Vol. 8, Issue 12, December 2019
®
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
¡CUATRO Restaurant & Bar By Carla Selby TPC Tampa Bay’s masterful design provides a spectacular public course for golfers but also holds a hidden gem of a restaurant that is also open to the public and even provides catered events. Overlooking the lush landscape and tranquil lagoons of the 18th hole at TPC Tampa Bay, ¡CUATRO Restaurant & Bar is designed to bring people together to enjoy the fresh flavors and delicious award-winning food curated by one of the most passionate and down-toearth individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing; Chef Greg Gonzales. Chef Greg proudly accepted his role as ¡CUATRO’s Executive Chef right after Valentine’s Day this year, and his main focus, under the direct supervision of general manager Jeff Hartman, is to take this family-friendly local gem back to its four original ethnic roots; American, Cajun, Italian and Mexican. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, and with over 20 years of experience in fine dining establishments such as Longhorn and Grill Smith, Chef Greg is more than “seasoned,” in the culinary arts. He also knows how to run a busy restaurant without sacrificing quality or taste efficiently. Having received his culinary training at Copeland’s of New Orleans, Chef Greg became passionate about bold flavors, and seasoning every dish with the perfect amount of complimenting spices. As a self-proclaimed “foodie,” I was thoroughly impressed by the overall presentation and deliciousness of every dish Chef Greg brought out for me to sample during my first ever visit at ¡CUATRO. I am
still daydreaming about their juicy steak, their meat packed Cuban Sandwich with enormous chunks of pulled pork and huge pickles in every bite, the delicious chicken wings, the crispy on the outside yet flaky on the inside grouper nuggets, and those perfectly seasoned french fries. Everything was spectacular, but those were without a doubt, the best french fries I have ever had in my entire life! I’ll be back soon with my whole family because to me, there’s nothing better than enjoying a fantastic meal with the ones you love. So if you haven’t visited in a while, or you’re ready to try something new, trust me and pay a visit to ¡CUATRO, you will not be disappointed.
New Executive Chef = New Delicious Dishes
A restaurant menu is kind of like your wardrobe: Sure, you’ve got some old classics See “¡CUATRO” on page 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor.....................5 Tech Talk with Bob.................6-7 Oakdale Light Display..........8-9 Avoid Holiday Scams......10-11 SAT & ACT Improvement..16-17
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
DECEMBER 2019 3
4 DECEMBER 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 2020! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. oops, is that even allowed to be said anymore? As the holiday season approaches, greetings and salutations tend to take a festive tone. In an effort to be more inclusive, many people have opted to say “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas”. I choose to continue to wish everyone I know, and even strangers on the street, a Merry Christmas and that isn’t meant to offend anyone. Whether you’re Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Atheist, Buddhist, etc., if you hear the words “Merry Christmas” this season, please understand, it’s expressed with happiness and compassion. This person is not trying to ruin your day or hurt you with two mere words. In fact, they are only trying to brighten your day with kindness and a friendly greeting. It is impossible for a complete stranger to know what specific holiday you celebrate or if you even if you celebrate at all. When someone you don’t know turns to you and wishes
you a “Merry Christmas,” you can respond in a couple of ways. One is by simply saying thank you and Merry Christmas to you as well. Or, if you feel so inclined and willing, let them know you don’t celebrate Christmas and/ or bring up your specific holiday. Let’s try to be thankful for the sincere joyful wishes and take this exchange as a teaching moment to share more about your holidays, religion or culture. Who knows, the friendly conversation and exchange of warm words could be the difference someone needs in their day. With that said, I hope you all have a wonderful time during the Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020. Remember, it is never worth getting into debt to show people how much you care about them. We have plenty of wonderful businesses within the pages of all 5 of our publications that have many spectaular gift ideas and great offers for you to choose from! Thank you all so much for your readership and support through yet another year. See you in 2020!
Carla Selby.
Tech Talk with Bob: Farewell Windows 7 ..Continued I thought I was finished writing about Windows 7 in last month’s issue, however, since it was published I have been receiving lots of phone calls with even more questions. If you or someone you know is currently running Windows 7 on their computer, you may have some of these same concerns. Will my Windows 7 computer stop working in January 2020? No. I have been getting a lot of calls about this. If you
6 DECEMBER 2019
are running Windows 7 your computer is not going to suddenly stop working in January.
Your computer will continue to function just as it does today. The exception being
that after January 14, if you use Windows 7 and are connected to the internet, you will become an easier target for cyber criminals. Will I be able to move my pictures and other documents from my Windows 7 computer to a new computer? You sure can. A new computer is not much fun if you can not have your pictures and other stuff on it. If you are familiar with, and comfortable utilizing, external storage devices
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
and manipulating file systems, you should have no problem moving your stuff onto your new computer. Do I need to buy a new computer or can I upgrade what I have? That depends on the capabilities of your current system. I highly recommend that you sit down with a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate through your Information Technology (IT) situation. To make a well-informed decision, you need to look not only at the computer hardware itself, but the
software you run, your network’s configuration, and peripheral devices like scanners and printers, to see if they are also going to make the transition into Windows 10 smoothly. A good tech can help you assess your system in less than an hour. If your computer is suitable for a Windows 10 upgrade, my tech can walk you through the software purchase directly with Microsoft. Then they can download and install it for you right on the spot. If that’s what you need. If you determine that
purchasing a new computer is the proper direction for you, my tech can help you shop online or at local stores to make your purchase. Want to know a secret? Techs know where the deals are. My techs have found clients computer systems for less than $200.00. Unfortunately, I do not have the space to go into more detail here. So what I have done is written a checklist to help guide you through the Windows 7 phase-out. If you would like to get a FREE copy give me
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
a call at 727-534-4000 and I will get that right out to you. I would also like to give a Big Thank You to all of my Clients and Readers. Your loyalty and continued support throughout the years is greatly appreciated. Please be sure to take the time to be grateful for what you have and cherish your time with family and friends. My wonderfully supportive family and incredible staff wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and a Healthy, Safe, and Secure New Year!
DECEMBER 2019 7
The 43rd Annual Oakdale Light Display!
The Oakdale Light Display is among the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. It has become a tradition for many in the Tampa Bay area, but also draws some from other states and in a few cases, other countries. It has been ranked in the top three nationally by NBC Today Show, presented
8 DECEMBER 2019
first in HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special and featured in People Magazine. Each Year there are some display changes. Our highest number of lights has been about one-half million. There are walkways, fountains and a computerized light show, a huge
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
collection of animated dolls, a snow man about three stories high and the most popular item: The large HO-scale model railroad. It can run 18 trains at one time. The layout included city and country scenes with an airport, flying planes and a working carnival. The kids love the double bubble machines and games. Three electric meters are needed to handle the power. Electric bills
have run as high as $4000. It is FREE and fun for the whole family. The Oakdale Light Display is open now and continues nightly though Friday, January 3rd from 6pm to 10pm (rain or clear skies). Visit the website for more information: www.ChristmasDisplay.org
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
DECEMBER 2019 9
How to Avoid Holiday Scams
By Ethan Lichtenberg
Ahh, it’s that time of year again. Time for everybody to flood to the outlet malls and storefronts to buy things they really don’t need. This month-long span from Thanksgiving to Christmas, you can count on millions of people thinking they’re getting the best price for items that were just price gouged and then discounted. With millions of people running their credit and debit cards, it’s also the most popular time of the year for holiday scams. Holiday scams can range from skimming credit cards at stores, to fraud emails that put a virus into your laptop or phone, and make all of your sensitive information available on the dark web. To help you avoid the possible scams of the upcoming holiday season, we’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to keep you prepared. Charity Scams This is a classic holiday scam that comes back around every year without fail. It won’t result in you losing hundreds of dollars or having your identity stolen, but it will take some money out of your pocket that you thought was for a good cause. Around Christmas every year, the grocery stores become even more packed
10 DECEMBER 2019
than they usually are, so charities set up bell-ringers to collect donations. While not every bell-ringer is a scam, be careful of the ones you give your money to. If there’s a jolly old man that looks like Santa Claus collecting out of a plastic bucket, that is probably not a reputable charity. Instead, that would probably be a charity to support old St. Nick’s Peppermint Schnapps addiction. The Salvation Army bell-ringers you can usually count on, but look for the signs of someone that may not be with a charity at all. Request the name of the charity or foundation, research it online and make sure it actually exists. Gift Cards Gift cards are one of the most popular options for presents during the holiday season. (Mostly from your Aunt Karen who
doesn’t know anything about you). This being said, scammers have come up with a new trick to steal your information. It’s quite an elaborate scam. Thieves will walk into retail stores and go to the gift card shelf to remove the decals where the PIN is. After gathering the information from the gift card, they then can cover the PIN back up with a similar looking sticker and put it back on the shelf. Next, they return to their computers and wait for someone to activate the card online or at the online checkout of that retailer. The scammers can then steal the information from that card and use it to buy items and resell them at a higher price; while you can kiss your gift card goodbye. Scammers are getting smarter, so you need to as well. When checking out gift cards, make sure the metal scratch-off decal looks normal and is fully
covering the information under it. Email/ Viruses Technology is rapidly changing. Our phones hold everything you need to know about us. Your name, your birthday, your pictures, your emails, your social media, and even your credit cards. While technology has made our world a more connected place, this can sometimes bite us in the “you know what.” Scammers are now devising entire websites and email marketing campaigns that have embedded viruses to steal your sensitive information. Most of these emails are easily catchable, but some are not. Look for companies that you’ve never heard of before. Most of the time, people know what reputable companies are because you’ve seen millions of commercials. Try sticking with companies you
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
know and trust, and avoid opening the other emails altogether. Another trick, avoid deals that seem way too good to be true. Up to 90% off is not a thing for a typical company; this ploy could be a way for scammers to enter your
hidden information. We all get hundreds of marketing emails a day, so be wary of the ones you open, and the ones you immediately delete. This year when you’re running around the stores with the other million
with good spirits and your company. Oftentimes we forget the true meaning of the Holidays and the importance of the people around us. The ones who genuinely love us, do not need boxes and bags, or ribbons and bows. Instead, they want us to be around them. My greatest advice to avoid being scammed this holiday season is to skip the lines and head home to your family. Drink a warm cup of joe on the porch as people walking stride the morning sun peeks it’s for stride next to you, head out and evaporates remember what the great the chill in the air. These Dr. Seuss once said; “Maybe are the moments you will Christmas, he thought, always remember. doesn’t come from a store.” With that said, Happy This holiday season, buy Holidays and Happy your friends and family New Year 2020. Be safe experiences or simply arrive everybody.
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
DECEMBER 2019 11
“¡CUATRO” - continued from page 1 Chef Greg
you’ll never get rid of, but every once in a while you need to give it a serious overhaul, and that is what ¡CUATRO is currently doing. “We are revamping our entire menu and offering dishes inspired by the four original ethnic styles of cooking ¡CUATRO was meant to showcase,” shared Chef Greg, who is eager about adding his personal touches to some of the classics. “We continue to make as many products in house as we possibly can. We’re pretty much a scratch kitchen,” Chef Greg added. Chef Greg has a soft spot for Cajun food, which is a blessing for all of us who enjoy flavorful meals. The new menu launched on April 7th, and featured entrees like a juicy “Bayou Chicken” and a “Creole Gumbo,” inspired by NOLA’s traditional flavors. Other new specialties include a tasty Mexican pasta, a mouth-watering Crawfish Fettuccine, a pressed, roasted pork Cuban Sandwich, and the popular yet revamped Grouper sandwich. If that wasn’t enough, get ready to transport yourself to
12 DECEMBER 2019
“Cafe Du Monde,” after one bite of Chef Greg’s NOLA inspired Beignets! An Italian Tiramisu, a Mexican Tres Leches and an American Peach Cobbler will also make their debut on the dessert list at ¡CUATRO. ¡CUATRO will continue to offer delicious daily specials, crafted and suggested by Chef Greg and the entire staff. “I am fortunate to be working next to such talented individuals,” said Chef Greg. “I encourage and welcome any ideas they may have. Not long ago they surprised me by offering a delicious new monthly special, which was a hit amongst our guests. The staff at ¡CUATRO cares about the food they send out, and people have started to notice the consistency and hard work that goes into making and serving each dish.” But no matter what the special is, you can be sure of one thing – the food will be fresh and delicious. Recent customer Joan l. says, “An overlooked gem of a restaurant. The food was fresh and perfectly prepared. I had one of the evening’s
Grouper Nuggets with French Fries
specials, and it was delicious and original. Saved enough room for a wonderful homemade peach cobbler. Service was excellent!” Restaurant Manager, Horace Flournoy is working with Chef Greg on updating the banquet menu for large events held at TPC Tampa Bay and for catering. “We can comfortably host up to 150 people by offering indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the gorgeous golf course,” said Horace. “We include all the chairs, tables, linens, and China once an event is booked, which other banquet places charge extra for.” ¡CUATRO’s banquet menu has always been phenomenal, but now with Chef Greg’s assistance, they will be taking it to the next
level. “Our banquet menu aims to please, and we offer something for everyone,” said Horace, who works one-on-one with all the customers to customize the menu selection to their liking. “When someone calls about a banquet or private event, we will work with them every step of the way, until we achieve a menu that they will love and that suits their budget and taste.” Members and the public can reserve the full-service banquet room for golf-related events, silent/live auctions, corporate lunches, private dinners, engagement parties, small weddings, baby showers, bar mitzvahs – you name it! ****Membership Sales Associate Kortney Huntzinger, Horace, and
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Wedge
Chicken Wings
Chef Greg are at your service and will make your event, an unforgettable one.**** Recent client Stacey K. says, “I recently worked with the team to celebrate my sister’s baby shower at ¡CUATRO. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The food was crafted specifically for the guest of honor and impeccable. All of our guests were blown away by the brunch. The staff was readily available to answer my questions, tweak menus and assist in the set-up. I would recommend this as a venue for an event!! Thank you for making the day perfect!”
Club Sandwich
Current and New Promotions You Don’t Want To Miss
******* Join Cuatro’s new loyalty Program, the Cuatro Club! The Cuatro Club was designed to reward you, the guest, for your constant patronage at our restaurant!*********
Happy Hour
Take some of that work stress away over a cold beer or specialty cocktail at ¡CUATRO’s Happy Hour! EVERY DAY from 4:00pm7:00pm. 1 Dollar Off All Draft Beer, Select Wine by the glass for 6 Dollars. 5 Dollar
Select Spirits & Half off all Appetizers. ¡CUATRO is located at TPC Tampa Bay at 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. They are conveniently open
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
seven days a week! Mon. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, call 813949-1486 or visit http:// tpctampa.totalegolf.com/ SocializeDine.aspx.
DECEMBER 2019 13
14 DECEMBER 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
DECEMBER 2019 15
SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: PLEASANT SURPRISE Dr. Wayne Adams NEXT EXAM DATES … The remaining fall exam dates are SAT: December 7; ACT: December 14. The first test dates in 2020 are ACT: February 8, and SAT: March 14. The remaining dates for the spring are SAT: May 2, and June 6; ACT: April 4 and June 13. For seniors, Bright Futures will accept SAT and/or ACT Scores from the last exams in June to qualify for scholarships next fall. Many students like to do some preparations over the Christmas Holidays when they are relative free of normal school requirements and get a headstart for spring. Tutoring over years has produced some very pleasant surprises along the way. In many ways they are “gifts” from my many students. When I began, and for every student since the
16 DECEMBER 2019
first, I have always asked this question at the end of the first class, “What surprised you the most from this class?” Here are some of the typical answers: “How much I learned.” “How fast the time went by.” “That I could remember so much on the vocabulary review.” “This wasn’t boring.” “That it is so different from any other type of class I have ever had.” “You are so easy to work with.” Over the years, I have kept asking, “How can I help my students do even better on these exams? … and “How can I help my students and their families have their best possible futures?” The first part has meant continually trying new approaches and adopting those that work well. Not long ago, I created a special practice instruction with the toughest math questions I
could find, along with the answers, for the SAT and a separate one for the ACT. The results have been spectacular, often with students jumping another 30 – 50 points on the SAT and another 2+ points on the ACT from their previous “bests” in class. Recently, I built on this with a “step by step” math guide for every aspect of these
math tests using “hyper-notes” and memory aids. Many of my students come lacking some math foundations, usually built in the 6th – 8th grade, that hamper their speed and accuracy. Others simply need a “rapid review” because their math studies now really aren’t aimed at the SAT and/or the ACT. Again, the initial results have been excellent. Yet, to me, the most
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
important gifts are when I hear from students and parents after they have taken the exam(s). Here are a few examples: Thank you, thank you Dr. A. Without you, I couldn’t have done it. I qualified for Bright Futures and now can go to college. Thank you with all of my heart.” (Student from Sickles HS) I wasn’t sure how much you could help when we started because my SAT was already so high. Went up another 150 points to a 1530. Also got a 34 on my ACT. Thank you so much. (Student from Berkley HS) As a top student in the IB program, I could not understand why I couldn’t break 1100 on the SAT and 23 on the ACT. Your classes showed me so many amazing ways to improve, and inspired me to really excel. How do a 1410 and 31 sound? Wow. (Student from Central Catholic HS) After failing the FCAT and being told I would not graduate with my class, you were my
last hope. I tried the ACT before and scored a 14. Took the ACT again in April as my last chance and got a 20. I am going to walk with my class! You found a way. (Student from East Lake HS) My girlfriend went to Julliard, and I had the performance skills and grades to go the next year. But my SAT score was way too low. After your class, it really went up and now I am going to Julliard. Thanks, Dr. A. (Student from Tarpon Springs HS) Over the years, I have helped many students from many high schools in the Tampa Bay area: Berkley, East Lake, Central Catholic, Mitchell, Tarpon Springs, Sickles, Calvary Christian, Countryside, Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Clearwater, Farragut, Jesuit, Academy of Holy Names, Palm Harbor University, Gibbs, River Ridge, Bishop McLaughlin, and Land O’Lakes. And each of my students/ parents receive a copy of the following books I have written:
How to Write College Application Essays Colleges Will Love, Negotiating With Colleges (that has saved my students and families from $1,000 to $10,000 in annual college costs), How To Survive And Thrive Your First Semester At A Secular College, and Dream Colleges And Universities: Top 25, 5 More, And Top 5 In Florida. If you would like to talk with my further about your student and my classes, please contact me at 727-253-0639 or at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 350 points on the Writing, Reading, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to all 5 of the Top 5 universities in the country, 9 of the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top twentyfive, most service academies, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard,
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), University of Virginia (honors), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force, Naval, and Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, Purdue, Ohio State, LSU, Auburn, UF (honors and regular admissions), U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England Berklee Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He has also tutored three national merit finalists. 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.
DECEMBER 2019 17
18 DECEMBER 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
DECEMBER 2019 19
20 DECEMBER 2019
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com