Vol. 9, Issue 5, May 2020
®
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 Bonneau Team Provides the Expert Real Estate Representation You Deserve In today’s competitive real estate market, the key to success is differentiation — unconventionally doing ordinary things. Differentiation from the competition has become the cornerstone of outstanding real estate service. Since 2002, John and Donna Bonneau, Broker-Associates with Coldwell Banker Realty, have been delivering exceptional marketing programs that produce results. Each step of their marketing plan is designed to help you sell your home fast and for the desired price. From concept to completion, your home will be uniquely cared for and expertly marketed. Less than 3 percent of the more than 1 million REALTORS® working today can call themselves a CRS Designee, and John is one of them. You need only review the dozen of grateful client testimonials on their website to see the Bonneau Team takes pride in giving 110%, providing concierge service to each client. “From small bungalows to expansive custom homes, when you work with us, you have the benefit of having a full team of professionals working for you,” said John. The Bonneau Team offers exclusive property marketing programs like Listing Concierge, a white-glove marketing program to promote your home that features a TV and online promotion and
Installation, Painting, Curb Appeal Enhancements, Electrical, Plumbing, Wall and Ceiling Repair and more. “We cover your upfront costs and get paid when your home sells. No hidden fees, interest charges, or markups. RealVitalize and realize a faster sale at a price you’ll love,” said Donna. See “Bonneau” on page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Donna and John Bonneau The RealVitalize Program, powered by HomeAdvisor, an exclusive offering for Coldwell Banker Realty clients that helps with home improvements and repairs to prep your home for sale. Donna is an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS), and an Accredited Home Staging Specialist (AHS). Choose from these popular projects staging: Appliance Purchasing and Installation, Kitchen and Bathroom upgrades, Carpentry, Carpet Cleaning, and
From the Editor.....................5
Tech Talk with Bob.................6-7
Salt. The Natural Spa - Feel Better... Naturally...............8-9
2 MAY 2020
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4 MAY 2020
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Staying positive through everything that’s been going on in my life was challenging enough before the Coronavirus. Now, it’s a million times harder. I am sure it hasn’t been easy for anyone, much less for those essential workers and healthcare professionals. I would personally like to thank all of you for your courage, dedication, and perseverance during these trying times. With all these tragic things happening, it seems like an unusual time to discuss ways of staying positive. Yet staying positive and remaining calm are critical ingredients in the recipe for successful coping in a crisis. So how can you feel optimistic when all around you is all doom and gloom? Here are some ideas of things you can do to get you into a more positive mindset: 1.) Limit Your “Depressive News” Intake - Seriously, try to limit how many hours you spend listening to all these devastating world news on a given day. Choose a single news source that you trust and restrict yourself to an hour (or two tops) a day. That way, you’ll still be informed of the latest events, without feeling overwhelmed by all the negativity. These days we’re all constantly bombarded with articles and “questionable” news that are not even 100% accurate. Like I said, limit your news sources to only trusted sources. 2.) Take Care of Your Loved Ones & Strengthen Your Connections - You may be young and healthy, but it may not be the case for some of your relatives, friends or even neighbors whose immune systems are compromised. Check with them regularly to make sure they are doing ok. Offer to go grocery shopping for them. 3.) Support Your Favorite Local Business! We frankly don’t know how much longer this social distancing will last. Still, we know that it has negatively
affected many small businesses in the Tampa Bay area, bars, and restaurants in particular. Show your support by buying online gift cards, ordering to-go, and using apps like DoorDash and UberEats. 4.) Take Advantage Of Your Free Time - I cannot begin to express how annoyed I get when I hear people say they are bored. Make use of your new-found time to learn a new skill or practice your favorite hobbies (by respecting social distancing rules, of course). Learn to cook or improve those family recipes. Read a book, read another, read one more. Take care of all those items on your Honeydo list. Clean your closet. Clean your children’s closet. Clean your partner’s closet. Declutter. You’ll feel so much better with less stuff. Best part? You can donate all your gently used items to charity and organizations currently helping thousands of struggling individuals right here in our city. 5.) Be Thankful and Treasure Every Small Moment - Even during quarantine and a global pandemic, you still have many small moments to appreciate and feel thankful for. Cherish that kiss from your spouse, that warm hug from your child. Laugh out loud at that silly yet funny video your friend just sent you. If you’re a pet parent, enjoy your four legged-friends companionship as much as possible. Go on many walks with your dog. Play with your cats. Open that nice bottle of wine and enjoy it, because why wait? Enjoy today, live today, be in the moment. Allow your brain a chance to process these happy little moments, and they will boost your serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that will help elevate your mood and make you feel more relaxed. Stay safe, stay positive! Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis. Tedeschi.
Bob the Computer Guy: STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE SCAMMERS! By Bob Dalles Buckle up my friends. Hang on and get ready for the ride. Trillions of dollars of government relief money is up for grabs. Your phone is likely to get bombarded with phone calls and text messages from scammers promising to help you claim your share of that money. Some might tout that they can help get you your money faster. The IRS says it can take as long as 20 weeks for some people to see their money. Meanwhile the assault on your email’s inbox will continue by criminals drooling at the chance to steal your money. If you have an email address or phone number you can be an easy mark, because just about everyone is expecting to receive some type of financial assistance from the government. And with all of this happening… Many people still take a casual attitude when comes to their computer security. They have become so comfortable
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using the internet that they don’t think about its dangers. It’s like driving a car. Probably the most dangerous thing we do on a regular basis, but we never think about it. Do you say to yourself when you get in your car, “I have a 1 in 114 chance of dying by getting behind the wheel today?” Probably not, but you do, according to the National Safety Council’s website at the time of this writing. After all, it’s our nature to not think of the dangers and consequences of our choices and actions; while we bask in their conveniences. I have been receiving calls from folks who have an increasing concern regarding the security of their computers. As they should, with the growing number of people working from home, attending school, conducting their financial affairs and just plain trying to stay in touch with each other. The safety and security of their computers concern them and they want to know what measures to take to stay one step ahead of the scammers.
A simple three-step process can help you head off a world of problems with your computer… First, make sure your digital environment is clean. Your digital environment is the intangible software that instructs your computer to be a web browser, tax software, or solitaire game. You need to begin with a clean software environment in order to create a safe environment. Your computer needs to be thoroughly scanned for any
infections; then eradicate those infections. The only way to know for sure if your system is infected is by using multiple methods to deeply analyze the safety of your computer’s environment. Your computer has hundreds of thousands of files on it, perhaps even millions. If you are serious about this, I recommend you have a trained professional do this for you. Their experience is invaluable when it comes to the “looking for a needle in a
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haystack tactics” they develop from doing this for years. Second, once your digital environment is clean, you are ready to maintain your computer’s safety by implementing an anti-malware solution to your computer. There are many options available, both paid and free. Some are better than others. None are perfect. I suggest you implement one and keep it up to date. Unfortunately, many people who take the lead and install anti-malware on their computer, drop the ball by failing to keep it up to date. Third, count to five before you click any link, especially links in unsolicited emails that show up in your inbox. Most phishing scammers hope to tempt you into clicking their link. They play on your emotion and hope you will act without a second thought. I’m telling you to consciously give it a second thought by counting to five before you click. You’ll be glad you did. That’s it! Implement these three simple steps today and you will significantly reduce
your susceptibility to being yet another internet crime statistic. If you need help call me. I have programs in place to provide the solutions you need. We can scan your computer and clean out the infections. We can do it all remotely without you having to leave your home or office, and without us coming to your location. See not only does your computer stay safe, so do you and my team while we provide this vital service to you. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Each of us looking out for each other. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility. Don’t go it alone. We’re here to help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified IT Specialist. Call us now at 727534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. Be Safer In Your Digital World!
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Salt. The Natural Spa - Feel Better... Naturally.
By Morgan Fliss
many benefits for healthy skin. Salt. The Natural Spa, “The salt provides recently opened in the pH normalization and Westchase area and uses induces reparative and halotherapy, also known regenerative process in as salt therapy, to help derma and increases skin support the immune, rigidity. Dry salt impacts nervous, and lymphatic the skin microcirculation systems as well as reduce and assists cellular stress, increase energy membrane activity used and improve sleep in dermatology and patterns. cosmetology.” All facials Megan Gaertner, one and skin services will of the owners of the spa, leave your skin feeling flu symptoms as well and other conditions,” received her Bachelor’s refreshed and looking its as improving their skin Ivonne said. degree in business best! condition and overall Salt. The Natural Spa from the University of “We have experienced wellness,” Megan said. also proudly offers a Hamburg in Germany. the benefits from the Salt. The Natural “Kids Play Zone,” where Megan moved to the salt, and we want little ones can enjoy their to share with our United States seven years Spa officially opened its doors on Aug. 18, 2019, halotherapy session in ago, where she worked in community. Our spa and offers a plethora their own salt cave. The the aerospace industry. is a natural and safe of services to both room is covered in pink Ivonne Zablah, place to improve the children and adults in the Himalayan salt and is full immune system, reduce another spa owner, Westchase area. of both educational, and inflammation, and received her Bachelor’s The facility has two fun toys for children to degree in psychology remove toxins from the separate salt therapy enjoy. from Saltillo, Mexico. lungs and the skin. We rooms for adults only. Currently, the spa is Ivonne, coincidentally, love to see people feel Each room contains a offering kids respiratory also moved to the United better in a natural way halogenerator which exercise programs to States seven years ago, and see the kids having help open the lungs and where she volunteered as crushes salt into fun. This is the most a life coach with Guiding micronized particles that increase oxygen intake. gentle way to help our are dispersed into the “It is designed as a Star Tampa. lungs clear up,” Megan room to help respiratory therapeutic environment said. Megan and Ivonne issues and certain skin that will help boost met shortly after they Salt. The Natural the immune system moved to the States, and conditions. Spa has an outstanding “Every time you of children, decrease quickly became great 4.9 rating on Google. breathe, microparticles of mucous in the lungs, friends, both having Customers continuously salt penetrate deep into improve respiratory and children the same age. compliment the fantastic the respiratory system. It skin conditions, all while “[Our children] inspired results from all services. helps clean and kill the having fun,” Megan said. us for the business. One customer said, The spa also offers Having a safe and healthy bacteria and fungus that “I’ve been to Salt twice, causes colds, allergies, an array of estheticians place for them was our and both times the asthmas, psoriasis, and skincare services for dream. [We wanted treatment cleared my dermatitis, ear infections, everyone to enjoy. From somewhere] where we sinuses and lungs. The eczemas, atopic salt scrubs to specialty could give them relief owners and staff are dermatitis, cystic fibrosis, facials, the salt provides from allergies, cold and knowledgeable, kind, and
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incredibly welcoming. The atmosphere is calming and relaxing. I highly recommend this wellness experience!” Another customer praised the spa by saying, “I went to Salt recently and loved it. It was such a unique experience, and I felt so much better after my session! I can’t wait to come back with my toddler-aged daughter sometime soon. The children’s room was fantastic, and she would like it so much! It was such a relaxing and therapeutic environment, and the women that work there are so sweet
and helpful.” The almost perfect five-star reviews make this spa the ideal place to go and receive natural relief from a vast range of respiratory and skin conditions. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Salt. The Natural Spa is taking enhanced safety precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. As of now, the spa is only providing private Salt Therapy sessions. All other services have been postponed until further notice. Anyone who presents fever symptoms will not be able to utilize Salt Therapy until released
by a doctor. As always, each room is sanitized after each session, and customers are asked to wash their hands before and after every session. The therapy facility is also extending its morning hours of operation per request to accommodate customers. To begin salt therapy and schedule your first session today, call or visit their website. Senior citizens over the age of 60 can receive a $20 discount on halotherapy sessions on Fridays. Customers can also receive $15 off
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an adult halotherapy session within seven days of their birthday! To learn more about these specials or to make an appointment today, visit Salt the Natural Spa on their website along with visiting them on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Salt. The Natural Spa is located at 8375 Gunn Highway, Tampa, Florida 33626. Phone: 813-749-6823. Visit them online at saltthenaturalspa. com
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The Bonneau Team’s effective marketing strategies and knowledge of the area have proven to get the best results for their clients time and time again Bonneau - Story continued from page 1 John and Donna are equally as committed to helping our everyday Hometown Heroes, who make our communities a better place to live. The Bonneau Team offers an Everyday Heroes Rebate to military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, doctors, nurses, health care providers, teachers, truck drivers, and more.
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“This is our way of giving back to the courageous men and women who serve and protect our country and community every day,” says John, who was a prior law enforcement first responder in the Washington, D.C. metro area. “Our program is an excellent way for Everyday Heroes to maximize their purchasing power.” Whether you are ready to sell your home or looking to buy a new one, you can count on the Bonneau
Team. John and Donna have developed a reputation for delivering sound business advice, creative marketing programs, and strong negotiating strategies. Their professional experience, together with their work ethic and dedicated service, make them one of Tampa’s most respected teams in the real estate industry. Their effective marketing strategies and knowledge of the area have proven to get the best results for their clients time and time again.
Donna said, “We take pride in building relationships with our clients — earning your trust and confidence.” For more information, please contact John or Donna at Coldwell Banker Realty 2201 W Swann Ave, Tampa, Florida 33606 Office (813) 855-8000, Mobile or text (813) 767-9937, email: BonneauTeam@ aol.com or web www. BonneauTeam.com.
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