Vol. 18, Issue 03, March 2022
®
Your community. Your magazine.
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 18,000 Homes In Trinity & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:
Aristida, Champion’s Club, Chelsea Place, Country Place, Ellington Estates North, Ellington Place, Fairway Springs, Fox Hollow, Foxwood, Greenbrook Estates, Heritage Lake, Heritage Springs, Hills Of San José, Hunter’s Ridge, Hunting Creek, Longleaf, Magnolia Estates, Nature’s Hideaway, Oak Ridge, Riverbend, Riverchase, River Crossing, River Oaks, Riverside Estates, Riverside Village, Riverside Villas, Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, Southern Oaks, Spring Lake, The Sabals, Thousand Oaks, Timber Greens, Trinity, Trinity East, Trinity Oaks, Trinity West, Veterans Village, Woodbend, Woodgate, Wyndgate & Wyndtree
Realtor Laurie Powell Neiman Goes Above and Beyond for Realty Clients By Deborah Bostock-Kelley With a near half-century career, second-generation realtor Laurie Powell Neiman grew up in the business. From an early age, her mother Marie Powell was her mentor, operating Marie Powell Better Homes and Gardens, a prominent, respected realty company. While in high school, Laurie worked as a secretary at her mom’s office on weekends. After graduation,
BOB THE COMPUTER GUY & ASSOCIATES, INC. “We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World” In a world where technology reigns, everyone could use a hand when their computer malfunctions. For over 20 years, Bob The Computer Guy has been that “helping hand” for many folks in the Tampa Bay area. We’ve become more dependent on our computers especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your computer functioning properly and safely is essential if you are to keep pace with life’s daily and often times frantic demands. Sometimes our systems act quirky See Bob the Computer Guy on page 18
she continued in the real estate business, earning her sales associates license, and by 1978, she earned her brokers’ license. By 1991, Laurie became the broker/owner of the two offices in New Port Richey and Springhill. She sold to Prudential which is now Berkshire Hathaway in 2008. Fast forward to the present day, Laurie works sales for Re/Max REALTEC See “Laurie Neiman” on page 20
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor.........................5 Jacobson Cullunary Arts............6 Robotics Championship.............8 SAT/ACT..............................10-11 Taylor Cook..............................14 Decorating Den..................24-25 Alex Cortier.........................26-27 Ava Mance..........................28-29 Classifieds.................................30
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Loyal To Local - Always As the COVID-19 situation seems to be slowing down within our community, we would like to take a moment to check in. We continue to encourage you to take care of yourself and your loved ones by observing recommendations from public health officials and staying home if you feel unwell. Many local restaurants and businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, with many suffering huge financial losses. Now is a great time to “buy” local first by ordering products and food to-go from your favorite local shops and restaurants! As you know, our publication’s primary focus is to cover all the great things that our incredible city of Tampa Bay has to offer. We focus our efforts on informing the community about local businesses and what products and services they have to offer you and your loved ones. We are proud promoters of a “shop local” mentality. When you shop locally, you benefit from a personalized customer service experience, as local business owners are usually running and operating their own shops. They feel personally invested in your purchase. Local business owners genuinely care about you and your family; they want to get to know you and want to make sure you’re enjoying the products or services they offer. After all, they are your neighbors. When you decide to shop local, you’re making a personal investment in your neighborhood and community. In fact, for every $100 spent, roughly $68-$73 of it returns to local activity. For or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com For Advertising Advertising Info Info 727-943-0551 727-943-0551 II info@nnlflorida.com info@nnl-
Money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local companies, service providers, and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our region’s tax base. Whether you realize it or not, by supporting small businesses you are individually stimulating the local economy with your support and, in turn, helping shape your community’s unique character and personality. By shopping local, you’re also supporting incredible local charities and non-profit organizations. Most of our featured local businesses and their owners are very involved in helping their communities prosper, and the majority donate a lot of their proceeds to local charities and non-profit organizations. Where we learn, shop, eat, drink, and play—all of it makes our community home. At the end of the day, it’s free to give a business a shout-out on social media, leave them a kind review, or hype them up through word-ofmouth. We’re doing our best to lift up all the small businesses we can right now, but we could use your help! Tampa Bay’s one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Let’s keep Tampa vibrant, eclectic and unique; let’s keep it local.
Carla Dubis Tedeschi MARCH 2022 5
Corned Beef in Pressure Cooker Recipe
Courtesy of the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy/Tarpon Springs H.S. Ingregients and Instructions: • 3 lbs. of corned beef • 1-1/2 cups of chicken stock • 1 large onion, thickly sliced • 1 (12oz.) bottle of beer Remove corned beef from packaging. Reserve spice package to use. Rinse meat and pat dry with a paper towel. Place onion at the bottom of the pressure cooker. please corned beef on top of onions. Add the chicken stock and beer. Close pressure cooker, according to directions. Cook 45 minutes: Begin by using high heat, then as steam starts to appear, turn heat down between medium and low.
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Allow steam to release. Refer to manufacturer’s dorections before removing cover. Remove corned beef from cooker and let rest, loosley covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Thinly slice; serve and enjoy!
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: LOOKING AHEAD By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Exam Dates: SAT on May 12th, June 4th, and August 27th; … ACT on April 2nd June 11th, and July 16th. One question I often have from parents and students is, “Dr. A, are there really that many ‘tricks’ that can help improve SAT and ACT scores?” The answer is, “Yes,” with some specific techniques, some ways of thinking, and some mental techniques to help reduce test anxiety and “stay focused, on track” when the inevitable distractions hit during an exam such as having to read a question multiple times, realizing it is taking too long on a question, and different forms of self-doubt. Math has many specific techniques that help students answer questions much faster with a far higher probability of getting the right answer. Here’s an example. If the question asks which of the four following expressions is equivalent to (8x2 – 4x +2) / (3x2 + 2x – 8) and gives you four possible fractions with x’s and numbers in the numerator and denominator, there is a way to get the correct answer in less than fifteen seconds working only in your head! Here’s how. No one said you couldn’t plug in 0 for x, which leaves our expression = -1/4. Now, plug in 0 in for x in each of the four possible answers. The answer that also = -1/4 is correct. If two of the possible
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answers = -1/4, then go back and plug in 2 for x in the first expression and get another “target number”. Use it for x in the two “possibles”, and only one will give you the new target number. That’s your answer. All too easy … if you know how to recognize the six types of Plug-Ins in arithetic, algebra, and geometry problems and how to handle them. In five to 15 seconds my students avoid factoring, canceling out in the numerator and denominator, and using at least a minute of time on a test where “time is not your friend” … not to mention the far higher possibility of making a math error. By the way, almost all algebra problems and many types of geometry problems can be solved with Plug-ins if you know what to look for and how to do them. My students love “doing algebra without algebra”. I firmly believe that half of a student’s doing their best on these exams is mental. This is why I wrote Achieve and Maintain Your Peak Mental Performance Zone on the SAT and ACT including How To Win Over Test Anxiety for my students. This includes fourteen ways to “stay in the zone’ during the actual examination. As we all move into spring, many SENIORS are working on bringing up their exam scores up to qualify for the 75% or the 100% Bright Futures Scholarship (about $25,000). We have until the
last SAT Exam on Saturday, June 4th, to qualify with the SAT, and until the last ACT Exam on Saturday, June 11th, to qualify with the ACT. At this point, it is not unusual to do a “Skill Strengthening” class to improve either the Writing and Language / Reading combined score or the Math score on the SAT, or either the English and Reading combined score or the Math and Science combined score on the ACT. These focused classes are about half the hours of a full prep class. Sometimes, when we are aiming for more improvement, we do the full prep classes. My JUNIORS and some SOPHOMORES are usually focused on getting ahead with preparing for the SAT and/or ACT and either work over the spring, or get set to prepare starting right after school finishes for the ACT in mid-July and/or the SAT the last Saturday in August. For students wanting to do a combination class of ACT and SAT, we can finish either the week just before school resumes in August
(with a complementary, additional review class the week before the SAT), or the week before the actual SAT Exam. During the summer, we easily schedule around family vacations, summer jobs, athletic commitments, and “surprises” as they may arise. If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 or send me an email at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200+ points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 8 of the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Naval - Air Force - Merchant
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Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. This year, he also tutored three juniors who
scored at the national merit finalist/semi-finalist levels on the most recent PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.
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With passion and knowledge, a cheerleader flies high! Senior Taylor Cook has been selected by her coach to be the Gregg Schindler Athlete for March. By Bella Melby - Mazzei Taylor Cook started cheerleading when she was eight years old, after joining a cheer camp at a gym nearby. “I had a background in gymnastics and I decided to try it out. Ever since my first day there, I knew that would be the sport that I would be in for the rest of my life,” Cook said. The first three years at Mitchell, Cook had a hard time balancing everything that was going on, but this year she was able to focus on cheerleading. “It was really difficult for me to balance school work, cheer, and building the relationships and friendships that I should have been building during high school cheerleading. I’m really grateful that my senior year I was really able to focus and put all my energy into the team and becoming friends and creating that family dynamic with the girls on the team,” Cook said. Cook was a captain and a flier on the team, so she did many things to help the team to get them prepared for competitions. “I would let them know how we can do better and come together to make things happen. I tried to take my role very seriously as a captain this year because I know how much of an impact that the captain can have on the rest of the team,” Cook said.
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Cook and the team faced a lot of challenges throughout the cheerleading season, but were able to come together in the end. “At the beginning of the season, we did not really have a competition team. We had to kind of pull one together at the last second. We had to deal with some people leaving, some people getting hurt. We just had to dig deep inside of ourselves and find the power to push through the season, and I really think that’s what made us all come together towards that end,” Cook said. This season the team made it to states, and were in the Medium Division 2 Nontumbling category. Cook says her greatest accomplishment was placing second in states. “Honestly that was a really great way to wrap up my season. That was a really big title for Mitchell and it was a really big deal to the whole team. It’s what we were working for the entire season,” Cook said. Coach Jennifer Mitchell (FAC) selected Cook for this honor because she is a fouryear varsity cheerleader and a captain this year. “She is an incredible all-around athlete, able to perform any position asked of her without hesitation. The entire program looks up to Taylor and respects everything that she has to say.
Taylor Cook (‘22) gets lifted into the air by her three teammates, supporting her as she cheers for Mitchell at their competition in Orlando this season. Photo by Moments with Michelle Photography The success the competition team had this season would not have been possible without Taylors guidance and leadership,” Coach Mitchell said. After high school Cook is going to a local community college, she hopes to someday coach cheerleading. “Coaching is something that I love doing. I love passing down my knowledge
of this sport, and I’m just super excited to see what the future of cheerleading holds for me. Jen and I are still in contact. So [I’m] thinking we can work something out in the summer after that, [an] assistant coaching position or something like that,” Cook said. Congratulations to Taylor Cook for being the Gregg Schindler Athlete for March.
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Bob the Computer Guy - story continued from page 1 or slow down. They may even fall victim to cyber criminals. When this occurs, you need someone trustworthy you know you can count on to step in and bail you out. “It’s stressful when our computers stop working. We need them for everything; from showing up to work-from-home, grocery shopping, doctor visits, and even our kids’ schooling,” said Bob Dalles of Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. “We make every effort to make our clients’ repair experience swift and painless. People share how they’ve been having problems with their computer. Once my team has an opportunity to analyze, diagnose, and resolve their issue, they tell us they never thought their computer could run so well.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. is a computer IT and cybersecurity company that provides onsite computer repairs, cybersecurity solutions, data recovery, new system setups, data transfers, secure disposal of old systems and just too much more to mention! They service everyone whether it’s your residence or business. When COVID-19 hit,
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Bob quickly adapted by changing company policy to better keep his clients and staff safer throughout the pandemic. Many appointments can now take place with a remote session via phone and internet. Some more involved jobs might require you to bring your computer directly to Bob. He’s located in the New Port Richey/Trinity area of Pasco County. Of course, Bob still provides safe onsite service to clients whose repair needs require an onsite visit from one of Bob’s professionally certified technicians. “A misconception folks have is they think we are a computer store,” said Bob. “We’re not a retail store. We are a service company. My goal is not to sell you merchandise!” Bob emphasizes. “My technicians and analysts work with you to develop
a solution tailored to your technology needs and budget. We are not going to suggest you buy a new computer unless that is the logical choice for your situation. Should you need to buy a new computer, I am not going to try to sell you one. However, if you need assistance with a new purchase, my team can make recommendations on what computer best suits your specific requirements and budget. Plus, they usually know where the best deals can be found too!” “It’s not uncommon for new clients to tell us they did not know companies like ours existed,” said Bob. “And they’re so glad they found us.” Bob became captivated with computers in the late 1970s. In 1995 he launched his own computer consulting and repair business. In 2008 he accepted a position as the
instructor for Computer and Information Technology with a Florida technical college. Bob enjoys sharing his expertise with others who possess his passion for technology. His love of computers inspired him to begin writing his published column “Tech Talk,” where Bob shares decades of IT experience while also enlightening his readers how to keep their devices running well and safe. “Tech Talk is very popular. A lot of clients tell me that they have followed the column from its first publication,” said Nikki, Client Communications Director. “Some clients even clip the columns and stick them on their refrigerators or file them away for future reference.” Cybercrimes are on the rise even more now that everyone has become increasingly dependent on
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technology. The criminals behind these scam e-mails, phone calls, and text messages will not hold back when it comes to exploiting any technology weaknesses that you may have overlooked. Bob and his cybersecurity team want to ensure that you do not fall prey to these ruthless cyber criminals. “In early 2019 we launched a Cybersecurity Division,” said Bob. “It has been a God-send for our clients’ peace of mind. We’re helping folks be proactive by showing them how to secure their computers and online accounts. My team will help you implement the proper tools and will instruct you on “best practices” when using your computer and navigating the internet. I am thrilled to be able to provide this vital service for individuals and small businesses that heretofore has only been in the financial reach of
government agencies and large corporations.” “You want to be sure you’re wearing your cybersecurity seatbelt before the crash,” Bob warned. “Your data, personal information and internet identity is like gold in the digital world. You need to properly protect it before something happens to jeopardize it. My goal is to increase your online safety awareness to lessen your chance of becoming yet another cybercrime statistic.” Cybersecurity is still a new concept to most people. Bob encourages everyone to protect themselves properly and to seek professional guidance to make sure they are doing it correctly. “Some folks still believe they are too small or insignificant for someone to want to hack their computer,” says Bob. “Others feel that they don’t do anything
online to warrant protecting themselves, then lull themselves into a false sense of security believing that doing nothing is okay.” Bob continues, “Hey, I don’t know how to make it any clearer. If you do anything of a financial nature on your computer, YOU ARE A TARGET! Do you shop online? TARGET! Do you bank online? TARGET! Pay bills online? TARGET! Ever order a pizza online with your credit card? TARGET! If you choose not to secure your computer properly, YOU BECOME AN EASY TARGET!!! Still some people believe they are immune to attack because they think they don’t have anything worth losing. It’s kind of like saying that since you are not a race car driver going 200 miles per hour, you don’t need to wear your seatbelt when you’re just driving your car up to
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the corner grocery. Don’t kid yourself. No matter how big or small, we’re all digital targets. We can all get hurt online. Please make sure you are properly protected. I hope you’ll call me today so, together, we both can be sure you are. Be safe my friend.” Bob The Computer Guy & Associates, Inc. offers computer and IT repair to homes and businesses. They also provide the cybersecurity services you need to keep you safer in your digital world. Whatever you need, no job is too small. For honest, reliable service performed by professionally certified technicians at a fair price then there is no other choice. You need to call Bob The Computer Guy now! Call 727-5344000 today!
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“Laurie Neiman” story continued from page 1 Group. She prides herself on being a one-stop shop for her clientele. She jokes that she “has a guy” for everything a buyer or seller could need. And she’s not kidding. Five-star testimonials and consistent client referrals attest that Laurie goes way above and beyond to help her buyers and sellers. “Every person’s needs are different. I do a lot of business in the 55+ community. I help people with absolutely everything. I don’t just help sell the house. I help people find the mover, stage their home, and clear out their clutter, or find an estate sales person.” She relayed a story of an ill senior who could not adequately prepare for an estate sale. Laurie regularly visited between appointments to sort clutter of items keeping and items for the sale. “I like to help people whether buying or selling,” she said. “In
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Laurie Neiman (left) and her mother, Marie Powell (r) today’s market, people are
school, you’re not reaching
of selling the house at a
thinking homes are selling
your full potential.”
better price. The realtors
so easy, so it doesn’t matter what realtor they get. It’s essential that they
Laurie also hosts open houses. “My job if I’m listing
expect to get multiple offers and sell it for more. “They say I got
pick a good realtor who
your house is to expose it
$40,000 over asking price,
knows the market and can
to as many people as I can.
but maybe they should
get them the right price.”
Some people call open
have priced it $40,000
Laurie combines
houses old-fashioned, but
higher, to begin with. The
modern web advertising
many people like to come
mindset is, why would
with tried and true, old-
to open houses and see
I pay more than they’re
fashioned print and
the homes. Normally when
asking , and the seller
postcard promotion.
I have an open house, the
doesn’t even get what
home sells within a week.”
the value is because the
“It’s important that you have a good blend. Not
For sellers, Laurie
realtor’s strategy was
everybody goes on the
explained that realtors
wrong,” she said. “I tell
internet. That’s not their
often price homes too
the owner we’re not
thing, so without old-
low to give the illusion
pricing the house to give
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Laurie Nieman and her family it away and get a crazy
could have gotten for your
Laurie said the realtor must
need. This is their biggest
frenzy. We’re pricing at the
house.”
know pricing so that the
decision and most people’s
buyers are not paying too
biggest financial asset, so I
much for a house.
work hard to be sure their
top of the market, so we
When choosing a
know we’re not leaving any
realtor, Laurie said that the
money on the table. Many
client should ask about
times sellers think they
their time in business and
want to sell it one day, we
to see anyone get taken
are getting a bargain on
what their strategy will be.
need to make sure that
advantage of. Everybody
their commissions to find
Make sure they will deliver
they are paying the right
needs a home and
out that the agent doesn’t
on all of the services
value for a property,” said
someone to care about
provide professional
offered.
Laurie.
them. I’m faith-based. I
photos taking photos
“You need to find
“If they’re going to
Laurie is grateful for
needs are met. I don’t like
think the Lord knows this is
on their cell phones and
an agent who knows
the unwavering support
a calling for me. He gives
not marketing the home
the market and does
of her husband Joe and
me people who need help,
properly, and leaving
marketing. Sellers who
daughters, Angel and
and I try to take good care
thousands of dollars on
have worked with laurie
Lauren who know she is all
of them. This is my passion
the table pricing too low.
say, ‘if you want to get
about helping people.
and my ministry.”
They don’t actually do stuff
most for your money, you
that will help the seller
should list with Laurie
People know I listen to
get more money. What
because she knows the
what they want, whether
you save on a little bit of a
values and what’s what in
buying a house or selling
commission, you probably
the neighborhood.’”
a house. I try to help them
lost more on what you
On the other side,
“I like to help people.
Call Laurie Powell
Neiman of Re/Max
REALTEC GROUP for all
your real estate needs at 727-385-0877.
accomplish whatever their
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Creating a Relaxing Respite By Decorating Den Home used to be the place where we came to relax and get a respite from the stress of the office, the commute or a day of running errands. Today, some are spending more time in the home, maybe no longer going to an office. Now, many are aiming to make certain rooms in the house more of a relaxing respite. Getting away from work may mean going to a different area of the home. The obvious choice is often the primary bedroom. Turning it into a luxurious suite like the one shown above is often the goal. The starting point here was a color scheme of calming gray, white and violet. The transitional, channel-
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tufted upholstered bed contrasted with a colorful, abstract rug. The true showstopper of the room. The marble tile fireplace and beaded wallpa-
per add dimensional elegance. Teal swivel accent chairs provide a second respite area in this warm and inviting primary bedroom. Who doesn’t love to
read by a fire? Let’s not forget the key function of the bedroom, however. If you’re not waking up feeling rested, refreshed, and
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restored, something is missing. Think about the environment you’re creating in terms of it putting you in a restful mood for the last part of the day and a revitalizing mood when waking up. Most of us think of the bedroom as the place we want to be a relaxing respite. We want to wind down and prepare for a healthy night’s sleep and then wake up to an environment that inspires us for a new day. As you are re-evaluating your bedroom in light of that goal, here are some tips: • Color is critical in promoting a space conducive to relaxation. Choose a calming color palette. Lighter shades of gray, blue, and green often promote calmness. • Improve storage so there is no clutter in sight. Clutter can instill a sense of
chaos instead of calm. • Flowers and plants can be soothing visually and aromatically. Certain scents can have a calming effect. White candles can add an air of serenity. Natural sunlight does wonders for one’s attitude; let the sunshine in. • Throw pillows and blankets can create a feeling of coziness. Contrast hard surface floors with area rugs to create softness and add some tranquil color. If you have the space, create a reading or TV-watching nook with a comfy upholstered chair, a chaise lounge, or loveseat. A soft serene color palette of soft ivory, creams, and taupe give this space a calming and classic appearance, ideal for both closing out the day and opening a new morning. A touch of glam and sparkle fills the room with the selection of custom fabrics in silk, satin and velvets. A custom-designed and built tete-a-tete transformed to be a bench with an open center allows the couple to share a seat while reading or watching TV, while not blocking the view. This small landing was the perfect place to be transformed into an intimate reading room. The vibrant pumpkin orange studio loveseat adds some fun and is perfect for lounging. The glass-enclosed book cabinets make for a classic library display for keepsakes and photos to conjure up those sentimental memories. The oversized coffee table also is a place for resting the feet. The small accent chair finishes out the corner of the room and offers seating for a guest.
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Yes, for some, exercising, especially yoga, is a relaxing respite. This was an add-on space adjacent to the mom and kid’s office/study space. There’s room for yoga mats and other equipment. The client loves gardening, so there is plenty of room for plants. It all makes for connecting with nature while keeping mentally and physically fit. The wall art and wall covering behind the bookcase create an outdoor experience in this multi-functional space. It can be a solitary retreat, a quiet place for just two or three to converse, or a space for entertaining a larger group. It checks many boxes. For more information, or to book a consultation, call Sally Giar today at 727-7894886
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Cortier takes the Court The Gregg Schindler State Farm Male Athlete of the month for March 2022: Alex Cortier As one of the captains on the boys varsity tennis team, Alex Cortier demonstrates his talent for the sport. By Sofia Chianella With leadership experience in band as well as NJROTC, J.W. Mitchell High School junior Alex Cortier earned a spot as one out of the three captains on the tennis team, after starting the sport just one year ago. Starting to play tennis as a way to kill time before band, Cortier soon joined the tennis team along with his friends. “Last year it wasn’t that big, so all of our friends just basically showed up and made the team, and got better from there. But this year we had an actual tryout where some people made it and some people didn’t,” Cortier said. As the team developed, they were split into a travel team and a practice squad, leading the players to travel to different matches around different
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At warm ups before his match on March 3, Alex Cortier prepares to face his opponent. Photo by Colson Gantt schools as well as park locations for their events. Cortier made the roster for the travel team. “I feel like the longest trip that we’ve made is around an hour away from school, so we get a Student Related Absence for 6th and 7th period,” Cortier said. Although Cortier was
able to progress in such a short amount of time, he labels his inexperience as the most difficult aspect of the sport. “Starting is like the worst thing, because you’re behind everyone. But after a couple months, it gets to the fun part,” Cortier said. The team’s humorous
relationship is the best part of the experience for Cortier, as he has been able to joke around with his teammates. “We all make fun of each other. It’s kind of like a back-and-forth thing, but it’s all in good fun,” Cortier said. As one of the team’s captains, Cortier realized
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that there needs to be a balance of structure as well as friendliness. “It’s more of like keeping that friendship and relationship with the rest of the team, but still making fun of them, and poking at them but it’s that kind of fun relationship that really develops a team,” Cortier said. Selected captain by Coach Dave Peterson, Cortier understands the importance this position holds as he recognizes the expectations his coach upholds. “Our coach is big
on leadership so he focuses on developing our character before we actually start playing tennis. Sometimes we have guest speakers come out and give a little lesson on leadership,” Cortier said. Coach Peterson selected Cortier for this honor because he takes an instrumental role in leading the team. “He frequently offers up his own practice time to help execute drills for others. He is always prompt in his response to questions I have about the school and
other players. He can be trusted in confidential information. As a first year captain, he is respected by the other players,” Coach Peterson said. With Cortier humbly acknowledging his future holds only the spectator view of the
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sport, he continuously leads the team. As of Feb. 29, they have 2 wins against Wesley Chapel and Springstead, and one loss against Land O’ Lakes. Cortier will captain his team in matches throughout March and April.
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Serving up Wins!
Gregg Schindler Athlete of the month for March 2022, junior Ava Mance, dominates on the tennis court By Emma Diehl This month’s female Gregg Schindler athlete of the month, junior Ava Mance, is known for her ability to lead on and off the court, and for her unmatched skills while playing tennis. Mance, one of the younger of the four tennis team captains, leads her girls to victory by pushing them to play at their highest level. “[As a captain I like] helping out the girls with certain strokes and skills, teaching them how gameplay works, working out plans with the coaches, and making sure all of the girls are updated about practices and games,” Mance said. Mance began tennis lessons in the second grade when she and her family moved to Florida, and has been playing ever since. “[When I moved] I honestly was trying to find a new sport to play and my mom told me there were lessons offered at our neighborhood-community center, and I just kept going there,” Mance said. Whether it be from family, coaches, or even professional tennis players, Mance has multiple role models to look up to for guidance and support. “My family introduced me to watching pro tennis because before I wasn’t super serious about it, but my family kept asking me how practice was going and
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On Feb. 15, Ava Mance returns a volley against her Wesley Chapel Wildcat opponent. Photo by Adia D’Piazza what I had been trying to improve on. My favorite player is Rafael Nadal. He just captivated me not just because he was an incredible player to watch on court, but he’s a person who strives to be a great role model, have excellent morals that keep him disciplined, and he cares about who watches him and what he can do to help others out who don’t have the same opportunities,” Mance said.
Mance’s school tennis coach Mr. Gary Zirbel selected her for this honor because of the way she handles the pressure of playing in the number one singles and doubles positions with confidence and focus. “She looks forward to the challenge of playing the best player each school has to offer and understands that every match, win or lose, is a learning experience,”
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Zirbel said. Mance’s other school tennis coach Mr. Rob Zilay (FAC) spoke on her abilities as an athlete, and as a leader. “Ava’s dedication to refining her game in the off-season has paid off. She’s hitting with power, her serves are accurate, and she understands how to control the court to win points. Ava earned the captain title by demonstrating leadership qualities both on and off the court.” Zilay said. In addition to her school course load and her time on the tennis
court, Mance is also one of only three Mitchell High School students to be a member of Youth Leadership Pasco (YLP), and one of only 35 students selected in the county to be included in the program this year. YLP provides students with the chance to make connections and better their leadership skills, while also learning about the opportunities that Pasco County has to offer. Congratulations to Ava Mance, one of this month’s Gregg Schindler athletes of the month.
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