Vol. 5, Issue 3, March 2019
Your community. Your magazine. ™
®
NEW TAMPA’S FAVORITE MONTHLY DIRECT-MAIL MAGAZINE
MEET YOUR REAL ESTATE TEAM, DEE STROM AT YOUR SERVICE It’s official: the market is showing signs of a transition. What does that mean for you and your current real estate needs & goals? When times are changing it’s best to be prepared. Meet the team that is most equipped to handle these questions and best represent you in your real estate transactions.
See “Dee Strom” on page 16
Dress For Success - Empowering Women to Rise and Succeed for others, who are seeking an opportunity to better themselves or better the living conditions for their families, this question is a daunting and confidence debilitating dilemma. For many women across the Tampa Bay area, DRESS FOR SUCCESS has been there for them. This not-for-profit organization has enabled women to go out and gain employment, or further their chances of advancement in their current employment situations. Their mission statement is “To empower women to achieve economic by: Lisa Stephens independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the For many, what we decide to wear each development tools to help women thrive in day is a simple question that leads us into work and in life.” our closets to make our selections among the variety of options available to us. Yet, See “Dress For Success” on page 8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor.........................5 Tech Talk with Bob...............10-11 9th Annual Drive Away Cancer Golf Outing................................12 Tee It Up For Charity..................13 Night Of The Arts.....................14 GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’ Club............................14
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 3
March is all about women, so let’s empower them!
Empowerment is defined as “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights,” (Oxford Dictionary). Women empowerment is a key factor when it comes to economic growth, gender equality, political stability, and social transformation. What better Month to raise awareness to the empowerment of women, than the month of March, in which we celebrate National Women’s History Month? National Women’s History Month was established by presidential proclamation in order to draw attention to and improve the focus on women in historical studies. As recently as the 1970’s, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness. To address the situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978 in an effort to begin adding women’s history into the educational curricula. As the word spread rapidly across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations of National Women’s History Week as an effective means to achieving equality goals within classrooms. By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. In 1987, Congress then
declared the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. Last year, President Donald J. Trump said in a proclamation issued on February 28, 2018, “Women are leaders in a range of fields, from business and medicine to government and the arts. And My administration is committed to creating conditions that empower women to achieve even more.” The National Women’s History Theme for March 2019 is: “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” This year we honor women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society. From women’s rights and racial justice to disarmament and gun control. the drive for nonviolent change has been championed by visionary women. We encourage all of our readers to observe this month and to celebrate appropriately by being respectful towards women, helping them when necessary, cheering them on, complimenting them sincerely, praying for them, and sharing resources with them. We hope you can do this not only in March, but every month of the year. When women feel empowered, they believe in themselves and their ability to control their personal and professional lives. Always act toward others as you would have others act toward you.
Carla Selby
6 MARCH 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 7
“Dress For Success” - Continued from page 1 The Tampa Bay branch of this incredible organization
has done just that, and more.Executive Director of the Tampa Bay affiliate, Katie McGill, began her relationship with DRESS FOR SUCCESS - Tampa Bay as a volunteer on their Advisory Board. With years of nonprofit experience behind her before taking on this role, this organization captured her heart. Katie explained this organization began in 1996 when three nuns started the effort in the basement of their church. When Nancy Lublin received a $5,000 inheritance from her great-grandfather, she wanted to do something with those funds that would be lasting. She teamed up with three nuns in her area and created a boutique in the basement of a church in the Manhattan, New York area. Fast forward to today; DRESS FOR SUCCESS is now available to women worldwide seeking economic development and an opportunity to better themselves personally. The Beginning In the beginning, the effort was to provide a suit to women who were set to go on a job interview. This met the need of many women who were not economically advantaged to afford a new suit to go on a job interview. The scope of DRESS FOR SUCCESS has since expanded and now provides clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories to women who have set interviews for potential jobs and are yearning to make the best first impression possible.
Bay affiliate was the first in Florida and just tenth of the overall affiliates world -wide, since its’ founding, for women to go to seeking help. Who can seek the help of this incredible opportunity? According to Katie, it is, “Anyone who can get here from around the Tampa Bay area.” They receive referrals from numerous organizations around the Tampa Bay area. If women are seeking help getting a job or rebuilding their lives, they can call the office directly to be directed to an organization that can help them seek an opportunity with DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Originally, the organization helped women from ages 18 to 38. However, in recent, they have discovered an opportunity and need to help older women as well and this organization has risen to meet the needs of those as well! Katie stated, “I’ve seen homeless women with a PH. D. searching for jobs. We want to help all women seeking employment.” She further explained DRESS FOR SUCCESS works with numerous area organizations who refer clients to them. Clients will receive a phone call to set an appointment to meet with a personal shopper to select the best outfit for that interview they have scheduled. At that initial appointment, the client will work the personal shopper to select an outfit, purse, and accessories for their initial interview. The purse will include a personal note of encouragement to the receiver. If the person gets the job, they are welcome to return to DRESS FOR SUCCESS to select an additional six outfits to get them started in their career. Meeting the Needs of others
McGill notes two special opportunities available to Today, DRESS FOR SUCCESS has 150 affiliate chapters women at DRESS FOR SUCCESS. For women seeking in 30 different countries. According to Katie, the Tampa employment, she references their “Going Places”
8 MARCH 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
program. This is a seven-week program focusing on the efforts of gaining employment. The program includes interview training, both face to face and telephone interviews, coaching and even dress rehearsals for women seeking employment. Their “Professional Women’s Group” is a support for those women already employed but are seeking coaching opportunities on how to get a raise, promotion or how to excel in their current positions. McGill has many success stories to share. She shares the story of “Tina” who spent 38 years in prison and one of her first stops from behind bars was DRESS FOR SUCCESS. McGill advised her, “You can’t get clean until you come clean,” when advising Tina on her hopeful interviews to get a job. Tina went through the DRESS FOR SUCCESS program and now is employed as a supervisor at her current place of employment. “Nicolet,” from their Professional Women’s Group,” has exceeded as well. This is a group of already employed women. They meet to hear encouraging speakers to motivate attendees. Each year, one woman from the group is selected to attend a leadership summit. After they return, they are granted $500 to work on a community service project that will better their community. Nicolet created a project than enabled elderly in her community to garden. “She created elevated garden boxes that allowed elderly in wheelchairs to garden again!” said McGill. This enabled the elderly in local senior communities to get out and plant and garden, which also served as great hand therapy for those participating. How You Can Help The current needs of DRESS FOR SUCCESS are monetary donations to keep these programs going. They also seek toiletry items such as deodorant for incoming clients. Another need is dry snacks. “A snack for me is a meal to someone else,” said McGill. Bottled water and packaged snacks are always welcome. Clothing and accessory donations are always welcome. Monetary donations would help them continue the programs they currently offer.
Thank you, Katie McGill, and DRESS FOR SUCCESS for being there for so many in need in the Tampa Bay area! For more information or donation and volunteer opportunities, visit tampabay.dressforsuccess.org. For those seeking local help through this organization, call 813-259-1876.
McGill’s motivation comes from her own experience. It could have been me walking through that door seeking help. I know what it’s like to be unemployed or to cry through the night over something. I don’t ever want to forget that.” For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 9
Tech Talk with Bob: Smile when you open your refrigerator. By Bob Dalles
We’re all accustomed to the convenience of the light in our refrigerator turning on every time we open the door. Now, cameras inside your “smart” refrigerator can take pictures of your food inside each time you open the door. Your refrigerator may be able to tell you when something has expired. The technology exists where you can connect to your refrigerator through an app on your phone that lets you view the contents inside while you are at
10 MARCH 2019
the grocery store. Your refrigerator learns what you use, how often, and when you are running out of something. You can link your refrigerator to your bank account and have your refrigerator automatically order your groceries for you; and then alert you on your computer or smart phone. More of our everyday devices have become or are becoming “smart.” Items you wouldn’t expect, like your new washing machine, may now connect to the internet. Be aware that it’s not just your refrigerator
and washing machine but a myriad of products on the market today that can connect to your wireless network. Some examples (and this is the short list):
cameras (not just security cameras but cameras in appliances, like your refrigerator); doorbells; exercise bicycles; home theater systems; lamps,
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
light bulbs, and other automated lighting equipment; door locks; kitchen appliances; set top TV boxes and HDMI sticks; baby monitors; smart (bathroom) scales; lawn sprinklers; smoke alarms; smart TVs; thermostats; washers and dryers; wrist watches; speakers; network extenders; video gaming systems; medical equipment like CPAP machines, insulin pumps and even pacemakers; garage door openers; pool pumps and heaters; digital assistants that listen for your voice commands; and so many more. Estimates expect up to 50 billion devices to be online by the end of the decade! It is easy to get caught up in how cool this technology can be. While your fridge can provide you with helpful information when you’re at the grocery store, its programming also sends details about your usage to the fridge’s manufacturer. Perhaps how often you open the doors, your preferred temperature settings, how well the compressor is running, how much ice it’s making; how often you change the water filter; anything its manufacturer has instructed it to monitor. It collects this information and regularly transmits it across your wireless (Wi-Fi) network, through your internet connection, to servers waiting to analyze your data. So, the next time you open your refrigerator door… SMILE, you may be getting your picture taken. Have a tech question? Email it to TechTalkTBNL@BobTheComputerGuy.NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727-534-4000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet! For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 11
9th annual Drive Away Cancer Golf Outing In memory of John Kubek and Mike Millian
Sponsored by the JK Cancer Fund, Inc. 727-862-2100 www.jkcancerfundinc.org When: March 24, 2019 11:00 am: Registration 12:30 pm Shotgun Start Dinner, Awards & Raffles Following Scramble Rules & Hole Prizes
Where: Seven Springs Golf & Country Club 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey, FL 34655 More information, to register and pay, please visit:
12 MARCH 2019
www.jkcancerfundinc.org Questions? Email: sue@millian-aire.com call: (727) 809-1695 About JK Cancer Fund, Inc. The JK Cancer Fund Inc. is a Nonprofit Organization started in 2010 by Cody Millian as his senior project for Mitchell High School. Cody started the first Drive Away Cancer Golf Outing to keep the memory of his grandfather, John Kubek, alive. John was one of the most amazing people Cody knew, and he
died of stage four cancer in his bones, liver, and lungs. But the Drive Away Cancer Golf Outing has become so much more and has taken on a bigger meaning. In 2011, Cody’s mom was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and in 2014, his other grandfather, Mike Millian, passed away from cancer. Cody’s passion for Drive Away Cancer gets stronger all the time. The JK Cancer Fund gives back 100% to local charities in our community including:
• Funding the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program at the James P. Gills Family YMCA in Trinity. The program helps survivors who have gone through cancer treatment regain their muscle strength and flexibility while building a strong sense of connection with other survivors. • The Cheval Cares 5K Family Runs benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer • Pasco Pediatric Foundation Golf Tournament
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Tee It Up for Charity! A TOPGOLF EVENT
Sunday, March 31, 2019 / 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Join us for the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club 22nd Annual Charity Auction and Fundraiser! This family friendly event includes 3 hours of Topgolf fun, a buffet dinner, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Enjoy an evening of fun while helping raise funds for volunteer service projects that benefit our community! All profits from this event are put back to our community through volunteer service projects and in-kind donations. We support Children’s Cancer Center Tampa, Feeding Tampa Bay, Full Circle Food Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, Hacienda Girls Ranch, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, Sunrise Domestic Violent Center, The STANO Foundation,R.I.C.H. House, Trinity Cafe, The Legacy Assisted Living and other local charities!
How much are tickets? $75 per person To purchase tickets, please visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org/no5000
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
www.GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org/no5000 | NTJWC@GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org 501(c)(3) #59-3464913 - The New Tampa Juniors Woman’s Club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs International and is registered as a 501(C)(3) organization.
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 13
There is no greater reward than helping a child to follow their dreams. Their eyes light up when touched by the magic of the arts! We invite you to join us at our annual Night of the Arts Gala Fundraiser for Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theater featuring live music with the band Actual Bank Robbers, professional performances by guest artists, family fun, food, dancing, games and auctions.
Friday, March 15, 2019 7:00 - 9:30pm Higgins Hall - 5225 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 Website and tickets: https://tbttt.org/events
cognitive development and reasoning skills, spark creativity, and assist in teaching priceless life lessons.
Who We Are For more than 16 years, Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre (TBTTT), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in residence at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, has been in the forefront of the Tampa Bay community helping to create opportunities for children to experience the wonderful world of the performing arts. It has been proven that the arts aid in
Investing In Our Youth • TBTTT hosts productions such as our annual production of The Nutcracker which sponsors children from low-income families to experience a ballet. • Every year, TBTTT offers scholarships to children and teens of all abilities and backgrounds to study, participate, and thrive through the arts. • Educational classes, workshops, and performances are provided to create an environment conducive to different levels and abilities. • TBTTT partners with Broadway Connection to offer workshops to the Tampa Bay Community with professional Broadway artists.
Preserve, an assisted living facility. The residents were given homemade valentines and goody bags and a wonderful time was had by all. The Club has a busy March coming up with plans to volunteer at Lacoochee Elementary's Girl Empowerment night and participate in the Pasco County Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build. Members are also spending
a lot of time preparing for the 22nd Annual Charity Fundraiser and Silent Auction which will be held on March 31, 2019 at Topgolf in Brandon from 6-9pm. Tickets are $75 and include three hours of golf, dinner, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, go to https:// gfwcnewtampajuniors.org/no5000/.
GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman's Club The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club has already had a busy 2019. After a successful book drive, the Club donated 155 books to two local Title 1 elementary schools including Mort Elementary and Lacoochee Elementary as well as Palmetto Elementary in Orlando. The Club had several service projects to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Members collected magazines and delivered them to local laundry mats and also volunteered at the Light Up the Night 5k race and 1 mile walk which was an event to bring awareness to human trafficking. At the January meeting, members made 750 valentines to be delivered by Meals on Wheels of Tampa on Valentine’s Day. The Club had a “Share the Love” event during which Club members, along with the GFWC New Tampa Juniorettes (ages 12-18), visited the residents at the Legacy at Highwoods
14 MARCH 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 15
What is a balanced market? The Tampa Bay area has been in a seller’s market for so long that a new type of market can seem scary. But take heart, the term “balanced market” is not negative nor is it anything to be intimidated by, especially when entered in a timely manner. A balanced market is a healthy one where the buy side demand matches the seller side supply and there are positives for both sellers and buyers. First, there will be a greater inventory of homes on the market, meaning more homes for sale. A chief complaint among buyers in the past few years is that there have not been many homes to choose from. As more homes enter the market, it will encourage healthy competition between listings and will likely result in more room to negotiate in some cases. Second, homes listed in a balanced market are more likely to experience slightly longer market time. In December of 2018, 48% of the homes entering the market went under contract within the first 30 days or sooner. That’s a blazing fast pace and a clear indication of a market favoring sellers. Sellers placing homes for sale in a balanced market can expect to see slightly longer days on the market prior to getting a contract. For buyers this takes the frenzied pace out of purchasing, giving them more time to make comfortable, educated decisions. For sellers this simply means properly preparing their home for the market, a few more showings, but also the added benefit of getting the best offer. Multiple offers will be more of an occasional occurrence. Sellers should be prepared to list their homes at a realistic price and be mindful of competition. As in many areas of life, balance offers benefits and allows our market to continue
on a healthy track. Tampa won’t land here immediately, but if the market continues on the current trajectory, this is what to expect next.
M A K I N G Y O U R DREAMS B E C O M E REALIT Y
One, two, nearly three months down and 2019 is off and running! With the first quarter almost under our belts, the real estate market is off to its usual fast pace. Take note, there are some undeniable indicators that this year may be unlike the previous few in terms of how we are used to the market performing. While news outlets spit out headlines that can at times seem alarming, keep in mind Tampa residents, that not all market information is created equal. You see, real estate is done at a local level and while some other areas may experience slowing markets, the good news for Tampa is that we are still under the national median price for single family home sales, still have a growing economy and still have our beautiful weather, beaches and quality of life to keep us in a healthy place for real estate. To remain healthy, the real estate market seeks equilibrium as it follows the repetitive wave of expansion, peak, contraction and valley. The Tampa market is currently late in the expansion cycle with clear market indicators that we are entering a plateau. The market continues to rise, but at a slower pace than the recent past shown in year over year statistical studies. Many could feel anxious, and understandably so, at the thought of another trip to the top of the market cycle since many all too well remember the sudden decline which followed. Thankfully, Tampa can remain confident since market indicators point toward a gradual leveling of home prices cushioned by historically lower interest rates and an attractive marketplace for businesses. This year is predicted to be a strong one for real estate as we head down the healthy, expected path towards a balanced market. It is still a great time to buy and sell real estate in the Tampa Bay Area barring any unforeseen happenings outside of the financial or real estate realms. It’s true she has no crystal ball but Dee Strom will continue to keep a close eye on what’s happening, informing and updating clients as to what is to come.
Our Team, At Your Service Steve Jobs once said “great things in business are never done by one person” and that can certainly be said about the wonderful people that surround Dee at Florida Executive Realty. She would like to introduce you to her team, whose main focus is her client’s best interests. Her Broker Doug Loyd founded Florida Executive Realty in 1992 in the New Tampa area with a desire to be the best real estate brokerage firm in the Tampa Bay area. He based his company and vision on the foundation of Matthew 7:12, the “Golden Rule” as being the best and most proper way to do business. Twenty-seven years later, he continues to lead and shepherd over 175 agents forward as leaders in technical & practical expertise, moral & ethical excellence, fair play & common sense, and in general being great people to do business with. As a testament to his leadership and expertise, he now has 6 offices throughout the Tampa Bay area, have just completed a 1,400 square feet office expansion, and closed over $460 million in sales in 2018 alone. His first employee and General Manager, Michelle Weinhold instructs, troubleshoots, and supports us with eyes on every transaction. Pat Cafferty, the Relocation Director connects and refers clients to the very best Realtors in the United States and in other countries to help them accomplish their real estate needs. Phil Clark of Enterprise Title is our Closing Officer who provides our clients a proactive start and smooth closing to our real estate transactions. Together, her team works to accomplish client goals and provide them with exceptional service throughout the real estate process and beyond. Proudly, 94% of business results from referral based sources and she continually strives to improve and expand her level of service. Added Client Benefits Dee has you covered in all areas of your real estate needs. Have an investment property? Florida Executive Property Services offers property management services to take the pain out of renting. Looking for a commercial property? She has area experts in this field to assist you. Looking for someone with the negotiation expertise to get the best price? Call this Certified Negotiation Expert who is trained in the intricacies of personality styles and the art of negotiation. Need agents with top notch HD photography and marketing presence? Dee hires expert real estate photographers, and markets your home to over 45,000 homes locally, on over 480 websites based in the United States and in over 70 countries globally. Moving to another area in state, out of state or overseas? No problem, she has you covered with a leading realtor in the area to take care of finding you that perfect home. Perhaps you’re renting and need to get out of a lease? Contact her about the lease eliminator program. Looking for a new home? Call this expert that specializes in the new construction market for her clients throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Let’s Talk. Don’t let those real estate dreams and goals you set for 2019 go unfulfilled. Buying or selling a home can seem like a daunting task, understandably. Let’s start with a simple conversation. Tell me what you’d like to do and I’ll get a plan in place & start on it as soon as you say go. It’s free and easy to get started, give me a call!
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 17
18 MARCH 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
MARCH 2019 19