Vol. 4, Issue 11, November 2018
®
Your community. Your magazine. ™
NEW TAMPA’S FAVORITE MONTHLY DIRECT-MAIL MAGAZINE Don’t wait! Start SAT/ACT prep at Infinite Edge sooner than you might think People are always asking Ozra Jabbari, owner of Infinite Edge Learning Center in Tampa Palms, when their child should begin preparing for their college entrance exams. “If you wait until junior year, it’s too late,” she replies, saying a full test preparation program at Infinite Edge takes several months. Cramming all that information in a few weeks won’t yield the same results. “A student needs to have a good foundation,” Ozra says, “and start preparing sooner rather than later.” She says students should begin SAT/ACT test preparation when they are taking Algebra II in school, because that’s the level of math covered on the tests. Ozra knows what it takes to do well on these tests. Infinite Edge Learning Center is known as the “home of the perfect SAT and ACT,” thanks to a tradition of coaching students into remarkable – even perfect – scores on these exams. The center has been family owned and operated since it first opened more than a decade ago.
“My two sons both got perfect scores on the ACT,” says one mom.“ I definitely attribute it to Infinite Edge.” She says both of her boys got a full ride scholarship to Duke, where one is currently attending and the other plans to attend next fall, after high school graduation. Both were accepted into several colleges, including Ivy Leagues. See “Infinite Edge” on page 6
Shopping Small In New Tampa By Matt Selby Local businesses have been the heartbeat of economies all around the world ever since people first began trading for goods and services. It’s for this reason our focus has always been on highlighting the very best local businesses our area has to offer. When my family first started publishing here in New Tampa back in 1994 things were very different. Bruce B. Downs, once known as “the road to nowhere” was a fraction of the size it is today, created initially to...
See “Local Economy” on page 16
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Publisher...................5 Local News & Spotlight – Sasenarine Persaud.................10 GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club..........................11 Dee Strom - Highly Recommended A+ Realtor..12-13 THE Best Green Bean Casserole EVER..................14-15 Garage Guru............................18 Tampa Bay Ski Team................19
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
NOVEMBER 2018 3
NEW TAMPA TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Publisher / Assistant Editor
MATT SELBY
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.
It’s not often I write the editorial. My Wife Carla is our Editor and does an amazing job engaging with our readers in all seven of our Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles editions peppered across Tampa Bay. It seems like everywhere we go, a reader recognizes her and compliments her on the job she’s doing. Her editorials tend to go deep. They resonate with the people of our community in ways I never imagined. Many of our readers even share a similar life story with Carla. I’m very thankful for her, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, November’s most notable holiday, I wanted to use this space to talk a little about her. I don’t think very many of us actually spend Thanksgiving day giving thanks for the blessing of last years’ harvest like the holiday originally started out signifying. Although, if you’re like my Mom and have a live hydroponic garden growing in your house, you might. Anyway, back to Carla. We’re talking about a young woman who immigrated to this country with limited knowledge of the English Language at the age of 15. Many of you may share a similar background, and even if it wasn’t you personally who immigrated here, your parents, or grandparents most likely did. Probably not knowing the English language too well. Carla grew up in Venezuela; a country once known for being the richest democracy in all of South America, now on the brink of collapse due to
an economic crisis under a disastrous dictatorship. As a young girl she learned to speak Spanish, then Italian and finally English. I know what you’re thinking and you’re right; I can’t win an argument in three languages, lucky me! To be honest, in almost 3 years we’ve hardly had a disagreement. I’ll admit, she is right most of the time. “Happy wife, happy life” and all that. I’m picking up the Spanish language slowly, but after 30 years of only hearing and speaking English in my household, it’s not easy. I have a newfound respect for everyone who came to this country and learned our native language at any age, but especially in adulthood. Carla didn’t just learn the English language. She earned an impressive education. She first graduated with her Bachelors from the University of Tampa, and later a Masters in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology and a minor in web design. This may be why she’s always right. I’ll be the first to tell you, she’s smarter than I’ll ever be, and I’m okay with that.
Sometimes her “accent” comes through in her editorial pieces, and that’s by design. I don’t try and fix it. Her true voice comes out in so much of her writing, hitting our readers “right in the feels” as some would say. We receive countless E-mails from readers on a weekly basis and Carla loves to interact with everyone. They become fun pen-pals I guess you could say. Both Carla and I are very thankful for the constructive criticism and support we’ve received through the years. I can’t tell you enough how thankful we are for all of our readers. It’s because of your support we’re able to do what we love. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each and every month and for supporting the great local businesses we feature. Carla truly enjoys keeping you up to date with what’s going on in the community. We really appreciate when you take the time to send us feedback and content as well. Keep a lookout for Carla’s next editorial in December! I know she will have something good for you!
Matt Selby
“Infinite Edge”-
continued from page 1
For many students, the investment they make in studying with Infinite Edge pays off. Ozra says in this year’s high school senior class, more than 70 Infinite Edge Learning Center students have been offered full ride scholarships to college. “We have four students who got full scholarships to Duke University,” says Ozra. “We have other students who got academic scholarships to Washington University, Berkley, Rice, UCLA, and NYU, and many, many students who got full scholarships to USF, UF and UCF.” She says, in some cases, these scholarships are worth $50,000 per year. SAT and ACT test preparation is offered in one-on-one sessions, and also group sessions, which have just two or three students. “Training for the SAT also helps students prepare for other exams they may need to take later, such as the GRE,” says Ozra. “They learn test taking strategies and skills that will help them be successful on all kinds of assessments.” Soaring through school Besides test prep, Infinite Edge Learning Center specializes in customized, one-on-
6 NOVEMBER 2018
one lessons for all subjects for students in grades kindergarten through 12, and some college. The center has 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 any specific subject. 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. “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 maximize achievement, as well as retention and comprehension of academic knowledge.” For a student, getting personalized attention they don’t get in a crowded classroom can make a huge difference in their grades. “All of our tutors work here part-time, because the majority are professional teachers or college professors,” Ozra explains. “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 junior 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,” Renee explains. “The encouragement she received from her tutors developed her confidence in an area that was okay, but became a lot better.” The tutors at Infinite Edge can also help students prepare for the Florida Standards Assessment. “FSA is coming in the spring for students in third through tenth grade,” Ozra says, emphasizing that some tests must be passed to move on to the next grade level, or for graduation. “We tutor students to be sure they are fully prepared.” Homework help, too Infinite Edge offers an after-school program for elementary 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
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
after-school program agrees. “My daughter is 10 and goes to Chiles,” she explains. “At Infinite Edge, she gets more of a personalized touch that 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.” For homeschoolers 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 customized study program for your homeschooled student.” About Infinite Edge Infinite Edge Learning Center was established by Ozra and her late husband, Sobhi, in 2007. It continues to be a premier provider of customized tutoring, serving New Tampa. Ozra, the staff and students continue to achieve superior results, making Sobhi’s legacy a proud one. Ozra often hears from her students what a difference their experience at
Infinite Edge makes. “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.”
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Infinite Edge Learning Center 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.
NOVEMBER 2018 7
8 NOVEMBER 2018
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
NOVEMBER 2018 9
Local News & Spotlight – Sasenarine Persaud Sasenarine Persaud’s new book, Monsoon on the Fingers of God is his fourteenth. Persaud, a New Tampa resident, was born in South America and has lived in Canada for several years before relocating to Florida. Already, Monsoon on the Fingers of God has received rave reviews and notices in The West Indian (New York City) and Stabroek News (Georgetown). Dr. Vishnu Bisram writing in IDCN.Today calls this book, “an extraordinary collection” of “unmistakable originality” and a “deep meditation on identity and migrations.” While in the UK in 2014 for presentations and interviews in Glasgow, the Edinburgh International Book Festival and at the BBC, just before the Scottish referendum to separate from the UK, Persaud came face to face with his own angst regarding identity and belonging. Persaud’s family and
10 NOVEMBER 2018
community, who came from India as indentured labourers to work the sugar plantations in British Guiana (now Guyana) have lived in the Americas for over 180 years. In a recent Author Event at the New Tampa library, he traced the 10,000 miles sea voyage over three months that his ancestors undertook in some of the roughest seas in the world. Persaud has never visited India, yet ancestral stories, culture, music and rhythms, and those of all the countries in which he has lived, feature in his work. The Scottish referendum and need to affirm Scottish ancestral identity became the touchstone for his latest book. Identity, he suggests, is fluid depending on the places in which we live and our own understanding of our roles in, and indebtedness to, those societies. Persaud notes that the poetry in this book examines the tensions attendant on identity
and belonging inherent in a world where peoples, ideas and cultures migrate and interact on a scale never before seen in human history—a flux and tension which energizes his work. The title of the book, Monsoon on the Fingers of God is from a tribute to the late sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose electrifying performance at Monterery in 1967, and later at Woodstock, significantly impacted American and world music. Persaud himself owes a debt to Ravi Shankar whose influence inspired him to learn to play the sitar and deepened his interest in Indian classical music. Sasenarine Persaud, also an essayist and novelist, is arguably the most distinguished and internationally published poet in Tampa Bay. His work has been published on both sides of the Atlantic and included in such anthologies as the Oxford Book of Caribbean Short Stories, the
Photo by Denise Noone - Empire Cafe, Glasgow 1 Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse and Another Way to Dance: Contemporary Asian Poetry in Canada and the United States. His work is used in schools,
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
colleges and universities in Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, India, Italy, Mauritius and the US, and has been reviewed by publications and critics from Japan to Los Angeles, to Halifax, to London and to South America. Not surprisingly, Florida, where he has lived for close to two decades, features in his poetry beginning with A Surf of Sparrows’ Songs (1996), the first of his “Miami Trilogy,” to his most recent books, Monsoon on the Fingers of God (2018), Love in a Time of Technology (2014), Lantana Strangling Ixora (2011) and In A Boston Night (2008), which feature poetry stimulated by and set in the Tampa Bay Area such as New Tampa’s Flatwoods Park, Tampa’s Hickson Park and, of course, Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. While not antidevelopment, Persaud advocates in his poetry for preserving Florida’s unique ecosystems, which are rapidly being decimated by urban sprawl. His most significant contribution to arts and letters
is his origination of the term Yogic Realism to define his aesthetics, and he has published essays in Canada, India and the US on Yogic Realism. Inventing a term for an aesthetics wasn’t something he set out to do, or ever thought he would do. He considers it his immense good fortune, when he was challenged by critics and scholars at the University of Miami to define his Indian based aesthetics. This led him to do so in a groundbreaking essay, “Kevat: Waiting on Yogic Realism.” This essay became the basis for a PhD dissertation by an Indian scholar, which focused on Persaud’s work and on Yogic Realism. Persaud has just been named recipient of the 2018 Dharmic Arts and Humanities Award to be presented on November 17, by the Tampa Chapter of HAF, the Hindu American Foundation based in Washington, DC. Other awards include: the K.M Hunter Award (Toronto), the Arthur Schomburg Award (New York) and the Leslie Epstein Fellowship at Boston University.
Storytime
with Santa! Presented by GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is excited to announce a special holiday event coming this December Storytime with Santa. This fun family event will take place on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Fire Station 22, located at 10871 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33647. The event runs from 11 am to 2pm. Santa Claus will be reading some of his favorite holiday stories at 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:15 pm. The Fire Department will provide holiday safety tips and the kids will have the opportunity to “Touch A Fire Truck”and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. There will also be holiday crafts and activities for the children. This event is FREE and open to the public. We will be collecting new books and/or donations towards the purchase of new books from those who wish to participate. These donations will support local schools, libraries, and “Little Free Libraries” in the New Tampa area. For more information, please contact Raequel Tomsich or Jenny Rubin atntjwc@gfwcnewtampajuniors.org
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
NOVEMBER 2018 11
“Highly Recommended A+ Realtor” D i scover The Differenc e
Dee Strom
Florida Executive Realty Over the years the real estate market in general has garnered much press both good and bad on several platforms including the national and local levels. It certainly has been the content of many conversations as the personal effects of real estate touch individual families and lives. Many can recall all too well the market crash of 2007 and felt the painful sting of deflating home values and rising foreclosures. Dee Strom of Florida Executive Realty closely monitors the status of both the local and national markets to keep her clients apprised of where their home value currently stands and to provide them with the most up to date and relevant information.
TODAY’S MARKET IS “ON TRACK” As recent headlines seem to suggest, the looming question is what will the market do next? Are we headed towards the disaster of a decade past or will we continue to ride the wave with seemingly no end in sight?
12 NOVEMBER 2018
The answer itself lies in the cyclical nature of our market which proves itself over and over again by continuing the same pattern of expansion, peak, contraction and correction. The market naturally seeks equilibrium and makes natural adjustments to get there. Currently, we are in what is widely known as a seller’s market. This is supported by record low inventory of homes for sale (2.8 months of inventory in the greater Tampa Bay area year to date) and rising home values. The relatively low interest rates and a growing economy have many buyers out looking to take advantage of the low cost of money. There are more buyers than homes to sell! That’s great for sellers and buyers alike, however we are in the latter third of an expansion cycle. If history proves itself correct yet again, we are headed for a market correction in which, to the best of our knowledge, we expect to see a plateau effect on the marketplace in general rather than the sharp decline from our last correction, thankfully. Dee gets these questions a lot and she hopes they prove beneficial to you:
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Q: Is now a good time to sell? A: Yes, it’s a great time to sell. Being in the latter part
of an expansion cycle allows sellers to take advantage of the maximum amount of appreciation.
“Dee Strom was absolutely A+ in assisting us in our recent real estate transaction. She was knowledgeable, helpful, professional... her communication skills were excellent. We just could not have asked for more. She was absolutely excellent in facilitating the process. I recommend her highly!”
Q: I’d like to purchase a home, where do I start?
“Very accessible. Has tons of contacts to help any issues that come up in the process of sale. Could be reached any day at all hours and followed our process closely.”
A: That’s great! Your
first steps are to select a professional realtor you’d like to work with and a reputable lender. Ask Dee for outstanding lenders she knows and trusts on her team. Your lender will help you understand the costs involved with buying, including the type of loan you will qualify for, closing costs & down payment needed. You should ask for a signed preapproval letter. Armed with your preapproval letter and a strong understanding of the costs involved with buying, your realtor can locate the right home for you based on your needs. Dee would love to help you get started.
Q: I need to sell my home, but it’s not the springtime - should I wait? A: The timing of selling
your home depends on your needs. Many people think homes only sell in the spring. However, now is a great time to sell since there are not many homes for sale on the open market. Correct pricing and proper preparation for your home prior to going on the market will help your home sell at anytime of the year. Contact Dee for a free market analysis and to prepare your home for the market today.
“We have bought and sold 8 properties in 3 states and Dee is by far the best agent we have ever had! Highly recommend her! She is very prompt on all correspondence, always on time and is very knowledgeable!! She will also be selling our current home! We would absolutely use Dee again!”
Q: If it’s a good time to sell, does that mean it’s not a good time to buy? A: It is a great time to buy since the cost to borrow money remains at record low interest rates historically.
“I strongly recommend Dee to anyone looking for an agent. Dee exhibits the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and expertise. She went over and beyond to sell our home in a timely manner and at a competitive price. Dee helped make the experience as stress free as possible.”
Check out zillow.com for more of Dee’s reviews.
Dee Strom
813-525-7851 Dee@FloridaExecutiveRealty.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
NOVEMBER 2018 13
The Best Green Bean Casserole EVER By Carla Selby The Holidays are upon us, which means... Holiday food! Featured in magazines across the web and consistently rated THE best green bean casserole EVER, this recipe will convert even the most determined green bean HATERS! I know because I was one of them. If up until now you or your relatives have just been kind of “meh” towards green bean casserole, prepare to experience a major paradigm shift in attitude. This one’s the best. Ever. Let’s be honest, everything tastes better when it is fresh, and when it has a TON of BACON and CHEESE! This recipe includes tender green beans, bacon, cheese, cream, fresh mushrooms and more. This deluxe casserole is made from scratch and is guaranteed to become your go-to from now on. It was such a huge hit during Thanksgiving and Christmas that it became the only green bean casserole I have ever made since the very first time I tried it back in 2008! I have never gotten so many compliments with any other dish, and I consider myself a pretty decent cook. But nothing has gotten so much attention as this particular casserole. Trust me. You need to give it a try.
it with water, toss it with green beans, dump the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle with French fried onions and put it in the oven to bake (ie, the classic recipe first introduced by Campbell’s in 1955). But the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is still relatively quick to make and to say that there is no comparison between the two is an understatement.
This recipe takes a little longer than the 3 minutes and 47 seconds required to open a can of condensed mushroom soup, mixture
1. 10 slices thick-cut bacon diced 2. 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 3. 2 cloves garlic minced
14 NOVEMBER 2018
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hr Ingredients
4. 16 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms chopped 5. 3 tablespoons butter 6. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 7. 1 cup half-and-half 8. 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 9. 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese 10. 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 11. 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 12. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste) 13. 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain) 14. 1 can French Fried Onions
Instructions (see next page)
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Recipe Notes Preparing in Advance: Everything can be done in advance except for adding the crispy onions, otherwise they’ll get soggy. Add those just before baking. Also, let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes after removing it from the fridge before baking.
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. 3. Melt the butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour. Once combined, continue whisking for another 2 minutes until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. Add the half-and-half and chicken broth while
constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Once slightly thickened, add the cheese and whisk until melted and combined. 4. Next add the mushroom/bacon mixture along with the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the green beans. Stir to combine. 5. Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. 6. Dig in!
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Since this is a made-from-scratch version, you really should avoid using hydrogenated oil-packed French Fried onions. There are several good options out there, especially at Whole Foods or Fresh Market. I suggest Lars Crispy Onions or Golden Farms All-Natural French Fried onions. You can conveniently purchase Lars’ Crispy onions on Amazon and the best deal is buying them in bulk. But if you cannot find them, French’s Crispy Fried Onions will still do the trick. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this ultimate green bean casserole. If you would like to share your casserole photos, any comments about this recipe, or how much your family loved it, please email me directly at carla@nnlflorida.com. I would like to know how it all went down!
NOVEMBER 2018 15
“Local Economy”-
continued from page 1
accommodate the residents of New Tampa as they made their way in and out of the newly developed area. At the time, there weren’t many businesses or households. I believe the mailed distribution of the entire zip code was sub 6,000 homes and businesses back in those days. By the late 90’s into the early 2000’s, New Tampa doubled, then tripled in size, and with the new developments, came an influx of local business. Residents didn’t need to go far to enjoy great food and entertainment including our very own movie theatre which was Muvico at the time (now AMC Highwoods). Since then, hundreds of businesses have come and gone, from small mom and pops to large box stores. This year was particularly hard on many companies large and small alike. Ask just about any local business owner and they will tell you the summer of 2018 was one of the slowest they’ve experienced since the recession. Large corporations typically have the experience and wallet to deal with the slower
16 NOVEMBER 2018
times of the year, but not all small business owners are so lucky or financial prepared for seasonal fluctuations. With the increase of large corporations and chain stores (Take a look at the Outlet Mall’s chain to small business ratio), many local businesses have closed down or sold their assets and ceased operations. This is a problem on a number of levels, but economically, local companies provide many advantages that outweigh corporations. Because of their benefits, it is essential to patronize local businesses whenever possible to help preserve the local economy in our area. A significant advantage of locally owned, small businesses is that more of the money spent in these establishments stays in the area they serve. A study done in 2003 in Austin, Texas, by the American Independence Business Alliance found that out of every $100 spent at a nationwide chain store, only about $13 stayed in the local economy. However, out of every $100 spent at a locally owned and operated business, about $43 remained in the local economy. This provides a massive boost to other local businesses, workers, and families of New Tampa.
The fantastic, small businesses you will find within our pages are here to serve you. On behalf of all the locally owned and operated businesses across the New Tampa area and beyond, we thank you for shopping local!
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
NOVEMBER 2018 17
Garage Guru
What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
Dear Garage Guru,
“I have a very dependable 2004 Toyota Camry that I bought new and want to keep forever. One of the rear windows quit rolling down a couple years ago, so I just ignore it because I rarely use it. Then the seat motor quit moving back which is good because it keeps my too-tall son from wanting to drive it. And, the power door lock button works when it wants to. None of that is of consequence. But, now my most important window, the “drive thru window” won’t go down. I hear whirring noises but no movement. The good news is I’m safe on rainy days. The bad news is it’s put a serious dent in my drive-thru habits. This one I have to fix. Just what is this going to cost me?” Dear Mr. Dependable I’ll bet that ‘04 Camry has over 200,000 miles and still runs fine! What a joy. But, after 14 years of driving and countless miles, things are going to wear out. Don’t you wish you had the old tried and true crank windows? (You’ll have to explain crank windows to millennials and younger. They will be amazed.) The quick and dirty of it is don’t be surprised if it costs around $400.00 to get the drive-thru window working again. Power windows use window regulators, motors, switches and a power source. Modern window regulators can have cable systems that look like an electronic crossbow. Your Camry window regulator probably has gears. Either way they are engineering marvels.
18 NOVEMBER 2018
Then they are mounted inside your door panel which means the door has to be completely taken apart to get at them. And, that’s only the half of it. The old unit must be “snaked” out. Installing the new unit is a magic trick like putting together a 3 dimensional puzzle where every piece is the same gray color. The point is this adds up to time and in the auto repair business time really is money. If you had said you didn’t hear any noise when you pushed the window button, you might have gotten lucky and only needed to replace the switch mechanism in the door panel. But, you said you hear a “whirring” noise. That’s probably the motor turning but the rest of the regulator is broken. The best thing to do is replace the entire unit, regulator and motor. Some people might say if your motor is still working, save some money and just replace the regulator. But, your car has a 14 years old window motor. Do you want to take the chance paying labor to replace only the regulator then 6 months later the motor quits? You will have to pay the labor again. Not a good bet in my opinion. What about replacing it with a working regulator and motor from
a junkyard? Your car is old anyways. The junkyard sells used parts. Your window motor and regulator are used parts. The junkyard is good for some things, but not electric motors and moving parts like this. So, a Camry that has treated you so nice for over a decade deserves a little love once in a while. Replace the window motor and regulator and treat yourself to your favorite drive-thru. But, if you can give up drive-throughs, then you can add window regulator to the list of other non working parts, unless the air conditioning quits, of course. 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 tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team
By Lisa Stephens If you haven’t been out to see The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team (TBWSST), time is running out! This show skiing team has been performing on Tower Lake in Oldsmar for the past twentyfive years. Their home site is a lake nestled below the tall cell towers on Burbank Road in Oldsmar. As this competitive show ski team nears the end of the 2018 season, another end looms for the team.
and began to compete, their name changed several times throughout the years. Finally, in 1991, the team became known as The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team.
They were recently notified by the lake’s property owner that their lease will not be renewed for another season. Determined to find another location to hold practices and their free Saturday evening shows, they are searching for a new location to call home. In the meantime, they will continue shows through November and will perform their final show on Tower Lake on Saturday, December 1. The team’s history dates back to the 1950’s when they were known as The Tampa Bay Ski Bees. As the team grew
Shows on November 3rd, 10th and 17th will be held at 4:00 pm. On November 24th, two special holiday shows will be held at 1pm and 4pm. A “Farewell to Tower Lake” show will be held on December 1 and will be the final show of the season and the final show at the Tower Lake location.
TBWSST has competed in numerous state, regional and national competitive events. They have also been invited to perform internationally in Spain, United Kingdom and China.
The site is located at 130 Burbank Road, Oldsmar. Visit their website at www. tampawaterski.com. For team or show information, call 813-9178354 or 813-454-5826. You can also find them on Face Book .
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
NOVEMBER 2018 19