us closer as a community instead of dividing us! Did you know that October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness month? It’s a yearly international health campaign organized by significant charities all over the world to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. Together, we can raise awareness by participating in different local walking/ running events, by donating to various charities, by providing emotional support to those affected by the disease, by sharing valuable information, by promoting health check-ups with our friends all over social media, or only by repping pink. Every year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events unite communities with a shared determination to save lives from breast cancer - all while raising money to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer through research and early detection. Through October, tune into www.facebook.com/TampaStrides to participate in several fun virtual activities that support this vital cause. I want to conclude by saying Congratulations to our Tampa Bay Lightning for becoming Eastern Conference Champions and making it to the Stanley Cup Finals! By the time you read this, hopefully, the Stanley will be tanning on our beautiful Florida beaches soon. Go Bolts!!! Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.
Shakeup Your Game with Clearwater Pool and Patio By Tom Bostock Immortalized in song by the virtually unknown song writers, composer, Albert Von Tilzer and lyricist, Jack Norworth, Take Me Out to The Ballgame, represents America’s favorite pastime, baseball. It is a game of teamwork like every other profession. Similarly, like every other team, you don’t always have to hit a home run to be successful in business; the bunts and squeeze plays count just as much as home runs. If your patio and pool supply companies keep striking out for you with high prices, limited products, and spotty
service, you need to add the family-owned Clearwater Pool and Patio to your starting lineup. As owner Alex says, “just give us a chance to get to first base with you; we’ll take it from there.” As an independent, the team at Clearwater Pool and Patio prides themselves on the quality of the products and service they provide to all their customers. Alex and his wife Jenny wanted a business that was a valued part of the local community. They wanted to find something that allowed them to help customers with their specific needs forthrightly. Stressing those values in an interview today,
Alex openly discussed the philosophy for his store. He said that “he will sell you what you want, not upsell what you don’t need,” a refreshing distinction in retail sales. We take pride in being your proactive pool
professional. We want to keep you educated about how to keep your pool healthy and equipment running properly so you can make informed decisions on how to best maintain your pool investment. Keeping your pool properly maintained will help you avoid larger expenses down the road. His personal commitment extends to all aspects of Clearwater Pool and Patio. They provide a complete list of services including pool maintenance, pool pump repair and replacement, deck refinishing, pool resurfacing. Whatever your pool needs, Clearwater Pool and Patio
can help. Simple power washing may return your old, faded pool deck to like new condition for substantially less money. If your request is for a service not provided by Clearwater Pool and Patio, they will help find you a reputable provider. With Covid-19 on everyone’s mind, Clearwater Pool and Patio
is taking every precaution in compliance with all county, state, and Federal Center for Disease Control guidelines to protect both their customers and their employees. They routinely practice social distancing (6’ foot minimum). Employees wear masks inside their store to protect both themselves and their customers. You will find sanitizing bacterial lotion on all counters. At the beginning of the pandemic, Clearwater Pool and Patio reacted quickly. They adjusted both their working hours and days to accommodate customer needs. They continue to implement procedures to improve their customers comfort level in their store. As a family-owned and run business, Clearwater
Pool and Patio offers flexibility rarely available from the large box stores and impersonal on-line providers. The limited warranty on pool equipment will not seem like a bargain when it breaks down and you try to get your provider to honor it. When shopping online, Alex says, “Please, please understand the warranty that comes with online purchases!” You may pay a little more when purchasing from a professional, but you will get a lot more in terms of the variety of pool and patio-related products and services. The equipment you buy from Clearwater Pool and Patio has a full one-year warranty. They select and stock certain manufacturers with the customer in mind. Warranty and technical support aspects are key components of their selection process. As an independent, they don’t limit the products to a single source. If you aren’t certain whose product you want, they will recommend a product and manufacturer to meet your needs. To ensure customer satisfaction, the Clearwater
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pool and Patio family employs a group of professionals with over 40 years of combined experience. Another husband and wife team are Michael and Danielle. Danielle is the manager while Michael is the Repair and Renovation Manager. It isn’t uncommon to find their son Garrett helping Michael in the field. Pool Tech Supervisor, Mark, brings over 12 years of hands-on experience and a loyal following of customers who have been with him for up to 8 years! Serving the pools of our clients with Mark are Gonz and Matt. Even Alex and Jenny’s kids get involved. 18-yearold, UCF college freshman Isaac and 15-year-old sophomore Ian have pitched in to work with the pools over the summer. It is truly a family business! If your current provider keeps throwing you curve balls, pinch hit with Clearwater Pools and Patio. They’ll have you rounding the bases in no time. Put Clearwater Pool and Patio at the head of your lineup today. Call (727) 791-3100 27384 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater.
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OCTOBER 2020 11
Maryellen Crowder Running for East Lake Tarpon Fire Commissioner Seat 3 MaryEllen Crowder has been endorsed by East Lake Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local1158 for East Lake/Tarpon Fire Commissioner,Seat 3,in the November 3 GeneralElection. It is the first time IAFF Local1158 has endorsed a woman for fire commissioner. The current Seat 3 East Lake Fire District Commissioner,David Root,is not seeking reelection.He and current East Lake Fire Commission Chairman Kevin Kenney are also endorsing Crowder over her election opponents Tom May and John D.Cattel. Others endorsing Crowder are Pinellas
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County Clerk of Court Ken burke,Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty and Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles Thomas. The East Lake Tarpon SpecialFire Control District (also referred to as 11East Lake Fire Rescue”) is a legally established SpecialDistrict under Florida Statutes.It operates three fire stations in the East Lake area,two in Palm Harbor and one in Tarpon Springs. The East Lake Tarpon SpecialFire ControlDistrict is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners elected by the citizens of the District to serve four
year staggered terms. The Commissioners have the authority to guide the agency, provide for programs and services,and manage the financial resources by Florida Statutes 189 and 191. Crowder is a 26-year resident of the East Lake area and,along with her husband Russ, has three
grown children and six grandchildren.She is a travelagent for Expedia Cruises,Land Sea and Air. She has been a volunteer member of the area’s Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) since 2014 and is a graduate of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy and Pinellas County University.For two years,she served on the Meadows of Tarpon Woods Home Owners Association as vice president. For more information call MaryEllen Crowder at 727-698-3010. Political advertisement paid for and approved by Maryellen Crowder for East Lake / Tarpon Fire Commisioner Seat 3.
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: TRAFFIC JAM IN SCHEDULING EXAMS By Dr. Wayne Adams For most of us, things are settling down a bit as we get used to our new routines with school (onsite and on-line), work, and moving ahead day by day. On October 14, high schools give the PSAT Exam, the only qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships. With the cancelations and delays of the regular SAT and ACT Exams from February – late August, a “traffic jam” has developed in scheduling for the fall. The first SAT on August 29 was for those students who had not been able to take the exam earlier in the year and did not take any additional
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reservations, according to several of my parents. In early September, one of my parents tried to make a reservation for the second SAT on Sept 26, and could not get a place for her student at that time. The ACT scheduled exams on Sept 12 and 19, and they were jammed early. In October, they scheduled exams on Oct 10, 17, and 24. By Sept 8, the first two were fully reserved. Not long thereafter, the third exam was fully reserved. The remaining SAT and ACT dates for the next six months are as follows: SAT on Nov 7, Dec 5, and March 13. Note that there is a three month gap from Dec to March for the
SAT.
ACT on Dec 12 and Feb 6. I strongly recommend that anyone wanting to take one of these upcoming exams make a reservation as soon as possible.
For seniors, the “rock solid” application date for UF is the first of November, with exam results due later in the month. UF might grant an extension into December because of the difficulties in scheduling exams in time. If applying to UF this fall is a possibility for your student, I strongly recommend you call an admissions officer as soon as possible to get the most current information. Qualifying dates for taking the SAT or ACT Exam for Bright Futures remain the same. As a reminder, the minimum SAT superscore for 100% award increased 40 points to 1330 while the minimum ACT composite remains at 29. The minimum SAT
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superscore for the 75% award also increased 40 points to 1210, while the ACT composite was reduced to 28. “Which exam is better to take?” is often I am asked by parents and students. Here are the key parts of my answer. 75% of my student prefer the ACT, and 25% the SAT. Usually, a student will score 15 percentiles higher on one exam or the other, but it is impossible to predict. Either exam is equally acceptable to colleges. If a student takes the ACT, usually the college does not require two or three additional SAT Subject Tests. Many colleges do require the additional Subject Tests if a student applies with the
SAT Exam. There is about a 60% overlap between the two exams. The major differences are in Reading and Math. Of course, the ACT has a Science section, but it does not ask anything about Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc. It is a different type of reading test where you find answers in charts, graphs, experiments, and opinions of scientists. Almost all of my students and parents today prefer my on-site, Covid compliant, private classes. On occasion I do an online, but this is seldom and usually for a student who would have a long distance to drive (such as from the other side of Tampa or south St. Petersburg) or taking all classes on-line this
fall.
If You Would Like To Talk More With Me About Your Student … Please call 727-253-0639 or send an email to 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 9 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), University of Virginia, NYU, Northeastern
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(Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force and Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, Purdue, Ohio State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He recently also tutored three juniors who became national merit finalists with their scores on the 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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“Coastal Jaw”
- continued from page 1 As the practice grew, he expanded to five locations in Palm Harbor, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Trinity, and Tampa. Our dynamic, surgical based multi-specialty team consists of Dr. Michael A, Pikos, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Kenneth L. Anderson III, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Jason B. Blundell, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Lindsey Pikos Rosati, Periodontist, Dr. Anthony M. Pikos, Periodontist, and Dr. Philip J. Hedger, Prosthodontist, who are committed to the practice’s mission to provide exceptional dental care under one roof while creating a safe, welcoming environment to make all patients feel like family. The practice specializes in dental implants with an emphasis on the Same Day Teeth® procedure created by Dr. Michael A. Pikos. Same Day Teeth® is an innovative surgical procedure that bypasses the traditional dental implant’s time-consuming process and allows for the placement of implants and new teeth to occur on the very same day. Same Day Teeth® protocol
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From left to right Dr. Kenneth L. Anderson III, Dr. Jason B. Blundell, Dr. Michael A. Pikos, Dr. Lindsey Pikos Rosati, Dr. Anthony M. Pikos, and Dr. Philip J. Hedger begins with a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth, which allows us to determine the optimal placement of your implants using the best digital assessment software and related state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your treatment is truly customized. Most service providers, especially corporate-based, treat everyone the same way with the one-size-fitsall mentality. You are as unique as your fingerprint and as a result, we draw from a variety of digital-based, precision solutions to give you a customized beautiful
natural smile and restore your ability to eat and chew foods that you love. Our unique approach not only includes a comprehensive treatment plan for each of our patients, but also a thorough explanation. “The best around not only in Florida but I am convinced the best in the nation”, states Nicholas Louis. Nicholas received traditional dental implants for his Same Day Teeth® procedure. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in your jaw to support replacement teeth. These replacement teeth are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile, provide optimal functionality,
and reduce your risk of developing other oral health issues. Coastal Jaw Surgery offers several dental implant options to ensure your smile is natural and custom to you. Same Day Teeth® offers patients a beautiful, natural smile completed on the same day with the use of dental implants, zygomatic implants, or subperiosteal implants. Patients who are missing all of the teeth in their upper jaw or whose teeth have broken down due to advanced periodontal disease may be good candidates for zygomatic dental implants. These implants are longer and anchored in the upper jawbone near the zygoma bone. Patients who are
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experiencing significant bone loss in the lower jaw may be good candidates for subperiosteal implants. This type of implant must be custom-made to fit the contours of a patient’s bone. Whether it is traditional dental implants, zygomatic implants, or subperiosteal implants, we have a solution to your missing teeth or loose dentures. If you have been told you can’t have dental implants due to bone loss, Coastal Jaw Surgery is the answer for you. Our doctors have the opportunity to help you with missing teeth or ill-fitted dentures now with Same Day Teeth®’s solutions to traditional dental implants. We encourage second opinions. We want to make sure that the best treatment possible is presented to you so the end
result gives you back your smile and self-confidence. Our Coastal Jaw Surgery team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontist have 65 combined years of experience within the realm of implant dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics. There is no better place to go for your comprehensive implant care. If you are missing teeth or wear dentures that aren’t fitting right - call Coastal Jaw Surgery to make a Same Day Teeth® appointment today. Transform your smile. Change your life with Same Day Teeth® at Coastal Jaw Surgery! Call 800-NEW-LOOK or visit www.CoastalJaw.com to book your appointment today!
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“Authentic Kitchen” story continued from page 1
to make sure everyone is safe. We meet the requirements so that Anyone we bring into the customer’s house is masked and healthy, no fevers, and everyone checks out. We make sure everyone is safe. It’s business as usual, just with a safe side.” Founded in 2015, Glenn wanted to build a company that was a onestop-shop for the consumer and the antithesis of other competitors that he’d worked. Glenn prides himself on not merely saying ‘the customer comes first,’ but proving it over and over, as noted by his 5-star reviews and over 2000
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customers, nearly half from repeat work and referrals. “My biggest thing is quality and service, standing behind what we say and what we do,” he explained. “I surround myself with products that I’ve researched in the last 20 years and have confidence
in selling a product we stand behind. Our customers know that they are not going to have issues with the products we sell.” Authentic Concepts sells seven different lines of cabinetry, which allows the company to be more diversified to meet its
client’s individual needs as far as style, construction, quality, and price point. “This allows us to fit into what the customer’s budget might be.” Whether a client seeks a minor update or a floor-toceiling remodel, Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath
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Design makes the process as seamless as possible. Though remodeling can be a disruptor to your home life, Glenn makes sure all products are accounted for before beginning to ensure no slowing down due to missing products. A professional job is completed as quickly as possible to allow the client to return to his renovated dream space to enjoy for life. Glenn said that now is the time to schedule remodels to prepare for Christmas or New Years. Each client, new or returning, receives the same gold star service. After a
visit to the showroom or a telephone call to determine the client’s style and color palette, a socially-distanced in-home consultation is scheduled to survey the home, get measurements, and brainstorm ideas. “This allows our designers to pull together a palette that will complement their life and the space that we’re putting in.” After the in-home visit, the design is recreated in a state-of-the-art 3-D rendering computer program for the customer to review and see from different angles. Tile, countertop, cabinets, paint,
fixtures, and lighting are brought together in a visual display in the showroom for the homeowner to get a feel for what their future space could look like. Glenn said 2020 brought back the light to medium woods tones, while greys and white continues to be a client favorite in the kitchen. He recommends a home that the customer plans to live in for a long time, spending a little more on the frontend to benefit in the longterm. “It’s not like you’re going to redo your kitchen again to get what you wanted. You’ve already spent the money, so you’re going to spend it all again? That doesn’t make sense. It’s important to make sure the decisions you make today are ones you can live with for the rest of your life.” Glenn said that having real designers separates him from others who only have salespeople. Unlike some of his competition, his design staff consists of educated, degreed interior designers, ensuring the most satisfactory quality service when they are creating the
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clients’ dream spaces. “Anyone can come out and sell you cabinets. We have true designers that can see the potential of the space, and we can show that to people. We have that wow factor. We say what we mean, and we stand behind it, which is lost in most businesses today. We give our customers something to take pride in, from the day we finish ten to 20 years from now. Nearly half of our business is referral and repeat, and we strive to maintain that.” For information on a remodel for your home, visit www. authenticconceptsdesign. com and let the talented designers at Authentic Concepts Kitchen and Bath Design bring your dreams to life. 12-month, no payments, no-interest financing is available. Call today for a no-cost consultation at 727-7853097, or visit 3265 Tampa Rd. Palm Harbor. Open Mon-Friday 9:30 to 4:30 and Saturday 10 to 2. After hour appointments are available. OCTOBER 2020 21
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