Porter Home Care ServicesÂ
A company that truly cares about you and your loved one’s well-being
Wild Birds Unlimited
Discover The Wonderful Joy and Health Benefits of Birding NEARSHORE Fishing
NEW TAMPA TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES Publisher / Assistant Editor Matt Selby Email: matt@nnlflorida.com
Creative Director Carla Dubis Email: carla@nnlflorida.com
Editor Carla Dubis
General Manager Jim O'Reilly
Graphic Design Tony Sica
Advertising Sales Matt Selby Jim O'Reilly Julie Rinaldi Mike Bird
Billing Managers Doreen Selby Tina O'Reilly
Photography by Eric Bunch - NTP2 Photography Mike Bird
Office Mascots Marley, Ziggy, Zeus, Mr.Penelope (c) 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. All Rights Reserved. New Tampa Lifestyles is published monthly and distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to over 22,000 Homes in New Tampa. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Nothing that appears in this publication may be reproduced in any way without consent of the publisher.
As the name denotes, Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to the focus of being Thankful. This time of the year gives us that warm, fuzzy feeling. We have a few days where we feel generally thankful and grateful for the wonderful things in our lives.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the work “grateful” as “showing an appreciation of kindness.” This where the difference lies; being thankful is more of a feeling. Being grateful is an action. It’s easy for us to look around the Thanksgiving dinner table and say that we are thankful. Family, friends, and food surround us. In that time, we’re currently experiencing that fuzzy feeling that comes with a holiday gathering. We wait for that one time a year in which we can focus on that thankful feeling. But where is the practice of that thankfulness? Thankfulness is the first step. We have to have that initial feeling to build upon, and we build upon it by redirecting our focus onto making gratefulness a steady part of our lives, 365 days a year. But our lives are busy. They distract us from remembering the important things. We get so caught up in our schoolwork, our day job(s), our relationship issues, our bills, and our responsibilities that we forget to shift our perspective on a regular basis. I know that there aren’t many of us who each day dwell on how blessed and lucky we are to have the lives that we do. So how do we actually gain that perspective and keep it all year round? The key is keeping gratitude at the forefront of our lives. It’s not just thinking about how thankful we are to have what we do. It’s about living out that gratitude through the simple things we do every day. When we gear our minds towards focusing on how truly blessed we are, it makes it easier for us to want to bless the other
people in our lives. Gratitude is what prompts you to pay for a stranger’s meal because you recognize your own financial blessings. Because you see that you can help another person out, which in turns redirects the tone of their day. It’s what prompts you to remind your loved ones how important they are to you. It’s what encourages you at the end of a long, hard day, because you know that it’s actually been a far better day than you’ve made it out to be. For me, there is no better feeling than that of giving, so I want to take this opportunity to encourage and invite all of you to spread your gratitude with random acts of kindness, no matter how small, and not just during the Holidays but every chance you get. The smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Last but not least, in the spirit of gratefulness, I would like to use this media to personally thank my mother, Berardina Tedeschi, for her incredible courage, unconditional love, never ending support and impressive emotional AND physical strength. As you may already know, we recently and unexpectedly lost my father, Julio, her husband of over 35 years. Yet somehow, she continues to be the super loving mom, (and grandmother) she’s always been. I do not know how she does it, but her strength is admirable. Somewhere inside of her lies resilience we never thought possible. I want to thank you mom, and dad up there in heaven, for being my biggest reason to feel thankful, not just during the holidays, but every day of my life. Thank you for reading, have a beautiFALL November and Happy Thanksgiving!
NEARSHORE Fishing
By the end of the month, the King and Spanish Mackerel, will start to leave our nearshore wrecks but not to worry, a new and tasty new fish will start to move into their favorite shallow water “Winter holes.” Want to take a guess which fish will be within the reach of many anglers in November - March? Grouper! The fish that put the Tampa Bay area, most specifically the waters off St. Pete and Clearwater, on the map when it comes to commercial fishing. Luckily for us, the commercial guys don’t usually bother the nearshore fishing holes many of us recreational fishermen target. Large numbers of Red and Gag Grouper pour into our nearshore waters with keeper size fish being caught in as shallow as 8 feet and in some cases even less!
By Captain Matt Selby
“People don’t realize how many fish they pass up when they decide to make a 40 mile trek or more offshore in search of Grouper. Many spots we found by mistake but we used that information to find more spots that mimicked the habitat the grouper seemed to like.” -Tim Selby If you’ve never caught a Grouper, you owe it to yourself to feel the raw power of these incredible fish. We end up finding Cobia near the wrecks in the winter time as well, another hard fighting, tasty creature. When you’re ready, lets go fishing! Contact me today to get you on some fish! Capt-Matt Selby captainselby1507@gmail.com
Very few people know the “secret spots” nearshore that hold quality fish and many of my fishing numbers have been passed down to me for generations.
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Porter Home Care Services
A company that truly cares about you and your loved one’s well-being By Carla Selby
Porter Home Care Services Owner, Milagro Porter, always knew she wanted to work at a place where she could help other people. “I always wanted to be in a career where I could really help others,” says Milagro Porter, founder and owner of Porter Companion Care, a leader in the field of in-home care, servicing the following counties; Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk. With a name like Milagro, which means “Miracle” in spanish, it comes to no surprise that she enjoys caring for others, and loves to perform little miracles for each of her clients. People with this name tend to be orderly and dedicated to building their lives on a solid foundation of order and service, and that is exactly what Milagro Porter does. Focusing on quality service and personalized care, Porter Companion Care provides a wide range of short-term and long-term in-home care services. Their main services include; companionship, housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. Service plans are customized to meet your needs and can be altered at any time. From companion care a few hours a day, to round the clock care with meal preparation and household chores services, running errands / shopping, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, pick up / drop off medications,
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as well as pet sitting, Porter Companion Care caregivers will be there to make your life simpler and more enjoyable. “When my mother was very ill, I found it very difficult to find good in-home care for her, especially for the type of services she required,” says Mily, as she is known by her loved ones. “I decided to start Porter Companion Care in October of 2014, with the vision of some day being able to provide those much needed quality care services to all families in the Tampa Bay area.” Home care aims to make it possible for people to remain at home rather than use residential, long-term, or institutional-based nursing care. Many individuals wish to remain independent and use home care services to maintain their existing lifestyles. “I believe it is important to be able to retain a certain level of personal freedom and independence,” says Mily. “At Porter Companion Care, we champion independence and do whatever we can to help disabled adults maintain a sense of autonomy.” As a fully licensed in-home care provider, Porter Companion Care, understands the value of human interaction and communication. With a group of wonderful and carefully trained care givers, Porter
Companion Care are here to provide support for you and your family, whatever the situation. “We are truly dedicated and committed to assisting your loved ones with the utmost care possible. Because we’ve been there, we have experienced hands on what it is like to have a loved one need that special care and assistance, we will make sure to treat your family like we treat ours,” Mily adds. William Sullivan had this to say about his experience with Porter Companion care; “Caring, exceptionally compassionate caregivers. Would highly recommend them.” As time went by, Milagro realized that the majority of her clients came to her looking mainly for cleaning services. “As time passed, we realized that many of our clients only wanted or needed full housekeeping services,” she says. “So at the beginning of this year we decided to start ‘Porter Home Care Services’ which would combine all the services with a name that made more sense. We take pride in everything we do, so if a good deep cleaning is all you’re looking for, we will make sure to provide you and your loved ones with a customized cleaning routine that will keep your home simply spotless.” Christina Lawson, a local New Tampa
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resident, says “I called Porter Companion Care 24 hours before we had to move out of our rental. They were so nice and accommodating to fit me into their busy schedule. They did an amazing job. I highly recommend them for any cleaning service you may need for your home.” Mily and her team will go above and beyond for you and your loved ones. They truly enjoy what they do and cherish that rewarding feeling that comes with helping others. “I enjoy that we get to help others live a less stressful life and freeing up time to spend with their loved ones,” says Mily. She is even willing to go anywhere in the Tampa Bay area where her services are needed. So even if you don’t live in their main servicing areas, you could still give Milagro a call, tell her about your needs, and she would make sure to do anything in her power to assist you in any way possible.
Milagro is currently running a pretty awesome special, she says “Anyone that mentions they heard about us through Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles gets $20.00 OFF their first home cleaning!” So if I were you, I would make sure to call her before and after any upcoming holiday party or get togethers. It is the season for many of us to get random and unexpected visits from family members and friends, so you want to make sure they walk in to a spotless home! And do not forget to mention Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles! $20.00 OFF is a great deal!
Call Milagro Porter today at 813-407-3971 to discuss your needs or to book your first home cleaning. For more information please log on to portercompanioncare.com
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NOVEMBER 2017 7
STUFFED: Can Someone Pass the Beats, is a charitable music festival, aimed towards giving back to the community. There will also be a silent auction and lots of dancing. A portion of the proceeds will go towards making t-shirts and blankets that will be donated to people in need. Scrxtch n Sniff Presents is proud to announce their first annual Thanksgiving charity event in Tampa, Florida, November 22nd. SXS has teamed up with The Orpheum, NU MGMT, Circle Talent Agency, JX Media and Traditions Entertainment to benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Many of us have heard of Metropolitan Ministries, and like me, we may not be fully aware of how much they give back to our communities. Metropolitan Ministries is a local, independent, faith-based nonprofit committed to providing hope. They have been assisting those who need it most since 1972. Their services for the poor and homeless families are offered right here in Tampa Bay. Currently you can help fill empty plates this thanksgiving, by visiting their site www.metromin.org and donating meals for the poor and homeless. Your gift will be MATCHED, making every donation so much more meaningful and great. Daniel Alexander, the founder of Scrxtch n Sniff Presents, a company known for their incredible and “out of this world” parties, is very passionate about giving back to the community. He has donated and given back every year since he was a little boy with his grandma, his inspiration behind this event. This is Daniel’s first time putting together a charity event this big, with many local Tampa and Orlando Djs. As stated earlier, Daniel has teamed up with NU MGMNT to bring some friends, ones you are not going to want to miss!
“Ever since my grandma came to America, she was poor. But she was always giving stuff away, so when I was a kid, she use to always make me donate every year around the holidays. So finally, this is my chance to show my grandma what’s up!” - Daniel Alexander To give back to Metropolitan Ministries, they are doing a canned food drive. Each can food item you bring will be a $1 off the entry fee. Bring in twenty cans and you’re in for free! Signed and autographed merchandise from all the attending DJS playing at the event will be raffled off for charity, including; dad hats, long sleeve tees, signed posters and other miscellaneous signed items. Now, I know you are excited to find out who is providing those sick bass drops to keep you head banging all night long. I’m here to tell you that you will not be disappointed, especially with the surprise guest and TWO headliners. The full lineup will be announced early November. For more information and to grab your early bird tickets before prices increase please log on to STUFFEDMF.eventbrite.com
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NOVEMBER 2017 9
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
NEW TAMPA Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant’s Christmas Tour
West Meadows Food Truck Rally Join us for this monthly event on October 19th along with: The Revolution Ice Cream Co. Vanchetta Food Truck The Melt Machine Food Truck Rolling with my Hoagies Food Truck and Lolis Food Truck Date(s): Nov 16th and December 21st Location: 8401 New Tampa Blvd, Tampa, Fl 33647
Featuring THE VOICE winner, JORDAN SMITH! Once again rekindling their synonymous holiday music magic, multiplatinum GRAMMY® winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will co-bill their popular symphony-filled Christmas tour this year, joined by Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, Season 9 winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” Tampa Bay International Auto Show Experience hundreds of new-model cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs, EVs & hybrids from domestic & international manufacturers. Take a test drive of select makes/models right at the show! See exotic car displays, and a special tribute to FirstRepsonders in our Hometown Heroes display. Enjoy family fun activities on Sat/ Sun, too. Date(s): November 18, 2017 / 10:00 AM 10:00 PM Location: 333 S. Franklin. Tampa, FL 33602 http://www.autoshowtampa.com Suncoast Community Connections Small Business Expo
Live Oak Community Thanksgiving Pot Luck Bring your favorite dish to pass and celebrate the season with your neighbors. Water, soda, and coffee, provided. Rsvp No later than November 11th. liveoakevents@melroselifestyle.com Date(s): November 18 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location: 9401 Oak Preserve Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
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Come shop and browse at this Fall’s most exciting Community Expo! Vendors will be on hand to display and sell personal items, household products and services, and even some hand-crafted treasures. You’ll also get to meet some of your neighborhood small businesses -- there is something for everyone at the Expo. Food and drink specials available in Mulligan’s Pub and part of the proceeds of the event go to the Centre for Women! Date(s): November 19, 2017 Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Location: Pebble Creek Country Club Regents Park Drive; Tampa, FL 33647 www.suncoastcommunityconnections.com
Date(s): November 26, 2017 / 7:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 Empire Groups Together All our Empire Groups are getting together to celebrate what has been happening at Grace X Empire. Join us for a night of celebration with food, share the wins of our Empire Groups, and worship. Also, Pastor Charlie will be casting the vision for what is to come in the next few months at Grace X Empire. Date(s): November 28, 2017 / 7:00 PM Location: 8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33647 Lady Gaga: Joanne World Tour in Tampa GRAMMY® and Golden Globe winner and Academy Award-nominated Lady Gaga is a one-of-a kind artist and performer. Her fifth studio album “Joanne” was recently released and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, marking her 4th consecutive #1 album - the first female to do so in the 2010s. December 1, 2017 / 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 The Book of Mormon The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington
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Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the ninetime Tony Award®-winning Best Musical. Date(s): December 5, 2017 - December 10, 2017 Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place. Carol Morsani Hall Tampa, FL 33602
Katy Perry On the heels of a successful world tour hailed by Rolling Stone as “a show to damage retinas and blow minds,” rocker Katy Perry announcing her “Witness: The Tour”. Date(s): December 15, 2017 Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour TSO has sold more than 10 million concert tickets and over 10 million albums. The band has released a series of rock operas: Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, Beethoven’s Last Night, The Lost Christmas Eve, their two-disc Night Castle and Letters From the Labyrinth. Date(s): December 17, 2017 / 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602
25th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival November 18 - November 19th 271 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34689 One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, Dunedin has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront, a relaxed lifestyle, and activities for all likes and ages. Just a short drive from Tampa, along Dunedin’s Main Street, you will meet some of the country’s finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in America. Ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and an expansive Green Market offers something for every taste & budget. If Tampa Bay is on your travel agenda this November, you can not miss out on this terrific weekend craft event!
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NOVEMBER 2017 11
WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL NEWS Our teachers of the year: David Aldred - Teacher of the Year Roslyn Brown - Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Rafael Leon - Instructional Support Employee of the Year Winter Fest - December 8th We have a fantastic event that is student run by various groups on campus called Winter Fest on December 8th. They do a fun “winter event” for at risk elementary students from MOSI, and Witter Elementary. Mr. Woods, the principal would like to invite you to come out and experience one of the best feel good events of the school year. This might be something to so a little spot light on in January.
and 8th in the 50 free. • Jeff Korver took 8th in the 50 free. • Derek McDonald took 8th in the 100 backstroke. • Boys Medley Relay took 7th- Derek McDonald, Adam Bell, Jeff Korver, and Charles Fields. • Boys 200 Free relay took 5th place- Hunter Malone, Derek McDonald, Jeff Korver, & Charles Fields. • Girls 200 free relay took 6th place.- Valeria Ramos, Kyra Okin, Juliana Silva, & Pearl Khunduang The boys and girls cross country teams competed at the FSU Pre State Invite this Saturday in the elite division against teams from across the Southeast. The boys placed 21st in the meet with a top 5 average time of 17:45, while the girls placed 20th with a top 5 average time of 21:14 on the 5-kilometer course (about 3.1 miles). Athletes who stood out include:
LSA Theater Program Wharton has an excellent theater program called LSA under the direction of James Warren. On Nov 30, Dec 1, 2 they will be doing a one act 40 minute play based on a book called Lily & Duncan A beautifully written story about two teens grappling with difficult issues. Lily is a transgender teen about to start eighth grade, about to come out to her peers as a girl with a father who can’t understand or support her (but with a supportive mother, sister, and best friend). Dunkin is a new kid in town, suffering from bipolar disorder, who tries to hide his condition while seeking popularity with the basketball crowd. Lily and Dunkin form a tenuous friendship that slowly grows into a solid relationship as they navigate bullying and their need for acceptance. Their stories are sensitively and satisfyingly told. The director of LSA contacted the author, Donna Gephart, to see if he could write a mini play on the book and she agreed. She potentially will be at one of the shows. LSA will use this as their for their competitions in the spring which they usually do very well.
• Nehmiah “Tre” Rivers 16:19 13th place (best finish for a Hillsborough County boy at the meet) • Eric Jurgensmeyer 17:46 • Sahil Deschenes 17:52 • Jackson Blanchard 18:20 (new personal record) • Anthony Stephens 18:27 • Nia Rivers 20:25 (new personal record) • Nicolina Otereo 20:52 • Michelle Sullivan 21:29 • Amanda Brake 21:35 • Jinia Johnson 21:49 Submitted by PTSA President, Vickie Lombardi
Sports Accomplishments The Swim team competed in the county championships recently and their results are below: • Charles Fields took 2nd in the 100 free and 3rd in the 50 free. • Pearl Khunduang took 7th in the 100 free
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NOVEMBER 2017 13
For 10 Years, Infinite Edge Gives Kids the Academic Edge Does your child have the potential to earn a perfect score on a standardized test? Want to find out? Or is your child struggling and in need of personal attention to be successful in school?
maximize achievement, as well as retention and comprehension of academic knowledge.”
Whether your child is already a high achiever who wants to soar to top heights academically, or if your child needs some extra help from an expert who can assess how he or she can best overcome difficulties to achieve the loftiest goals, the professionals at Infinite Edge Learning Center can help.
Ozra and her late husband Sobi Jabbari opened Infinite Edge Learning Center in 2007. Sobi passed away about a year ago after a battle with throat cancer. Ozra is keeping his legacy alive by continuing to provide the superior services that have always been offered at Infinite Edge to the students Sobi cared so much about.
Infinite Edge Learning Center is located in Tampa Palms and specializes in customized, oneon-one lessons for all subjects for students in grades kindergarten through 12, and some college. The center has been family owned and operated since it first opened more than a decade ago. Ozra Jabbari, who both owns and manages the center, works with an experienced staff of about 18 educators to ensure that every student who comes in gets the individual attention they require to get ahead in a specific subject. A wide variety of subjects are taught, from elementary school to challenging college-level classes. “We help students in every class and every subject,” says Ozra. “All of our tutors work here parttime, because the majority are professional teachers or college professors. Our staff is matched with specific students who need help catching up or want to push ahead in any and all subjects.” Ozra’s mission is to empower each student to maximize his or her fullest academic potential through highly accurate assessment and focused achievement. “We teach enrichment math and English programs for those advanced students who are not challenged enough,” Ozra says. “We teach them two to three years ahead of their class, so by the time they are in high school they already know a lot of college material.” Ozra and her team determine each student’s academic strengths and challenges via assessment. They establish a grade equivalency and standardized score to pinpoint areas that require special attention and improvement, and then design a completely individualized, student-based learning intervention strategy or curriculum of instruction. For a student, getting personalized attention they don’t get in a crowded classroom can make a huge difference in their grades. “Each lesson is a private, one-on-one session with a teacher, which lasts a full 60 minutes,” says Ozra. “We focus on any specific area of need, and also continuously assess the student’s progress to
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The Jabbari family has lived in Tampa Palms for more than 20 years. Ozra and Sobi’s daughter, Farnush, is a sophomore at nearby Freedom High School. Their son, Koroush, is an honor student at USF, where he is pursuing both a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degree. Home of the perfect SAT Infinite Edge Learning Center is known as the “home of the perfect SAT,” thanks to a tradition of coaching students into remarkable – yes, even perfect – scores on the SAT and ACT. “We have had multiple students get a perfect score,” Ozra says, noting that every time Infinite Edge students take the standardized test, they have at least one perfect score. Their formula for success includes starting with a diagnostic assessment, then an individual course of instruction is developed for that particular student. Then, Ozra says, “each session is exclusively oneon-one and our students are guaranteed to receive personalized instruction that capitalizes on their potential and addresses their individual needs.” The main issue Ozra encounters is that many parents wait too long to start thinking about the SAT or ACT. She believes that if students haven’t started preparing for these tests by their junior year, it will undercut their potential for maximum scores. A full test preparation program at Infinite Edge Learning Center can take several months. Cramming all that information in a few weeks won’t yield the same results. “A student needs to have a good foundation, and start preparing sooner rather than later,” says Ozra. “We recommend one-on-one, customized test preparation. But we also offer group courses, which have no more than six students, and
are a more affordable option to prepare for the tests.” “I love Infinite Edge,” says Corbin Ryan from Freedom High School. “The SAT tutors have some of the greatest minds I have ever met. They helped me a lot in improving my SAT scores and preparing for both SAT Math and English.” The success of her students definitely brings Ozra happiness. “I am very proud of my students,” she says. “When it comes to the end of the year and they’re getting good grades and high test scores, it brings me happiness. It is also very gratifying to hear them say ‘thank you’ for all we’ve done for them.” Why choose Infinite Edge? Ozra strongly encourages anyone looking for academic help to check out the local options, and be sure to compare apples to apples. While Infinite Edge offers one-on-one, customized help for each individual. “Infinite Edge Learning Center is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me,” says Anoud Fetais. “I honestly don’t know how I’d get straight As in school if it wasn’t for Mr. Jabbari and Ozra. Coming here helped keep up with my work and also made me ahead in my classes. I never knew I needed to strengthen my math until I got here. They helped me catch up in math and master it. Thank you, Infinite Edge Learning Center, for making me want to strive to success!” Infinite Edge Learning Center in Tampa Palms is located at 17419 Bridge Hill Ct., across from Freedom High School in Tampa Palms. For more information, call them at 813-971-6500 or visit infiniteedgelearningcenter.com.
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“Christina was amazing and set up our trip to Hawaii. I wasn’t even thinking of going, but when I saw the deal she posted in her Facebook travel page (Christina’s Travel Deals and Promos) and the savings... I was hook, line and sinker and off to the Islands we went. It was absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to book my next trip with Christina.” L. Michelle Pentifallo First in Real Estate Services, Inc. Owner/Broker For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
NOVEMBER 2017 15
Wild Birds Unlimited - Discover The Wonderful Joy and Health Benefits of Birding
Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the enchanting song of a bird from outside your window? Couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful colors of a Blue Jay? With hundreds of bird species native to the state, Florida is a bird lover’s paradise, even if you live in a heavily urbanized area. Birding refers to the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby, and is less difficult than you may think. These outdoor pets can be very enjoyable without the extra costs of veterinary care and the housing and maintenance that more traditional pets require. You just need the proper supplies and the right information. Luckily, Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Village Center of Carrollwood, has exactly what you would need and more to start birding! Long time bird enthusiast, Lucy Polak, has been a happy loyal customer since Wild Birds Unlimited first opened their doors in 1997. When the original owners decided it was time to retire, Lucy jumped on the exciting opportunity to take over. After working years in corporate America she found herself in between jobs. You don’t always understand why things happen but in this case, it was clear to Lucy, that this was destiny. Lucy purchased Wild Birds Unlimited two and a half years ago, and this past May celebrated their 20th anniversary! Luc is as passionate about birds as she is helpful. She will happily assist you with all your birding needs and guide you through the process. In addition to a wide variety of beautiful bird feeders, houses, nesting boxes, Wild Birds Unlimited carries field guides to help you identify the birds you will see, nature lotions, yard décor, and children’s books. Birding can be as mellow and relaxing as sitting in your favorite chair while watching them in your back yard or as exciting as spotting them in a national park. After a long day, you may find yourself watching the sun go down over a community lake and spot a family of Sandhill Cranes making their way toward the tree line, or if you’re the adventurous type, you could go camping with your family and realize you’re falling asleep to the soothing hoot of an Owl. These
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types of things take us beyond ordinary experiences. After some time you’ll learn how to identify your own favorite species, sparking an interest on how to recognize them and even keep them coming back. Lucy believes that birding inspires a harmonious union with nature, and recognizes that it provides major health benefits. Keeping our minds active and healthy is essential for our overall sense of wellbeing. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that if we want to keep our brains healthy we need to keep learning new things. What better way to do that
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than by learning about birds? Bird watchers have to be ready to seize the moment after long stretches of inactivity. A bird can appear out of anywhere and a bird watcher needs to ready the camera or binoculars to capture the majestic creature in flight. A bird can be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Bird watchers need their brains to operate on many different levels to make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be near by, and to snap a picture before a once-in-a-life opportunity is eclipsed. Studies have shown that these kinds of mental exercises can help fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and Parkinson’s. Not only is it important to keep our mind active, it’s just as important to keep our body moving! Following birds in their natural habitat is a sure way to keep us going and out of our everyday routines. Bird watchers sometimes walk many miles in search of a certain species of bird. Certain species live high-up on cliffs and mountainsides, and you need to hike to get to see them.
sure that all the food is suited for this area and that it will attract the birds you want to see. The food is always fresh and it comes from farms that do not use insecticides. The goal at Wild Birds Unlimited is to help you enjoy the benefits of birding by bringing people and nature together. The knowledgeable staff and owners are excited and ready to help engage you and the next generation of birding enthusiasts. Stop by today and unleash the beauty of color and song that birds will bring to your home. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 13140 Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. Log on to https://tampa.wbu.com/ for more information and store hours.
Lucy encourages people of all ages to give birding a try; she will guide you and provide you with everything you need to get started. It’s an easy and rewarding hobby anyone can enjoy. The amazing passion everyone who works at Wild Birds Unlimited share for our feathered friends cannot be denied, and it comes from deep within. Shortly after retiring, the previous owner decided to come back to what he knew best and what he loved, so now you can find him working alongside Lucy. Both love assisting their customers with all of their needs and they enjoy making their store yard a beautiful bird haven. Additional Birding Benefits Although it takes some time and dedication to feed these birds, the benefits of bird feeding go far beyond enjoying the moment with these beautiful feathered friends. Did you know birds eat much more than seed and nectar? Feeding birds in your yard invites them to munch on the insects, worms, and spiders that are eating your landscape. This can provide organic pest control with little need for toxic insecticides or harmful chemicals. Not only do birds eat insects, they assist with flower pollination. This can result in fuller flowerbeds and beautiful bird-friendly landscaping with less gardening effort. Ready to get started? Wild Birds Unlimited is your one stop shop to turn your backyard into the relaxing oasis you have always wished for. Many people, who have come into the store curious about what is inside, have later become very passionate about attracting birds. The staff at Wild Birds Unlimited is very knowledgeable and able to help you connect with nature whether you’re a beginner or expert. They carry the best bird food available in Tampa Bay. Most of the products are made in the U.S.A. and many of the houses and feeders are made from recycled materials. Some bird foods from other places include fillers that the birds won’t really eat. Every ingredient in the bird food at Wild Birds Unlimited is a seed or grain that birds love to eat. They make
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NOVEMBER 2017 17
Garage Guru
What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel 2. Tire age - three year old Florida tires are quite often ready to be replaced due to dry rubber. Tires have a manufacture date on the side, but you have to decode it. Do you see “5107” in the picture? This tire was made in the 51st week of 2007, or December 2007. Your tire has this stamped on only one side and it could be hidden on the inside. Check your other tires. Odds are one will have the date facing out. Your original tires are 4 to 5 years old and it is quite possible they are ready to be replaced. When you buy new tires, ask to be shown the manufacture date. Some “good deals” may not be so good if the tires have been sitting on a shelf for a year or more.
Tires: Where the rubber meets the road – literally. Dear Garage Guru,
3. Tread Wear - most people are familiar with watching for tread wear. New tires have a tread depth of around 10/32”. When a tire gets to 2/32”, it is considered worn out even though tread may still be visible. You can measure your own tread depth with a penny. Turn the penny upside down and if the tread does not reach Lincoln’s head you are at 2/32” or less.
“I have a 2013 BMW that I drive very little but the oil change place says I need new tires.These are the original tires from when I bought my car new and they look fine to me. How do I know if I really need new tires?” Great question! Do you park in the garage or outside? If these are original tires they are 4 to 5 years old and quite possibly do need to be replaced. Your tires can look good but may be hiding concerns that the normal person doesn’t see. It’s not to say that Automotive Technicians are not normal, but they do see things that might escape you. If you read on, you will be looking at your tires like a pro and will know if you need tires or not. There are 3 tire concerns I want to introduce you to that will make you a trained tire observer: 1. the condition of the rubber, 2. the age of your tire, and 3. tread wear. 1. First, check the condition of the rubber: Here in Florida our hot weather and strong sunlight can dry out the rubber in your tires in as few as three years. Have you ever found an old rubber band in your desk drawer and pulled on it? Instead of stretching it breaks. Tire rubber does the same. Crouch down and look closely at the sidewall and in the tread grooves of your tire. Do you see cracks? A good tire will have no cracks and the rubber will be soft and a little oily. As the Florida sun bakes our tires, they dry out and start cracking. Even though you may have deep tread grooves and lots of rubber left, dry tires should be replaced. When the rubber becomes too dried out the tread will eventually start to separate from the casing, or core, of the tire. A bubble or blister usually first develops where the tread pulls away from the casing. You will feel a “bump, bump, bump” when driving. This is unsafe and demands your immediate attention. At its worst, the tread can pull away and unroll off the tire. Parking inside a garage or in the shade can protect your tires from the sun and they can last longer.
18 NOVEMBER 2017
A second, tread depth check is to find the “wear bars” molded into the tire between the tread grooves. When the surface of the tread is worn even with the top of the tread wear bars, the tire is worn out. Shallow tread will not dissipate water and can cause you to hydroplane and slide easily on wet roads. An important alert – you have a BMW with a sophisticated performance suspension system such as most European and many Asian and American cars. Performance suspension will cause the rear tires to wear rapidly on the inside edge where it is difficult to see. So, you need to duck down to see the inside edge of your rear tires. Though the outside tread may look perfectly fine, the inside might be worn completely out. You are armed and ready to check your own tires and make an informed decision – to replace or not. When it’s time to replace tires, you don’t have to buy the exact tire the manufacturer put on. There oftentimes are much less expensive options that are good quality and will suit your driving style. There’s another topic for Garage Guru. We are eager to hear about your car concerns. Is your car acting up or have you wondered about how some part of your car works? Drop us a note at Marty.labarbera@cbauto.net, and we will offer our honest opinion. Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
NOVEMBER 2017 19