Vol. 9, Issue 11, November 2020
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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
MOTHER’S RESTAURANT — CELEBRATING 4 YEARS OF BRINGING FOOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOGETHER
By Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi
Mother’s Restaurant, an innovative “scratch kitchen” concept from owners and business partners Joel Olinski and Brad Spoor, featuring twists on all “mom’s classic recipes,” recently celebrated their 4th anniversary against all odds. From small mom-andpop diners to giant chains, all have experienced first-hand the negative impact of what the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the nation’s restaurant industry. Many have been forced to shut their doors, leaving many families unemployed and out of business. Fortunately, the Tampa Bay community has come together to show their support for the
elevated Southern Comfort Westchase restaurant that “honors all Mothers.” “It’s been heartwarming to see our community—both loyal and new customers— support us in these trying times, especially when we’re all collectively struggling,” says Joel. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the incredible support we’ve received from the Tampa Bay community during these unprecedented times. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you, in the name of all of us at Mother’s Restaurant, for keeping us in business, for trusting us, and for allowing us to continue to serve you and your loved ones during one of the hardest times we’ve experienced since our opening. We’re very grateful
for every one of you.” Mother’s Restaurant is currently operating at 100% capacity, with extra outdoor seating in the patio, hand sanitizing stations in every table, and a dedicated and caring staff that wears masks all day and properly sanitizes each table after every customer. “We’re also using a spraying disinfecting fogger daily to ensure the safety of our staff and our customers,” added Joel. Knowing you can enjoy a fresh and delicious meal in a See “Mother’s” on page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor.....................5 Tech Talk with Bob.................6-7 SAT/ACT Improvement......8-9 Bucs Youth Leadership.....12-13
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What if you woke up today with only the things you thank God for yesterday?
You don’t have to be a religious person to be thankful for all the things you’ve been blessed with. In many spiritual traditions, prayers of gratitude are considered the most powerful form of prayer. Through these prayers, people recognize the ultimate source of all they are all they will ever be. Feeling thankful can improve your health in both direct and indirect ways. Some research shows that the experience of gratitude can induce a sense of happiness and relaxation, which in turn improves the immune system, and decreases blood pressure! This November, let’s all vow to count our blessings each day. If you have kids, they should always be one of the reasons to feel thankful for daily. When you see them running around the house giggling, remember that joy, and take it all in, and thank whichever God or higher power you believe in that you have little bundles of joy that keep you on your toes and keep you going. Work on establishing a daily “thankfulness” routine in which you remind yourself of the gifts, benefits, and good things you enjoy and focus less on what you lack or what’s causing you stress. Try to consider simple things like the last time you enjoyed a homemade meal or had a great cup of coffee—did you pay attention to all the flavors or the feelings of pleasure as you took the first bite or first sip? It’s easy to ignore such small moments of positivity in our lives as we’re currently living in a constant state of panic and anxiety, but stopping to appreciate the simple pleasures makes them even more powerful. Practicing gratitude can also make you better equipped to handle difficult situations in your life, which naturally and inevitably arise, especially this year. My family and I have tragically lost not one, or two, not even three, but actually 6 close friends and relatives to COVID-19. We are also going through a tough financial situation, and to makes things harder, my health has retaken a bad turn with Lyme disease and Graves disease, but
I try to remain positive and smile through the pain. What are some things that make me feel personally thankful? A genuine smile from my little nephew, a long and warm hug from my mother, baking pumpkin bread with my sister, funny memes sent by a friend, cuddling with my cats while watching a romantic comedy…little things like that are what keeps me going these days. Setting aside a couple of minutes a day to recall moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, your personal achievements, or all the amazing people you have in your life gives you the potential to live a more positive life with a true sense of gratefulness. Find yourself tethered to your cell phone or the internet for hours each day? Harness the power of this technology to send out some good vibes, such as a text or Facebook comment. Tell your followers, friends, and relatives who much you love and appreciate them. Into funny inspirational messages? I know I am! Why not share or write a daily gratefulness post? It might be cheesy but helpful! Words are compelling, and the more we remind ourselves of the good, the less we focus on the negative. If you find yourself struggling to come up with reasons to feel grateful for, why not try putting yourself in the shoes of someone less fortunate? I know we shouldn’t even compare our current situation with anyone else’s, but that’s not the point. Recalling someone who may have a debilitating physical condition, for example, may inspire gratitude for your own healthy body, which you may have taken for granted otherwise. Lately, with the limited use of my left arm, I still feel thankful that the right one is strong and able to type these words for you to read. With all that said, I am truly thankful for each one of you! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to our readers and advertisers for your loyalty and readership; I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your plates and hearts always be full! Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.
Tech Talk with Bob: CORONAVIRUS CYBER CRIME Leave it to society’s lowest form of dirtbags to take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. The Coronavirus Pandemic has given cyber criminals yet another platform in which they can snatch your money and contaminate your computer with dangerous malware leaving it in a precarious state. My friends, I urge you to be on the lookout for these cyber scams. It is not my intent to frighten you but rather to make you more vigilant and aware of steps you can take to protect yourself
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and the people you care about. The COVID-19 outbreak will certainly increase cyber criminals’ email phishing campaigns in the coming months. As you spend more time at home you will probably be spending more time online. While online, please, be wary of any links you click. There may be coronavirus computer attacks poised for attack in your email’s inbox right now. It’s just a matter of whether you will click the link or delete the email. with in regard to how I’ll bet you are getting they are reacting to this emails from many of pandemic. Especially the companies you deal
watch out for the emails you may receive from companies you DO NOT
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do business with. If you get an email from a bank you have never done business with, beware. Why would they send you an email? You may also be getting emails from helpful friends and family that may include links to news stories, medical information and so forth. Emails made to look like they come from credible companies, organizations, and other familiar entities can be spoofed (faked) to look like they came from a trusted source. Embedded in these phishing emails might be links offering to connect you to another website with more information.
Please think twice before you click that link. If for any reason you are not sure you can trust the link, then do not click it. We have the ability to provide support without needing to send an IT Specialist out to your home or office. We can safely remote access your computer to perform most repairs. We can also remotely perform complete scans for viruses and other malware issues. So if you think you have malware, we can scan for it remotely from our location to yours. So, during this pandemic, we can still provide technical support to you over your phone
and internet connection. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility, but you do not have to do it all yourself. We’re here to help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally
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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. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: PSAT/SAT/ACT BLUES AND GOOD NEWS
By Dr. Wayne Adams
About this time each year, I receive many calls from parents and students about what I call the “PSAT/SAT/ACT Blues”. The cause is that a strong student, often in IB, multiple AP classes, or dual enrolled, did not score at the level expected on the PSAT, SAT, OR ACT in October. The inevitable questions are “Why”, and “What can we do about it?” THREE MAJOR REASONS STRONG STUDENTS DON’T SCORE WELL In my experience tutoring SAT and ACT over the years, there are three major reasons. Reason #1: Most high school students lack key fundamentals such as having had phonics, grammar, “recall” vocabulary, critical thinking, and the mathematics needed to do well on these exams. Without the ability to pronounce words, students avoid them or forget
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the definitions quickly. Most students cannot write a topic sentence, support an argument logically with reasons other than personal experience, and often are not able to correctly use basic punctuation such as commas and semicolons. Reason #2: Educational directions in most high schools do not match what is required to do well on the SAT and ACT. Pre-calculus, most geometry, and most algebra courses poorly prepare for these exams. Recently, I tutored a 7th grader who had not had algebra or geometry. His baseline score as we started was 375. When he took the actual ACT exam, he scored very close to a 600 in math. Writing essays in high school are often an exercise in how long a sentence or a paragraph can be, thinking this shows academic achievement. In fact, it shows an inability to focus thoughts, to structure a clear argument, to use topic sentences supported by logical
and memorable sentences, and to build a coherent conclusion that leaves a reader wanting “more”. Yet this is what is required for the SAT and ACT essays. Reason #3: Most Prep Classes in high school are woefully inadequate. Recently, I learned that a leading private high school used the worst SAT prep book on the market today and the students were bored to death. In other words, prep classes are seen as “fluff” breaks between the real “academic” work at school … yet the SAT and ACT results often have more impact on students’ future (admissions and scholarships) than most classes in high school. WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT The Good News: I consistently find that students respond incredibly well and improve when they become both teacher and student as in a college seminar at the junior or senior level where I am their coach. My role is to quickly help
them determine where they need to work and to be a resource as they progress. Lecturing is no substitute for determining a student’s baseline level and then structuring their learning around their needs. It very satisfying to see their motivations soar when their perspective changes from “Can I do this?” to “I can do this well.” and then to “Let me show you how well I can do.” They discover that real competition is internal and - when they do their best - external results take care of themselves. Learning the strategies often result in comments like, “Cool” and “That makes it a lot easier”. More important, they learn how to “learn for a lifetime”. REWARDING COMMENTS Working with a senior athlete for the past several months, it was great when she told me, “I have been offered a $32,000/year academic scholarship at a great school and they also want to offer more on the athletic side.”
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“I just got news that I have been early-accepted to my dream school, Princeton.” “Dr. A., thank so much for helping me with my college application essay. Your changes and additions, not to mention cutting its length, were incredible. Thank you!” “Our family is working together through your book How To Survive And Thrive As A New Freshman At A Secular University. Things have changed a lot since we went to college. Thanks for helping us prepare for what is coming soon.” If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 or send me an e mail 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, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 8 of
the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Naval - Air Force - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. This year, he also tutored three juniors who scored at the national merit finalist/semi-finalist levels on the most recent PSAT. 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.
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Mother’s - continued from page 1
safe and friendly atmosphere means so much these days. So if you’ve wanted to leave the house for a bit to enjoy a romantic dinner or a fun-family-feast, Mother’s is the place for you. Walk-ins are always welcomed, but reservations are highly encouraged, especially these days. Mother’s rotating menu never ceases to amaze me. The chef’s creativity in coming up with all these weekly delicious creations using fresh seasonal ingredients is truly remarkable, and something worth experiencing regularly. “We like to rotate the menu yearly. From Chicken Pot Pies to Mac and Cheese Bites—everything that brings you back to your childhood and what your mother would make at home. I wanted to bring something to Westchase that was a one-stop-shop.
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Good for families with children, and good for adults.” Don’t let the words “Southern Comfort” fool you into thinking there are only high-carb dishes at this neighborhood gem. Mother’s Restaurant offers an incredible selection of homemade healthy dishes, fresh salads, soups, flatbreads, sandwiches, and low-calorie entrees, as well as a wide selection of Gluten-free and Vegan dishes for people with dietary restrictions. Chef Colin Hanik and Joel explained that up to 70% of the menu could be customized and made gluten-free, including their incredible pasta dishes. “We cater to every diet,” says Joel. “We can cook something for everyone; once you’re here, you will not leave hungry.” Recently, Mother’s has launched a “Rock-and-Roll Wednesday” experience, as part of their original
ideas created with your suggestions in mind. Bring your love interest, family, friends, or coworkers and enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious Sushi rolls in town, and of course, some live music every Wednesday! “There’s a new sushi menu every week, based on the freshest ingredients available,” says Joel. “We’re also offering
Vegan Sushi, which has become a popular option, attracting a demanding clientele from all over Tampa Bay. We’ve had customers come to see us all the way from Valrico and Clearwater to try our Vegan sushi options.” If you have a specific roll in mind, “We will attempt to make it Vegan for you,” says Sous Chef Colin Hanik.
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“We aim to please and will be happy to come up with a roll that meets your dietary restrictions and satisfies your cravings.” I was able to try several of their outstanding sushi rolls during my visit, and they were all as unique as they were delicious! I highly recommend their filet mignon roll. Yummy! Unique Cocktails, Drinks and Real “House” Wines When you are a jet-set world-renowned mixologist, it only makes sense that Joel’s bar boasts some of the most unique and exquisite cocktails and drinks — from wine and craft beer to house wine on tap and creative poptinis, my personal favorite is the “Mother Fudger,” give it a try, you’ll not be disappointed. Mother’s drink menu is handcrafted, and it includes cocktails with the finest
ingredients combined in the most innovative ways. Some exceptional curious combinations with fun names include the Drunk Piggy and Lil Island Mama. “We’ve also started bottling our own wines,” says Joel. “We’re now proudly offering and selling ’Mother’s wines and Sangrias,’ by the bottle, including a deliciously smooth Cabernet, a Pinot Noir, a Pinot Grigio, a Sauvignon Blanc, and our very own Sangria.” On Thursdays, most bottles of wines are half off! Whether you want to try Mother’s very own house wines, or a fancier bottle you’ve heard about but don’t want to pay full retail price for, Thursdays are the best days for you to experience a taste you’ve been craving at a more affordable price. Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy - Your Mother
Will Thank You! What best way to truly show appreciation to our mothers than giving them a day off from all the extensive cooking and cleaning this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday? “Mother’s Thanksgiving Feast” is crafted with all Mothers in mind, and it includes delectable options like; Sliced turkey breast, turkey dark meat, broccoli and carrots, sweet potato mash, mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey gravy, fresh rolls, and pumpkin pie amongst many other add ons you can request! All boxed feasts serve 8-10 people and come with a FREE bottle of Mother’s Wine or Sangria. Call to pre-order your feast right now until November 22nd.
Happy Hour Weekdays 11:00am - 7:00pm Enjoy domestic drafts for $3, poptinis for $5, house wines for $5, and several premium spirits for $4. Select food specials are also available and rotate weekly. Mother’s Catering & Special Events Hosting a special event or holiday function? Let Mother’s take care of the food and drinks with her top-notch quality catering services. Many available on their website. If you’re looking for a place to host your next Holiday Party, look no further. Mother’s Patio can be booked for any private event.
Mother’s Restaurant is located at 12227 W Brunch Like a Mother! Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, Mother’s homemade FL 33626. Reservations brunch is available Saturday are not mandatory and Sundays from 10:00 but encouraged. am to 2:00 pm. Offering Visit mothersfl.com for delectable food options and more information or call unlimited Bloody Marys, 813-814-1533. Make sure Mimosas, or their Red or you like them on Facebook White Sangrias for only at https://www.facebook. $13.99, you’d want to have com/MothersFL/ and your next Brunch date at follow them on Instagram Mother’s! @motherswestchase.
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BUCCANEERS SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IN TAMPA Joint Effort Between Buccaneers Players and Staff to Uplift Youth Through Mentorships, After-School Support and Community Events Today, as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Social Justice Initiative, the team launched the Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program, a first-ofits-kind commitment to provide support to students at Young Middle Magnet School in East Tampa. The announcement was accompanied by a video released by the Buccaneers including personal testimonies from cornerback and Social Justice Player Board member Carlton Davis and Young Middle Magnet School Principal Dr. Henrissa Berry on current social inequities and the program’s goal to help bridge the gap for East Tampa students. The video may be viewed at https://
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twitter.com/Buccaneers/ status/1318537461174251520. Launched in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Safe & Sound Hillsborough and City of Tampa Parks & Recreation, the program includes a comprehensive effort by the Buccaneers to engage with families in East Tampa through unique player and staff mentorships, leadership development and community outreach opportunities. It is a new component of the team’s Social Justice Initiative, created in 2018 with a $1,000,000 commitment by the Glazer family to break down barriers to racial and social equality.
“The Buccaneers are dedicated to creating positive change in our community, and that begins with our youth,” said Buccaneers Co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “We want to provide students with the tools necessary to unlock their potential and achieve their goals. I am proud of this commitment from our players and staff to establish meaningful relationships and help empower Tampa Bay’s next generation of leaders.” A joint effort between Buccaneers players and staff, the Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program includes a commitment from players and 25 staff members to serve as mentors for 25 Young Middle
Magnet students. Young Middle Magnet, a Creative Science Centre in the heart of East Tampa, is a Title I school that specializes in hands-on learning through its STEM curriculum. Student mentees, ranging sixth, seventh and eighth grades, were identified by the school and matched with Buccaneers mentors who represent nearly every field throughout the organization, including scouting, football operations, sales, marketing and digital media. Developing consistent, long-term relationships with Tampa Bay youths was a goal identified this year by the Buccaneers Social Justice Player Board, comprised of cornerback
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Carlton Davis, guard Ali Marpet, punter Bradley Pinion and tackle Donovan Smith. The Board helps spearhead important conversation and team engagement in social justice causes throughout the NFL and the Tampa Bay community. “For over two years, the team’s Social Justice Initiative has helped us learn more about the variety of issues that are at the root of systemic injustice,” said Marpet. “We want to apply this understanding by building relationships with Tampa Bay youth that will help inspire these students, as well as everyone involved, to be stronger leaders.” “The impact that a mentor can have on someone’s life, it’s life-changing,” said Davis. “We’re excited to kick off this program as a Bucs family – all of us together – to create that change by being a positive influence with these students.” Beginning this week and continuing twice a month throughout the school year, players and staff will lead group workshops aimed at empowering the mentees to become leaders in their school and community. The virtual workshops will be moderated by Safe & Sound Hillsborough, a local non-profit dedicated to building strong families, safe schools and healthy neighborhoods, with a focus on areas where social problems have accumulated.
“This initiative will provide a unique growth experience not only for the students, but the mentors themselves,” said Safe & Sound Hillsborough Executive Director Freddy Barton. “As we explore topics such as social justice, policymaking and service to others, all participants will be able to share their experiences and work together for a common goal…to help develop and support our future leaders.” A full-time Program Success Coach from Hillsborough Education Foundation will monitor attendance, academics, behavior and extra-curricular involvement while providing communication support between the mentors, students and parents. Each mentee will receive a variety of resources to support their academic needs, including a Buccaneers backpack, a mobile hotspot, school supplies and team gear. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, workshop sessions this year will be virtual. “We are grateful for the
Buccaneers’ partnership to help build equity in education by providing guidance and support to at-risk students in our community. This leadership program will give mentees the tools and resources they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. In addition to group workshops, mentors and mentees will connect for a oneon-one session at least once a month. Studies have shown that students with a mentor are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs, 52% less likely to skip a day of school, 55% more likely to enroll in college, and 81% more likely to participate in extra-curricular activities. “Mentors are gamechangers for our children,” said Addison Davis, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools. “We know these lasting relationships help to build self-esteem and bonds that continue throughout their educational journeys. We are grateful for community partners like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who repeatedly step up to show our students how much they care.” As additional support to students and families throughout the surrounding neighborhood, more than a dozen Buccaneers staff will participate in monthly afterschool programs at three local community centers to
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assist with tutoring, athletics, activities in arts and technology and group discussions. In collaboration with City of Tampa Parks and Recreation, Buccaneers staff will also conduct community events in the East Tampa area, beginning the week of October 26 at Oak Park Community Center for the Buccaneers annual “Day of Service” supported by Jabil. “The City of Tampa is no doubt a sports town and it’s initiatives like these that really influence the next generation for the better,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “As a former athlete myself, I can’t tell you how important the mentorship of those who came before me played in my life. Thank you to the Glazers for your continued commitment to our great community.” Youth empowerment, police relations, criminal justice reform and workforce development have been focal points of the team’s Social Justice Initiative, which supports year-round player efforts dedicated to achieving social justice through purposeful dialogue and impactful programs that effect positive change in the community. This fall, the team has also launched BucsVote, a team campaign encouraging voter participation and civic engagement. For more information, contact Allen Barrett (abarrett@ buccaneers.nfl.com).
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