Vol. 8, Issue 6, June 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
Overhead Door of Tampa Bay – A Local Small Business with National Recognition By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Though Overhead Door is a name that has national recognition and a legacy spanning 98 years from C.G. Johnson, inventor of the first overhead door and its name, Overhead Door of Tampa Bay is not a franchise. The family-owned and operated distribution company is a locally-owned small business and covers Hillsborough County and beyond. Based upon historic yellow page ads, Overhead Door of Tampa Bay began in
1950. In 1992, president and owner Bob Briesacher took over the business, and in 2004, he built the current 20,000 sq. Ft. warehouse location nestled at the end of Ann Ballard Road in Tampa to service residential and commercial clients. “We are locally-owned and nationally-supported, so you support a local business that has longevity when you work with us,” said Krystal Blais, marketing manager. “We’re here to help our customers.”
See “Overhead Door” on page 18
Yeager & Company Offers Customers Full Remodels of Kitchen and Bath By Deborah Bostock-Kelley The Yeager & Company’s signature red, white, and blue trucks are regularly seen throughout Tampa Bay. Experienced sales associates and contractors are driving to customers in need of the highest quality and largest selection of flooring; yet, Yeager & Company offer so much more than flooring expertise. Though the family-owned business is well known for their fivestar reviews for flooring installation, See “Yeager” on page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor: It’s Summer Time!..................5 A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay - A Bridge to Safety For Children..............................6-7 Summer Camps..............14-15 The Man and the Message, Rhythm and Blues Artist, Alex Harris......................16-17
“Yeager” continued from page 1 the quality craftmanship doesn’t stop there. Executive Vice-President Melanie Carter said, “We do more than just floors. We do kitchen and bathroom remodels as well.” Opened in 1944, this flourishing business, owned and operated by Jim Yeager and his wife Susan - Yeager & Company takes pride that their name is synonymous with quality craftsmanship, teamwork and designs to fit all size budgets. “We do full remodels and are expanding into being able to do full construction home additions – this year, as well,” said Melanie. Yeager & Company is recognized for their expert, friendly service, their integrity, exceptional craftsmanship, and superior products. As a certified state licensed general contractor, Yeager & Company provides every service you need for your remodeling project: cabinetry, doors, stairs, crown molding, baseboards and paint and they even provide popcorn ceiling removal and knockdown application for drywall finishing. Yeager also can work with insurance claims for water damage repair and assist with mold remediation. “As a general contractor, we can take care of all of the needs of a full-scale remodel,” she said. The company is proud to take the stress of having to deal with many different vendors out of customers’ hands. “We can do everything from getting the plumber in the home to do the cut and cap on the
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first day of demolition, setting up dust control, all of the tile work, cabinetry , all the way to getting final touches scheduled for frameless shower glass,” said Melanie. “All services are scheduled in-house using a combination of both preferred subcontractors as well as employees to complete the job. We can handle the job from start to finish.” Though Yeager & Company may not be the cheapest option in town, the quality of the work and the reputation that they’ve built over 75 years stands for itself. When they work in a customer’s home, they will do the work right. Yeager and Company is a Better Business Bureau accredited business with an A+ rating and recipient of 2007-2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award. “We go above and beyond, in many cases, of what the standard building code would require to be sure things are done as well as they can be considering industry standards,” she said. Customers get the satisfaction of working with a team that oversees the entire project and a company that stands behind the completed work. “You don’t have to be on the phone calling subcontractors. We handle all of that. The reputation that Jim has built over these many, many years is that when we come in and do a job, we do it right and we stand behind it. When it’s done, it’s a project that you are really proud of.” Whether clients have plans and a design in mind or need
BEFORE
AFTER
assistance with coming up with the perfect kitchen or bathroom concept, Yeager & Company’s expert team will help you create the remodel of their dreams. Melanie recommends when
choosing a general contractor that you do your research and take time to read reviews. It’s a relationship that is ongoing so be sure it’s the right fit for you. For customer convenience,
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BEFORE
free consultations can be scheduled on their website using an online calendar for Flooring and Remodeling appointments. Another reason Yeager & Company stands out from their competitors is their great number of repeat customers. Yeager & Company often has customers
who have work done on one home and when they move to another. “It makes us feel good that our customers don’t just use us one time, but use us on multiple projects,” she said. “People like that we’re family-run and the history that goes with that. The biggest thing that people take
AFTER
away from that is we’re not a flyby-night company. We’ve lasted through really difficult times in the economy and every year, we’re consistently growing and expanding. Call or book your online appointment with us today.” To arrange a Shop-At-Home appointment, call Yeager and
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Company, Inc. at 813-9182737 or 727-375-7813. Yeager and Company’s showroom is located at 2310 Success Drive in Odessa and is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.yeagerflooring.com for additional information.
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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
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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!
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The Man and the Message, Rhythm and Blues Artist, Alex Harris By Tom Bostock Another velvet-soft, soulful rhythm and blues single offering by locallybased talent, national recording star, (recently signed with the Orchard/ Cross the Line Music, a division of SONY Music Entertainment congratulations), actor, blues music icon, and song writer, Alex Harris, continues caressing the airways and his YouTube channel to the obvious delight of his many adoring fans, both local and world-wide, as it climbs to the top of the music charts. His latest song, another in a long series of chart-topping hits, is a plaintive, original, soul-searching ballad, “Make It Better,” written by Alex and a few of his talented fellow songwriter friends. Like his many other hits, “Make It Better” is as easy to relate to, as is to the man, Alex
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Harris and his message of hope. Not an overnight, instant sensation, Alex paid his dues on his way to stardom. In his early years, his family gospel chorus, A7, first traveled the country sharing their gospel message before crossing over into rhythm and blues. He credits his mother for stimulating his patience and compassion and his preacher father for his leadership; elements easily identifiable in the tapestry of his current work, “Make It Better.” In addition to his own gospel church background, and the encouragement of his family, Alex credits several other strong influences, mentors from his early years, singer/songwriters Michel Mathis, and Chris Willis with their influential assistance along his career path. He gives special recognition to Dr. Bobby Jones, whose long-running
radio and television shows, The Bobby Jones Gospel Radio Show and The Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown are the yardstick by which all other gospel shows are measured today. Asked about the style of his songs, Alex noted, in our recent interview, that, “I want to write something that raises the awareness of how much we need each other;” It is clearly present in the lyrics of his latest song. Each powerful line is an effort, as Alex says of the reason for not just this one but all of his songs, to answer one of the motivating questions in his life, how can he “lift humanity and bring out the positive energy that he sees in all of us, but has to be stimulated?” Very well, I think we would all agree. In response to a question about the best advice that he ever received when he was
first starting out, Alex related an incident that happened after he had been responsible for an on-campus extravaganza at the college he was attending, La Grange College in Georgia. It was the college chaplain that offered some sage, unsolicited advice that struck Alex with its simplicity and guides his career even today. “Don’t use the gift,” the chaplain offered, “let the gift use you.” Alex willingly offers the gift of his experience to the next generation of singer/songwriters; it is elegant in its simplicity. “Don’t really think that hard. Be who you are and be true to who you are. There is someone, somewhere waiting to hear your music. Stimulate the positive energy that we all have inside us.” Appalled by the conditions of under-served and overlooked children
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in a lower income area in St. Petersburg, Alex proved that what he sang about was more than just words. The same words of, as Alex said, “love, hope, healing and humanity” were realized as motivating forces, when, in 2012, with the help of his partner, Herbert Murphy, he did more than just stand idly by, as these “disadvantaged, underserved youth and teens” were lost to a life of futility and despair. Alex said that “you can’t love anyone else, if you can’t love yourself….” And love these kids, he did. The result of which Alex is both CEO and co-founder, ACT (Arts Conservatory for Teens),
in conjunction with the Pinellas School System, offers both before and after-school programs to disadvantaged youths (11 -18 years old). Its success is reflected in some outstanding statistics; 100% high school graduation where drop outs were rampant. Many of the children also went go on to attend college. To date, the organization has served over 2500 students! Alex the man, and Alex the performer are timely individuals who impact the world they live in every day. Through his selfless caring for his fellow man, expressed in both his world a better place. After actions and his music, he is all, Alex notes, “we are doing his part to make our all part of a universal eco
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system.” “Make It Better” is just another expression of that grand design.
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“Overhead Door”continued from page 1
Krystal said that there are so many competitors scamming clients that they are getting shut down throughout the country, being sued for malpractice. The business is proud that the image of the red ribbon labeled with Overhead Door brings peace of mind to its clients when they see it on the truck parked in the driveway. “We want to educate our customers on what things should cost, how the process should work and we are here to make sure your door works properly and is installed correctly the first time. We tell you the price up front. We don’t give you a quote and then add a bunch of hidden fees.” From the Hillsborough County Fire Department, Amalie Arena, to TECO, Duke Energy and Raymond James, long-term customers read like a Who’s Who of Tampa’s major organizations.
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“We love helping the community that helps us,” said Josh Briesacher, purchasing manager. “People don’t realize how much you can customize your door to fit your home or business.” With free estimates available, every door can be customized to client specifications. Such as insulated doors for energy savings can reduce electric cost. Door operators can even have a keyless entry that allows the home or business owner to open his door and monitor its use from a secure app on his cell phone. In the average home, the door goes up and down at least four times a day. The lifecycle of a garage door spring is typically 10k cycles but can last beyond ten years, depending upon use. The app monitors the usage so the customer can prep for when the spring needs to be replaced. Available for morning, day, and after-hours service, while a competitor may repair a single issue and merely wait for the client to call back for a new issue
and a new service call, the team at Overhead Door of Tampa Bay, will address all questions and advise the customer – whether it was part of the original service call or not. Although Overhead Door of Tampa Bay is best recognized for this superior and wide array of styles of residential and commercial doors, the company also provides a variety
of hurricane doors and shutters, access systems, HLVS fans, dock levelers and equipment, security grills, and they sell retail door operators and openers, and remotes. “Consults can be onsite, or telephone consults especially for service,” said Krystal “We take pride in making sure that our trucks are equipped and our techs are trained to handle
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anything and everything when they are onsite. Our guys are very resourceful; they’re problemsolvers – first and foremost.” Fully licensed and insured, each Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay team member is an employee of the company, trained to perform service calls, repairs, and installations; they do not outsource work and strictly adhere to all local building codes. Each member is background and security checked, as well as drug-
tested. Before the technician’s visit, an email containing a photo and bio is sent to the customer. Client safety is of the utmost importance to the company. “These people are going to your home. We want to give you that peace of mind. Our team is safe. Those emails go out before the technician goes out to your house,” said Krystal. Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay services all door products; they don’t have to be
products the customer purchased directly from them. “We want to be different than anyone else. We want to be your garage door people,” said Josh. “We’re not piece work, not on commission. There’s no quota our technicians have to meet. We’ve been around longer. We have more knowledge and experience, and we try to be fair, which is different than our competitors. We do the job correctly. We do our best.”
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Krystal added, “In theory, we don’t want to hear from our customers for a long time… then we know we did our job.” Overhead Door of Tampa Bay is located at 7701 Ann Ballard Road, Tampa, FL 33634 and is open MondayFriday 730a-430p. Discounts for military and veterans are available. For a free estimate call 813-885-3667 or to learn more visit https:// overheadtampa.com.
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It’s Summer Time! Summer is almost here, and so is the 90+ degree weather! Summer begins on Friday, June 21st and gives us 94 days in the season, ending Monday, September 23rd. In spite of the heat, the humidity, and those afternoon showers, Tampa Bay is full of amazing activities you can enjoy throughout the hot days of Summer. Here’s a list of activities you and your family, friends, and loved ones can enjoy during the Summer. 1.) Go to the beach - What better way to spend a weekend than soaking up the sun, drinking some Pina Coladas (If you’re over 21) and enjoying the beautiful beaches that Tampa Bay has to offer! The options are endless; you can visit Clearwater Beach, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, North Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille Brach, South Pasadena, or Tierra Verde amongst others. 2.) Go biking - a bike ride around your neighborhood, local park or a biking trail - Biking is a fun activity you can do with your whole family. Choose between the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in the northwest end of Hillsborough County near Memorial Highway in Westchase. Visit Flatwoods Park, located on Morris Bridge Road in Tampa. Test your endurance and bike across the Courtney Campbell Causeway trail. You can park for free at Cypress Point Park or Skyway Park, and ride your bike one way and then back again, taking in the beautiful water views and the city skyline all around you. 3.) Go kayaking or paddle boarding - Some of the best spots are; The Hillsborough River, Little Manatee River, Myakka River, Withlacoochee, and Rainbow Rivers, Suwannee River, Chassahowitzka River, Silver Springs, Caladesi Island, and Weedon Island Preserve. I personally recommend the Rainbow River because the water is crystal clear and at a constant low to mid 70s temperature, it’s a great way to cool off during the hot and humid Tampa Summer days. You can see turtles, fish and a variety of birds. It’s definitely a unique experience. If possible, try to visit during a weekday since it gets really crowded over the weekends. There are also several campground options available if you’re into sleeping under the stars. 4.) Visit a unique restaurant in the Tampa Bay area you have never tried before. Explore new
neighborhoods where you don’t normally eat at. Become inspired and get ideas from our hundreds of local advertisers; take advantage of their Summer Specials, offers, and coupons advertised on all editions of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. 5.) Visit Hyde Park Village - Set in Hyde Park’s stunning historic district with tree-lined streets and charming brick walkways, Hyde Park Village is an amazing place for on-street retail, local businesses (including a movie theatre) and awardwinning restaurants. Whether you visit during the day, or at night, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and happy. They also host local farmer’s markets on select dates, so visit www.hydeparkvillage.com for more information. 6.) Check out Busch Garden’s Summer Nights - As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens during Summer Nights from May 31 - August 11. Experience fireworks and thrilling rides like the all-new Tigris and dance the night away with live music and entertainment at different party zones throughout the park. 7.) Catch a famous Broadway play, opera, comedy show, concert or a variety of other fantastic events at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Visit www.strazcenter.org for more information and a list of upcoming events. 8.) Show your support for our local sports teams! Attend a Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Tampa Tarpons game, amongst others. 9.) Attend a concert at the Amalie Arena or the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Visit ticketmaster.com or amphitheatretampa.com for an updated list of upcoming shows and concerts. 10.) Visit a Museum -Recently Tampa Bay was awarded the honor of being one of the “Top Arts Destination” by American Style Magazine. Discover an eclectic collage of museums featuring the surreal masterworks of Salvador Dali to traveling Smithsonian Exhibitions. Get a group together and visit MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), the Tampa Bay History Center, the Henry B. Plant Museum, the Dali Museum, or the USF Contemporary Art Museum amongst many others. I hope that gives you enough options to choose from when you find yourself wondering what to do this Summer. Until next time,
Carla Selby.
A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay….. A Bridge to Safety For Children By Lisa Stephens Sometimes being a kid isn’t as simplistic as many of us recall. Unfortunately, some children experience life situations that conclude with them being placed in an environment away from their initial home. Fortunately, there are places like A Kid’s Place that will take in these children who desperately need a loving environment in which they can be understood and well taken of. A Kid’s Place is a non-profit organization that provides refuge for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
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A Loving Place For Kids in Need
The mission of A Kid’s Place is to provide a safe, loving and nurturing home for foster children or children who have been removed from their home due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. They certainly do that and more! Development Director Samantha Mellen explained the average length of stay for children at A Kid’s Place is approximately six months. “I love working with the children and seeing them have the opportunity to be a child,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see our community come together and help those in need.” This unique 60-bed facility houses
Through the Looking Glass “Fostering Hope” Black Tie Gala children ranging in age from newborns to those about to “age out” of the foster care program once they reach 18 years of age. Nestled upon 5 acres
of land in Brandon, this facility offers children a home-like environment in a neighborhood setting. Their in-house parent model provides children
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with consistent caregivers. When possible, residents are housed with their siblings. Brothers and sisters are allowed to be placed together to encounter the healing process in the presence of one another. Therapy, dental and educational services are provided on site. Prekindergarten and toddler programs are also offered as well. At A Kid’s Place, children don’t have to be transported offsite to receive these crucial services. They’re all available to them in the familiar space of A Kid’s Place. The goal of A Kid’s Place is to be the supportive bridge to children between where they’ve come from and where their next best home can be. That next best home might be with relatives, a foster home or reunification with family when the timing is right for that. Or possibly adoption. Whatever the case, children placed at A Kid’s Place will enjoy a safe and loving environment until their next home is determined.
Helping One Child at A Time
The services provided to children residing at A Kid’s Place are second to none! They aim to meet the social, educational, medical and psychological needs of
each child there. Well-child exams, immunizations and minor illness treatments are provided to residents of A Kid’s Place. Dental cleanings and evaluations are provided by Suncoast Dental. Bay Area Behavioral Services provides counseling services to children in need of healing from past trauma. Educational services are also provided to those children in need of help to catch up with grade level classmates. To gain skills for future independent living, a program is also offered for residents 13 years and older. Combined with their Youth in Action program, teens are
prepared to learn and grow in a safe environment.
How You Can Help…….
How is all this made possible? Fundraising is key to the success of A Kid’s Place. There are several annual events held that have become community favorite events. Their Annual Golf Classic is held every October. Get your group together now to enjoy this fun event! This is held each year at the prestigious Avila Golf and Country Club and features hole contests, prizes and auctions! Their Home is Where the Heart Is Holiday Stroll takes place each December. This event features South Tampa residents welcoming guests into their homes for an enchanting evening of holiday merriment, music, food and festivities! This is an even you surely want to watch for to put on your calendar for holiday fun! Another annual event that has become a community favorite is their Fostering Hope Black Tie Gala. Held in February, this black tie affair features a VIP
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
reception, live entertainment, dinner and silent and live auctions featuring spectacular prizes! Want to hold your own fundraiser for A Kid’s Place? You can do it! Contact Samantha at smellen@ akidsplacetb.org or call her at 813-381-3839. If you’d rather give your time instead of attending a fundraising event, you can do that as well! Samantha said, “You can volunteer on campus in our donation room, kitchen or at the front desk.” Volunteers help plan and execute their signature events and also participate during their holiday gift drive which takes place throughout the year. If you have a little time on your hands, call them today to see how you can help! A Kids Place of Tampa Bay is located at 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon. Call 813-3813839 today to find out how you can help or find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Visit their website at www.akidsplace.com.
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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
JUNE 2019 9