Vol. 8, Issue 4, April 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
Maxillofacial Surgical Excellence Comes to Westchase By Tom Bostock Already firmly established in the maxillofacial surgical community in both Pinellas (Clearwater) and Pasco (New Port Richey/Trinity) counties, the oral surgery community in Hillsborough county (Westchase) is getting a new neighbor, MOSAIC
Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Center. When a practice can boast a 4.9 out of a possible 5-star rating with over hundreds of positive online testimonials, both on their website and Facebook pages, you know that this is something special!
See “Mosaic” on page 7
Ellie’s Restaurant – Homemade with Love By Carla Selby “Hello guys! Welcome back, is good to see you again!” says Dino Mihalopoulos, owner of Ellie’s Family Restaurant. Family owned and operated, this Race Track Road gem is one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots in the neighborhood, for many reasons. First, they welcome you and treat you like family. Second,
there’s consistency; any dish I order tastes homemade and delicious every time I stop by. Third, the prices are very affordable, especially considering the quantity and quality of the food. Fourth, the menu offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, and they also have fabulous daily specials. Last but not least, on weekends they serve breakfast all day!
See “Ellie’s” on page 18
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor: April is Autism Awareness Month .....................................5 Summer Camp List 2019...10-11 Fashion for Hope...................14 Beth Ross and The Blanket For Tampa Bay Story....................17
2 APRIL 2019
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APRIL 2019 3
4 APRIL 2019
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Go Blue - April is Autism Awareness Month April is World Autism Month, so get ready to see a lot of blue all over our beloved city of Tampa Bay, including at the top of the iconic SunTrust Building in downtown Tampa! The Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles team cordially invites our readers, followers, relatives, and friends around the world to come together to “pledge to go blue” in order to increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Joined by the international community every year, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes, and communities all over the world will be cast in blue lights in recognition of people living with autism. To “pledge to go blue” please visit www.autismspeaks.org. How Can You Show Some Support aside from Pledging to go Blue? Puzzle Ribbon - The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community not just in the United States but all over the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children in America. Show your support for people and children with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon - as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism. Connect with your neighborhoods - Many Autism Society local affiliates hold special events in their communities throughout the entire month of April.
But if you can’t find an event that suits you, why not create your own and invite others? Some local events and workshops include; 1) 2019 WHO Wants To Race 5K & 10K For Autism Awareness - Tampa. Sat, April 27, 1:00pm. Tickets available through eventbrite.com 2) Autism, ADHD & Sensory Workshop for Parents, on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:15pm at Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, FL. 3) 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Festival - May 11, 10:00am - Tickets available through eventbrite.com - Location: The Haven, Sarasota, Fl. www.thehavensrq.org 4) Unraveling Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Full Life Chiropractic. Understand the common threads of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, OCD, ODD and Tourette’s Sat, April 20, 2019. 1003 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548. Donate to the Autism Society - Your financial donation can help improve the lives of people impacted by autism. Every dollar raised by the Autism Society allows them to improve the capabilities and services of their over 100 nationwide affiliates, provide the best national resource database and contact center specializing in autism, and increase public awareness about autism and the day-today issues faced by individuals with ASD and their families.
Carla Selby
6 APRIL 2019
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“Mosaic” continued from page 1 Listen to what just a few patients had
to say about their experiences: “The staff is wonderful. They are good about returning phone calls and making appointments as soon as possible. They assist with information needed to make the process smooth and simple. Dr. Mehta is the best. I have had 3 tooth extractions done by Dr. Mehta and each one was completely painless. I received 2 to 4 shots in mouth, waited about 15 minutes for shots to take effect and then within 5 minutes the tooth was out, and I was out the door. Quick easy and painless. Thanks Dr. Mehta you made my day. You are great!!!” “I have been going to Dr. Mehta’s office in Clearwater for the last two years and had numerous surgeries done and most recently an implant. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of care I received from Dr. Mehta and his staff both behind the desk and at the front desk. Everybody is extremely professional courteous and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Mehta and his staff to anyone requiring specialized dental work necessary.” “Dr. Young did one extraction and two implants during one sedated session. I can’t say enough about his professionalism and friendly, chairside manner. His assistant Coleen and all the staff are exceptional. Patient communication and on time appointments are also a plus. Highly recommended!” These reviews are indicative of all members of the experienced staff at Maxillofacial Surgical. Founder and partner, Dr. Mark Mitchell notes that each doctor brings an impressive, highly credentialed background to this maxillofacial surgery and implant practice. They are highly trained and can manage their medically compromised patients in both the office and local hospitals while many other practices require other specialists when complications arise. The doctors of Mosaic are on staff at local hospitals and trauma centers and treat maxillofacial issues ranging from facial infections to head and neck trauma. Their mission and vision statements
reflect the values that are an integral part of their practice: Mission statement - Surgical Excellence, Compassionate Care & Availability - Vision statement - to provide surgical care in a way that imparts value to the patient and the community. Doctor Mitchell, the founding partner is a past president of the Upper Pinellas Country Dental Association and Pasco Dental Association. He is involved not only in organized dentistry but in community service. Discounting their extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Mitchell credits “caring” for the continuing the success of MOSAIC. “We provide full-service. Many of the other practices don’t do the hospital portion. Dr. Mehta, Dr. Young, Dr. Landrian and I,” he said, “have been in full scope and provide that service. We have a mission, to be able to go out into the community and do what we do to make a difference for the individual in a way that helps them to understand their value. This is a service that lasts.” They currently work with hospitals in both the HCA (Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point – Trauma call), and Baycare (Morton Plant Northbay Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital) hospital systems. Embracing today’s cutting-edge technology, partner, both oral surgeon and MD, Kenyan-born Dr. Mehta explained how technology has been
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incorporated into their practice. He noted that they employ sophisticated computer programs to aid with surgical procedures by creating a computer model of the surgery to be performed and then creating guides using a 3-D printer to assist in the actual procedure, making the process less invasive and more effective for the patient. They even use the patient’s own previously harvested blood plasma to aid in the healing process. Their combined practice includes the entire surgical range of dental, reconstructive and implant procedures including: dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth, facial trauma, jaw surgery, pre-prosthetic surgery, orthognathic surgery (surgery to repair skeletal deformities) oral pathology, TMJ disorders (pain and impaired disorders in jaw movement and surrounding muscles), sleep apnea surgery, and select facial cosmetic procedures. They also provide anesthesia services from light sedation to general anesthesia for patient comfort and surgical experience management. Each these services is available at the new (Westchase MOSAIC Maxillofacial Arts and Implants Centers) at 12546 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL 33626. Jaw, facial and dental problems are a reality in today’s world, but relief is only a phone call away at 813-7480930. Call today or visit their website at mosaicsurgery.com for more information.
APRIL 2019 7
Your Local Westchase Area Financial Advisor Member SIPC
Doris Muller Westchase resident of 13 years
You Talk. I Listen. In Person.
Cell: 813-597-9147 Office: 813-792-7976 9902 W Linebaugh Ave Tampa, FL 33626 www.edwardjones.com/doris-muller
8 APRIL 2019
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APRIL 2019 9
by: Lisa Stephens With summer camp opportunities just around the corner, registration is even closer! Reserve your child’s spot in some really fun summer camps today! Westchase Swim & Tennis Center 10405 Countryway Blvd.Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-855-0662 Website: www.westchasewca.com Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-August 9 (Weekly Sessions) Hours: Full Day-8am to 6pm or Half Day8am to 1pm OR 1pm to 6pm Registration Details: Register online at www.westchasewca.com or in person at site location. Price: Half Days/Residents-$75 per week, Non-Resident-$98 per week. Full Days/Residents-$150 per week, Non-Resident-$196 per week. Field Trip (optional) $20.00. Tennis additional $25.00 * Field trips include Skate World, Pin Chasers, Movies, Altitude and more. For more camp details and www.westchasewca.com. Tennis 9am-10am Mon through Friday. Hillsborough County/Westchase Recreation Center 9719 Westchase Drive. Tampa, FL 33626 Phone: 813-964-2948 Website: www.HCFLGov.net/SummerCamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 10-August 9 Hours: 7:30am-6pm Registration Details: Register online at www.HCFLGov.net/SummerCamp. Price: $76 Basic Rate, $60 with Reduced Lunch Letter, $40 with Free Lunch Letter (Rates per 2 week sessions) *Sports, indoor and outdoor play, and active recreation
10 APRIL 2019
Noah’s Ark Farm Camp 12971 Tyler Run Avenue Odessa 33556 Phone: 727-455-4985 Website: www.NoahsArkonWheels.org Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 10-June 13 and June 17-June 20 Hours: 9:30am-1:30 pm Registration Details: Register at https:// go.netcamps.com/org/686-noah-s-ark-farmcamp Price: $130.00 per week *Life on the farm is fun! Sheer a sheep, chase the goats, ride the ponies, cuddle with the bunnies and more! Farmer Rou makes life on farm and educational and fun experience. This camp always fills up so sign up quickly! Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy 1108 Altamont Lane, Odessa 33556 Phone: 813-368-0666 Website: www.suncoaststables.com Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 12-August 2 (Weekly Sessions) Hours: 9am-4:00 pm Registration Details: register online at website listed above. Price: $65 per day or $300 per week. Early arrival or late pickup/$5 per every 30 minutes. *Campers learn to groom and tack up horses, ride in the arena and other activities. Camp IDS at Corbett Prep 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 Phone: 813-961-3087 Website: www.corbettprep.com Ages: PreK-12th grade Dates: July 10-July 26 Hours: Half Days 8:30am-11:30am OR
Noon-3pm, Full Days 8:30am-3:00pm Registration details: Log onto www.corbettprep.com and register via CampSite *camps include options in technology, sports, recreation, academics and the arts. STEAM camps bring science, technology, engineering, art of design and math concepts to students of all ages. Two week camps for musical theatre and app design are also offered. More than 100 different camps offered! See their website for more camp details. In the Breeze Ranch 7514 Gardner Road, Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-264-1919 Website: www.inthebreezeranch.com Ages: 5-17 Dates: Ongoing throughout summer Hours: 9:15am-3:45pm (ages 5-8), 8:30am4:45pm (ages 9-11), 7:30am-5:30pm (ages 12-17) Registration details: Register online Price: $79 (ages 5-8), $59 (ages 9-11), $49 (ages 12-17) Check their website for discount coupons *Summer theme is “Swimming with the horses.” Camps include lessons in horsemanship, trail riding, mucking stalls, leadership development, training baby horses and more! Painting With A Twist 10110 Montague Street, Tampa 33626 Phone: 813-749-7955 Website: www.paintingwithatwist.com Ages: 7-17 Dates: Call for dates or check online Hours: 9am to noon Registration Details: Register in person at physical location Price: $45 (Includes lunch) *pick one or more dates for this fun creative
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painting class! See website for which painting will be created each day. Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa 33618 Phone: 813-269-1310 Website: www.carrollwoodcenter.org Ages: 4-13 Dates: June 3-August 9 Weekly and twoweek sessions offered Hours: 9am-4pm Registration Details: Register in person, by phone with credit card, online or by mail. (Download forms from website to mail in) Register by April 30 for early bird discount. Price: Price Varies per age group and member or nonmember rates apply. Range: $150-$350. Tuition assistance is available. See website for information and application for assistance. *Themes include Raiders of the Lost Art, Great Outdoors, Around the World, Wild West and more. Camps include painting, arts and crafts, music, drama, song and dance. Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa 33624 Phone: 813-969-0240 Website: www.mjpaa.com Ages: 3-17 Dates: June 18-August 3 Hours: 9am-3pm and half days offered for ages 3 to 6 Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies per session-See Website for details *There is something for everyone at Mary Jo’s! Song, dance, drama, tumbling, musical theater and more. Too many options to list here! Full details are listed at their website. Patel Conservatory Summer Camps/Intensives 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place. Tampa 33602 Phone: 813-222-1002 Website: www.strazcenter.org Ages: 3 to 18 Dates: June 3-August 10 Hours: Varies by class Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies by class. See website for pricing info *Music instruction, voice, dance and more. If performing arts is your thing, you want to visit their website to see all they offer! Rockatar Summer Camp 12631 Race Track Road. Tampa 33626
Phone: 813-404-9194 Website: www.rockataracademy.com Ages: 4-12 for music camp/ages 13+, call location for Summer Rock Band Program details Dates: June 7-August 2 Hours: 8:30am to 1pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $135 per week *Try the keyboard, guitar, drums and more at this fun music camp! You’ll also learn how to play in a band. Tampa Tennis at HCC All Day Sports Camp 3901 Tampa Bay Blvd. Tampa 33614 Phone: 813-348-1173 Website: www.tampatennis.net Ages: 5 and up Dates: June 3-July 31 Hours: Full Day 9am-5pm or Half Day 9am to noon Registration Details: Download forms from website and email completed forms to cnyholm@hccfl.edu. Price: Full Day $175.00/Half Day $119 *Train with certified professions to improve your tennis game! Carrollwood Day School “Turn It Up” Summer Camp 1515 W Bearss Ave. Tampa 33613 Phone: 813-920-2288 Ext. 203 Website: www.carrollwooddayschool.org Ages: Grades 1-8 Dates: May 28-July 26 Hours: Full Day 9am-3:30pm or Half Day 9am-noon or 12:30pm to 3:30pm Registration Details: Register online and order lunches online Price: Full Day $225/Half Day $150 *Enrichment camps and academic courses offered. You do not have to be current student at Carrollwood Day School to attend. Woodworking Shop Class 1609 N. Franklin Street. Tampa 33602 Phone: 813-223-3490 Website: www.schoolofwoodwork.com Ages: 14-17 Dates: June 17-June 21 Hours: 9am to 4pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $780.00 (includes studio and materials fee) One time registration fee: $45.00 *Skills learned here will last a lifetime. Students are assigned to their own lathe and no additional materials or tools are required for purchase. Projects include bowls, salt & pepper shakers and lidded boxes.
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Camp JCC 13009 Community Campus Drive. Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-769-4748 Website: www.jewishtampa.com Ages: Kindergarten-8th Grade Dates: June 11-August 2 Hours: Vary by camp Registration Details: Register online Price: Varies by camp session. See Website for details *Wide range of offerings. Some camps include field trips. Camps include indoor and outdoor water activities. HCA Summer Day Camp 6201 Erlich Road. Tampa 33625 Phone: 813-884-8250 Ext 286 Website: www.hillsdalechristianacademy.org Ages: PreK-6th Grade Dates: June 3-August 2 Hours: 7:30am-6:00pm Registration Details: Register online Price: $180.00 per week/$35 registration fee *This camp offers a different theme each week with arts and crafts, drama, outdoor games and more! Camp Seal 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz Phone: 813-229-7946 Website: www.sealswimschool.com Ages: 4-10 Dates: June3-Aug 9 Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm Registration Details: Register online and complete required documents Price: $185.00/week or $50/day *This aquatic camp offers swim lessons as well as archery, arts and crafts, robotics, field trips and more. Tampa Theatre Summer Film Camp 711 N Franklin Street. Tampa 33602 Phone: 813-274-8286 Website: www.tampatheatre.org Ages: Grades 3-12 Dates: June 10-July 26 Hours: 9am-noon (grades 3-6) 1pm-4pm (grades 7-12) AND 9am-4pm (grades 5-9) for full day film camp Registration Details: Register online Price: $195 for half day sessions per week/$380 for full day *Learn the process of digital filmmaking, storyboarding, lighting, editing and more!
APRIL 2019 11
12 APRIL 2019
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APRIL 2019 13
Fashion for Hope By Lisa Stephens When diagnosed with cancer, the first thought that comes to mind for many patients is, “How long do I have with my family or loved ones.” The sudden fear of an uncertain future can be all consuming, which can further negatively impact the patient’s health. For many, the next thought is “How am I going to pay for this?” If detected early, chances of survival are much greater. Thanks to Women of Influence, a philanthropic group of women dedicated to raising funds for projects that go toward improving the health, and the well-being of women and children in our community, many women in the Tampa Bay area are able to better their own chances of survival should they be diagnosed with breast cancer. Recently, Women of Influence hosted the 3rd annual Fashion for Hope. Proceeds go toward providing women without health insurance an opportunity to get a mammogram. Early detection is not just important, for some, it’s a matter of life or death. The Women of Influence mission includes “inspiring and positively impacting the lives of women, children, and families throughout the Tampa Bay area.” A quick look at what they have done in the past certainly proves these ladies accomplish what they set out to do. Past projects this group has funded are; the purchase of a streaming video system for the neonatal intensive care unit at an area hospital, so that mothers could watch their babies twenty-four hours a day, more than 200 car seats for families who could not afford a car seat for their newborn, and a WII entertainment system for children to enjoy while waiting in the emergency room. The theme for this years’ Fashion for Hope event was “Saving LivesGeneration through Generation.”
14 APRIL 2019
Co-Chair Kay Meyer explained her passion for helping others; “That’s where my heart is. For people who have a family history of breast cancer but no means of finding out what’s going on in their bodies.” Along with Co-Chair Michelle Gervais Stowell, and Honorary Chair Elena Azzarelli, these ladies and a platoon of others, created quite an afternoon of fun and fashion. Fox 13 News anchor, Linda Hurtado, was on hand to serve at emcee and keynote speaker. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she shared her story of diagnosis and survival. Linda was diagnosed at age 44. Because of a history of breast cancer in her family, she knew mammograms were important. “Because they found mine early, I had choices. Early detection is key,” she shared with the audience. She described herself now as “a survivor and thriver.” Following Linda’s introduction and story of hope, models and their escorts took to the runway in fashions by Lilly Pulitzer, Kaiya Designs and The Platinum Zipper. Some of the ladies were even escorted by the very doctors that treated them through their battles with cancer. Dr. John Cox is a breast care specialist and surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa. He explained breast cancer is a disease of two subtypes; one type is found in women before the age of 50 and is usually more serious and harder to detect. The type that affects women after 50 is easier to see and usually more treatable. When asked when women should begin scheduling mammograms, he explained the issue is debatable. “I’ve seen more lives in the younger population so I feel we should screen in the ’40s. If we can catch it in the early stages, it’s easier to treat than in the later stages,” he said. Dr. Cox is proud to be part of an event that means so much to the community; “I’m honored and humbled to be here. I feel the women I treat are
so special and amazing. I’m just along for the ride to be sure they get the best possible care.” Dr. Wayne Lee, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, was also on hand for the event. He also cared for many of the women in attendance. His passion for helping others doesn’t end in the operating room. He and AdventHealth nurse Margie Boyer, also a breast cancer survivor, work with a support group of breast cancer survivors. They created Return2Fitness/ Renewing Wellness, which is a group that meets at the AdventHealth site once a month. They meet in the cardiac workout room for exercise, to hear guest speakers and more. The Fashion for Hope event also featured a “chance to win” drawing, silent auction and shopping opportunities. Many thanks to the Women of Influence, AdventHealth and the countless volunteers behind the scenes making it possible for women to seek care for early detection of breast cancer!
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APRIL 2019 15
16 APRIL 2019
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From Blankets to Urban Shelter for the Homeless Beth Ross and The Blanket Tampa Bay Story
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley We are all one catastrophic event away from homelessness. Let the magnitude of that sink in for one minute. One lost job, one disease, one addiction, one death. ONE. A single event moves you from an accepted, contributing member of society to someone who most avoids your gaze. Through her work with the homeless in Tampa Bay, Beth Ross has discovered a sad reality. Most people will treat homeless animals better than a human being. People will capture, feed, bathe, and rehome pets, but most would never think to allow a stranger into their home for a hot meal, running water, and clean clothing. During a particularly chilly December in 2014, Beth was a volunteer at Trinity Café and reached out to the director to find out how many people in need were served daily. When she was told 285, she made it her goal to collect 300 blankets so that every single person would have a warm blanket on Christmas Eve. As fate would have it, in the same timeframe, the church Beth and her husband Ray attended was given a large donation. The church gave each family $100 and said to do something to help someone with the money; in January, they would discuss what was accomplished. Beth knew how much she disliked being cold, so she decided to use the $100 to buy as many blankets as she could to hand out to those living on the streets. Though Tampa Bay seldom dipped into freezing temperatures, during the coldness part of winter, even the ‘Sunshine State’ was uncomfortable when you lacked essentials like a coat, hat, and gloves. Providing blankets both offered protection from sleeping on the ground or pavement and covered their susceptible, often exposed skin, serving as a barrier from the wind and the chilly temperatures. After she made her purchases, she created a page on Facebook and posted about her need for 300 blankets. Her post went viral and she was overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers as far away as Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, and California and managed to deliver 308 blankets. “I was so touched passing out the blankets to the homeless because they were so thrilled. They weren’t used to
getting a gift,” she said. “We collected the next year and I got over 800 blankets.” This one small act of kindness set the wheels in motion. Beth created the nonprofit Blanket Tampa Bay to change the stigma associated with homelessness. Paperwork that normally takes months of red tape was approved in two weeks. With an abundance of blankets, Beth joined the men and women at St Peter Claver Church providing food and passed out more blankets. “One day a remarkable thing happened. I was going to work and saw this man sitting on a bus bench. It was really cold and all he had on was a tee shirt and blue jeans. He didn’t look like he was doing well. I watched as the people hurried past him, purposefully not making eye contact because he was a bum. I stopped to see if I could him, but he kept saying ‘no, I don’t want any help. Leave me alone.” Anyone who knows Beth knows that answer would not do. The next morning, he was in the same spot, leaning over to the right. She stopped to ask if he needed help and he still gave her the same response. “The third morning – I saw that he was laying flat. I called a police officer friend of mine, Dan McDonald, Tampa PD Liaison for the Homeless and told him that he wasn’t doing well.” Officer McDonald baker-acted him to St. Joseph’s Hospital. “It turns out the guy sitting on the bench had been there for four days. He was suffering from a broken hip and kidney failure. People walked past him, didn’t look at him and it really broke my heart.” Doctors quickly repaired his hip and worked to restore his kidney function. He spent several weeks in the hospital before going to a rehab facility. “In rehab, we found out that his name was Charles and he had been employed by the Pinellas County Schools for more than 30 years and had a pension,” said Beth. “I always ask the homeless what’s your story because, no matter who you are, everyone has one.” Charles was married later in life, but when his wife died, his grown step-daughter whose name was on the mortgage kicked him out and he became homeless. Social workers helped Charles file for his retirement and Social Security, and now he lives in an apartment. Doctors
said if Beth had ignored Charles like the other passersby and not reached out to Officer McDonald, Charles would have died on that bench. Stories like that are all too common and Beth makes sure she learns everyone’s story. If someone tells Beth that he needs steel-toed boots or a chef’s jacket for gainful employment, Beth supplies whatever was the request. Over the years she learned many lessons. The most important is the homeless never get to choose. They are always given items, never allowed to pick out for themselves. After her second year, she offered them the opportunity to choose the blankets for themselves. Other requests were far from extravagant. Imagine not having little items we often take for granted – Q-tips, Band-Aids, nail clippers, backpacks to house their few belongings. “The homeless seldom take off their shoes. They sleep in their shoes because they’re afraid someone is going to steal them,” Beth explained. One individual kept asking for sleeping bags week after week. Beth finally asked what he was doing with them and he revealed that he was handing them out to other homeless people, so they didn’t have to sleep on newspaper. Today, Beth has touched over 17,000 lives, donating over 7,500 blankets, thousands of hygiene items and backpacks, shoes, socks, and sleeping bags. Yet the most common human need
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can’t be solved by warm blankets, toiletries, and essentials. Inspired by Urban Rest Stops in Seattle, Beth wants to create a 45-foot container, an Urban Shelter, a safe structure for the homeless to shower and wash their clothing. She already has two staffing companies lined up, eager to help them find jobs. “Some of these people are Veterans, many have skills. I can help them get their resume ready. I have a clothes closet.” Beth has been told that the Urban Shelter needs to be south of the interstate, south of Trinity. “I’m trying to solve a community problem by getting the homeless cleaned up, getting them a job, getting them off the street, but that starts with the Urban Shelter. I’ve got the drawing – it’s amazing – I’m just trying to find a place to put this. It’s become a burning passion in my heart. We just need funding and we need land to get this Urban Rest Stop built. It makes me mad when people think that every single homeless person is a drunk or bum because everyone has a story. Sometimes, you just need to take the time to ask what it is.” To learn more or to
contribute to Beth’s fundraising for the Urban Shelter, visit www.blanketampabay.org or https://www.facebook.com/ blanketforhomeless.
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“Ellie’s” continued from page 1 “The Spinach feta omelet starts my day in a great way,” says local teacher Georgia M. “Tuesday’s special treat was enjoying their tomato, chicken orzo with basil soup! Oh, my! This you have to try! Breakfast is KING at Ellie’s! But don’t take it from me; a quick google search online will prompt you to hundreds of 5 star reviews from satisfied customers raving about their experience and how delicious their breakfast was. “Our experience at Ellie’s was definitely a great one,” says recent customer Gabriella H. “Sweet staff, amazing food and great prices. This will be our go to breakfast place from now on. The coffee was served quick and steaming, and it was delicious. They had some amazing specials. Our order was promptly taken after receiving our drinks. The food was absolutely scrumptious. Good family restaurants still exist!” “I had the eggs with Gyro meat…it was the best breakfast plate I have ever had,” says local food guide Wanda R. “The hospitality is very warming, the staff is sweet, this is an awesome family restaurant.” Don’t let the inconspicuous location keep you from coming in; Ellie’s got a old fashioned diner atmosphere and the best food and staff in the area. It is truly a wonderful place to enjoy a hearty homemade meal with your loved ones, without breaking the bank. “This is a great place for breakfast, but sometimes you can drive by and not notice it,” said recent customer Shane E. “But once inside you’ll be happy you did! The staff was excellent. The food was great. Prices are very reasonable.” Dino and his family acquired Ellie’s about three years ago from previous owners Tom and Ellie, ergo the name of this cozy American eatery! Tom and Ellie owned Ellie’s for many years and wanted to retire, but not before leaving their restaurant in the hands of people who were as family oriented as they were. When Tom and Ellie met Dino and his family, who moved to Tampa all the way from Philadelphia, they knew that their diner was going to be in great hands, and that the family principles and values would live on, as well as the delicious and affordable dishes.
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“Tasty Westchase diner that is very family friendly,” says recent customer Meghan B. “They have daily specials as well as a regular menu. The Greek inspired food also is a nice change of pace, especially if you’re like me and love gyros and feta cheese. We will definitely come back.” Since Dino took over Ellie’s a lot of things have remained the same. The name Ellie’s was a family staple so they held onto it, also because Ellie’s had a great reputation in town and people from the neighborhood knew the name and loved the place. “We also kept the back of the breakfast menu the same,” says Dino. “It depicts a lovely cartoon of Tom and Ellie, and it brings nostalgia. Also, a lot of our food items are named after the previous owners, and I would not have it any other way,” Dino added. “I am on a family vacation and staying nearby. I’ve been here twice this week and it’s excellent,” says out of town customer John S. “I had a corned beef hash and cheese omelet one day and then sausage, biscuits and gravy the next. Eat here. The prices are right.” Stopping by for lunch and not sure what to get? My suggestion: Ellie’s Philly Cheese Steak. It was pure perfection! It was warm, incredibly meaty and super cheesy… simply delicious! The big, warm hoagie roll was definitely a key factor in the wonderful taste of this sandwich. It was very fresh and moist from the sliced beefsteak juices. Each bite was better than the last, the remarkable mix of juicy steak, peppers, sautéed onions, mushrooms and the perfect amount of melted provolone cheese was to die for. Remember, Dino is from Philly, so he knows the secrets on how make a truly authentic and fantastic Philly Cheese steak sandwich. Locals and visitors from Philadelphia definitely agree! “Great diner style food. Don’t let the lack of atmosphere scare you off. This is a great place locals place. The wait staff is top notch. Just try the Philly cheese, one of the best I’ve found in the area. Food is always made to order and a great value,” says local regular Erik A. I am a foodie at heart and I like to try everything once, that’s why I love Ellie’s daily specials; listed online and on a board inside the restaurant, you get a long list of fresh and homemade options available that day. You can always add a soup or salad
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to any entree for $2.00. Most daily special entrees are less than $11.00 and the portions are HUGE. No other place can compare to the quality, taste and prices of Ellie’s. So there’s no need to go anywhere else! Don’t drive around wondering where to eat today, avoid spending money on greasy and expensive fast food chains. Do your taste buds and your wallet a favor and head to Ellie’s for the most mouth watering, homemade and affordable food in Tampa Bay. Ellie’s Restaurant is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00am till 2:30pm, and breakfast is served until 11:30am. On Saturday and Sunday they open at 7:00am till 2:30pm. Ellie’s Restaurant in located at 12008 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626. Visit www. elliestampa.com to see their daily specials.
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