Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. Odessa/Lutz/LandOLakes Magazine. Vol. 13, Issue 11, November 2022.

A Welcome Alternative to Insurance with a “Family Touch” at Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists

By Tom Bostock

Does this sound familiar to you? Did you ever visit a vision center authorized under your limited insurance network? Did it feel like you were more of an inconvenience than a valued patient when you went there? Were you initially ignored and then rushed through your exam? Did you even learn what the doctor’s name was? Did he take the time to thoroughly answer your questions? Did you leave wondering why you went there in the first place?

Did you feel as though your vision center treated you like

See “Beyond 20/20” on page 18

The Winning Team at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers

By Tom Bostock

What do five doctors/dentists from disparate backgrounds have in com mon?

These include one doctor from Camaguey, Cuba, and another from Nairobi, Kenya. No group of doctors in the fields of oral (maxillofacial)/implant surgery and aesthetic care epitomizes professionalism and excellence more than the dedicated surgeons at MO SAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers.

Together, this team of dedicated oral surgeons continues to provide for See “Mosaic” on page 10

Fine Art Santa Photography comes to Tampa

The Tampa Bay area just gained a great new and ex citing art/experience Santa photography option!

Nostalgic and Iconic Fine Art Santa Photography sessions resulting in breath taking wall art and magi cal night before Christmas children’s storybooks set to poetry.

With over 35 years as a commissioned, interna tionally renowned, and award-winning artist, Larry Hersberger’s art is sought after worldwide. Larry has become one of the bestknown and most influential Christmas/Santa artists in the world today. He has been privately commis sioned to write and create numerous children’s story books. With the extraordi nary talent and inspiration of his wife and partner Ela Hersberger, together they have created Masterpiece Christmas. The success of this nostalgic style has led Larry & Ela to also become teachers and mentors to photographers and artists worldwide. After a decade of creating art for clients in more than 50 countries, Larry and Ela, together with their three beautiful daugh ters, decided to settle in

Odessa, FL.

Masterpiece Christmas now offers their Fine Art Santa Photography sessions in Odessa FL. These magi cal sessions are about cap turing non-posed emotion and the wonder of children in iconic Santa moments. The result is breathtaking fine art and storybooks set to poetry. Imagine your Children playing a part in a theatrical performance of their very own night before Christmas story. In their dream, they visit Santa at the North Pole at 5 till mid night. They will have milk and cookies with Santa and experience magical, iconic Christmas moments. Chil dren will look inside the toy bag and will receive the ulti mate gift. Your children will help Santa paint toys with magic paint and learn won drous North Pole secrets. These sessions are, sim ply put, remarkable, unique, and very memorable. There is a live photo set, a profes sional Santa, a master pho tographer, a photography team, a custom wardrobe, and a magical experience that you and your child will never forget. Each photo is meticulously pre-planned, and the experience is like

a play/performance. (Your child will never know they are actually in a play.) They will love learning the secrets of the North Pole and the true meaning of Christmas from Santa Claus. A photo session with Masterpiece Christmas can take an hour or more. Masterpiece Christmas offers very limited sessions that are available only on specific dates. Serving Community. Masterpiece Christmas chooses to bring the true meaning of Christmas into art, poetic storybooks, and storytelling. Larry and Ela understand that these books and pieces of artwork will be read and seen by many generations. As heir looms, they will be handed down over time. The story books feature poetry that is whimsical yet full of life

lessons and the true mean ing of Christmas.

The creation of this artwork gives Larry and Ela a platform to share joy, love, and kindness with children and viewers as they read and see the artwork and books. It is their way of giving back to impact their community in a positive and joyous way. The resulting fine art and storybooks are exquisite heirlooms.

GOLDEN INVITATION.

The wonder of a child is very important to us. We want to elevate your child’s wonder prior to the ses sion Children come to their visit with Santa very excited. Prior to the session, each child will receive a Golden Invitation in the mail to have milk and cookies with Santa. The invitation will be

mailed in a gold envelope addressed directly to each child. Also, in the golden envelope, your child will find a red velvet pouch with a bell from Santa’s sleigh.

WARDROBE

We have beautiful vin tage white nightgowns for girls, women, and grand mothers. Christmas pajamas for boys, men, and grandfa thers are also provided.

GIFT FROM SANTA

During the session, each child will receive a memorable gift from Santa. The Magic Wish Book, a

precious time capsule and words to live by for gen erations. Once your child writes their wishes into the Wish Book, they magi cally become visible to the elves at the North Pole and Santa. This becomes a private portal to Santa, where your child can share thoughts and wishes with Santa while stirring your child’s imagination. There is space at the end of the wish book for adult members of the child’s family to write something they want that child to never forget. Each adult takes one page only... imagine the life lessons that

will be in this little book. Once full, this special little book will become priceless, capturing the wonder of your child and the wisdom of your family, all in their own handwriting.

BOOK YOUR FINE ART SANTA SESSION TODAY.

Contact us, and let us capture the wonder of your child at Christmas. To secure your commission is to cast you and your family’s legacy in art for genera tions to come. Few things will be more powerful or meaningful in your life. Call us today...generations will

be happy you did. Talk to Larry or Ela at 336-8706503.

More info: www.MasterpieceChristmas.com, or Facebook: www.facebook. com/ MASTERPIECECHRISTMAS

Happy Thanksgiving! - Practice Gratitude, Always

This year Thanksgiving will be observed on Thursday, November 24, 2022. During this time, millions of Americans take time off work (a 4-day weekend starting Thursday) and spend time with family and friends over a large feast held on Thanksgiving Day. While being grateful for your food, friends, and family, take a little time to remember Sarah Josepha Hale, a woman who helped make this national day of thanks possible.

Sarah Josepha Buell was born on October 24, 1788, on a farm in New port, New Hampshire. She is remem bered as a curious, intelligent, and eager-to-learn woman. Encouraged to follow her dreams by her husband, David Hale, Sarah wrote many short stories and articles. Many of these were published in local newspapers just like ours!

Mr. Hale passed away suddenly in 1822, leaving Sarah with five young children to take care of. To make ends meet, she worked at small retail shops, and she also spent time working as a teacher and writer. Hale published her first book of poems, including one that became the famous nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Her writing success opened many doors for her, becoming the Chief Editor of a local magazine. During her time as editor, Hale wrote hundreds of letters to governors, ministers, newspaper editors, and every U.S. president with one request: to make the last Thursday in November be set aside to “offer to God our tribute of joy and gratitude for the blessings of the year.”

Native American Harvest Festivals had already been taking place for cen turies in North America, with colonists’ services to give thanks, but there had never been a “Thanksgiving” holiday.

In 1864, with the country torn by the Civil War, Hale’s campaign finally got people’s attention and President Abraham Lincoln’s attention, who par ticularly liked Hale’s idea. On October 3, 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of Novem ber as “National Thanksgiving Day.”

Furthermore, Lincoln ordered all gov ernment offices in Washington to be closed that day to spend the day with loved ones and give thanks.

In 1939, President Roosevelt was pressured by store owners to move Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November to allow more shopping days between the Holiday and Christ mas. Roosevelt agreed, but millions of Americans didn’t follow the orders and continued celebrating Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November. In 1940, Roosevelt realized the decision was a mistake and re-assigned it to the fourth Thursday in November.

In the spirit of gratefulness and giving back, I would like to invite all of our readers to consider volunteering or donating (as much or as little as pos sible) to any local shelters or non-profit organizations that support a cause that speaks to you and that you may be pas sionate about.

For volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit: https://unitedwaysun coast.org/

I wish you all a happy, blessed, and bountiful Thanksgiving day from our family to yours!

Until next time, Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.

the dental and facial sur gery needs of their grateful patients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, the entire Tampa Bay com munity.

As their website notes: “Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers pro vides comprehensive oral and maxillofacial treatment to patients in Tampa, Clear water, and surrounding areas. From dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafting to corrective jaw surgery, TMJ disorders, and facial trauma, we tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs to optimize their oral function and their quality of life.”

Owner and founder, Dr. Mark W. Mitchell D.D.S. has been practicing for over 36 years. As his practice continues to grow, he adds additional staff, as needed, to his successful practice.

The practice is pleased to announce the addition of the services of a new doctor, Dr. Clayton Hamrick DMD, MD, to their already out standing team.

Dr. Hamrick, as his im pressive online biography in dicates, “joined the Univer sity of Florida in July 2019 as a visiting professor in oral and maxillofacial surgery, or OMFS, where he focused on didactic and clinical instruc tion for predoctoral dental students and residents in the department’s advanced education program.” Dr. Hamrick fits seamlessly with the practice’s core values of compassion, quality care, and surgical excellence.

Additional achievements for Dr. Hamrick include obtaining his dental degree from the University of Florida in 2012, his medical degree in 2016, completing his OMFS resident program at UFCD in 2018, and earning a general surgery intern ship certificate from the UF College of Medicine in June 2019. Board certified, like the other doctors at the practice, Dr. Hamrick looks forward to sharing his stateof-the-art skills and knowl edge with all the patients at Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers.

Dr. Hamrick joins Dr. Mehta, who is a partner of Dr. Mitchell He was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He brought an equally impres sive background to the MO SAIC staff. After immigrating to the United States in 1998, he completed his under graduate degree at the University of South Florida, his D.M.D. at the University of Florida College of Den tistry, and his M.D. at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

This was followed by his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Program, also at the Uni versity of Florida where he was Chief resident. He then completed a year of General Surgery at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His valuable addition was welcomed by all of the staff.

Another valuable team member, Dr. Young, is shar ing his surgical expertise, lecturing around the country about the latest in surgical techniques. Becky Sanchez noted, “All of the surgeons at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant

Centers are certified and practice regularly in area hospitals.”

I also wondered, during my interview with their mar keting director and surgical assistant, Becky Sanchez, where Dr. Mitchell came up with the company’s name, specifically the reference to the word “MOSAIC.” Con tinuously stressing teamwork and the family atmosphere, Becky said, “MOSAIC” was born from the idea that we make a whole from every small piece. We wouldn’t be whole without each other,” she stated emphatically.

“We consider ourselves to be the absolute best choice when it comes to oral surgery. We really try to live a culture of care and con cern between one another.” Surgical excellence, compas sionate care, and availability are their mission statement.

Since Covid 19 remains on everyone’s mind, I asked Becky how it impacted Max illofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers and their patients.

Becky said,” our main fo cus has been to bring Hope to Our patients and each and every one of our staff members. We strategically found ways to bring our staff

closer to one another to cre ate a community amongst ourselves where everyone enjoys coming to work. Working together, we can lean on each other, creat ing a stronger team and a better all-around experience for our patients individually. We are always striving to provide the absolute, best surgical experience!

That may seem like lofty ideals, but did it work? Let’s read what some of the satisfied patients at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implants Centers had to say:

Professional Staff:

“My experience was with Dr. Shaun Young. I had a cracked root on a molar that had already had a previous root canal. The only solution was to have the tooth ex tracted. I made an appoint ment with MOSAIC Center and was given a Consulta tion with Dr. Young. After examining my X-Rays he of fered to extract the tooth. I had no pain whatsoever and was amazed how efficient and pain free my extraction was. I never needed any pain medication after the visit. I would recommend Dr. Young for any dental proce dure. He was very thorough

and explained what would happen.”

Just Wonderful – I would give the Six Stars if I could:

“I can’t say enough about the professionalism, courteous and compassion ate treatment that I received from the staff and doctors of MOSAIC. Dr. Mitchell and

his staff took the time to go over my procedure in great detail as well as patiently answer my many questions. The procedure itself was handled with an impressive degree of expertise and I highly recommend MOSAIC for those seeking implants or maxillofacial surgery. Thanks so much!”

Tooth removed:

“I have been to the MO SAIC office before! Always a good experience…which is not usual for me, as I do not like going to the dentist! �� However, they are wonder ful! Very caring efficient and helpful. Dr.Samuel Landrian was my Dentist/Surgeon to day! He is simply wonderful! No problems at all and I was done in no time at all! His assistant was also very thor ough! Anytime that I have to have any Jaw or Bone problems, I will definitely go to them! Thanks.”

These a just three sam ples of the many more unso licited testimonials found on the MOSAIC website, www. MOSAICsurgery.com.

If you need maxillofa cial surgery such as but not limited to: Dental extrac tions, Dental Implants, Facial

surgery, Bone grafting, Sinus elevations, etc., to name just a few of the many services they offer, just call the local MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgi cal Arts and Implant Center nearest you for the compas sionate care in the family-like atmosphere you deserve.

With offices conve niently located near you in the Tampa Bay area:

New Port Richey/Trinity: 727-842-5180

Clearwater: 727-791-6529

Westchase: 813-749-0903. Bring MOSAIC Maxillofacial your oral surgery problems today. They will be your solution!

nothing more than just another number in an assembly line process? To add insult to injury, did you still have to pay out of pocket after your deductible for a portion of the expenses not covered by your insurance for the services, frames, glasses, or special coatings you selected?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should know that there is a real alternative with a family touch at Beyond 20 20 Vision Specialists. Their flagship office is in Odessa at Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, 16230 FL -54; they are just a short drive from anywhere in the Tampa Bay area. Owner and founder of Beyond 2020 Vision, Dr. Christopher Tumolo, grew tired of insurance-related complaints incorrectly directed against him and his staff. He decided to do something about it. The Internet described concierge service as “a business that provides specialized services to V.I.P. clients…” This is what Dr. Tumolo has implemented at his Odessa facility. However, there is

one notable difference; everyone is treated like a V.I.P. at Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists!

Dr. Tumolo told me, in a recent interview, “I am pioneering something unique for this area, direct pay optometry. It is similar to direct pay medical or concierge medical. Patients will pay a minimal monthly fee and have unlimited access to our office and our superior products. They will not have to have any insurance. There are no forms to fill out. They will not have to make any purchases when they come to see us. That monthly membership covers everything.” He noted that even contact lenses were included.

This program is in response to insurance dictating what they will cover for a vision patient. “Sometimes, Dr. Tumolo noted, “there is only coverage for plastic or polycarbonate lenses. Frame allowances don’t always cover the entire frame cost, and there may be another 20% copay.” He referred to the process as “convoluted for both the doctor and the patient.”

He clarified that “the patients feel that everything is covered, and when they find out it isn’t, they usually get pretty upset with the office rather than the insurance company. Everything is more efficient, more straightforward, and there are no hidden fees, no

copays,” he said, referring to the new concierge service compared to the traditional method.

In response to what he most enjoys about his interaction with patients, Dr. Tumolo said, “the personal touch.” He related the following story: “a young man, about 23, came in to see him with his mom. He was legally blind. After discussing the patient’s personal life with him, Dr.Tumolo told him that he partners with “an eye surgeon locally who does some interesting surgery that not many surgeons do in the entire U.S., let alone Florida.” He referred him to the surgeon more than a month ago. When he came back for his follow up visit

the next month, the young man was ecstatic! According to Dr. Tumolo, “he had 2020 vision in both eyes after being legally blind!” What did Dr. Tumolo get out of this? He got the satisfaction of helping a patient with the same caring attitude

he shows to all his other patients.

When asked what patients should expect from him and his staff, he proudly responded, “transparency. We are different from any other office they are probably going to. Patients

spend about thirty minutes with me. I am out in the front office when not there, never hiding in the back. Anything they need, we are there for them. This is not the typical visit where you don’t even know your doctor’s name an hour after you have been shuffled out the door. We offer personalized service.”

“Patients,” Dr.Tumolo continued, “will have complete access to me. It will be a rapid, expeditious service. They will also have my contact information via email or text. They can contact me if they need to. This is something you will never get in a traditional practice. With your subscription, you will get the best products and services. When you use traditional insurance, they dictate where you go. It is sometimes subpar. Patients can get defective products that they are never happy with. The vision may not

be good, and the products may break or break down. Patients are left feeling overwhelmed. Not with Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists,” he assured me. There are several other Beyond 2020 Vision offices throughout the Tampa Bay area. They are all open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 9:30 to 5 PM. However, at the present time, only the Odessa office provides concierge services. You can call for an appointment today at 813-926-5993 or learn more about Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists from their website, www. beyond2020vs.com. There are many vision services in the Tampa Bay area, but only one with this newest, innovative vision alternative, direct pay optometry. Visit today. You’ll be glad you did!