Vol. 7, Issue 4, April 2018
Your community. Your magazine.™
®
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 15,000 Homes In Citrus Park, Westchase & Surrounding Areas
This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
The Next American Idol Might Just Live In Wesley Chapel
See “The Next American Idol” on page 5.
Have you had trouble finding a good dentist? You know it’s time for a cleaning or maybe need to address some issues but you’re having a hard time overcoming the fear? At Mangrove Bay Dentistry they strive to provide the highest quality dental care in a gentle, relaxed atmosphere where you feel comfortable and your questions can be answered. They hear time and time again from their patients that their past experiences have been impersonal or frightening. Dr.Tran’s approach to dental care revolves around caring for his patients like he would like HIS own dentist to See “Mangrove Bay” on page 14.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Tribeca Film Festival..............3 Summer Camps 2018.........6-7 Take Me Out To The Ball Game............................10 Crowdfunding.....................12 Move with Style and Grace, courtesy of Dance Excellence ............................................16
ECRWSS
By Michelle Naktin
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
Postal Customer
Dr. Tran and his team are ready to make you smile!
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Today, when you type “Zach” in Google search, it’s not the last name “Braff” or “Galifianakis” that pops up, but a lesser-known “D’Onofrio” immediately auto-populates. Until his life changed on March 11, unless you knew the young man selfdescribed as “funny, dorky, and nice,” you wouldn’t realize the significance of the search results. On that Sunday night during primetime on ABC, the Wiregrass Ranch High School student stole the hearts of judges and viewers alike in his televised audition for the reboot of American Idol. Overnight, the seventeen-year-old became what dreams are made of. No one could have predicted that the cute bespectacled kid, a collector of quirky socks, in lucky clover socks, with a higher pitched speaking voice would have a deep crooner’s singing voice that shocked the judges and the nation. Katy Perry grew wide-eyed when the teen
began serenading the judges with Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” and decided to join him in a slow dance. Zach didn’t miss a beat, continuing his perfectly pitched rendition while he danced and dipped the celebrity with Lionel Richey and Luke Bryan dancing together behind the judges’ table. After the song’s conclusion, Luke asked the singer if it was “his real voice” and Zach assured him it was. Luke later tweeted that Harry Potter just walked in and slayed us, tagging the teen in the post. One beautiful song, one unanimously awarded golden ticket and a giant bear hug later by proud mom, Darci, Zach is headed to Hollywood. But first this down-to-earth young man must finish his AP homework and his dual enrollment, go on multiple interviews, win Superior for the state thespian competition and place as Jazz Vocal finalist in Pasco Spotlight on Talent. Once teased for his unique speaking voice, Zach is learning that being different makes you
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
2
APRIL 2018
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
“Scarface” and “Schindler’s List” Casts Reunite for 17th Annual Tribeca Film Festival
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
In 2001 Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff created the Tribeca Film Festival to encourage economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Running April 18-29, presented by AT&T, now in its 17th year, the annual Tribeca Film Festival features 45 documentaries and 51 narratives debuting over the course of the 12-day festival. The Festival recognizes new and emerging voices as well as established talent. From over 8,789 submissions, the 2018 Film Festival showcases 96 films from 103 filmmakers. The Competition portion of the Tribeca Film Festival features 12 documentaries, 10 U.S. narratives and 10 international narratives; 14 Spotlight Narratives, 15 Spotlight Documentaries; 5 Midnight, 16 Viewpoints selections; and 11 Special Screenings. The lineup includes 74 world premieres, 6 international premieres, 9 North American premieres, 3 U.S. premieres, and 4 New York premieres from 30 countries. This year’s program includes 46 debuting filmmakers and 18 returning directors. This year marks the largest number of female-directed submissions. Forty-six percent is Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
the highest in the festival’s history. The Festival will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” and the 35th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s “Scarface” with screenings and conversations with some of the cast members including Liam Neeson, Sir Ben Kingsley, Embeth Davidtz, Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. In addition, Tribeca Talks: Storytellers will feature Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Alec Baldwin, Spike Lee, John Legend, Jamie Foxx, and Tribeca Talks: The Journey will showcase Sarah Jessica Parker’s journey through film, Broadway, television, books, and fashion. The Festival champions the independent storyteller, innovative writing and filmmaking, and creative expression in its many forms – celebrating the storyteller by providing a diverse welcoming audience. Competing films will vie for $165,000 in cash prizes, in addition to artwork from the Artists Awards program, offering work from acclaimed contemporary artists in select categories. Presented by CHANEL, an individual woman writer or director will win $25,000 for the 6th annual Nora Ephron Award. The award recognizes a woman who
embodies boldness and excellence in storytelling like the late filmmaker. On TribecaFilm.com, Cara Cusumano, Tribeca's Director of Programming of Tribeca Enterprises said, "In a year that has reminded us more often of our divisions than our connections, this Festival's program embraces film's unique power to overcome differences that connecting with stories not our own is the road into our deeply programmed human capacity for empathy and understanding," she said. "We hope that in representing a wealth of undiscovered stories and unique perspectives- including those of a record number of female directors- these 96 films offer a collective journey towards narrower divides and smaller obstacles."
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
APRIL 2018
3
4
APRIL 2018
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
“The Next American Idol” Continued from page 1 completely memorable. It helps that his background story is one made for television. “I have not been singing very long because I was afraid to share my voice. My speaking voice and my singing voice are completely different. Some people at school made fun of my speaking voice and that made me very shy. I decided to give singing a try and it made me feel so good. At that point I did not care what anyone thought about my speaking voice,” Zach said. “I really started singing on my own at age 15, but I have grown up in a musical family.” Zach’s parents, Darci and Bryan, own the Dreamhouse Theatre in Lutz, where Zach played supporting roles as Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Farquaad in Shrek the Musical. It was friends at school that showed him the information about Tampa Bay Idol and encouraged him to audition. Zach walked away from that competition with a ticket to skip
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
the line of the American Idol auditions in Orlando. After another successful audition in Orlando in front of the producers, Zach headed to New York to audition in front of the celebrity judges. Between being seen on promotional commercials to the actual audition, he is learning how to deal with being an overnight local celebrity. Darci said that he has fans in Publix and Walmart. Kids on Instagram are tweeting congratulations and things like, “OMG that’s Zach. He goes to my school!” Zach can take it all in stride because he has a tremendous mom, dad, and sister to keep him grounded and serve as his support system and cheerleaders. “My mom has been there for me at every audition and helped me through every moment of this journey. My parents are my inspiration. They work hard and follow their dreams. They started Dreamhouse theatre because they believe in the Arts and this is very inspiring to me. If it were not for them, I would not have the confidence I have today,” he said. “They have always supported me and my dreams and I love them very
much.” Though moving through to the finals seems like a very strong possibility for this lover of Frank Sinatra and other old-school crooners that he says “inspires him to keep the classic music alive,” Zach has a dream beyond music. After graduation, he plans to go to medical school in New York, while pursuing a musical career. Zach realizes the importance of being a role model for younger kids watching his journey. “I feel that I am ready. I am excited to be a role model for kids younger than me that may not have the confidence to follow their dreams. I also want to let kids know that what people say about you or your voice, does not matter. You can do anything you want in life! Don’t let anyone stop you from following your dreams,” he said. From an unknown theatre and chorus kid with the quirky socks and higher speaking voice to the potential next American Idol with 697,000 search results in Google, Zach is one to watch. “Do not worry about what others think or say,” he said. “Just be YOU.”
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2018 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird Accounting Manager Doreen Selby
Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Editor / Creative Director
Carla Selby Correspondents Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker Michelle Naktin Art Director Tony Sica
Nothing that appears in Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
APRIL 2018
5
Your Kids Can Have a Blast This Summer at Camp By: Marcy Sanford
From making new friends to learning new skills or perfecting favorite hobbies summer camp can be more than just a place for your child to spend the day while you’re at work. A great summer camp will make them excited to come back the next day and be one they’ll still be talking about next summer. To help you on your search, here are a few of our favorite camps in the area.
Arts & Dance Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Rd. (813) 269-1310 www.carrollwoodcenter.org Children will explore all different types of art through music, theatre, visual art, dance, and crafts activities each day.
6
APRIL 2018
Themed weeks include space, legends & fairy tales, wizards, western, superheroes and mystery. Ages 4 – 12 Elite Animation Academy 5215 West Laurel St. (813) 321-3939 www.eliteanimationacademy.com Campers can choose from traditional animation (paper and pencil drawing) or digital computer animation classes. Ages 8 – 18 Tampa Museum of Art 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza (813) 274-8130 www.tampamuseum.org Camp themes are based on the Museum’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. Classes include mixed media, 3D art, portraits and people, printmaking, illustration, digital photography and painting. Ages 6 – 17
Pure Art Tampa 9517 W. Linebaugh Ave. (813) 563-9577 www.purearttampa.com Students will come home with their own masterpieces after working with a variety of materials, including watercolor, acrylic, chalk pastel and more. Ages 6 – 12
(813) 925-0102 www.westchasemusicschool.com Campers will have fun with musical yoga, rhythm stick games and body percussion while also learning about folk dances, music and technology and get the chance to try out different instruments. Ages 4 – 12
Sports Music Rockatar 12631 Race Track Rd. (813) 749-7150 www.rockataracademy.com Students learn the basics of music and singing, have the chance to play keyboard, piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums, work together to form a band and end the week with a concert. Ages 4 – 12 Westchase Music School 11301 Countryway Blvd.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Protential Sports Various Locations (813) 843-9640 www.protentialsports.com Flag football, basketball, tennis, and aquatics camps for boys and girls of all athletic levels. Ages 3 – 17 La Fleur’s Gymnastics 10205 Anderson Rd. (813) 264-5000 www.lafleurstampa.com Gymnastics instruction, games, ball skills, swimming and more
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
combined to give your child a fitness boost. Ages 4 and older Carrollwood Country Club 13903 Clubhouse Drive (813) 961-1368 www.carrollwoodcc.com Certified professional instruction in golf, tennis and swimming. Ages 6 - 13
Horses In the Breeze Ranch 7539 Gardner Rd. (813) 264-1919 www.inthebreezeranch.com Each camper is assigned their own horse and receives horse riding lessons and gets to go on trail rides on the 300 acre property. Ages 5 – 17 The Red Ranch 11604 Innsfields Dr. (866) 888-7131
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
www.theredranchfl.com Learn to care for horses, meet a wide range of other farm animals and learn fun facts about them, learn the basic fundamentals of riding. Participate in archery, kickball, soccer, basketball, tug-owar, relay races and arts and crafts. Ages 5 and up Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy 1108 Altamont Ln. (813) 368-0666 www.suncoaststable.com Horsemanship camps where campers learn about horse safety, grooming, tacking up, riding and caring for horses. Ages 5 – 18
Engineering & Science Adventures in Engineering 10701 Sheldon Rd. (813) 454-3115 www.adventuresinengineering.org Campers explore, discover,
create, and have fun in projectbased camps that develop the innovative thinking needed for today’s world. Ages 6 – 12
(813) 920-2288 www.carrollwooddayschool.org Offers a wide array of activities from sports to art to robotics. Ages 6 – 18
Every Topic You Can Think Of
Berkeley Preparatory School 4811 Kelly Rd. (813) 885-1673 www.berkeleyprep.org More than 100 camps offered everything from robotics to debate, fine arts to woodworking and any sport your child wants to play. Ages 4 – 18
Camp IDS 12015 Orange Grove Dr. (813) 961-3087 www.corbettprep.com More than 60 different camps are available and with half-day camps, campers can try two very different activities during the day archery or broadcasting in the morning and painting or cooking in the afternoon. Academic camps include math, science, reading, writing and technology. Chinese, French and Spanish language camps available. Ages 5 – 17 Carrollwood Day School 1515 W. Bearss Ave.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Academy at the Lakes 2331 Collier Pkwy. (813) 948-7600 www.academyatthelakes.com Camps offering many activities, including sports, arts, recreation, science, technology, and academic review. Ages 3 – 14
APRIL 2018
7
8
APRIL 2018
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
APRIL 2018
9
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” By Tom Bostock The iconic strains of that familiar song, “Take Me out to the Ballgame,” written by a 29- yearold-song writer, Jack Norworth, who had never attended a single baseball game when he wrote it in 1908, but drew his inspiration from a bill board advertisement, blares out of loud speakers and echoes across the stadium on this special day. Off-key, you join in the refrain, vainly chasing some semblance of the actual tune but nobody seems to care. Vendors of all ages, hawking overpriced hotdogs, cold drinks and beer, climb up and down the stadium seating rows like a swarming colony of ants, selling their wares and adding to the general controlled-chaos ambience. Sitting in the outfield section, in an uncomfortable wooden seat, dressed in your too-big Little League uniform and cap, with your Dad in the adjacent seat, life is good. Holding your genuine Spaulding outfielder’s baseball glove, pre-autographed by your favorite player, in front of you, you wait patiently for that errant fly ball that will be your trophy of a lifetime. That is, if the other kids in your row don’t get to it first. It’s no big deal if it starts to drizzle; if the
10
APRIL 2018
players can handle it, you can too. It’s that special time, when all losses of the previous year are wiped clean, and an undefeated team strides out onto the field, bright with promise and anticipation. After the playing of the National Anthem, unblemished by needless kneeling and protest, the home team will take the field, and those magical words, indelibly etched forever in the minds and hearts of every living baseball fan will ring out. “Play Ball!” That or a similar scenario is getting ready to be enacted by millions of baseball fans across the country and around the world in just a few short weeks. For baseball fans in the Tampa Bay area, that will be Tropicana Stadium and the Tampa Bay Rays, formerly the Devil Rays, their hometown professional team. Here are a few fun facts about professional baseball in Tampa/St. Petersburg. Did you know that the Rays were not the first professional baseball team to call the Tampa Bay their home? For a single season, the Senior Professional Baseball Association called St. Petersburg its home. The teams were made up of 35-year-old and older former major league players. According to ML.com, “the St. Pete Pelicans
were their first and only league champions.” Do you know where the “King of Swat” hit what may have been his longest home run and one of the longest ever recorded? Yep. That’s right. In 1919 in a Spring Training game, Babe Ruth connected with an unbelievable, 587- foot blast against the New York Yankees at Plant Field. When today’s Rays take the field this year, it will be a different team from last year. Gone is the perennial slugger and all star third baseman, Evan Longoria. He and his 4.5 million-dollar contract are now San Francisco Giants, a move that didn’t make many fans very happy. He had been the team’s longest tenured player. The team also expects to lose starting pitcher Alex Cobb to free agency while another free agent, Logan Morrison, is reportedly being courted by the New York Mets, according to Mets former General Manager, Jim Duquette in his
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
predictions for his top 25 free agents. According to mlb.com, if the season started this week, you would probably see the following starting lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays: Centerfield – Kevin Kiermaier, Left field – Denard Span, Third Base – Matt Duffy, Designated Hitter – Corey Dickerson, Right Field – Steven Sousa Jr, First Base – Brad Miller, Second Base – Daniel Robertson, Catcher – Wilson Ramos, Short Stop – Adeiny Hechavarria. With equally skilled backups at most positions, this is a potentially potent line-up in anybody’s book. The pitching line-up is in equally good hands with starters, Archer, Snell, Faria, and Eovaldi. There is also a talented bull pen of both right and left handers to step in if any of the starters falter. Currently consisting of Jennings, Colome, Rome, Stanek, Kittredge, Rose, Alvaredo, Hu, Hudson, and Andriese, there is also a wellstocked minor league system with
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
strong, young arms just waiting for the chance to show what they can do in the big leagues. If there is a better game than baseball, I don’t know it. Nothing beats second guessing the umpires and reflecting on their dubious parentage when the call doesn’t go your team’s way. Suggesting that the
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
umpire needs a tin cup, white-tipped cane and dark glasses has become a national past-time. What can beat sitting in your seat when it’s the bottom of the 9th with the score tied 2 to 2. There are two outs with bases loaded. Your team is up. The pitcher lets a fastball fly, a white blur, headed for the plate at
lightning speed. In less than a blink of an eye, your batter lifts his right front leg while flexing the muscles in his arm holding the bat. Physics takes over! The bat, swinging at more than 95 miles an hour makes solid contact with the spinning ball moving at a similar rate of speed. The ball is propelled off the bat
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
at a speed of more than 100 miles an hour! You gasp and then hold your breath, hoping against hope for a base-clearing home run. The umpire yells, “foul ball,” as the ball flies harmlessly over the foul pole and out of the stadium. You die a little inside. “Strike one!” the umpire signals. “You need a guide dog,” you respond. Another pitch corkscrews its way to the plate and into the catcher mitt with a resounding thud. “Strike two.” The air is so thick that you could cut it with a knife. The pitcher winds up again and lets another fast ball go spinning towards the plate. It seems like the crack of the bat can be heard six counties away. The ball begins its inexorable arc toward the outfield fence and over it! The crowd erupts. You won! If you could bottle that feeling, you would be a millionaire! That is the thrill and mystique that is baseball. It’s time to make a memory. Get out there and support your very own Tampa Bay Rays.
APRIL 2018
11
Spending Your Online Charity Dollars Wisely – “Crowdfunding” By Tom Bostock
It’s a cold, cruel world out there. Despite the stock exchanges reaching new heights, and companies returning to America in record numbers, countless homeless people can still be found in parks and on street corners in every city in our country, holding their dogeared cardboard signs of hopelessness and despair. The charities that serve these unfortunate people must compete every day for your charitable dollars and they are not alone. There is something new on the Internet horizon and it is fast becoming a major player in charity funding arena. The family of a mother who is dying of cancer creates an online charity to help with her massive medical expenses. Tragic situation? Absolutely! It tugs at the heart strings of every caring person. In another instance, a poor church seeks online funding to send a missionary party to Africa. Worthwhile? On the surface, maybe, but with the ease in creating these fundraising charities online, social
12
APRIL 2018
media is ripe for abuse. These two examples are both fictional, hypothetical situations and any similarity to any existing online charitable situations is purely coincidental; it should at least make you wonder where your charity dollars should be spent. Each of these is an example of a new, online phenomenon, “crowdfunding.” One of the web sites, YouCaring, defines crowdfunding as “the practice of funding a project or cause by raising money from a large number of people, typically through the Internet. It is a form of peer-to-peer fundraising that harnesses the power of social networks to raise awareness and draw donations from around the world for online campaigns.” When Brock and, Naomi Ketcher and Luke Miner returned home after a twoyear mission, as an article on the YouCaring website noted, “Deeply inspired by their experiences abroad, the three friends resolved to continue helping others. This resolution evolved into YouCaring, the first free crowdfunding platform designed to help
people with hardship rally emotional support from their communities.” Unlike many other online fundraising platforms, YouCaring is entirely without the costs and fees sometimes associated with other fundraising websites. As their site explains, “YouCaring is a free online fundraising platform that pioneered Compassionate Crowdfunding
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
(Trade-Marked) – empowering people worldwide to rally support for personal and charitable causes without fundraising fees associated with the sites. To date, the YouCaring community is 5.5 million strong and has raised more than $1 Billion for humanitarian causes. They rely entirely on donations to their site to continue their wonderful,
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
caring work. With just a few clicks, your compassionate story goes live to social media, reaching an audience of millions of potential donors at no cost to you. Their site lists many possible charity categories for crowdfunding, including but not limited to the following: • Medical Expenses • Memorials and Funerals • Emergencies and Disasters • Adoption • Kids and Family • Neighbors and Community • Education and Schools • Sports and Teams • Pets and Animals • Volunteer and Service Projects • Non-Profits • Mission Trips • Veterans • Other
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
As with any other fundraising platform, fraud is a key issue that YouCaring has had to confront and control. How do you know if one of their charities is actually a legitimate one? The website outlines what steps have been taken to ensure the validity of the causes allowed to use their platform. “YouCaring uses state-ofthe-art proprietary and third-party fraud prevention technologies to ensure that YouCaring has the safest and most reliable fundraising platform in the industry. Our payment providers are chosen for their bank-grade encryption technology and their strong security track records. And our comprehensive trust and safety infrastructure closely monitors the site for misuse or abuse, taking action to keep both fundraisers and donors safe
and secure.” “Thankfully, YouCaring is a community of people who are dedicated to helping one another. As a result, our users watch for and flag posts they believe to be questionable.” Their disclaimer continues, “Despite our best efforts, YouCaring cannot guarantee the full accuracy of every fundraiser that is posted. We recommend that you only donate to fundraisers when you feel confident about their cause and legitimacy.“ To protect potential users from fraud that may have escaped their extensive fraudprevention screening, the offer the following: “If you believe a fundraiser is misleading or fraudulent, please click here” and provide a convenient location to sound the alarm. Similar to YouCaring, Go Fund me is an even larger fundraising platform, however
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
they do charge a payment processing fee on any funds raised, regardless of how worthy the charity may be. According to their site, 2.9% is deducted from each donation. Another .30 per each donation is also charged, reducing the amount that goes to the individual charity. They recently announced the removal of their 5% platform fee. It is apparently a very successful site, boasting having raised 5 billion dollars for their millions of clients. Discounting the idiots who set up accounts to fund their alimony, crowdfunding is an excellent tool to reach today’s huge, social mediaresponsive audience. If you have a legitimate cause that needs funding, one of the online crowdfunding websites might just be your ideal solution.
APRIL 2018
13
“Mangrove Bay” Continued from page 1 treat him. It starts with listening to the patient and really finding out what they need and want. With all the latest technological advances, today’s dental treatment does NOT have to be stressful or uncomfortable. Mangrove Bay Dentistry is a private dental practice lead by Dr. Toan Tran, DMD. They are located on the SE corner of Hillsborough Avenue and Race Track Road in Tampa close to Oldsmar. In an atmosphere of warmth, courtesy, respect and integrity, they happily serve families and individuals throughout the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Tran grew up in Orlando, FL and earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. In 2001 he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry. In 2010, Dr. Tran opened Mangrove Bay Dentistry with a “patient-first” philosophy and a mission to make your smile and comfort his top priority. Their entire TEAM is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, high quality dental care that you deserve. At Mangrove Bay Dentistry they treat their patients like family and
14
APRIL 2018
friends. They carefully create dental treatment plans that are right for their patients’ lifestyle and needs. Mangrove Bay Dentistry TEAM truly cares about their patients’ oral health and wellbeing. They take care of PEOPLE and their SMILES, not just teeth. That’s why Dr. Tran continues to exceed the requirements in continuing education and is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Academy for Sports Dentistry as well as several other local associations, West Coast District Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Associations, Seattle Study Club/ Pinnacle Study Club. Dr. Tran’s clinical TEAM is composed of highly trained professionals, who are equally as committed to their continuing education as he is. Each member of his team is highly experienced, compassionate and committed to each patient. They aim to improve each patient’s health, appearance, self-confidence and overall quality of life. Mangrove Bay Dentistry is an advocate of preventative dentistry and strives to stop serious dental problems before they occur. Taking proper care of your teeth and prevention is a much easier and less traumatic solution than having to fix
major dental problems and emergencies. In keeping with their treatment philosophy, Mangrove Bay Dentistry’s TEAM treats patients' smiles with the most effective, and least invasive dental treatments available. Whether you want to reclaim your oral health or transform the appearance of your smile (or both), your treatment process will begin with a thorough dental examination and cleaning. Your SMILE is your first impression to the world, a great SMILE provides great confidence, and together your confidence in your SMILE provides long healthy relationships that could last a lifetime. Mangrove Bay Dentistry offers several dental services including comprehensive exam and dental hygiene care, treatment of gum disease (soft tissue management), restorative and cosmetic dentistry; implant restorations, dentures (full, partials and repairs), occlusal and athletic mouth guard and pediatric dental care. They utilize the latest technologies— including anti-anxiety comfort measures and nitrous oxide, hybrid
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
dentures with implants, porcelain veneers, digital x-rays, oral cancer screening and orthodontics (ClearCorrect). Mangrove Bay Dentistry offers a full range of restorative treatments and has expertise in treating complex oral health problems to provide the most beautiful and highly functional results. Dr. Tran has completed advanced clinical training at some of the most prestigious dental education programs in the country. “There are always new technology and updates in dentistry,”
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
says Dr. Tran. “At Mangrove Bay Dentistry we make sure we have stateof-the-art technology and equipment and well trained in the latest advanced procedures, but remain dedicated in our focus of customer service. We want our patients to not only enjoy being here, but also to want to come visit us. One of my favorite parts of being a dentist is the relationships I’ve built with my patients and their families.” The TEAM at Mangrove Bay Dentistry understands that you have a busy schedule and that you don’t want to make going to the dentist an all day affair, especially if you are just going in for minor work or a “cleaning”. Dr. Tran and his TEAM will always respect your time; they want to break the negative stigma that many people have about going to the dentist – thinking that dentists always run late. Dr. Tran says, “We value our patients’ time and do our best to stay on time. We don’t like to make our patients wait and do our best to get you in and out as quickly as possible while still offering the very best in dental care.” Have you been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea? If you find yourself experiencing the periodic break in breathing during sleep, visiting the dentist may not be your first thought. In many cases a compact, comfortable oral appliance is the best option to keep
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
your airway clear and allow you to sleep soundly through the night. When worn, patients may begin to see dramatic improvement in the quality of their sleep almost immediately. Many patients prefer wearing an oral appliance over a CPAP machine. What about emergencies? Should a dental emergency occur, Mangrove Bay Dentistry will make every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible. They truly believe in building long lasting relationships with each of their patients starting with trust; whether it is a long time patient and/ or friend, or someone with a dental emergency and need a dentist ASAP. They understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, they also know how they can make a difference by providing a relaxing and positive experience. At Mangrove Bay Dentistry their mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and adults by offering the highest quality dental care in a private office atmosphere. Make an appointment today… they’ll give you a reason to smile! Mangrove Bay Dentistry 13998 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 940-5697 Monday Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
APRIL 2018
15
Move with Style and Grace, courtesy of Dance Excellence! By: Lisa Stephens Since 2005, folks have tuned in to the popular television show, Dancing with the Stars, to see their favorite celebrity paired with a professional ballroom dance instructor. From football players to actors, many of the celebrities, who have never danced before, are transformed into graceful dancers with fluid moves and amazing talent. Such a transformation could happen for you as well with the help of the dedicated staff at Dance Excellence located at 3730 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. According to owners, Stefan Dobrev and wife Traci, people try ballroom dancing for many different reasons. Together, they staffed the studio to meet the different needs and desires of every type student. New students are given a questionnaire upon arrival. This includes twenty-five reasons someone might want to take ballroom dance lessons. “People come for many different reasons, not just for
16
APRIL 2018
competition,” Stefan explained. An executive might come to improve his skills on the dance floor at social events held throughout the year or to just relieve stress he or she faces on the job. Others come for the health benefits they get from staying active and using their entire bodies as they dance. Some use dance as a means of expression or a way to boost their confidence in themselves. Many just want to have fun! Students are asked to rank their top five reasons to take ballroom dance lessons in order of importance. This is important to Stefan because he wants to know exactly what each student expects to achieve from the lessons. Based on their answers, the new students are then paired with instructors best suited for the student. Born in Bulgaria, Stefan began dancing at the age of seven. By nine, he was already a competitive ballroom dancer! He continued to follow his passion and worked hard to become the best. Hard work and perseverance eventually paid off as he
was named Bulgarian National Champion three times. Stefan decided to come to the United States in 1997 to continue his passion for ballroom dance. Traci started ballet at age five and moved to competitive gymnastics by middle school age. The two met while they worked together at a ballroom dance studio in St. Petersburg. Stefan had just moved to the area from Bulgaria. “He didn’t speak any English and I didn’t have a ballroom background,” Traci explained. They worked out a deal. She offered to teach him English if he would instruct her in ballroom dance. The two became partners on the dance floor and in life as well. After fifteen years at the
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
(above) Students and teachers gather for the “Trophy Ball” (left) Stefan and Traci Dobrev, owners and instructors at Dance Excellence studio in St. Petersburg, they decided to strike out on their own with the opening of Dance Excellence in 2014. Ballroom dancing truly is for everyone. At Dance Excellence, students range in age from four to eighty-two! With nine full time dance instructors on staff, Stefan and Traci have been able to create the studio environment he had always dreamed about. “I wanted to create
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
something for other people. Something that would be bigger than just me,” he said. With Dance Excellence, Stefan wanted to create a community where everyone feels welcome and friendships for life would form; a place where everyone loves to be. “We feel about our teachers and students like they are part of our extended family,” he explained. “Ballroom dancing is amazing because it forces you to
connect and communicate with people directly, without a cell phone or internet,” he said. When asked what he and Traci looked for in a person when interviewing potential instructors, the answer was simple. “Attitude, Attitude, Attitude,” he said. “Our teachers are incredible,” Traci added. “The best compliment we receive from students is how friendly the studio feels when they walk through the door.” Dance Excellence offers something for everyone. Private lessons, group lessons, dance parties, guest parties, wedding dance, social dance and competitive dance instruction are all offered. Couples parties, newcomer parties and social dance parties are held throughout the month. Attending these events is great ways to get in extra practice and have a great time as well. Their Beginner Program provides instruction of the basics of four or five popular social dances. The Foundation Program expands those basics to variations of popular social dances and enables the student to gain confidence on the dance floor. From there, students move into the
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Bronze Program, which is their most popular program. After completing this program, students will be able to go to any social event and dance all the popular social dances with confidence and with any partner, to any type music. The highest program of social dancing instruction they offer is the Silver Program. This instruction level includes a more sophisticated and elegant level of dancing. On May 18 at Eastlake High School, Dance Excellence will perform a special show, “Night in Sin City”. This event will be open to the public. While most dance studios have dance recitals, they like to create Broadway Musical type shows that have a story line. Tickets are $25.00 each and you can contact the studio for more information at 813-814-0099. If you’re considering ballroom dance for any reason, Dance Excellence offers just what you’re looking for! Dance Excellence is located at 3730 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 34677. Visit their website for more information at www.danceexcellence.com.
APRIL 2018
17
18
APRIL 2018
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
20
APRIL 2018
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles