Vol. 11, Issue 11, November 2020
Your community. Your magazine. ™
®
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:
Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Starkey Ranch, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes
TPC Tampa Bay - High-end, 18-hole golf course & country club since 1991 with Natural Wetlands, an Eatery & Pro shop By Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi
made us somewhat hesitant to go out. But General Manager Jeff Hartman, Executive Chef Greg Gonzalez, Membership Sales Associate Kortney Huntzinger and every staff member at TPC Tampa Bay have made it their mission to ensure that you and your loved ones have
Overlooking the lush landscape and tranquil lagoons of the 18th hole at TPC Tampa Bay, ¡Cuatro Restaurant & Bar, currently operating at 100% capacity, offers members, regulars, and visitors a culinary experience like no other.
See “TPC” on page 20
There’s no doubt the Coronavirus outbreak has
Bliss Dental Provides Care and Safety Protocol To Assure Your Well-Being Amid Pandemic By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Bliss Dental Lounge is the antithesis of what most expect of a dental practice. The standard white, sterile dental office, with anxietyinducing drilling sounds and distinct pervasive clove odor, is replaced with a resort spa setting. Piped in background music, a hint of aromatherapy, and a coffee and snack bar for
patients on the go greets you in the waiting room. The walls are adorned with a showcase of artwork available for purchase by local artists. Private suites boast luxurious massage chairs, two televisions, and scenic views with regular visits from cows in the pasture behind the office.
See “Bliss” on page 8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor: What if you woke up today with only the things you thank God for yesterday?..............................5
Tech Talk with Bob: CORONAVIRUS CYBERCRIME..................14-15
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What if you woke up today with only the things you thank God for yesterday?
You don’t have to be a religious person to be thankful for all the things you’ve been blessed with. In many spiritual traditions, prayers of gratitude are considered the most powerful form of prayer. Through these prayers, people recognize the ultimate source of all they are, and all they will ever be. Feeling thankful can improve your health in both direct and indirect ways. Some research shows that the experience of gratitude can induce a sense of happiness and relaxation, which in turn improves the immune system, and decreases blood pressure! This November, let’s all vow to count our blessings each day. If you have kids, they should always be one of the reasons to feel thankful for daily. When you see them running around the house giggling, remember that joy, and take it all in, and thank whichever God or higher power you believe in that you have little bundles of joy that keep you on your toes and keep you going. Work on establishing a daily “thankfulness” routine in which you remind yourself of the gifts, benefits, and good things you enjoy and focus less on what you lack or what’s causing you stress. Try to consider simple things like the last time you enjoyed a homemade meal or had a great cup of coffee—did you pay attention to all the flavors or the feelings of pleasure as you took the first bite or first sip? It’s easy to ignore such small moments of positivity in our lives as we’re currently living in a constant state of panic and anxiety, but stopping to appreciate the simple pleasures makes them even more powerful. Practicing gratitude can also make you better equipped to handle difficult situations in your life, which naturally and inevitably arise, especially this year. My family and I have tragically lost not one, or two, not even three, but actually 6 close friends and relatives to COVID-19. We are also going through a tough financial situation, and to makes things harder, my health has retaken a bad turn with Lyme disease and Graves disease, but
I try to remain positive and smile through the pain. What are some things that make me feel personally thankful? A genuine smile from my little nephew, a long and warm hug from my mother, baking pumpkin bread with my sister, funny memes sent by a friend, cuddling with my cats while watching a romantic comedy…little things like that are what keeps me going these days. Setting aside a couple of minutes a day to recall moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, your personal achievements, or all the amazing people you have in your life gives you the potential to live a more positive life with a true sense of gratefulness. Find yourself tethered to your cell phone or the internet for hours each day? Harness the power of this technology to send out some good vibes, such as a text or Facebook comment. Tell your followers, friends, and relatives who much you love and appreciate them. Into funny inspirational messages? I know I am! Why not share or write a daily gratefulness post? It might be cheesy but helpful! Words are compelling, and the more we remind ourselves of the good, the less we focus on the negative. If you find yourself struggling to come up with reasons to feel grateful for, why not try putting yourself in the shoes of someone less fortunate? I know we shouldn’t even compare our current situation with anyone else’s, but that’s not the point. Recalling someone who may have a debilitating physical condition, for example, may inspire gratitude for your own healthy body, which you may have taken for granted otherwise. Lately, with the limited use of my left arm, I still feel thankful that the right one is strong and able to type these words for you to read. With all that said, I am truly thankful for each one of you! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to our readers and advertisers for your loyalty and readership; I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your plates and hearts always be full! Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.
6 NOVEMBER 2020
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“Bliss” story
continued from page 1 Bliss Dental Lounge is a one-of-a-kind, innovative approach to dentistry. Making you feel relaxed was the number one goal when Dr. Suryawanski opened her private practice after 20 years of working in other dental practices. “The first thing that intimidates patients is walking into the reception area, the traditional uncomfortable the medical office chairs, smells, sounds, and the feel of the office,” Dr. Suryawanski said. “That’s why I created an office that people can come into and feel relaxed and feel calm.” She especially wants her patients to feel at ease during this unprecedented pandemic. While the practice has always followed the CDC guidelines of universal sterilization and infection, they’re taking extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety. She and her clinical team have implemented additional safety protocols to protect you and them, including the use of additional PPE and face shields. All patients are screened before every appointment, and they have the option of waiting in their vehicles until their appointment time. Top of the line HEPA
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filters have been installed in both the reception area and treatment rooms for air purification and extra latest state-of-the-art oral evacuators in the treatment rooms to minimize aerosols. When you speak to Dr. Suryawanshi, it is easy to see that she is passionate about her career choice and want to make every patient and staff member feel like family. “I didn’t want just to create a good office for the patients, but the team. I believe in team culture. We are like a family. Any patients walking in become part of that family. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a team always happy to see patients and are passionate about what they do. The goal is to change the perception of dentistry and the patient’s experience. People don’t like going to the dentist, and that’s what we are trying to change.” Dr. Suryawanshi’s interest in dentistry came from her own fear as a child, as a fearful and nervous patient. “I wanted a profession where I could help people. Both things merged for me. When I started dentistry, I always paid attention to what made people nervous coming to the dentist, what were the fear triggers, what made them stop seeking
dental care.” A graduate of Boston University, Dr. Suryawanshi, moved to Florida to escape the snow and frigid temperatures. When she settled in Lutz 12 years ago, she knew that she wanted to help people where she lived. Using anxiety-free sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), Bliss Dental Care offers general family dentistry, implants, dentures, crowns, bridges, Invisalign, veneers, and teeth whitening, emergency dentistry. It will soon provide sleep apnea dental appliance solutions and oral surgery. Your comfort is of utmost concern at Bliss Dental. “We have invested in the latest and greatest State-of-the-art Dental technology: a CBCT (CT Scan) machine for advanced dental treatments, digital Xrays, and massaging chairs, to name a few,” she said. While some people avoid the dentist due to lack of dental insurance, Bliss Dental Lounge offers a private in-house insurance Membership program, payment plans, and third-party financing. “Our unique Membership plan gets them the basic coverage that they need
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to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and prostate cancer because germs start in the mouth and travel throughout the body. “Dental care isn’t expensive. Dental neglect is,” she clarified. “Getting to meet people and bringing smiles to them is what I love best about my job. At the end of the day, when they come with a problem, and I’m able to fix it – that’s the most rewarding thing.” As a family dental practice, Dr. Suryawanshi sees patients of all ages. Most new patients are referrals from current patients. “I’m absolutely passionate about dentistry, and I enjoy coming to work every day. We want to be your family dentist forever.”
and also saves them money on any additional services that might be needed.” In addition to sponsoring children’s dental health, Dr. Suryawanshi participates in “Give A Smile.” Potential recipients will write a letter and provide photos for dental
services needed. The dentist and her staff will select a person to receive a dental transformation without cost. Dr. Suryawanshi explained that routine dental exams and cleaning prevent gum disease (periodontal disease) connected
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Bliss Dental Lounge is located at 17735 Hunting Bow Cir, Lutz (Ballantrae Professional Center, SR 54). Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 10a to 6 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm by appointment. To learn more or make an appointment, call 813-995-6178 or visit https://www. blissdentallounge.com or Facebook: BlissDentalLounge.
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NOVEMBER 2020 13
Tech Talk with Bob: CORONAVIRUS CYBER CRIME Leave it to society’s lowest form of dirtbags to take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. The Coronavirus Pandemic has given cyber criminals yet another platform in which they can snatch your money and contaminate your computer with dangerous malware leaving it in a precarious state. My friends, I urge you to be on the lookout for these cyber scams. It is not my intent to frighten you but rather to make you more vigilant and aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and the people you care about. The COVID-19 outbreak will certainly increase cyber criminals’
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email phishing campaigns in the coming months. As you spend more time at home you will probably be spending more time online. While online, please, be wary of any links you click. There may be coronavirus computer attacks poised for attack in your email’s inbox right now. It’s just a matter of whether you will click the link or delete the email. I’ll bet you are getting emails from many of the companies you deal with in regard to how they are reacting to this pandemic. Especially watch out for the emails you may receive from companies you DO NOT do business with. If you get an email from a bank you have never done business with, beware. Why
would they send you an email? You may also be getting emails from helpful friends and family that may include links to news stories, medical information and so forth. Emails made to look like they come from credible companies, organizations, and other familiar entities can be spoofed (faked) to look like they came from a trusted source. Embedded in these phishing emails might be links offering to connect you to another website with more information. Please think twice before you click that link. If for any reason you are not sure you can trust the link, then do not click it. We have the ability to provide support without
needing to send an IT Specialist out to your home or office. We can safely remote access your computer to perform most repairs. We can also remotely perform complete scans for viruses and other malware issues. So if you think you have malware, we can scan for it
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remotely from our location to yours. So, during this pandemic, we can still provide technical support to you over your phone and internet connection. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility, but you do not have to do it all yourself. We’re here to
help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified IT Specialist. Call us now at 727-5344000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!
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“TPC” story
a
continued from page 1
wonderful and safe experience when you stop by to practice your golf swing, or to enjoy a meal and refreshing beverage with a view! “We’ve taken every precaution to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit,” says Chef Greg. “Our wait and kitchen staff is required to wear masks. We’ve also distanced our inside tables and added extra seating in the patio to abide by proper social distancing guidelines. We’ve placed hand sanitizer bottles at every table, as well as automatic ‘hands-free’ sanitizing stations in several places outside the restaurant and the golf course. We’re slowly but surely moving to make everything automatic, from soap to towels.” Consistency is as important as quality. And at ¡CUATRO you’ll enjoy both, as well as affordable prices. They have not raised their prices this year, even though food costs have soared by 38% amid the pandemic, according to recent research studies. “Even though food costs have doubled, even tripled for certain items, meat, in particular, we will not be raising our prices,” says Chef Greg. “The pandemic has been financially straining for so many local families. We want to continue to provide a tasty and affordable meal option in a safe environment for everyone.” Come February 2021; it will be his second anniversary as Cuatro Executive Chef, congratulations in advance!
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“These two years have been as rewarding as they’ve been challenging, but we’ve rolled with the punches,” says Chef Greg. “The pandemic definitely impacted us, and we’ve had to make some creative changes and adapt to the new ‘normal,’ but our team has worked efficiently throughout these hard times, and I couldn’t be more proud of our team.” With a spectacular and affordable selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts crafted by Chef Greg Gonzalez, the Cuatro menu is carefully designed with you in mind. “We like to change the menu every month other month or so,” says Chef Greg. “We keep the guests’ favorites, of course, but we like to come up with new menu items that showcase fresh seasonal ingredients. The month of November, we’re offering two new entrees, a new dessert, and a few new drinks that we hope everyone will enjoy.” I was lucky to get to try several of these special monthly menu items, as well as some of the traditional staples, and all I can say is wow! If you’re like me and love anything fried, make sure you start with their fried pickle appetizer. Freshly battered and served with a horseradish dipping sauce made from scratch. I ate the whole thing by myself! “We can also make them gluten-free,” says Chef Greg. “We can accommodate any dietary restriction our guests may have; just ask our wait staff, and we will make sure to serve you something you’ll enjoy.” Their “Chicken
Milanese” November special was finger-licking good; a lightly panko-crusted tender chicken filet drizzled with a lemon and caper sauce, topped with a refreshing and light arugula salad seasoned with a homemade citrus vinaigrette and feta cheese, served with a side of rice. Chef Greg is passionate about Cajun food and bold flavors, which is a blessing for those who enjoy flavorful meals. You don’t have to fly to NOLA to enjoy a delicious fried crawfish appetizer, a mouth-watering cajun gumbo, a seafood po’boy (made with crawfish or shrimp), or a creamy crawfish fettuccine made with crawfish tails, sautéed garlic, and cajun spices tossed in a rich and creamy alfredo sauce served with crostini bread. Hungry yet? With so many delicious menu items and monthly specials starting at just $12.99, you can have “have your cake and eat it too,” literally! Speaking about
sweets, make sure you leave room for dessert. I highly recommend their featured monthly dessert, Apple Cobbler. It was truly an explosion of flavors, with caramelized apples soaked in apple spiced whiskey, a buttery crust, a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel, served hot in a skillet. Yum! GOLF MEETS TECHNOLOGY WITH DIGITAL YARDAGES APP If you’re golfing, come swing with confidence! Kortney Huntzinger mentioned that the golf carts and all golfing equipment are constantly sprayed and sanitized after each use to ensure every member or visitor’s safety. “We’ve also switched from golf ball bags to golf pyramids to minimize touching the equipment. Every golfer will have their practice golf balls ready and set up before their scheduled tee time.” You can find the yardages
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in the palm of your hand. With the help of new technology, each flag’s distance on the driving range is found on the TPC Tampa Bay App, which is very user-friendly and FREE to download from your smartphone. The app is available in the Apple app store or Google Play store, and it offers other amazing features you wouldn’t want to miss. Book your tee time, check the menu specials, check your membership points, and more by downloading the app today! TPC GIVES BACK! “2020 has been a rough year for everyone,” says Kortney. “We wanted to do something nice for the community and give back somehow. So we’re offering several options to donate to local schools through our booster club cards.” By presenting either your Martinez Middle School Physical Education Supporter Card or your Steinbrenner Athletic Booster Club Supporter card, you’d be donating 10% of your total bill back to these schools. “I went to both of these schools,” says Kortney. “So this cause means a lot to me,
especially these days when schools are struggling for funds, and public fundraising events have been postponed due to COVID. I am proud to work with an organization so committed to giving back to our community.” HOSTING AN EVENT AMIDST THE PANDEMIC? DON’T WORRY, TPC HAS YOU COVERED! Kortney, Chef Greg, and the entire team at TPC want to make hosting a private event or Holiday function as easy as possible for you, despite these unprecedented times we’re living. “We’re still holding private banquets, fundraising events, birthdays, weddings, and Holiday parties,” says Kortney. “We’re happy to accommodate you and your guests on our banquet room and patio, all while social distancing and keeping all of our safety measures in place.” When you call about an event, the staff at ¡CUATRO will work with you every step of the way, until they achieve a menu that you’ll love at a price you’ll be comfortable with. Kortney, Chef Greg, and the entire TPC Tampa Bay team would like to thank
every club member and visitor for their heartwarming support, “We’ve kept our doors open thanks to the continuous support we’ve received from the Tampa Bay community. We feel truly grateful for every one of you, and we look forward to seeing you at TPC Tampa Bay and ¡CUATRO soon.” ¡CUATRO is located at TPC Tampa Bay at 5300
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W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. They are conveniently open seven days a week! Current hours are Mon. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m, but check the website for updated hours this fall/ winter (daylight savings). For more information, call 813-949-1486 or visit http://tpctampa.totalegolf. com/
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