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APRIL 2018 3
4 APRIL 2018
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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.
The eleventh annual World Autism Awareness day was April 2, 2018. In addition to using a puzzle piece as an icon, the official color for National Autism Awareness Month is a bright royal blue. Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities in Tampa Bay and around the world, used blue lights in recognition of people living with Autism. Autism-friendly events and community educational activities have been, and will be taking place in our city throughout the entire month of April. These events and activities increase the understanding and acceptance and foster Autism support, while providing fundraising and much needed donation opportunities. I would personally like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me and the entire Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles team in an effort to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands of Americans facing an autism diagnosis each year. What Can I Do To Show My Support? Visit any of the following charities and non-profit organization’s websites to learn more about the condition and how they are helping people in our community, connect with your neighborhood by attending local events, share your personal autism stories with others online, donate to a charity or organization, get involved! I encourage all of our readers to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Autism Foundation of Tampa Bay: Their mission is to Empower parents and caregivers of children with autism to speak up and advocate to meet the needs of the children with autism. They provide educational opportunities for parents and caregivers of children with autism to learn and understand the rights granted under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other such Statutes. They also encourage parents and caregivers to fulfill their role as the voices of their children EDUCATE parents and caregivers of children with Autism, EMPOWER these individuals to speak up for the special needs children, and provide RESPITE for these families.
To learn more visit: autismfoundationoftampabay.org
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)-USF:
FACE - Florida Autism Center of Excellence:
The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida is a community-based project that provides information, training, technical assistance and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them. CARD-USF offers instruction and coaching to families and professionals through a training and assistance model.
The Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE) offers successful educational programs for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The center’s innovative collaboration with the public school district is bringing new choices for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. FACE exclusively serves children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and offers educational solutions for student’s ages 3 to 22 in pre-k through 12th grade and beyond. Located at 6310 East Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL 33617, the school is available to families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties.The program at FACE focuses on developing the appropriate paths of learning to meet the specific individual needs of each student in all areas of functioning. At FACE, students gain the academic, social, language, behavioral, vocational and life skills they need to help them become more independent later in life. FACE uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – an effective, research-based strategy that has been proven to be effective for teaching students with autism. To learn more visit: www.faceprogram.org 6310 East Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL 33617 ph: 813.985.FACE (3223) email: info@faceprogram.org Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 and is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. To learn more visit: http://autismspeakswalk.org Call 407-478-6330 Email: tampabaywalk@autismspeaks.org Facebook: AutismSpeaks.Tampa
To learn more visit: http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd MHC 2113A Tampa, FL 33612 Phone: 813-974-2532 Email: card-usf@usf.edu
Aristas Cafe & Autism Shifts:
The vision of Shifting the outcome for those diagnosed with Autism came through Vicky Westra, who is the mother of a young adult who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. After 22 years in Corporate America, Vicky left her senior leadership role and opened the first Artistas Café on January 2011 through a partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. Artistas Café is a first-of-its-kind Café employing a front line team who have all been diagnosed with autism. Artistas has developed a proven, unique and comprehensive Autism Employment training program that helps to overcome the challenges faced by people with autism, including modules such as: learning and interpreting social cues, teamwork and multi-tasking skills, strengthening communication skills, emotional and social awareness which all lead to self-confidence and empowerment. Because of the success of the Artistas Café program, the vision is now to expand the program and create the first Autism Ready community. To learn more visit: www.aristascafe.com Autism Shifts Training Center 5215 W. Laurel St. Suite 100 Tampa, FL 33607 Local: 813-251-2787 Email: info@autismshifts.org
Carla Selby.
Mosquito Hunters of Tampa The only thing better than summer is a mosquito-free summer!
By Carla Selby
difficult and expensive.
Tampa Bay is known for its world-class beaches, rich culture and year-round sunshine. Unfortunately, because of their love for heat and humidity, our climate is also an ideal habitat for mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
Mosquitoes not only take away from your outdoor fun but can also pose a harmful threat to families and pets, causing allergic reactions and exposing you and your loved ones to dangerous insect-borne illnesses like the Zika Virus and the West Nile Virus. As health concerns surrounding mosquitoes continue to grow, especially with recent news of Zika Virus, the need for mosquito control becomes ever more apparent.
spraying company, offering a full range of effective, environmentally responsible yard treatment options, as well as one-time special event spraying services and seasonal packages,” says Mosquito Hunters - Tampa Bay owner, Brandon Allen. “Our services can be custom-tailored to your home or business, such as treatments that include surveying your property, spraying broad-leaf vegetation, and eliminating and/or neutralizing standing water areas.”
That’s where Mosquito Hunters of Tampa Bay come in! Mosquito Hunters makes mosquito control affordable, effective, and environmentally friendly too. “We’re an experienced outdoor mosquito
With nothing but 5 star reviews from happy mosquitofree home and business owners, Mosquito Hunter’s testimonials speak for themselves. “We are loving having no mosquitoes in our yard in any type of weather!
Have you ever tried to relax outside, only to find that mosquitoes had other plans for you? Have you ever planned an outdoor barbecue or cook out that turned into an indoor picnic or cook in? Have your children wanted to play outside only to come in minutes later after being eaten alive? These situations happen all too often, but too many people think that getting rid of mosquitoes is
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This Company is AWESOME!” says Lynn L. “We can finally enjoy our time outside with our family and not get bitten by mosquitoes all day or night. They also have excellent pest control services that we use. Great customer service, they come right out when you call. Very professional.” While another happy customer, Whitney Hamilton, has this to say about her experience with Mosquito Hunters “Exceptional Service! Every time I would go outside I would always get bitten up and it was really uncomfortable. I can now go outside enjoy my yard with my kids without
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swatting my arm. It feels great. The technicians know what they are doing and are very thorough. I would recommend this service to family, friends, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.” Before the thousands of happy clients, before the franchising, even before the incredible mustaches, Mosquito Hunters started with a single backpack sprayer and a dream. Today, Mosquito Hunters is proud to be known as a leading Mosquito Control Company providing affordable, effective and environmentally friendly mosquito control services in in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Owner Brandon Allen started the Mosquito Hunters Tampa division in 2016 with a dream of running his own business, but more than anything Brandon wanted to be involved in a profession that would allow him to help people, especially families. “The moment I started Mosquito Hunters of Tampa I felt a sense of freedom. I finally felt like I had achieved my dream. Five years ago, after a horrible not-at-fault car accident, I was left in pretty bad shape. I sat in a hospital bed and felt completely broken. I hit rock bottom. I felt like a failure,” says Brandon. “Here is the truth about failing… People only fail when they stop trying. When they decide to stay down and
not continue moving forward. Now, one might not get the results they we’re looking for, but the point is to never stop trying until you reach your goal. The moment you stop reaching for your dreams is the moment you fail.” Brandon is without a doubt living proof that determination, perseverance and hard work pays off. His professionalism and fun demeanor, as well as keeping the Mosquito Hunters Happy Client Promise, has scored Brandon a lot of enthusiastic followers. All the fantastic reviews and testimonials are too many to mention, but here are some of my favorite; “Brandon is the best!” says Jenny B. “Ask him about how he started hunting mosquitoes. It’s hysterical! I highly recommend the service if you hate mosquitoes. It works great. My yard and house was infested with them and I would over 30 bites a week and was feeling sick from them. I was very proactive in my yard and would still get bit up. Now there are NONE. Since I’ve been using Mosquito Hunters I don’t get bit up anymore.” Reggie M. says “Thanks Brandon for doing an awesome job and making me laugh. You have some great stories!!! Love Mosquito Hunters!! They have allowed me to enjoy my backyard. Brandon, sprayed our yard about 2 weeks ago and we are still mosquito free!”
With that tremendous passion, strong determination and charisma from a proud and happy owner like Brandon Allen, you can definitely rest assured that him and the experienced team of familyminded technicians at Mosquito Hunters will never stop trying to help you and your family to reach your Mosquito-Free backyard goals! Each of their treatments lasts 21 days and their friendly technicians are licensed by the Department of Agriculture (also, some of their Techs have spiffy mustaches). The treatments are also effective against fleas and ticks! IF you’re a pet owner, the mosquito, flea, and tick treatments are 100% pet-friendly to ensure your beloved animals are protected from these uncomfortable and potentially harmful pests. Mosquito Hunter’s products are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and they offer allnatural products as well. “Every single treatment performed by Mosquito Hunters is backed by a Client Happiness Promise – if ever you are not happy, just call us within the 21 days posttreatment and we’ll re-treat your property. For whatever reason. Period,” says Brandon. “We believe that a remarkable experience with family and friends does not require a passport or a suitcase. We know that some of life’s best memories are literally made in your own backyard. From barbecuing to playing catch, from stargazing to chill-axing in the hammock, we believe one of the simplest, most profound joys in life comes from using your yard to its full potential, especially in the company of loved ones.” Why Mosquito Hunters? • All treatments are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. • Mosquito Hunters Technicians are licensed by the Department of Agriculture. • They offer unlimited phone and email support to answer any
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questions or concerns. • Any unused treatments can be saved for the next mosquitoheavy season. • All-natural treatments are available at no extra cost. • All treatments are guaranteed by a “Client Happiness Promise.” “Mosquito Hunters represents my dream and everything I worked so hard since the accident. Today, I am married to the love of my life and have two wonderful children. I am finally at the finish line and looking to help others,” says Brandon. “At Mosquito Hunters we strive to protect families, businesses, and communities, from these ‘equal opportunity’ pests. Whether or not you have been directly affected by the illnesses these pests can carry, we’re pretty certain you’ve had to deal with their buzzing and biting. Stop the itching and start enjoying the outdoors again. It’s our pleasure to help you take back your backyard with responsible mosquito control.” Lastly, Brandon wanted to leave us with this quote; “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” -Gatsby. Mosquito Hunters of Tampa Bay proudly serves residential and commercial customers throughout Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and Pasco County including the following areas: Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes. Their offices are located at 13542 N Florida Ave. Suite 114-B, Tampa, FL 33613. Contact Brandon directly by calling (813) 609-8440 to receive a FREE QUOTE. For more information please log on to www.mosquitohunterstampa. com or email tampa@mosquitohunters.com
APRIL 2018 7
8 APRIL 2018
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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
APRIL 2018 9
By: Marcy Sanford From making new friends to learning new skills or perfecting favorite hobbies, summer camp can be more than just a place for your child to spend the day while you’re at work. A great summer camp will make them excited to come back the next day and be one they’ll still be talking about next summer. To help you on your search, here are a few of our favorite camps in the area.
Arts & Dance New Tampa Dance Theatre 10701 Cross Creek Blvd., New Tampa (813) 994-6838 www.newtampadancetheatre.com Children will explore the creative and exciting world of dance and end each week with a performance and celebration that includes costumes, pizza, and cookies. Ages 4 – 10 Color Me Mine 1609 Snow Cr., South Tampa (813) 258-8368 www.tampa.colormemine.com Each week will include different ceramic painting techniques and projects and a variety of craft projects that may include wood and paper crafts, decoupage, papiermâché, acrylic paints, stamping, fabric dyes, and beading. Ages 6 and up Tampa Museum of Art 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Downtown (813) 274-8130 www.tampamuseum.org Students will explore classical art traditions and contemporary art concepts while experimenting with a variety of art media to create
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original works of art. Inspired by gallery visits, the museum landscape, and layers of art history, students will enjoy a summer filled with art. Ages 6 – 17 Yellow Bird Studio 3347 S. Westshore Blvd., South Tampa (813) 444-8098 www.yellowbirdstudiotampa.com Weekly themes include puppetry, painting, bookmaking, printing, constructing, collage, papier-mâché, sculpture, batik, mixed media, drawing, wood working, sewing, tiedye and more. Ages 4 - 11 Painting with a Twist Kid’s Summer Camp 2821 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33629 Phone: (813) 839-2409 Email: Tampa@PaintingWithaTwist. com Website: www.PaintingWithaTwist. com Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624 Contact: Mary Jo Scanio Phone: (813) 969-0240 Email: BusAdmin@MJPAA.com Website: www.MJPAA.com
Music
games and crafts. Ages 7 - 13 Ramblin Rhodes Music 3002 Starkey Blvd., Trinity (727) 375-0123 www.ramblinrhodesmusic.com Campers pick their favorite instrument and work together to form a band or participate in musical theatre. Ages 5 and up
Sports Protential Sports Various Locations (813) 843-9640 www.protentialsports.com Flag football, basketball, tennis, and aquatics camps for boys and girls of all athletic levels. Ages 3 – 17 Camp Seal 19509 Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz (813) 229-7946 www.sealswimschool.com Aquatic camp where children can enjoy a variety of activities such as swim lessons, recreational swim, outdoor sports, indoor games, archery, arts and crafts, and more. Ages 4 to 10
Animals & Sea Life
Zoo Camp 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813) 935-8552 www.zootampa.org Learn all about the animals at the zoo and how Zoo Tampa’s zookeepers take care of them or how to become a wildlife photographer. Ages 6 – 13 Busch Gardens 3000 W. Busch Boulevard, Tampa (813) 884-4386 www.buschgardens.com Kids get an insider’s view of Busch Gardens while experiencing the attractions and meeting animal ambassadors face-to-face. Ages 6 - 13
Engineering, Science & Legos Bricks 4 Kidz Various Locations (813) 545-4282 www.bricks4kidz.com Children will design and build machines, catapults, pyramids, buildings, and more out of LEGO bricks and explore engineering, architecture, physics, and the arts. Ages 5 – 10
Tampa Music School 3625 S. Manhattan Ave., South Tampa (813) 837-9245 www.tampamusicschool.com
AquaCamps 701 Channelside Dr., Downtown (813) 273-4015 www.flaquarium.org
Code Ninjas Various Locations (855) 446-4652 www.codeninjas.com
Students will participate in instrument circuits to allow them to learn songs on various rock band instruments including piano, guitar, and drums. Also includes interactive
Depending on their age, children can conduct science experiments, learn about animals, go snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and tubing, or learn to scuba dive. Ages 3 – 18
Kids can build their own video games, learn the basics of java script, learn Minecraft skills, program and fly a drone, or learn how to create games in Roblox. Ages 7 – 14
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MOSI Summer Science Camps 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, Florida 33617 Phone: (813) 987-6327 Email: ScienceCamp@MOSI.org Website: www.MOSI.org
Every Topic You Can Think Of Camp IDS 12015 Orange Grove Dr., Carrollwood (813) 961-3087 www.corbettprep.com More than 60 different camps are available and with half-day camps, campers can try two very different activities during the day - archery or broadcasting in the morning and painting or cooking in the afternoon. Academic camps include math, science, reading, writing and technology. Chinese, French and Spanish language camps available. Ages 5 – 17 Carrollwood Day School 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Carrollwood (813) 920-2288 www.carrollwooddayschool.org Offers a wide array of activities from sports to art to robotics. Ages 6 – 18
Academy at the Lakes 2331 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes (813) 948-7600 www.academyatthelakes.com Camps offering many activities, including sports, arts, recreation, science, technology, and academic review. Ages 3 – 14 The Prep of South Tampa 4002 S. Coolidge Ave., South Tampa (813) 512-2924 www.theprepofsouthtampa.org Camps in many different sports plus cooking, art, and science camps. Ages 4 – 13.
USF Pre-College Summer Programs 4202 E Fowler Ave., SVC 1072, Tampa, FL 33620 Phone: (813) 974-2011 Email: InEd-PreCollege@usf.edu Website: www.USF.edu TBAWP Youth Writing Programs Locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Contact: Eric Vona Phone: (813) 563-5124 Email: icewriters@gmail.com Website: www.TBYouthWriters.com Description: Creative Writing Camps for kids ages 8 and up. A variety of programs that run from 1 and
2 wk day camps to night classes. Speciality camps for playwriting and digital storytelling. Posimoto Splash of Success Summer Camp 7701 Temple Terrace Hwy., Tampa, FL 33637 Contact: Tia Dixon Phone: (813) 455-7656 Email: TiaYoung@PosimotoChangingFaces.com Website: www.PosimotoChangingFaces.com
Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp 4911 Bay Way Dr., Tampa, FL 33629 Contact: Parker Rabow Phone: (813) 244-4682 Email: Parker@FantasyFishingCamp. com Website: www.FantasyFishingCamp. com Tampa summer camps Tampa summer camps Description: Join the Captains in Tampa Bay. Choose either a week-long Day Camp (ages 8-15) 9:00-3:00; Overnight Camp (ages 8-15)--Sunday-Saturday; or Dive Camp (ages 10-16) 9:00-3:00 for Scuba certification.
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APRIL 2018 11
12 APRIL 2018
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APRIL 2018 13
Spending Your Online Charity Dollars Wisely – “Crowdfunding” By Tom Bostock
It’s a cold, cruel world out there. Despite the stock exchanges reaching new heights, and companies returning to America in record numbers, countless homeless people can still be found in parks and on street corners in every city in our country, holding their dogeared cardboard signs of hopelessness and despair. The charities that serve these unfortunate people must compete every day for your charitable dollars and they are not alone. There is something new on the Internet horizon and it is fast becoming a major player in charity funding arena. The family of a mother who is dying of cancer creates an online charity to help with her massive medical expenses. Tragic situation? Absolutely! It tugs at the heart strings of every caring person. In another instance, a poor church seeks online funding to send a missionary
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party to Africa. Worthwhile? On the surface, maybe, but with the ease in creating these fundraising charities online, social media is ripe for abuse. These two examples are both fictional, hypothetical situations and any similarity to any existing online charitable situations is purely coincidental; it should at least make you wonder where your charity dollars should be spent. Each of these is an example of a new, online phenomenon, “crowd funding.” One of the web sites, YouCaring, defines crowdfunding as “the practice of funding a project or cause by raising money from a large number of people, typically through the Internet. It is a form of peer-to-peer fundraising that harnesses the power of social networks to raise awareness and draw donations from around the world for online campaigns.”
home after a two-year mission, as an article on the YouCaring website noted, “Deeply inspired by their experiences abroad, the three friends resolved to continue helping others. This resolution evolved into YouCaring, the first free crowdfunding platform designed to help people with hardship rally emotional support from their communities.”
When Brock and, Naomi Ketcher and Luke Miner returned
Unlike many other online fundraising platforms, YouCaring
is entirely without the costs and fees sometimes associated with other fundraising websites. As their site explains, “YouCaring is a free online fundraising platform that pioneered Compassionate Crowdfunding (Trade-Marked) – empowering people worldwide to rally support for personal and charitable causes without fundraising fees associated with the sites. To date, the YouCaring community is 5.5 million strong and has raised more than $1
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Billion for humanitarian causes. They rely entirely on donations to their site to continue their wonderful, caring work. With just a few clicks, your compassionate story goes live to social media, reaching an audience of millions of potential donors at no cost to you. Their site lists many possible charity categories for crowdfunding, including but not limited to the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Medical Expenses Memorials and Funerals Emergencies and Disasters Adoption Kids and Family Neighbors and Community Education and Schools Sports and Teams Pets and Animals Volunteer and Service Projects Non-Profits Mission Trips Veterans Other
As with any other fundraising platform, fraud is a key issue that YouCaring has had to confront and control. How do you know if one of their charities is actually a legitimate one? The website outlines what steps have been taken to ensure the validity of the causes
allowed to use their platform. “YouCaring uses state-of-the-art proprietary and third-party fraud prevention technologies to ensure that YouCaring has the safest and most reliable fundraising platform in the industry. Our payment providers are chosen for their bankgrade encryption technology and their strong security track records. And our comprehensive trust and safety infrastructure closely monitors the site for misuse or abuse, taking action to keep both fundraisers and donors safe and secure.”
may have escaped their extensive fraudprevention screening, the offer the following: “If you believe a fundraiser is misleading or fraudulent, please click here” and provide a convenient location to sound the alarm.
“Thankfully, YouCaring is a community of people who are dedicated to helping one another. As a result, our users watch for and flag posts they believe to be questionable.”
Similar to YouCaring, Go Fund me is an even larger fundraising platform, however they do charge a payment processing fee on any funds raised, regardless of how worthy the charity may be. According to their site, 2.9% is deducted from each donation. Another .30 per each donation is also charged, reducing the amount that goes to the individual charity. They recently announced the removal of their 5% platform fee. It is apparently a very successful site, boasting having raised 5 billion dollars for their millions of clients.
Their disclaimer continues, “Despite our best efforts, YouCaring cannot guarantee the full accuracy of every fundraiser that is posted. We recommend that you only donate to fundraisers when you feel confident about their cause and legitimacy.“ To protect potential users from fraud that
Discounting the idiots who set up accounts to fund their alimony, crowdfunding is an excellent tool to reach today’s huge, social media-responsive audience. If you have a legitimate cause that needs funding, one of the online crowdfunding websites might just be your ideal solution.
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APRIL 2018 15
Infinite Edge class of 2018 includes dozens of students with full-ride scholarships As this year’s high school class of 2018 looks toward graduation and beyond, many students who have been studying at Infinite Edge Learning Center in Tampa Palms are poised to head off to their chosen university, tuition-free. “We have three students who got full scholarships to Duke University,” says owner and manager Ozra Jabbari. “We have another student who got an academic scholarship to Yale, and many other students – maybe 50 – who got full scholarships to the University of South Florida, University of Florida, and other schools.” How did they do it? They turned to Ozra and her staff at Infinite Edge, which has a track record of preparing students to reach their highest potential, including perfect scores on the SAT or ACT. Many of them have been studying at Infinite Edge for years. If your child – in elementary school or older – needs a challenge or is looking to improve in any educational area, Infinite Edge can help.
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“Each lesson is a private, one-onone 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 maximize achievement, as well as retention and comprehension of academic knowledge.” A professional staff of about 18 educators work one-on-one with kids and teens to be sure they get individual attention. “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.” Renee Ware shares how the approach worked for her daughter, who is now a sophomore at Duke University, with a full academic scholarship. “Kennedy made so much progress in math because Infinite Edge dedicated her time and preparation to where she needed the most help,” she explains.
“The encouragement she received from her tutors developed her confidence in an area that was okay, but became a lot better.” Renee’s younger son, Anthony, now goes to Infinite Edge. “Ozra has worked around our schedule, because it’s so crazy,” Renee says. “It’s been a great help to us, because basketball never stops.” Test Prep This time of year, many students are taking SAT and ACT tests. If your child is a high school freshman or sophomore – or a junior who didn’t get the results they hoped for – now is the time to start preparing for the SAT and ACT that will be offered this fall.
Ozra says Infinite Edge has earned a reputation as the “home of the perfect SAT,” thanks to a tradition of coaching students into remarkable – even perfect – test scores. “My oldest son, who is 18, got a perfect score on the ACT,” says one mom. “I definitely attribute it to Infinite Edge. He got a full ride scholarship to Duke, and was accepted into several colleges, even Ivy Leagues.” He will attend Duke this fall. 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
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Look to Infinite Edge for:
What you get at Infinite Edge:
• • • • •
• • • • • •
SAT/ACT prep FSA prep After-school care with homework help Tutoring in individual classes Homeschool support
foundation, and start preparing sooner rather than later,” says Ozra. Sahana Gowda planned ahead so that her daughter, Maya, would start preparing in the fall to take the SAT the following spring. Maya did so well on that first test, Sahana says, that she didn’t want to take it again. “She took one SAT and got a 1530 out of 1600,” Sahana explains. “Maya probably would have done okay without the test preparation, but Infinite Edge helped her to get an exceptionally high score.” SAT and ACT test preparation is offered in one-on-one sessions, and also group sessions, which always have six students or less. SAT and ACT aren’t the only tests students are preparing for at Infinite Edge. “FSA is coming in March and
April,” Ozra says, referring to the Florida Standards Assessments, taken by all students in third through tenth grade. She emphasizes that some tests must be passed to move to the next grade level or for graduation. “We tutor students to be sure they are fully prepared.” Now offering after-school care Infinite Edge now offers an after-school program for elementary school students, helping them to complete and understand their homework, while being cared for in a safe environment. “It’s great for families,” says Ozra. “We help the students get their homework done while Mom and Dad are still at work.” A mom whose daughter attends the after-school program agrees. “My
One-on-one instruction Individual, customized curriculum Continuous assessment Competitive pricing Flexible scheduling No contracts
daughter is nine and goes to Chiles,” she explains. “At Infinite Edge, she gets more of a personalized touch than she would at other after school programs. It’s nice that her homework is done early, before she gets tired, and we have the opportunity to have some quality time together in the evening.” Homeschool help, too Infinite Edge offers flexible scheduling for homeschool students, athletes, musicians, and other students who need it. “We are here as a resource for homeschooling students who would benefit from additional support,” Ozra explains. “For an additional challenge, or to get help beyond your typical daily routine, contact us to design a completely
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customized study program for your homeschooled student.” About Infinite Edge Infinite Edge Learning Center was established by Ozra and her late husband, Sobi, in 2007. It continues to be a premier provider of customized tutoring, serving New Tampa. Ozra, her staff, and her students continue to achieve superior results, making Sobi’s legacy a proud one. Infinite Edge is located at 17419 Bridge Hill Ct., in the Tampa Palms Professional Center near Freedom High School. To learn more about how Infinite Edge can help your child, call 813-971-6500 or visit infiniteedgelearningcenter.com.
APRIL 2018 17
Garage Guru
What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
Florida and your Air Conditioning System: Best Friends! Dear Garage Guru, “Air is blowing from my vents but it isn’t really cold anymore. I’ve been ok just rolling the window down until this week. It’s just too hot now! I’ve seen advertisements about cans of refrigerant I can get from the local auto parts store for around $50 or $60. Will that fix it?” Sunny days make Florida so attractive but also make it so hot! Only the most courageous can make it through summer without air conditioning. Will a can of refrigerant fix your car’s air conditioning? YES, NO and NO. YES - If you are a betting person, odds are good that adding a can of refrigerant will make it cold again. NO - But, odds are also good the cold won’t last long. NO - And, there is a possibility it was warm because something mechanical is not working so even if you add refrigerant it may not get cold. So, how lucky do you feel? Willing to bet $50? That’s about the cost of a can of refrigerant. Your car’s A/C doesn’t use up refrigerant. So, if your refrigerant is low it probably leaked out. If adding a can makes it cold again, there’s a good chance it will just leak out again. It might only stay cold for a day or two, or could last a year. Then, there are about ten major parts in your A/C system plus possible leaks. The problem could be any one of these reasons. Is that $50 can of store bought refrigerant beginning to look like not such a good bet? Let me add one more factor. Diagnostic testing for your A/C system is about $60
18 APRIL 2018
plus anywhere from $5 to maybe $15 for any additional refrigerant needed to fully fill your system. If your problem is only a leak and all your mechanical parts are working, then for $65 to $75 you would accomplish the same as buying a can of refrigerant for about $50 but you would also get a professional evaluation of what is wrong with your system and what is needed to really fix it. So, how lucky do you feel? Willing to bet $50? That’s about the cost of a can of refrigerant. Your car’s A/C doesn’t use up refrigerant. So, if your refrigerant is low it probably leaked out. If adding a can makes it cold again, there’s a good chance it will just leak out again. It might only stay cold for a day or two, or could last a year. Then, there are about ten major parts in your A/C system plus possible leaks. The problem could be any one of these reasons. Is that $50 can of store bought refrigerant beginning to look like not such a good bet? Let me add one more factor. Diagnostic testing for your A/C system is about $60 plus anywhere from $5 to maybe $15 for any additional refrigerant needed to fully fill your system. If your problem is only a leak and all your mechanical parts are working, then for $65 to $75 you would accomplish the same as buying a can of refrigerant for about $50 but you would also get a professional evaluation of what is wrong with your system and what is needed to really fix it. So, are you a sweaty gambler willing to risk $50? If so, then try the can of store bought refrigerant. Or, do you want to know what’s really wrong with your A/C and willing to invest an extra $15 to $25?
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.
We respect your choice. Whichever makes you most comfortable. We’re cool with that.
Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.
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