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Volume 18 Issue 6

WESLEY CHAPEL Inside:

‘Night Of 5000’ Preview!

March 13, 2010

NEWS

See page 23!

The Direct-Mail Newspaper Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge • Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • West Meadows

Interstate Construction Keeping Drivers On Their Toes By Michael Smith We’ve been getting quite a few inquiries from local residents and business owners asking about all the highway construction work that’s been going on between the junction of I-75 and I-275 and the S.R. 56 interchange. Well, here’s the scoop: Most of the work that people are seeing in that area is related to the construction of new ramps for northbound drivers on both highways who are exiting the interstate at S.R. 56. According to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesman John McShaffrey, the new ramps, which will be almost a mile long, will allow drivers who plan to exit the interstate at S.R. 56 to do so well before they reach the busy interchange. The new northbound I-275 exit ramp will cross over I-75, while I-75 will be widened and resurfaced, and will include a new bridge over Cypress Creek that will accommodate traffic exiting onto S.R. 56. The $29.9 million project also includes the construction of huge new

drainage ponds in the area where the two interstates pass underneath County Line Rd., which are required not only for this project, but also for the eventual widening of I-75 itself. In fact, McShaffrey says that the ramp project actually was originally a component of the widening project, but, since the widening of I-75 from Fowler Ave. all the way up to S.R. 52 is now on hold (at least for the immediate future), because of a lack of funding, FDOT planners last October decided to move forward with the ramp project, which is expected to be finished by the summer of 2012. “It was pulled out of the widening project for two reasons,” McShaffrey says. “One, because we can afford it now, and two, because it will provide a tremendous benefit to motorists.” As anyone who regularly uses the S.R. 56 interchange knows, that area has been difficult to traverse ever since it opened in 2002, but even more so recently, with the influx of new residential communities and businesses all along the S.R. 56 corridor. Motorists

By summer 2012, drivers reaching the apex of I-75 and I-275 will no longer have to cross over multiple lanes of traffic to get to or around the S.R. 56 exit ramp. coming north on I-275 have had to will be taken out of the mix of ongoing attempt to cross two or three lanes of traffic,” he says. traffic coming north on I-75 in order to According to the most recent trafget [all the way to the right] to the S.R fic studies, which were conducted in 56 exit on the east side of the highway, 2008, there were 119,000 vehicles per all while northbound motorists coming day on the stretch of I-75 between the on I-75 had to fight through that traffic I-275 exit and the S.R. 56 exit (both in order to continue on their way past northbound and southbound), with the exit. The new ramps will eliminate about 22,500 of those accessing the all that merging and confusion, offramp at S.R. 56 from northbound IMcShaffrey says. 75. The congestion at the interchange “Once the (ramp) project is comSee “Construction” on page 6. plete, every motorist exiting to S.R. 56

Sheriff White Reports That Pasco’s Crime Rate Dropped In 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Meet State House Candidate Elena McCullough, High School Winter Sports Wrap-Up & More!

Night Of 5000 To Benefit Young Burn Victims, Neighborhood Nibbles & Much More!

See pages 3-22!

See pages 23-36!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES

were even more impressive, considering that even though the county’s population rose once again last year, the per capita number of crimes decreased. “These numbers indicate that the deputies of Pasco County are hard at work fighting crime in the county,” Sheriff White said. “When we look at crime statistics, we look at the trend, and these numbers show that overall, crime is trending downward.” According to PCSO spokesman Doug Tobin, there were a number of See “News Briefs” on page 8.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

(down 6.4 percent); burglary (down 5.7 percent); larceny (down 7.7 percent); and motor vehicle theft (down 21.5 percent). Robbery (7.3-percent higher) was the only categoSheriff Bob ry that increased White from ‘08. Overall, White said, the total number of reported crimes in the county decreased by 7.8 percent, including a 3.6-percent decrease in violent crimes and an 8.2-percent decrease in non-violent crimes. White noted that ‘09 was the second consecutive year that the county’s violent crime index had decreased, and said that the numbers

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Pasco County Sheriff Bob White held an impromptu press conference on February 26 to announce that crime in the unincorporated areas of the county (which includes Wesley Chapel) dropped by nearly 8 percent in 2009, when compared with 2008.

According to the statistics, the number of crimes in six of the seven categories that are tracked by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation dropped in 2009. Those categories include: murder (which was down 50 percent); forcible sex offenses

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Two New Tampa Events For Wesley Chapel Folks Despite my best efforts, it’s not always possible for me to gear my Wesley Chapel editorial for Wesley Chapel readers only and this column is no exception. There are a couple of events taking place in New Tampa that are open to residents of Wesley Chapel and promise anyone who attends a great time for a great cause.

Deacon Blues To Play A 2nd Benefit Concert At St. Andy

In February, the Deacon Blues Band (yes, the group that used to have me as a member) staged a successful concert at The Palms Lounge at Peabody’s in Tampa Palms attended by more than 100 people and raised more than $1,000 for Haiti. Well, the Deacon Blues are at it again, putting on a special benefit concert at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Circle, off Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa Palms) on Friday, March 12. The concert is open to adults 21 and older only, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Tickets cost $15 per person, but are limited to 100 tickets on a firstcome, first-served basis. Deacon Bluesers Dr. Tracy Sanson and her husband, Dr. Kelly O’Keefe, are both emergency room doctors who plan to use the money Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483

Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondent Melissa O’Brien

Advertising Customer Service Managers Nikki Bennett • David Zacharia Art Director Billing Manager Tony Sica Ashley Knoblach Office & Marketing Assistant Karen Glenn

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 8, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Friday, March 19, 2010. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager raised from both shows to purchase medical supplies and make sure they get into the proper hands in Haiti. For more information, call 9073057 or visit SaintAndy.com.

Pig Roast To Rock St. Mark’s Church March 21

New Tampa’s Noon, Evening and Breakfast Rotary Clubs (which meet Wednesdays at noon at There will be lots of food Circles New and cash prizes again at Tampa Bistro, Thursday the New Tampa Rotary evenings at Pig Roast! Hunter’s Green Country Club and Friday mornings at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, respectively) will all team up for the first time to present the New Tampa Rotary Pig Roast at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd. on Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.. You can expect even more teams roasting delicious pigs (with all of the trimmings), with lots of cash prizes (totalling $5,000), plus free beer, wine and soft drinks, live music provided by local photographer Bob Thompson of Thompson Studios and as always, a fun family atmosphere. To sponsor or volunteer, or for tickets, which cost $25 each, call our office at 910-2575.

Table of Contents NEWS UPDATES...................................Pages 1-11 Elena McCullough Set To Challenge Weatherford...........4 Construction (cont. from Page 1).....................................6 News Briefs (cont. from Page 1)..................................8 Man Charged In Rental Scheme, 2005 Shooting Remains Unsolved Lawsuit Challenges New Tampa Blvd. Extension..............9 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar...................10-11 BUSINESS UPDATES...................................13-17 West Coast Financial Group On Roth IRAs....................13 Dentist Lou Cerillo & Skin Solutions........................14-15 Coulter, Aviles & Jackson, CPAs.....................................17 EDUCATION UPDATES....................................18 Seven Oaks Elem. Students Raise Money For Haiti, WRH To Hold Practice ACT, WCE Students Support Animal Rescue Group LOCAL SPORTS UPDATES..............................20 Ben Alford Named As New WCH Football Coach; Winter Sports Wrap-Up; Miraglia Pitches Shut-Out

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

Night Of 5000 To Benefit Young Burn Victims..23,26 John Knox Village Offers Affordable Care......................24 ‘Baby Share’ Showers Moms With Gifts.........................28 Neighborhood Nibbles...................................................33

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Elena McCullough To Challenge Weatherford For Dist. 61 Seat By Gary Nager The first time I met Wesley Chapel resident Elena McCullough, she was neither a community activist nor a candidate for a seat on the State legislature. She was a fairly typical youth football mom who drove her son Carlos to and from (and actually watched) his practices with the New Tampa Wildcats. I was providing a similar chauffeur service for my son Jared, who became close with Carlos while both were running backs for the then-fledgling Wildcats program. Flash forward about a decade. The activist who created the Wesley Chapel Community for Change organization to try to garner support for the election of U.S. President Barack Obama in Republican-dominated Pasco County kept hearing that she could and perhaps should be doing even more to help the people in her own community. Although she says some of her closest friends think she’s “just maybe a little crazy” for not just living her comfortable life with her husband Ray and their children Carlos and Corina, Elena says she was just “so inspired” by Obama’s triumph that she decided to challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Wesley Chapel resident Will

Weatherford for the District 61 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. It doesn’t appear that either McCullough nor Weatherford will face a primary election opponent in September, so unless something changes between now and then, the two will vie for Weatherford’s seat, which includes all of Wesley Chapel as well as most of “Northeast” New Tampa (Live Oak Preserve, Pebble Creek, Cross Creek, Hunter’s Green, etc.) in November’s “midterm” elections. Weatherford, himself a former Land O’Lakes High football star and the brother of former Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford, definitely has the better-known name in the area. He also is a personable rising star among Florida’s Republicans who already has $200,000+ in his campaign coffers and who is in line, if he wins in November, to possibly become Speaker of the Florida House in 2012. But, none of that matters to McCullough, who was born in the Dominican Republic at age 16, but didn’t learn to read and write English fluently until two years later. She became a U.S. Citizen at 18 and right away joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where she spent 24 years total, the last ten as an officer.

“The thing I liked about the Coast Guard,” she says, “was that you advanced and succeeded based on your effort and merit. It didn’t matter that I was a woman or originally from another country. All that mattered was that I strived to be my very best and my [commanding officers] took notice of me.” Alison Berke Morano (left), the president of the Pasco She says she believes Democratic Executive Committee, came to the party that the State Legislature officially announcing the candidacy of Wesley Chapel has “continually moved resident Elena McCullough for the Dist. 61 State in the wrong direction” House seat currently occupied by Will Weatherford. and vows to make people and help improve graduation rates. her top priority. “My Number One She also says she hopes to work to focus will be on trying to bring jobs repeal the recent increases in taxes on back to our community,” she says. “I middle class families that have been have no ties to any special interest “disguised as fees,” including hunting, groups because the people of my Disfishing and driver’s licenses and vehicle trict and this state in general are my registration fees, something Weatherspecial interest.” ford voted for because, she says, “It She adds that, “Education is the key to success,” she says. “If we proper- seems to me he always votes with his ly educate our children, we CAN move party leadership, whereas I will always vote with my heart and my head.” mountains.” For more information about She says she understands that she’s Elena McCullough, call 516-6619 not running for an education position, or visit ElenaMcCullough.com. We but she promises to work hard to hope to interview Will Weatherford secure more resources for our schools in a future issue before the election.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Construction”

Continued from page 1 is especially bad, however, during the morning and evening rush hours.

Bridge Project At SR 54 Ahead Of Schedule

Meanwhile, just one exit north of all that construction, work continues on the project to build new bridges for I-75 over S.R. 54. That $33 million project, which is necessary to accommodate the future widening of both the interstate and of S.R. 54, is ahead of schedule, McShaffrey says, and is well on track to be completed by the fall. That should be good news for motorists, who have had to get used to nightly lane closures on S.R. 54 and lane changes on the interstate throughout the construction process. The bad news is, those closures will continue, but notices of upcoming detours and closures are posted on electronic signs around the construction area and on the internet at MyTBI.com. “It has been a process of shifting traffic back and forth (on the interstate),” McShaffrey says. “Vehicles were switched to the inside, originally,

Looking south from County Line Rd., the new I-75 ramp is taking shape. but we’re getting ready to switch them onto the new bridges within the next month.” He adds that FDOT has been getting some complaints from drivers who say that the entrance ramps from S.R. 54 onto the interstate are now too short, but he says that they had to be shortened in order to accommodate the improvements to the interchange. “People just have to realize that they aren’t going to get a free flow onto the interstate all the time,” he says. “But, that’s why there are ‘Yield’ signs there, because drivers entering the freeway have to yield to the through traffic, and they may even have to come to a complete stop.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“News Briefs”

Continued from page 1 things that contributed to the decline in Pasco’s crime rates. One was Sheriff White’s initiative to reorganize the department, changing the way deputies patrolled the county last year. Tobin says that in December 2008, White called upon the department’s computer section to analyze the patrols, the number of calls received in each area of the county, response times and the time of service for each call. Using that data, White then “redistricted” the patrol deputies, breaking the county up into three zones — west, east & southwest — and added more patrol units in the areas that needed them most. He also assigned some units to patrol in specific areas of the county all the time, which Tobin says has a couple of benefits. “It gives the deputies more of a sense of ownership of that area,” he says. “It also helps them become more familiar with the normal traffic patterns and other activities within that area, which makes it easier for them to spot anything out of the ordinary.” The department also was able to put more deputies on the streets, despite countywide cutbacks in many departments, thanks to a $4.4-million federal law enforcement grant (the fourth largest grant awarded to any agency in Florida), which allowed the department to fund an additional 23 deputy positions the next three years. Tobin says PCSO also created a countywide burglary task force, and increased efforts in education and awareness among the public. “We are working to create a real partnership between the public and law enforcement,” Tobin says. Much of the education campaign focused on particular things that county residents could help themselves avoid becoming victims of crime, such as simply making sure to lock the doors of their homes and vehicles. He said there were several instances over the past year, including within the Wesley Chapel area, where auto burglars would walk from one end of a street to the other, looking for vehicles to break into and finding many unlocked. “You have to make it (locking your doors) part of your everyday routine,” Tobin says. “You may feel safe in your own neighborhood, but you never know when someone may be walking through in the middle of the night, looking for an opportunity to commit a crime. Leaving your doors unlocked is an invitation for someone to break in.”

Man Charged For Renting Homes That Weren’t His

Last month, PCSO announced the

arrest of a Land O’Lakes man who had an interesting solution to the housing crisis — illegally taking possession of homes that didn’t belong to him and then renting them out to unsuspecting tenants. According to a PCSO report, Stephen Thomas Bybel, 49, of 22430 Stillwood Dr. in Land O’Lakes, illegally took possession of 72 homes in several communities in Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel. He did so by making use of a real Florida statute, known as “adverse possession,” which allows Stephen Thomas someone who doesBybel n’t own a piece of property to take ownership of it, but only under certain circumstances and conditions, which Bybel did not follow, PCSO officials said. What he did, according to the report, was drive through neighborhoods looking for homes that were in various stages of foreclosure, and then claim them as his own, posting notices of adverse possession and then changing the locks. Bybel then would make minor improvements, such as yardwork or painting, and then rent out the homes through various means, including advertisements on the Craigslist.com website. PCSO investigators say he rented out at least 31 homes, collecting almost $17,000 in rent money during the month of January alone. According to the Sheriff’s Office report, Bybel told investigators that he was not only within his rights under the law, but also that he was “helping the county” by placing tenants in homes that would otherwise be vacant. However, after his scheme was uncovered, investigators were in the process of notifying all of his tenants, all of whom would have to move from the property that they rented from him. Bybel was charged with one count of committing a scheme to defraud and was released from custody after posting a bond of $5,000. According to PCSO spokesman Doug Tobin, the case is still under investigation and additional charges may be filed.

250 pick-up suddenly veered off the highway just after the offramp for eastbound I-4. When Neel’s body was discovered inside the pickup, investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol initially believed that the married father of two had died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, but upon further investigation, it was discovered that he actually had died from a bullet wound to his upper torso. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) then began investigating the case as a homicide, but, aside from the wound, and a single bullet hole in the driver’s side door of Neel’s truck, they still found no clue as to the identity of the shooter or any possible motive. Investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) then were called in to assist with the case, and after conducting tests on the angle of the bullet hole in the vehicle, they were able to determine that the bullet most likely was fired from another vehicle, probably a car, that was traveling alongside and slightly ahead of Neel’s truck. In the months following the incident, HCSO and Tampa Bay Crimestoppers erected electronic signs along the interstate asking for the public’s help in the case, and that led to several telephone calls from motorists who had seen Addison driving on the

highway the day of the shooting, but none of the calls resulted in any solid evidence towards solving the murder. Now, information about the shooting is included in the FDLE’s “Cold Case Playing Cards,” which are distributed to inmates in the state’s prisons in hopes that someone will come forward with information that will help to solve the cases that are highlighted. Also, a trophy in Neel’s name is awarded to exhibitors in the livestock competition at the Florida Strawberry Festival each year. Anyone who has any information about the case is asked to call the Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 873-TIPS.

After Five Years, Highway Shooting Is Still Unsolved

It was five years ago this month when a Wesley Chapel man was shot to death while driving on I-75, but investigators are still no closer to finding out who pulled the trigger or why. Angus Valley resident David Addison Neel, who was 49, was on his way to the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City on the morning of March 6, 2005, when his blue and grey Ford F-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Lawsuit Challenges New Tampa Boulevard Extension Project By Michael Smith In the last issue of the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, we told you about the results of a traffic study commissioned by the City of Tampa as part of its plan to move forward with the construction of a bridge over I-75 that would connect New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows to Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms. The bridge has long been a controversial project, opposed by many residents of both communities, mostly on the grounds that it would bring high volumes of traffic into their neighborhoods, posing a threat to pedestrians, bikers and residents in general. City officials, on the other hand, have said that they are required to build the bridge because it is part of the overall planned road network for the area, and because they have already collected money from developers who were required to pay impact fees that are applied towards the construction of that road network. Now, however, the project is on hold, at least for the time being, and may even be quashed altogether, thanks to a challenge of the wetlands mitigation agreement between the Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission

(EPC) and the City of Tampa, allowing the destruction of a little more than two acres of wetlands in order to build the bridge. The challenge was filed in April 2009, on behalf of West Meadows resident Evelyn Romano and Tampa Palms resident Andrea Braboy, with fellow Tampa Palms resident Warren Dixon acting as their attorney in the hearings that followed. Dixon says that the agreement, which calls for the city to set aside property offsite to mitigate for the wetlands that are going to be destroyed, should not have been issued for a number of reasons, including the fact that the EPC, in his opinion, did not follow its own rules, as outlined in both Hillsborough County ordinances and in the Florida statute which created the EPC. He points out that the statute calls for the EPC to “insure the purity of all waters and soils consistent with public health and public enjoyment thereof, the propagation and protection of wildlife…atmospheric purity and freedom of the air from contaminants…and freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property…”

Dixon says the EPC has not fulfilled its duties, since by entering into the mitigation agreement, it is allowing the wetlands to be destroyed, rather than protecting them, and fostering noise and air pollution in the two communities by way of the increased traffic that the bridge would bring. “From an activity on a land (such as building a bridge), there can be effects that are negative and negatively affect public health and safety,” Dixon says. “It is our contention that the traffic that is going to be generated from this bridge is one such effect.” Dixon says that the rules governing the EPC also call for the agency to consider the public interest, including health, safety and welfare, when it is examining the impacts of a project, whether or not there is a mitigation agreement in place. That, however, is when the interpretation of the statutes and the EPC regulations comes into play. Lawyers for the EPC and the city contend that the mere fact that there is a mitigation plan in place allows them to move forward with the project. They also say that the other issues raised within the residents’ challenge, such as the amount of traffic that will be generated within the two neigh-

borhoods, the safety hazard that traffic represents, and the need for the bridge to meet concurrency requirements, for traffic calming and more efficient travel between the two communities, are outside the scope of the EPC’s review when it comes to mitigation of wetlands. Neither attorneys for the city nor the EPC would comment on the case, but in several instances, the hearing officer who is assigned to the case (who also is appointed by the EPC, seems to agree, since he has refused to allow much of the documentation collected by Dixon and his fellow plaintiffs, and testimony by one of their key witnesses, Braboy herself, to be entered into evidence. He also has sided with the city and the EPC on another contention made by Dixon, which is that since notices of the appeals hearings were not posted in a timely manner, the mitigation agreement, which has an expiration date of Thursday, March 4, should be allowed to expire, which would mean that the city would have to start the approval process all over again. As it stands, however, the officer has granted an extension of the agreement until a final order is issued in the appeal. According to an EPC spokesperson, once the hearing officer has registered an opinion, the attorneys for each side then have 10 days to file exceptions to that opinion, after which the matter goes to the EPC board (which is made up of the seven members of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners), which will then render a final verdict on the case. It is at that final hearing that members of the public can register their comments on the case, as well. The EPC Board meets monthly, and agendas for their upcoming meetings are posted on the agency website, epchc.org, so that any member of the public who would like to attend and comment on the issue can find out when this case will be on the agenda.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Cancer Survivors Wanted

The Survivors Committee from the American Cancer Society’s Wesley Chapel Relay for Life is looking for cancer survivors and their caregivers to register and join the Relay, which will be held at Wesley Chapel High on Friday, May 7, beginning at 6 p.m. Survivors and their caregivers will walk the first lap after opening ceremonies and there will be a free dinner and dessert following the lap for those who participated. All participants will also receive a free T-shirt and other gifts as well. For more information, please contact survivor chair Shanon Weiss at (484) 336-0527 or by e-mail at wcsurvivorchair@yahoo.com.

Food Pantry Program

Sunday, March 14 – Atonement Church (29617 S.R. 54) will hold a special program to provide information about its ongoing “Helping Hands Food Pantry” program, which assisted more than 900 local needy families in December alone. The program, which also will include a blessing of the volunteers that help run the program, will be part of the church’s regular worship service, which begins at 10 a.m. For more information, call the

church office at 973-2211.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters

Monday, March 15 – The new Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Club meets Mondays, 6 p.m., at the American Consulting Engineers Building (2818 Cypress Ridge Rd., off S.R. 56). Club meetings are open to the public. For more information, call (352) 567-1508 or visit ToastmastersD84.org.

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, March 15 – Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, March 16 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.). For more information, contact

Nancy Cross at 789-7836 or by email at nancycross@crossrealty.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, March 16 – The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday morning, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel plaza). For more information, contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, March 17 – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (in the Village Market shopping center at S.R. 54 & Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). For more information, call 2637188 or 383-6683.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, March 17 – A new Civil Air Patrol squadron meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more info, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

Networking For Your Success

Thursday, March 18 – The Net-

working For Your Success group meets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call John Anglada at 298-3232 or visit NetworkingforYourSuccess.com.

Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble

Thursday, March 18 – The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). New members are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail at trombonegww@juno.com.

Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce

Thursday, March 18 - The new Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will meet at 1 p.m. at the Best Western Summer Crest Hotel (5639 Oakley Blvd.). The chamber will meet on the third Thursday of every month, with future meeting times to be announced. In addition, the new group will host a communications seminar for Spanish speakers, on Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Seating is limited to 25 people. For more information, contact

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Rocio Paulsen at 909-6965 or by email at phhcc@gf-is.com.

Sunrise Rotary

Friday, March 19 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

BBQ Festival & Outdoor Expo

Friday-Saturday, March 19-20 – Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco will hold its Second Annual Orange Blossom Special BBQ & Outdoor Expo, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, at the Dade City Business Center (15000 Citrus County Dr.). On Friday, attendees can enjoy BBQ and a beverage garden while enjoying live music by local recording artist Michael Ray and a variety of cooking contests; Saturday’s events will include music by Ray and national recording artists the Carter Twins, BBQ cook-off results, a classic car show, displays and shows by Reptile Discovery, games and activities for kids and much more. For more info, call (352) 5671444 or visit EPHabitat.org.

Maurice Sklar Concert

Saturday, March 20 – Shoresh

David Messianic Synagogue at Trinity United Methodist Church (33425 S.R. 54) will host a concert by worldrenowned violinist, prophetic psalmist and teacher Maurice Sklar, beginning at 7 p.m. There is no charge, but an offering will be collected. For more information, call 7603269 or visit ShoreshDavid.org.

Free Relationship Movie

Friday, March 26 – Atonement Church (29617 S.R. 54) will hold a free screening of the movie “Fireproof,” which offers inspiration and advice about building healthy relationships. The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 973-2211.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club

Thursday, April 8 – The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets on the second Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For more information, call Peter Hanzel at 907-6614 or send an email to wesleyychapelrepc@aol.com.

MS Support Group

Saturday, April 10 – A new multiple sclerosis support group will meet once a month at noon on Saturdays at New River Library (34043 S.R. 54). Call Noreen at 312-3345.

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Roth IRA Conversions—2010’s Gift To High-Income Individuals By Charles J. Lewandowski CFP Since 1997, high income wage earners were denied access to a very valuable financial planning tool granted by the U.S. Congress and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service — the Roth IRA. However, beginning in the year 2010, access to the Roth has been opened to wage earners who were previously denied access to this type of retirement account. Are you taking advantage of this opportunity? Now is the time to consult with your tax advisor to see if a Roth IRA might make sense for you. The Roth IRA allows taxpayers with earned (not passive) income to set aside after-tax dollars for retirement. Although no tax deduction is received in the year of the contribution, contributions and earnings may grow taxfree. Additionally, if the account is held for 5 years, distributions taken after age 59 also are free from taxation. The Roth IRA also has the benefit of not being subject to Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules at age 70 and has flexible withdrawal options not available with traditional IRAs. Taxpayers also have the ability to

convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The process involves re-classifying a traditional IRA as a Roth IRA and paying taxes at ordinary income rates on any gains in the account for the year that the conversion occurred. Through 2009, however, there was an Adjusted Gross Income limit of $100,000 that prevented high wage earners from undertaking a Roth Conversions. But, in 2010, the rules are now changed. In 2005, Congress enacted the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act, which modified the income limitations associated with Roth conversions. As a result of the 2005 Act, the adjusted gross income limitation for Roth conversions is dropped in 2010. Also, tax liabilities incurred as a result of the conversion may be spread over two years. So, if you and your tax advisor determine that the conversion now makes financial sense for you, how is it accomplished? Typically, there are two conversion scenarios that may apply to a high wage earner. Let’s explore each of these. Ms. Pimona, a sole proprietor, has no traditional IRA assets. Her husband has a 401k retirement account which was established by his employer. Ms. Pimona can open a “non-deductible” IRA for herself and her spouse in the

As of 2010, high wage earners now have the right to save on their taxes with a Roth IRA. tax years of 2009 and 2010. If they are both over 50 years old, a total of $24,000 may be set aside in these accounts. After January 1 of this year, they can convert the non-deductible IRAs to Roth IRAs and spread any tax liability over two years. Dr. Newsome has a rollover IRA that he funded with a 403(b) account from his previous employer’s retirement plan. He can contribute to nondeductible IRAs for himself and his spouse and convert them. He can also convert some or all of his Traditional IRA. However, his tax liability is governed by the “pro-rata” rule, which bases the tax liability on the balances of both the Traditional and Nondeductible IRAs. The liability can be spread over two years. Once again, your

tax advisor should be consulted to determine the extent of this liability. There are several other factors that should be considered before undertaking the Roth IRA conversion. But, with the proper guidance from your tax and financial advisors, you will gain a very flexible tool in your financial planning tool box. New Tampa resident Charles J. Lewandowski specializes in Retirement Planning for Small Business Professionals. His website is CJLCFP.com. Lewandowski is with West Coast Financial Group, Inc., which is located at 16241 N. Florida Ave., Lutz. Call 269-7100 for an appointment or more info. The Supervising Office for West Coast Financial Group is located at 218 Glenside Avenue, Wyncote PA 19095. Call (800) 242-1421. Financial Representative offering Advisory Services and Securities through Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., and West Coast Financial Group, Inc., are independently owned and each is responsible for its own business.

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Skin Solutions & General Dentist Lou Cerillo — A Natural Combo! By Gary Nager I have known local general dentist Lou Cerillo, DDS, for about as long as I’ve had this publication. In fact, Lou was one of the first dentists of any specialty to be based in New Tampa when he opened his original office in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center in 1993 and was already one of our original advertisers when I purchased Neighborhood News in early 1994. Dr. Lou, as I like to call him, has more than two decades of experience, as well as years of training, in every aspect of general dentistry, including “drilling and filling” (including toothcolored fillings), permanent bridges, implant dentistry, porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth whitening and even periodontal (gum) therapy. “The office has evolved over the years,” he says. “When we first opened here, we saw mostly young families, so even though I’m not a pediatric dentist, I did see a lot of parents and their kids. Then, as New Tampa’s population continued to age, we saw mainly adult patients and let the local pediatric dentists handle the younger patients. Today, we’re still mainly an adult office, but we have seen a lot of new young families moving into the area again.”

Dr. Lou, who earned both his Bachelor’s degree and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Nebraska, has been a dentist since 1986, but you’d never know it. Lou looks a lot younger than his age, but he promises he keeps his youthful look by using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses every day and has had no “work” done and had never used any injectable fillers on his face. However, if he really wanted to help improve on what Mother Nature has given him, Lou now has licensed aesthetician Lori Strickland’s Skin Solutions right in his office in the Somerset Professional Park at the corner of Amberly Dr. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. And, although he, of course, would likely never give himself Botox or other injectable treatments, over the course of the last couple of years, Lou has received many hours of training from the most prestigious injectable dermal filler facial treatment companies and has already performed thousands of these treatments to help his patients look and feel younger. “Dentists have been injecting patients’ mouths for decades,” he says. “So, it seemed to me to be a natural addition to our business to begin providing injections in other parts of the

face, too. We’ve had a tremendous response from our patients and have already made so many of them look and feel better about themselves.” Cerillo explains that Strickland previously was an “expanded functions” dental assistant when she first came to the office, but had previously worked in the cosmetics industry – with top names such as Lancome, Clinique and Mary Kay (L. to r.) Dr. Lou Cerillo, Dr. Zein Obagi — for more than a decade. and Lori Strickland. “Lori told me she missed the Speaking of Obagi, Lori says the cosmetic side of the business, so she company doesn’t let most dentists sell decided to become an aesthetician,” he their world-renowned skin care prodsays. “Skin Solutions has been the peructs, “but we became a member of fect addition to our office.” Obagi’s prestigious ‘Diamond Club’ in Skin Solutions offers new clients a complimentary skin analysis and consul- only eight months! We even got to meet and chat with Dr. (Zein) Obagi tation. In addition, if you purchase a himself at a recent conference (photo).” skin care system, you’ll receive a free Cerillo says that although most of Hydra Facial (until March 31). the patients originally interested in der“We offer Obagi’s complete medical skin care line,” Lori says. “And, my mal fillers and other cosmetic treatments were women, he recently has clients also can confer with Lou about injectable dermal fillers when facials and seen a number of male patients, too. “Everyone wants to look younger creams aren’t enough. And, we even these days,” he says. “A lot of men see refer quite a few patients to plastic surthe results we’ve been able to provide geons when their needs are more than for their wives or girlfriends and have Lou or I can handle. No matter what said, ‘Do that for me, too.’ It’s definiteyou need to look and feel younger, we ly a bit of a trend we’re seeing.” can take care of you!”

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New Office In San Antonio!

“We’ve always had patients coming from Wesley Chapel and the Dade City/San Antonio (FL) area all the way here to Tampa Palms,” Dr. Lou adds. “So, it was another natural addition for us to open an office in that area.” Towards that end, Cerillo opened on S.R. 52, just west of Curley Rd., bringing in another dentist, Dr. Leslie Hernandez, DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry), as an associate. Dr. Hernandez earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and her DMD degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville “Dr. Hernandez had 15 years of experience in Lutz

before she joined us,” he says. “She’s been a great addition.” The general dentistry office of Dr. Lou Cerillo and Skin Solutions of Tampa Palms is located at 15277 Amberly Dr., in the Somerset Professional Park. Dr. Cerillo’s office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 971-1688 or visit DrCerillo. com. Skin Solutions is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call Lori Strickland at 846-9999. Dr. Cerillo’s San Antonio office is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and he sees patients there on Wed. Call the Tampa Palms office for appointments at both offices.

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Maximize Your Financial Potential With Coulter, Aviles & Jackson By Michael Smith Spring is just around the corner, and as the old saying goes, “In spring, a man’s fancy turns to thoughts of…money.” Well, that may not be the exact words of the old saying, but spring, and tax time, is now nearly upon us, and especially now, in these days of financial uncertainty, everyone wants to be sure that they are doing all they can to protect themselves and their family and/or business assets. And, one of the best ways to do that is by getting sound advice and assistance from experienced financial professionals, like those at the accounting firm of Coulter, Aviles & Jackson (in the Arbor Ridge Professional Park (at the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and Bearss Ave.), which offers tax planning and preparation services for both individuals and small or large businesses. But, they also can do much more than that. “We’re not just a tax shop,” says Jon Aviles, CPA. “We also offer any type of accounting, as well as financial planning and a variety of other specialty financial services. Basically, we’re a onestop shop.” Aviles, a 20-year Tampa resident and University of South Florida graduate, says he first started doing account-

ing as a teenager, working in his father’s commercial cleaning business in his native Puerto Rico. After coming to the U.S. and earning his CPA degree at USF, he worked for a number of small and large companies before deciding to branch out on his own in 2006. Then, in 2009, he merged his firm with that of CPAs Eric Coulter, left, and Jon Aviles head up Eric Coulter and David the firm’s Tampa office, while their partner, David Jackson, who had been working together (along Jackson, works out of an office in Gate City, VA. with a third partner) since small business owner needs on a day-to2004. Now, Aviles and Coulter lead the day basis.” firm’s Tampa office while Jackson is staBusiness accounting services tioned at the firm’s other office in Gate offered by Coulter, Aviles & Jackson City, VA. include: audit and assurance services, “We merged two very good combookkeeping and payroll services and panies to make one better company,” litigation support, as well as consulting Aviles says. and advisory services in the areas of And, while Coulter, Aviles & Jackbusiness planning, mergers and acquisison may not be as big as some of the tions, budgeting, business feasibility and accounting firms that advertise their operations assessments. The firm has a services on TV, Aviles says that is defibroad spectrum of experience working nitely not a bad thing. with businesses and professionals in a “At those big companies, small variety of industries, both here in the businesses may feel like just a number,” U.S. and Canada, as well as in South he says. “However, we are able to offer America and Europe, and that experithe same level of service and skills as ence gives Coulter, Aviles & Jackson those very large accounting firms, but the expertise to help your business, too. with the attention to detail that the

“Our job is to sit at the right hand of the business owner, to help them understand their financial situation and to provide guidance with the things that are working, as well as what’s not working for them,” Aviles says. That basic philosophy also is the foundation of the financial planning services provided by Coulter, Aviles & Jackson, which include money management, tax reduction strategies, estate and retirement planning and more, all designed to help their clients achieve their financial objectives, whatever those objectives may be. “We evaluate a client’s situation, so we can tell them, ‘Here’s what you have, and here’s what you can do to improve it,” says Coulter, who is not only a CPA, but also a Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner. “We put knowledge into the numbers and help people understand them so they can make informed financial decisions.” Coulter, Aviles & Jackson is located at 14452 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Arbor Ridge Professional Park. Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours available by appointment. For more information, call 514-1729 or visit CAJCPA.com.

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W ESLEY C HAPEL

Education Updates

Seven Oaks Students Raise $ To Aid Haitian Children

Last month, students at Seven Oaks Elementary collected nearly $3,000 in their schoolwide fund raiser, “Coins For Kids,” to help children affected by the earthquake in Haiti. The “Coins For Kids” campaign was conducted from February 22-26, with promotions by students on the school’s morning news show, student created posters and contests between teams to raise the most money. Some of the students also decorated large water jugs to hold the coins. Teacher Rhonda Hawkins, who helped organize the fund raiser, said she felt it was a great opportunity for the school to raise global awareness about children in different parts of the world and their struggles. “I hope the students at Seven Oaks Elementary will benefit from learning compassion for those who were born into a situation very different from their own,” Hawkins said. Proceeds from the “Coins For Kids” fundraiser will be donated to Destiny Village, an orphanage in Pierre Payen, Haiti.

Wiregrass Ranch High Will

(L.-r.) Seven Oaks Elementary students Sydney Jones, Emma Troy, Cameron Rowe, Hannah DiBrango and Kyra Johnson, along with principal BJ Smith, show off some of the coins they collected to aid Haitian children.

Hold Practice ACT Test

Wiregrass Ranch High School PTSA will hold a Princeton Review practice ACT test with a strategy session on Saturday, March 27, from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $15 for early registration and $20 at the door. The test is open to all high school students in the community. Contact Stacie Lenners at slenners@tampabay.rr.com for more information.

WCE Students Support Animal Rescue Group

The safety patrols at Wesley Chapel Elementary School are doing more than just monitoring the halls and making sure students make it safely to and from the busses. They are also helping to control the feral cat population in Pasco and Hillsborough counties by assisting the Labor of Love Animal Rescue. The Labor of Love Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that rescues and finds homes for stray cats and dogs. They also educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter and regular vet checkups for pets. “The organization is in desperate need of donations to help find homes for the pets they have right now and to assist with the upcoming kitten season,” says WCE Safety Patrol coordinator Chris Gorman. The WCE Safety Patrols are sponsoring several events to aid the nonprofit organization. First, students who bring in cans or bags of cat or dog food or boxes of litter receive an honorary Safety Patrol badge. The school also is accepting donations that can be sold at their charity yard sale on Saturday, April 3. Residents can also rent space to sell their own items at the sale for a $20 donation. Local business can help sponsor the event as well, and for a $25 donation their business’ names will be printed on the sponsor banner posted in front of the school.

WCE fourth grader Savannah Hall with the supplies she donated for the Labor of Love Animal Rescue. If you are interested in making a donation to this worthy charity, please contact Chris Gorman at coachcg69@gmail.com for further information.

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W ESLEY C HAPEL

Sports Briefs Ben Alford Named WCH’s New Head Football Coach

On February 8, Wesley Chapel High athletic director Steve Mumaw ended the mystery of who would replace John Castelamare as the second head football coach in the school’s history by announcing that former Pasco High quarterback Ben Alford will take over the position this season. Alford, 25, is a Dade City native who was a three-year starter for the Pirates between 2000-02, and was serving as an assistant coach for defensive backs and safeties at Iowa Western Community College when he got the call from Mumaw. During his career at Pasco High, Alford threw for a total of 3,225 yards and 50 touchdowns, including 1,678 yards and 24 touchdowns in his senior season alone, which established new county single-season records. He then went on to start at North Iowa Area Community College, where he was named Midwest Football Conference West Division offensive player of

the year in 2006, his sophomore year, after completing 52 percent of his passes for a total of 1,488 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushing for another 749 yards Ben Alford and 10 TDs. After that, Alford transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, where he played quarterback and defensive back but was hampered by injuries and eventually quit playing after suffering numerous concussions. Castelamare, who led the Wildcats to an overall record of 106-120 during his 9-year tenure at WCH, was enrolled in the Pasco County School District’s early retirement program and was forced to quit after District officials denied his request to extend his employment.

High School Basketball, Weightlifting Wrap Up

In our last issue, we told you that the boys and girls basketball teams from Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools were preparing to play in their respective district and regional playoff tournaments. Well, those tournaments are now in the record books, and although none of the teams from our area were able to win any championships, they can all be proud of the seasons that they had. Of all the teams, the best record, and also the most disappointing finish, belonged to the Wesley Chapel High varsity girls, who lost in the final round of the Region 4A-7 tournament, 50-38 to Ocala’s Vanguard High. The Lady Wildcats got to the final round by knocking off Lecanto High, 71-61, in the quarterfinals, and then by squeaking past Gulf High, 29-27, at home on February 20. They finished the season with a record of 25-4. The WCH boys, meanwhile, got past Gulf High in another close game, 58-57, on February 10 before falling to Ridgewood two days later, 68-50, in the District tournament, finishing the season at 14-11. Over at Wiregrass Ranch High, the varsity girls (21-7) lost a close one in

the District 4A-8 championship game, 56-51 against Lecanto on February 6, but were blown out in their next game, the regional quarterfinal, where they lost to Gulf by a score of 67-27. The WRH boys, meanwhile, easily defeated River Ridge on February 10, by a 66-29 margin, before losing to Nature Coast, 57-52, in the distirct semifinal game on February 12. They finished with a season record of 21-6. In one other note, we would also like to congratulate WCH’s Sarah Reamer, who made it to the finals of the girls state weightlifting meet, where she finished 16th in the 139-pound weight class with a bench press of 135 pounds and a clean-and-jerk lift of 135 pounds, for a 270-pound total.

WCH’s Miraglia Notches A Shutout Over Pasco

On February 5, WCH pitcher Cole Miraglia, who transferred to the school this year from Zephyrhills, pitched 10 strikeouts and gave up just one hit in leading the Wildcats to a 5-0 victory over Pasco High. He also went 2-4 at the plate, including a first-inning double that brought in what turned out to be the game-winning run. The victory brought the Wildcats’ record to 5-0 on the season. — MS

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NTJWC Night Of 5000 Will Benefit Camp For Burned Children By Melissa O’Brien The Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs’ New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) has named Camp Hopetake, a camp for children who have suffered from severe burns, this year’s primary beneficiary of the club’s upcoming Night of 5000 charity gala. The 13th annual black-tie-optional event — the signature fund raiser for the NTJWC — will take place on Saturday, March 20, at The Ritz Ybor in Ybor City. Being a kid can be hard enough, but imagine if you are a child who has suffered from severe burns. For many children, undergoing the medical procedures as a result of burns is very traumatic, but coping afterwards with the social and emotional scars associated with these kinds of injuries can be equally as overwhelming. That is why the Tampa Firefighters Local 754 union, in conjunction with Tampa General Hospital’s Burn Unit, sponsors Camp Hopetake. According to Tampa Fire Department Capt. Jace Kohan, the secretarytreasurer of the union, the camp is a place where kids of all ages who have been seriously burned but are now recovered can kick back and have fun. “Camp Hopetake was started twenty years ago by our firefighters union,” says Kohan. “It is a one-week

camp for kids ages 5-17 who are all going through the same experience. It gives them a chance to talk to each other and it’s very therapeutic for them.” Located in Ellenton, Camp Hopetake, which is pronounced “ho-pee-tock-ee” (from the Florida Seminole word for children), the kids’ week includes a wide variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, crafts, games, movies, horseback riding and a trip to a Florida amusement park. TheNight of 5000, to be held Saturday, March 20, at The Ritz in Ybor City (and They also see demonstrations sponsored & hosted by the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club), will benefit young burn by skydivers, Tampa Fire Resvistims from Camp Hopetake in Ellenton, seen here at their Halloween costume ball. cue search dogs, martial arts ities. One hundred percent of this affinity for children and we tend to lean experts and others. donation will go to the cost of putting toward those types of charities in terms The camp provides a safe and supon the camp. Most of these kids don’t of who we support.” portive environment for the kids to have the money to go to places like The Night of 5000 has become a share their feelings and interact with Busch Gardens or Disney World, and New Tampa signature annual event – one another in a non-threatening we give them an opportunity to have a where thousands of charity dollars are atmosphere. They spend the week with great time and a chance to talk to othraised and one lucky guest wins a other seriously burned children in airers who are experiencing the same $5,000 cash prize. Keen says this year’s conditioned quarters and are under full things they are.” event is planned to be better than ever medical supervision by nurses from the For the members of the NTJWC, with an Ybor-inspired dinner-station burn unit at Tampa General Hospital sponsoring Camp Hopetake is in keepmenu, added entertainment by New and Tampa Fire-Rescue Paramedics. ing with their mission. Tampa’s Troy Jansen (owner of the “We are ecstatic that the New “We wanted to help a charity that Jansen Dance Project and the “CollecTampa Junior Woman’s Club has chotive Soles Arts Group”) and a cigar bar. sen our charity as their beneficiary,” says was located in our ‘backyard’ and, as a smaller charity, the impact of our donaAs in past years, the Night will Kohan. “Right now, when donations tion will go a long way,” says NTJWC include a cocktail hour, cash bar and are down, we are extremely excited at president Heather Keen. “We have an See “Night of 5000” on page 26. what this will do to help fund our activ-

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Think About Long-Term Care At St. Joseph’s John Knox Village! St. Joseph’s John Knox Village Offers Residents Options When It Comes To Continuous Care By Melissa O’Brien For many people, retirement planning means saving in a 401K or some other kind of monetary fund, eliminating debt and eventually enjoying the fruits of your lifelong labors. Rarely, when we are healthy, do we ever think, of what would happen if we were to get sick or become infirmed in our “golden years.” Nor do we think about the care that we would then require and its cost. Many people simply assume that Medicare will cover their medical needs as they age, but what most people do not know is that Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living or long-term “permanent” nursing care. With assisted living rates starting, at most communities, at around $3,000 per month and long-term nursing care starting at more than $72,000 per year – and with no reimbursement from Medicare – seniors and their families often need to foot the entire bill themselves. In some cases, people are completely unprepared financially should they or a family member need this type of comprehensive care.

“There are options,” says Caroline North, who is director of marketing for St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, an upscale continuous care retirement community located on E. Fletcher Ave, across from the USF Tampa campus. “One option would be to purchase long-term care insurance and another would be for seniors to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) such as University Village or St. Joseph’s John Knox Village,” North says. “But, it’s important to note that seniors need to move into these CCRCs before they need any comprehensive care, because they must qualify both medically and financially. Once they are accepted, however, they receive discounts on any long-term care they might need in the future.” North says that each CCRC community features different benefits, discounts and savings, so seniors and their families should do some comparative shopping before they decide where to go. Some facilities are for-profit, and some, like St. Joseph’s John Knox, operate as not-for-profit facilities. Most communities use an entrance

fee to keep monthly fees lower. Therefore, those residents who choose a monthly rental option rather than paying an entrance or endowment fee will pay a higher monthly rent. The upfront fees do, however, help provide the funds for many of the amenities and the range of services a person will need as they age in place. North also says there are substantial income tax benefits to living in a CCRC because the IRS allows a portion of the entrance fee and portions of the monthly fees to be taken as income tax deductions for medical expenses. Some facilities, like St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, even offer a “Life Care Guarantee,” which ensures that a resident will never lose their home, even if they no longer have the ability to pay. “With the built-in protection, it can really make a big difference for a lot of seniors and their families,” says North. “We will never ask a resident to move out. The whole idea is that it’s like having a long-term care policy. You buy it before you need the services and if you do need the assisted living or nursing care services, you have already planned for it and you’re prepared.” Living at John Knox is like living in a small town community. Residents

Residents at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village receive ongoing medical care. enjoy a fitness center, several pools, Sunday brunches, Wii sports teams, painting classes, happy hours, Bible studies and more. Residents can opt for two-bedroom or one-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 700-1,500sq. ft., all with full kitchens. There is a full dining room if residents do not want to cook and/or want to eat with friends. Buses are available for those who do not like to drive, but residents can remain as independent as they are able to be in a very enjoyable community atmosphere. North says that St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, which is part of Baycare Health System, is the first CCRC to have won the Governor’s Seal.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“It is the first in the state of Florida granted that distinction.” says North. “Only two nursing homes in the state have received it. We also have five-star accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) – a distinction that few facilities in the state share.”

Resident Testimonials

Resident Werner “Mac” McIver and his wife Jean say that St. Joseph’s John Knox Village has been a wonderful place to call home and offers the couple great piece of mind. “It is the best decision we ever made,” says Mac, who is 76. “We looked around and liked the fact that John Knox was not-for-profit. I have an in-law at a for-profit facility and they are always getting ‘nickeled and dimed’ for everything. Here, because the facility is not-for-profit, they can only keep a certain amount of money to keep their tax advantage. They use their funds to maintain the place very well. They just re-carpeted everything and painted the ceilings and hallways in every building.” He adds, “We have 24-hour security and the food is outstanding. There are activities directors who constantly have interesting things going on here.” Mark Hoenemeyer, who works for BayLinen, Inc., a division of Baycare Health Systems, says he did a lot of

research to find where the best place for his mother would be. “My decision was not just based upon what is owned where,” says Mark. “John Knox seemed to have a great environment. They offered a great continuum of care. If she needs assisted living someday, it is very comprehensive in that respect. I also like the motivation in not-for-profit facilities. It seems more humanist to me. The excess of revenue goes back into to John Knox which is a factor in the quality of its operation.” Other factors Hoenemeyer says he looked at were the clean grounds and the dining room meals. “Everything was kept up and the food looked and tasted good,” he says. “They had comprehensive meals. They also had good access for patients to St. Joseph’s buses so residents can go out and get off campus for activities. I would say the best analogy for my mother, who is 82, is that this was like starting school all over again. [When she first moved in], a member of the John Knox Village marketing team brought her down to meet other people — to find compatibility with others — and while it was an adjustment for her [at first], she loves it now.” Hoenemeyer says that continuing care is something that everyone with aging parents, or who is aging them-

selves, needs to think about. “It is something you have to save for and need to be aware of,” he says. “It is one of those questions that need to be asked early on: ‘What are you going to do when you hit that age?’ If your parents or you are not of that age yet, you still need to start thinking about it because if you’re lucky, someday you’re going to get there.” For more information about long term care, visit Medicare.gov/ longtermcare, and Living-Options. org. For information about St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, visit StJosephsJohnKnox.com or call (800) 272-5669.

Did You Know?

• This year, about nine million men and women over the age of 65 will need long-term care • A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that people who reach age 65 will likely have a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home • About 10 percent of the people who enter a nursing home will stay there five years or more

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Night of 5000”

Continued from page 23 live and silent auctions. Two of the live auction items include a trip to the California wine country and a “Stock Your Bar” liquor selection. Two of the silent auction items include tickets to a New York Yankees home game in New York City with waiter service and a deep sea fishing excursion. The evening also will include music provided by Synchronicity and a DJ playing tunes throughout the night. Guests may also enjoy the Fotos-R-Fun photo booth for unique photos and a Cafe Ala Carte espresso cart providing an assortment of gourmet coffee beverages. The night will culminate with the $5,000 drawing, which will be sponsored this year by Dr. Thomas Frankfurth’s Gentle Care Dentistry. In addition to Gentle Care Dentistry as the event’s Gold Sponsor, the Silver Sponsors are the Law Offices of Pratico and Smith, and Silver Media Partner Tampa Bay Parenting magazine, and Bronze Sponsors include Dr. and Mrs. John Small, Firefighters Local #754, Mason Title, Salon Athena, RE/MAX Premier Group, Tampa General Hospital, Land & Sea Market, Independent Living Pediatrics, Thompson Studios, Iberia Bank Mortgage,

Southeast Diabetics and Orthotics, Sypris Electronics and Rodriguez & Menendez Cigar Factory. For the first time this year, tickets are available for purchase online at NTJWC.org. Tickets cost $100 per person and include dinner, live entertainment, complimentary valet parking and one entry into the Grand Prize drawing. A limited number of VIP tickets also are available for $175 per person, which includes a plated dinner and an open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight. The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is a 501 (C)(3) organization that currently has 90 members. NTJWC is one of the largest GFWC clubs in the state of Florida, and the club has won numerous club and individual state awards over the years. Last year, the group donated more than $27,000 to a variety of local charities, as well as 10,000 volunteer hours in more than 50 projects. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the Night of 5000 – to be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 East 7th Ave., Tampa – were still available at our press time. For more information, or to attend, sponsor or donate, visit ntjwc.org or contact no5000_sponsorship@ntjwc.org. For more information about Camp Hopetake, visit TampaFirefighters.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Baby Share’ Shower Provides Baby Supplies To Needy Moms By Melissa O’Brien In today’s difficult economic times, the expenses of having a baby can be daunting. Even at big name discount stores, brand new cribs can cost upwards of $100, infant car seats typically start at $50 and sturdy strollers can run $100 or more. And, this doesn’t include all the clothes, diapers, bottles and other items a baby may need. The Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group, which meets at Victorious Life Church on Old Pasco Rd. in Wesley Chapel, wants to help. In order to assist mothers with some of the basic and not-so-basic necessities when it comes to caring for babies, they are hosting the free 11th Annual “Baby Share” baby shower on Tuesday, March 23, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. “It is our way to reach out to moms in need,” says MOPS coordinator Melisa Dean. “It is no expense to them; they just come and enjoy a buffet lunch, sit and relax and listen to an inspirational guest speaker. They get to take home some much-needed items and ‘shop’ for free clothes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.” Dean says that the 50 members of the Wesley Chapel MOPS group are expecting some 250 mothers to attend

this year’s event. All they have to do is pre-register by calling the church office on or before Tuesday, March 16. “MOPS spent all year preparing for the event,” says Dean. “Each table of 8-10 people will be uniquely decorated in a baby theme by a volunteer host. Guests will enjoy a buffet meal, get a chance to talk to other new or expectant mothers and then listen to a speaker who may have had some of the same life experiences they have had and who will offer a message of hope.” All of the baby items are donated for the event and are either new or gently used. Also, MOPS will accept donations of baby items (including cribs, playpens, and clothes up to size 3T) at Victorious Life Church through Monday, March 22. Because of the large amount of items that are donated for the shower, the MOPS group is not able to check for recalled items. Therefore, it is the parent’s responsibility to take these items home and to check for any recalls that have been issued for the items they receive. Dean says the program works well for mothers because they get to choose the items they need the most. “We give each mother a ticket for three large items, like cribs,” says Dean, who lives in Lexington Oaks and who

has been a member of MOPS for seven years. “In the past, we have had more than 600 large items to give away. Each person receives a number when they check in and then they are called up to get their bigger items. After that, they have the opportunity to go ‘shopping’ at the table filled with clothes, toys and other smaller baby items.” Dean says that child care will be provided for mothers Moms in need will be able to choose from a with small children. huge variety of baby seats and other items at “We have volunteers on the 11th annual “Baby Share” baby shower. hand to watch the kids,” she of every mom – urban, suburban and says. “And, the McDonald’s corporarural moms, stay-at-home and working tion has agreed to donate 150 Happy moms and even teen, single and marMeals for the event.” ried moms. MOPS helps all of these The idea for the “Baby Share” baby shower began with Wesley Chapel moms by helping them build relationships that are established in the context MOPS founder Toni Barsness and has become so popular over the years that it of small local groups, like the Wesley has now been adopted by MOPS chap- Chapel group, that provide a caring atmosphere specifically geared towards ters in other states. mothers of young children. And, while “A couple of years ago, MOPS the Wesley Chapel MOPS does meet at International ran an article about it,” says Dean. “From that, people contact- Victorious Life Church, mothers don’t have to be members of the church in ed our group for information. I know order to participate in the program. that a couple of other (MOPS) groups “While there is a non-denominahave picked up on it in other states.” tional, religious component to our proAccording to its website, MOPS gram, you need not be a member of International exists to meet the needs

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

this church or any church to be a member of MOPS,” says Dean. “We have women from all different faiths (or no faith) in our group and we really do welcome everyone.” The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the church from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Dean says that childcare is provided for children from six weeks to five years old, so that moms have time to be with friends and get a break. “We do a craft every other month, and have guest speakers come in,” she says. “We have had police officers talk about crime prevention, authors visit and people come in and talk about saving money through couponing. Our members’ kids usually have a play date once a month and we have a ‘Mom’s Night Out’ every other month, too.” Terry Luna, director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills (a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry that provides social services for new and expectant mothers) says the MOPS “Baby Share” event means a lot to the women they serve. “We invite all mothers that we see who are pregnant or who have a baby that is six months old or younger and get them registered to go to the shower,” says Luna, who refers about 15-20 women from the Center to the MOPS event each year. “We even provide a van to bring them there and to help them

get their new items home.” She adds, “It is really an incredible event. It means a lot to these ladies, some of whom have never experienced an environment where they are well cared for and well fed. They listen to a speaker who is usually someone they can relate to on a practical level. The speaker will talk about how she has come into a relationship with God. Then, they receive anything from furniture to bottles, formula and toys. It is a wonderful opportunity for our families to be exposed to. The group works all year to put it together and it is evident in the way that it is done so well.” To attend the “Baby Share” baby shower, you must pre-register by Tuesday, March 16, by calling Victorious Life Church at 973-2230. People wishing to donate new or gently-used baby items can drop their donations off before Monday, March 22, at the church, which is located at 6224 Old Pasco Rd. (off S.R. 54). The church is open from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Restaurants that would like to contribute food or service or other corporations that would like to offer monetary donations can also call the church. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about MOPS, visit MOPS.org. For additional information about Victorious Life Church, visit VictoriousLife Church.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles-St. Patty’s At Brass Tap, A ‘Fatter’ Santo’s & More! By Gary Nager It seems there’s always something delicious — and something new — in Wesley Chapel’s dining scene and this month is no exception. We have a great idea for you for St. Patrick’s Day, tell you about another new favorite now open in the Shops at Wiregrass and news of a local favorite’s recent expansion and addition of a full liquor bar.

St. Patty’s At Brass Tap

Our friends at The Brass Tap Beer Bar in the Shops at Wiregrass hope you will check out their all-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Wednesday, March 17. In addition to seating in and outside, The Brass Tap will bring in two refrigerated beer trailers for the event and will charge a $5 cover, which makes you eligible for great prizes throughout the day. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity and there also will be live music, festive food, cigars, wine, games, giveaway contests and more. The doors will open at noon and will stay open until 2 a.m. Visit The Brass Tap (2000 Piazza Ave., Unit #110), BrassTapBeerBar.com or call 991-4343.

Blondie’s At The Shops

Speaking of The Shops at Wiregrass, we’ve tried a delicious new addition which opened recently in the mall — Blondie’s Cookies. This Indiana-based chain of gourmet cookie and brownie shops now has its first Florida location, with locations at the Brandon Town Center, Citrus Park Mall and Sarasota Square Mall opening later this year. Yum! Call Blondie’s Cookies at 9940733 and tell ‘em we sent you or visit BlondiesCookies.com.

open late (until 2 a.m. every day) for your dining and drinking pleasure. “We hope to someday also have full liquor at Skinny’s,” Ken says. “But for now, we’re happy to have liquor at Santo’s.” The new Santo’s Pizza, Pasta & Bar is located at 27431 S.R. 54. For more info, call 994-7778. Mention this newspaper for one free draft beer at The newly expanded Santo’s Pizza & Pasta now Santos or Skinny’s. features a full-liquor bar, as well as beer and wine.

A ‘Fatter’ Santo’s Opens!

Our friends who own both Santo’s Pizza & Pasta and Skinny’s Sports Bar in the Pinebrook Plaza at The Grove (on S.R. 54, west of I-75) are at it again. After moving Skinny’s from the center of the plaza to the larger anchor space on the west end a few months ago, the new Santo’s has added the former Skinny’s space — as well as a full, premium liquor bar. Co-owner Ken Santo says the new Santo’s still has the same great New York-style pizza and Italian specialties in a larger, more comfortable space, but the big news is that Santo’s has added a premium, full-liquor bar that will stay

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced environment. Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required. QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d. Small parts/med device experience a plus. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com. P/T Massage therapist. Please send résumé to PO Box 47254 Tampa, FL 33647 or fax to 994-3080. P/T Medical Asst. for doctor’s office in New Tampa. With experience. Good salary & benefits. Fax resume to 632-7114 or call 632-7111. HR Manager Tampa, FL based Dental Office Plan, direct & coordinate HR activities to maximize the strategic use of human resources & related personnel policies & regulatory compliance. Apply in duplicate. BK PARASHER DDS. P. A 11017, N. Dale Mabry, St # A, Tampa, FL 33618. Home Health Worker. New Tampa-Wesley ChapelZephyrhills. Reliable People W/Experience. Needed for Various Hours. Call Mary M-F 9am to 4pm only. 813.788.1717. Lic HHA 299992388 RN’s in Pasco for HHA - PT/Per Diem, Medicare - Assessment Experience a Plus - Call: 727.259.2337 Part-time Administrative Assistant (day hours) Computer (various programs), Phones, Customer Service, Errands & more. Exceptional oral & written communication abilities. Organizational skills & Multi-tasking a must. Advertising, Marketing and/or Publishing experience a plus. Email resume: DSGenterprises@yahoo.com.

COMPUTER SERVICES Professional Tech Support in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 15 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Quality Handyman, specializing in Home Improvements, repairs & installations of all types from A to Z, including telephone & computer cabling. 18 years of exp. No job too small. E-mail eddieperdomo@yahoo.com or call 451-6541 for questions or Free Estimates. RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior, pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. Dan Turner Decorating Wallcovering Installation. The most important thing about the wallcovering you select is...the installer. Don’t sacrifice the beauty of wallcovering, turn to the experts. Call today for a free consultation. Licensed & insured. Call 928-2160.

Classifıeds

CLEANING SERVICES HERE I COME! I specialize in all types of cleaning: houses, apartments, townhouses, garages, etc. Best prices in the Bay area. References available. Call for a free estimate. Call 735-7979. WINDOW WASHING most windows $6.00 incl. inside, outside & sills. “Make Your Whole House Shine” 10+ yrs. experience. Convenient appointments. A POINT OF VIEW WINDOW WASHING. Wesley Chapel. 813-973-1451. D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710. Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. A+ Cleaning Service. FSU grad, honest & dependable. Moving very successful business to Tampa Palms area to be near first grandchild. My Tallahassee clients included FSU coaches & professors. For FREE estimate & references call Randi at (cell) 850-509-6615. Yes, I do Gators, too!

L A N D S C A P I N G Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120 or visit www.EverydayGardenersClub.com

LAWN MAINTENANCE Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825. Lawn Maintenance *Commercial*Residential *Rentals*HOA Cleanups*Investment Properties *Complete Lawn Care at Prices you can AFFORD! Service that you can depend on Ken 334-3460.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Mention this ad & receive one month FREE! Aquatec Pool Service **Special offer! New customers get 1 Month FREE!** We offer QUALITY weekly full service at an affordable price & follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards. Licensed & insured. Call today 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

P E T

These are the Color Classifieds Your Neighbors R E A D! Call Dave @ 910-2575 to order your ad today! New Tampa Pet Sitting Service. Lots of love & care for your pets. Great experience & references. Recommended by Angie’s List. Licensed, Insured & Red Cross Certified. Call Marina @ 416-5301. Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

WINDOW CLEANING SPRING CLEANING TIME AGAIN! Isn’t it time to get YOUR windows cleaned? VERY current references, serving New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Call Scott @ (813)957-3043 Sparkling Clean! Commercial, residential & rentals. Professional service @ affordable prices! Please call 1-630-561-3173

P H O N E I N S T. & R E P A I R • Commercial and Residential • Complete Systems. *****FREE ESTIMATES**** Please call 813-333-9644.

S E R V I C E S AVA I L A B L E THE GAS DOCTOR. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Residential * Commercial * Industrial. * New Construction & Remodels * Natural & LP Gas Piping Systems. Gas Appliance Installation, Service & Repair. Providing connections for: Gas Lights, Ranges, Dryers, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Generators, Grills, Space Heaters, Water Heaters, Pool Heaters, Firepits & Tankless Water Heaters. TECO Rebates on Natural Gas Appliances. 5162927 or thegasdoctor.com. License # MG 24668 Clean-outs—abandoned homes, garage cleaning. Pressure washing; odd jobs—painting, tile work, etc. Contact Sure Window Cleaning 926-9943. Trash removal. Trash clean-up, garage clean-outs. Will haul furniture, appliances, yard debris, lowest rates guaranteed; starting at $40. Call 285-4674. Custom Painting! *Artist* “20 yrs. Exp.” Faux, Murals & designer finishes at bargain prices. Call 630-561-3173. SKFinancial is a full service CPA firm located in Seven Oaks. Contact us for free QuickBooks training. Tel 813-322-3936 or www.skfinancial.com.

O F F I C E

S P A C E

2 office + Reception and Cabinet Area. Location: 33647 zip in Commerce Park Professional Center. Estimated Cost $900/1000 per Month 3yr/1yr. 10X15 =150 11x11 =121 14x16 =224...Estimate Sq ft: 550 Sq Ft. Also Include 1 closet and Unisex Bathroom. Available Jan 1 2010. Address: 5307 Technology Dr Tampa, Fl. 33647. Contact: Bob Lamb 813.340.3000.

Town Home for rent in Meadow Pointe, gated 1 car garage, 3br, 2.5 bath—Maint. Free. $1150/mo. Please call 541-3158.

R E A L

E S T A T E

OWN A CATTLE FARM IN COSTA RICA for just $600,000. One hour from San Jose City. Ten acres with 2 homes, one for owner w/cable TV and phone, and one for foreman. 30 heads of Brahman Cattle, 3 pure breed "paso fino" horses with new stables. For information and pictures contact Gerardo Acosta at acosta.gerardo@hotmail.com or ph.813-504-3240.

M U S I C

L E S S O N S

FREE GUITAR WITH LESSONS! Don't worry about spending money on an instrument if you or your child doesn’t stick with it. Get a new guitar free when you sign up for 3 months of lessons. Offer good while supplies last. For more information visit Bigel Music, 20435 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 813-907-6363.

Home day care in a loving home. 10 years experience. We encourage social development activities, games, play times & more. Infant & up. CPR & first aid. Reg. R23PA0154. Call Hilda @ 388-9148. Nanny/Babysitter is looking for fulltime position starting August 2010. Many years experience. Excellent references. I also do some evenings & weekends. Please call 813-973-1216.

B U Y I N G

G O L D

NEED EXTRA MONEY…We can turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don’t sell to the fly by night companies. Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 yrs. exp. Charles Jewelers, 9724653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

G A R A G E

S A L E

CountryWalk Community wide garage sale. Saturday March 27 7am. You dont want to miss this spring multi-home event. Baby/Child items, furniture, electronics, clothing, house decor and so much more. Take 54 to Meadow Point Entrance, 1st subdivision on right. Info: lindsay@goruiz.com

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus. On going classes Tues. 2:303:30 pm, Wed. 8-9 pm. Cost-$10/class. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo, Fitness training and more. With more then 28 years of teaching and training exp. Call Peter today to find out more #787-7560.

S I T T I N G

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including dog walks, multiple & overnight visits, administering meds, plus love & attention. Licensed, bonded & insured. Call 765-5515 for a free consultation. Or, visit www.animalsbestfriend.net.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 6 • March 13, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com