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Volume 18 Issue 12

WESLEY CHAPEL Inside:

Our Exclusive Summer Camp Guide!

June 5, 2010

NEWS

In Neighborhood Magazine!

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

Wiregrass Ranch Moving Towards A ‘World Of Possibilities’ By Michael Smith Just a few years ago, there was very little to see on the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch site, which occupies almost the entire area along the east side of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (BBD, or CR/SR 581) between State Roads 54 and 56, aside from a few dozen cattle that were the last of the herd that used to roam the property when it was a working ranch owned by the Porter family. Although they were reportedly hounded for years by eager developers offering huge sums of money, the family refused to sell the land, waiting for the right developer and the right deal to come along to match their vision for the property that had been their home for decades. Then, in the early 2000s, the family finally settled upon a plan that would eventually bring thousands of homes, retail stores, restaurants, schools, offices and recreational facilities to the site — and it looked like the Porter family’s vision was finally on the path to fruition.

First came the JC Penney department store, which opened in 2005 as the cornerstone of what would become the Shops of Wiregrass mall, which itself opened with great fanfare in 2008. Two new public schools also opened, Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, on property donated to the Pasco County School District by the Porter family, which also has donated land for a professional tennis center and a branch campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC). Meanwhile, builder Pulte Homes also signed on in 2004 as the master developer of the residential portion of the project, unveiling plans for several different communities (to be built by different Pulte homebuilding divisions) on the site, and other entities joined in as well, bringing along plans for an 80bed hospital, additional retail and more. Despite all of those ambitious plans, however, progress has been slow in coming, thanks to a variety of issues and obstacles that have arisen along the

This sign on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. says a PHCC campus is coming to Wiregrass by 2014. way, such as when Pulte pulled out of the site of their new campus, which will the project last year because of the be located on 60 acres of land near downturn in the real estate market. Wiregrass Ranch High. College officials said that they hope to break ground on But, there have been some significant developments over the past couple the facility, which will be called the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in of months that could clear the way for early 2012, and to open it to students the project to get back on track much in the fall of 2013. sooner than was previously expected. State Rep. Will Weatherford (RPHCC Under Way Wesley Chapel) also helped the college For instance, on April 10, officials See “Wiregrass” on page 6. with PHCC held a ceremony to mark

State Road 56 Extension To Open To Meadow Pointe Blvd. By Aug.

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Incidents & Accidents In The News, A Variety Of Local Business Features, WRH Crowns A State Pole Vault Champ & Much More!

Check Out Our Exclusive Summer Camp Guide, A Review Of The New Super Buffet Restaurant, Lots Of ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’ & More!

See pages 3-22!

See pages 23-40!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES

ment with new contractor Ripa & Associates includes a scheduled opening date of August 2. That is especially important, he says, because with construction work getting under way on the widening of S.R. 54 between C.R. 581 (Bruce B. Downs Blvd., BBD), the county wants S.R. 56 to be available for drivers who would like to be able to bypass that roadwork. “We really need that link,” Shepherd says. See “S.R. 56” on page 5.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

However, Pasco County chief project manager Bob Shepherd tells us that a new contract has been awarded for the job, and work is scheduled to resume within the next week. “At this point, there are approximately 20-25 days worth of work to be done,” Shepherd says. “That includes laying down some additional asphalt, doing the final striping and installing traffic signals at Mansfield and Meadow Pointe boulevards.” Shepherd says that there also are some problems that need to be addressed with some of the underground utility work that was performed by WDG, which, along with some other final touches, mean that the roadway won’t be entirely finished until January 2011, but he says that the agree-

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Stop me if you’ve heard this before (and I know that you have), but Pasco County officials have once again announced a new schedule for the opening of the long-awaited S.R. 56 eastward extension from Mansfield Blvd. to Meadow Pointe Blvd. that will

allow drivers to begin using the roadway by early August. Earlier announcements of the opening of the extension had to be revised after the original contractor, WDG Construction, Inc., abruptly abandoned the project when the company went out of business, leaving officials to search for a replacement.

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Michael Smith

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Businesses On S.R. 54 Need Your Support Now More Than Ever!

15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483

An editorial by Gary Nager But, the fact the drive-by traffic has slowed significantly on both BBD and 54, Jim says that hasn’t translated into many more people stopping in to check out the beautiful new bar or the much prettier interior inside Sonny’s. It’s even tougher on Skinny’s Sports Bar owners Ken Santo and Bucky Wolden. Even though Skinny’s is located west of I-75 (as is Santo’s Italian Grill, which Santo also owns), where there currently isn’t any construction going on, Santo says the nightly closing of the I-75 bridge over S.R. 54, which was scheduled to continue into the first week of June, “has really hurt us. They don’t close the bridge until 9 or 10 at night, when most of the businesses along 54 are closed or closing, but at that time, Skinny’s is usually just heating up. Even though we moved to a larger location [in the same Pinebrook at The Grove plaza on 54], no one wants to negotiate that detour (either north to S.R. 52 or south to S.R. 56) to come here.” It’s the same no matter where you look along 54, whether the businesses are day or nighttime-oriented. The numerous auto dealerships along 54, especially those located east of I-75, are offering as many deals as possible to stimulate more customers to stop in and buy a vehicle. The restaurants in that same area, including Winners Grill, Los Vallartas, Woody’s Pizza & Wings, Sonny’s, Applebee’s and Super Buffet (see page 30) are all just hanging in there waiting for the economy to improve even more and for the road

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

Table of Contents

I drive the Wesley Chapel area at least a few days of each work week, stopping in to chat with the business owners. Similar to what’s happening with the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (both north and south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line), a recurring theme of most of my conversations with the merchants located along S.R./C.R. 54 (on both sides of I75) is how the concurrent widening of BBD, I-75 and S.R./C.R. 54 is affecting their respective businesses. And the news, to be honest, isn’t very good. In the type of down global economy we’re experiencing, with entire countries on the verge of bankruptcy, the news isn’t all good, even with the U.S. economy apparently coming out of its recent recession. But, making an already untenable traffic situation along S.R. 54 in particular even worse (until sometime in 2012) is really wreaking havoc with anyone trying to run a business in that area. For example, Sonny’s BBQ owners (and New Tampa residents) Jim and Christina Hoff recently completed a major renovation to their popular eatery (located on an outparcel of the Publixanchored Hollybrook Plaza at the intersection of S.R. 54 and BBD), which included opening a full-service bar (a Sonny’s chain prototype) inside the revamped restaurant (see page 32). Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Joshua Litton • 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 14, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, June 8. 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.

construction to be completed. The same is true as you head further east on 54, where everyone from Saddlebrook Resort & Spa to Bagelicious & More (see page 32) are trying to maintain acceptable levels of business while the roadwork continues. And of course, the situation is no different when you head south on BBD, which will end up having three lanes in each direction from the county line north to 54 by the end of this year. “There’s no doubt that we’ll do much better when they finish the construction,” said one business owner in

the Shops at Wiregrass who asked not to be identified. “We just have to do the best we can until it’s done.” In short, the businesses in Wesley Chapel need your support now more than ever. Even though our neighborhoods aren’t packed with nearly as many “snowbirds” (part time residents who go back up north for the summer) as other parts of Pasco County, business in the summer months does generally taper off until the kids have to go back to school in the fall. So please, support your local merchants, Wesley Chapel! Thank you.

NEWS UPDATES.....................................Pages 1-9 News Briefs..................................................................4 Local Man Killed In Pedestrian Accident, Teacher Charged With DUI, Motorcyclist Dies In I-75 Crash S.R. 56 (cont. from Page 1)...............................................5 Wiregrass (cont. from Page 1)............................................6 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar........................8-9

BUSINESS UPDATES...................................10-15 Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home.............................10-11 Fido’s Funland...........................................................14-15 USA Gold Buyers.......................................................16-17 EDUCATION UPDATES....................................18 QHE Students ‘Take Over’ The Florida Aquarium, WC Soccer Club Tryouts Scheduled, Students Enjoy End-Of-The Year Activities LOCAL SPORTS UPDATES..............................20 Sports Briefs..............................................................20 Local AAU Team Wins Second Straight Title, WRH’s Kazanski Claims State Pole Vault Crown

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

Area Summer Camp Programs Offer Lots Of Fun...23-25 Aykroyd Draws A Crowd To ABC Liquors.....................28 T’s Boutique Is Now Your Local Brighton Outlet...........29 Super Buffet Has Something For Everyone...............30-31 Neighborhood Nibbles....................................................32 Urban Culinary Cuisine Offers Great Food & Great Entertainment....................................................34-35

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...38

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL Wesley Chapel Man Struck & Killed By Semi

A 53-year-old Wesley Chapel resident was killed in late May, after he walked into the path of a tractor-trailer in Hillsborough County. According to a report issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Richard Wayne Melvin, of 5631 Pat Rd., was standing on a median at the intersection of Gunn Highway and W. Linebaugh Ave. at around 1:30 p.m. on May 25. At the same time, Edward Scott, 63, of Riverview, who was behind the wheel of a 1994 Peterbilt semi truck, was waiting for the traffic light to change so he could turn onto Linebaugh Ave. As the light changed, however, Melvin stepped off of the median and directly into the path of the truck. Melvin, who ironically would have celebrated his 54th birthday on May 30, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. No charges have been filed in the case, but an investigation is ongoing.

Teacher Found Asleep In Vehicle Charged With DUI A local high school teacher was

News Briefs arrested and charged with driving under the influence after she was found sleeping in her vehicle in a school parking lot. According to a report issued by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Leah Nicole Zachewicz, 26, of Zephyrhills, was found sleeping behind the wheel of her Kia Sportage Leah N. SUV in the parking Zachewicz lot of Dr. John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel at around 2:30 a.m. on May 9. Zachewicz, who teaches language arts at the nearby Wiregrass Ranch High, attempted to start the vehicle after she was awakened, and then opened the door, vomited and then fell to the ground outside of the car. She was given a series of field sobriety tests, which the report says she failed, the report states, and then blew a 0.116 on a breathalyzer test, which is at least 30-percent above the legal limit of 0.08 percent that indicates driver impairment. Zachewicz told officers that she

had consumed six glasses of wine earlier in the evening. Zachewicz was released from the Land O’Lakes Jail on her own recognizance later that same morning.

Riverview Motorcyclist Dies In Crash On I-75

A 30-year-old Riverview man was killed May 2 when the motorcycle he was riding left the highway and overturned in the median of I-75 just north of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Matthew G. Lyle was changing lanes while traveling northbound on the interstate after 9 a.m.

when he apparently lost control of his 2007 Honda motorcycle. The motorcycle veered into the median, and as Lyle began to apply the brakes, the bike overturned, ejecting the driver, who then struck a metal construction sign. Although he was wearing a helmet, Lyle was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 9:28 a.m. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and the FHP investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing, including toxicology tests to determine if alcohol (or any other substance) was a contributing factor. — Michael Smith

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“S.R. 56”

Continued from page 1 S.R. 56/BBD Update

In addition to the resumption of work on the S.R. 56 extension, Pasco County officials also approved an agreement May 17 that will allow work to move forward once again at the intersection of S.R. 56 and BBD. As you may recall, the work there, which is related to the currently ongoing widening of BBD between S.R. 54 and County Line Rd., has been delayed for months because of a conflict over the relocation of power poles and underground utilities in that area. The poles and utilities belong to Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), and while the design for the roadway and intersection improvements called for the relocation of 43 poles (at a cost of approximately $10,000 each), TECO refused to pay for the work, saying that the cost should be borne by the county and/or Crown Community Development (the developer of Seven Oaks), which was required to make the intersection improvements under its development agreement with the county. Besides that, in addition to the relocation of the poles, once work began in the area just south of the intersection, a large underground duct bank that is part of TECO’s infrastruc-

ture for customers in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties was found to be located within the right of way. “No one even knew it was there when they did the original design,” Shepherd says. Shepherd adds that the duct bank was in conflict with the drainage plan for the roadway, which meant that it, too, would have to be removed (at a cost of approximately $1.5 million), or the project would have to undergo a “significant” redesign in order to work around it. TECO officials did not want to pay for that, either. So, the county threatened to move the duct bank itself and sue the utility company for reimbursement. Instead, however, attorneys for the county, TECO and Crown managed to come to a compromise that seems to have settled all of those issues. Under that settlement, TECO agreed to pay $680,000 to Crown to pay for a partial redesign of the project to revise the drainage plan and additional construction costs to work around both the duct bank and the majority of the poles, which will be allowed to remain where they are. TECO spokesman Rick Morera said that the company already has paid the money and has begun to work on moving a total of 10 poles on both the east and west sides of the roadway, in addition to installing four new transmis-

When it is completed, the S.R. 56/Bruce B. Downs Blvd. intersection will be among the largest in the entire country. sion poles in the area of Williamsburg Dr., and transferring the power lines to the new poles. The county, meanwhile, also allowed Crown to modify plans for a bike path along the side of the roadway, reducing it from 10 feet wide to 8 feet in order to accommodate the power poles that will remain in place. Pasco officials also issued a right-of-way use permit to allow the duct bank to also remain in its existing location. Shepherd says that the settlement dovetails nicely with the plans for the

opening of S.R. 56, since it means that the intersection improvements should be completed by August as well. Once all of the work has been completed, the intersection of S.R. 56 and BBD will be not only the largest one ever constructed in Pasco County, but one of the two or three largest in the country. “When it’s done, it’s going to have triple left-turn lanes in each direction,” Shepherd says. “When we started looking at the plans, we realized that it definitely was going to be the biggest intersection in the state.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Wiregrass”

comment, however, on when that construction will actually get under way.

obtain state money to build the campus, and school officials are currently in the process of selecting a design for it. Pasco County Board of County Commissioners chair Pat Mulieri (whose District 2 also includes Wesley Chapel), taught at the two-year college for more than 20 years and retired as a Professor Emeritus, and is very enthusiastic about the new opportunities that the campus will bring to the area. “I think it’s going to be wonderful,” she says. “If you think of the whole synergy of the plan, it means that once the college opens, then students will be able to attend classes there and they can work right there at the Shops, and eventually even live in the homes [and apartments] that are going to be built.” Mulieri also says that the hospital group, a partnership between the Florida Hospital and University Community healthcare organizations (which is planning to build a full-service hospital about a half-mile north of the mall), is getting close to filing plans that will allow construction to move forward with that facility as well. A spokesperson for the partnership declined to

Tennis (Or Hockey), Anyone?

Continued from page 1

Finally, although plans for the tennis center have officially fallen by the wayside, we learned last month that the Porter family has approached county officials about the possibility of trading the land that the family originally donated for the center for another site within the Wiregrass property. Although negotiations over the proposed swap are only just getting started, Mulieri says she would definitely support a trade. “Since the tennis center has become defunct, that land has become an albatross,” she says. “I think moving it would be an excellent idea.” The county already holds the deed to the 40 acres of land where the tennis center was to be built, which is near Saddlebrook Resort, but there are no roads leading to the site, and Saddlebrook officials balked at having visitors use their gated entrance to get to it. So, the Porters have proposed substituting another site which would be more centrally located within the Wiregrass property and which would also include additional acreage for the

necessary access roads. William Merrill, an attorney who is representing the family in its negotiations with the county, says, however, that the proposal is only in the earliest stages and no decisions have yet been made about the exact location of the new site. “We are in discussions with the county to work out the best possible location for both the county and the Porters,” Merrill says. If the land trade does go through, both Mulieri and Merrill hinted at the possibility that there could already be a builder waiting in the wings with a plan to build a multi-purpose recreational facility on or near the new site that could include an ice hockey arena and more. Coincidentally, a pair of former partners who had previously talked about building an ice hockey facility in the Wesley Chapel area have been quoted in the daily newspapers as saying that they are now looking at building separate projects in the area. One of them, a St. Petersburg businessman named G. Vallee Bain, even met with members of the Pasco Tourism Development Council in March to discuss his plans for a 470,000-sq.-ft. facility that he says he wants to build on a site near The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza

at S.R. 54 and I-75. The proposal includes a mix of hockey, laser tag, bowling, restaurants, a hotel and more. Meanwhile, Bain’s former partner, Patrick DeLorenzo, also told reporters that he is in the process of putting together plans for a hockey-based facility somewhere in (or near) Wiregrass Ranch. We were not able to reach either Bain or DeLorenzo to talk to them about the details of their respective proposals, and Porter attorney Merrill would only say that the family is “in discussions with people concerning sports and recreational opportunities in Wiregrass. No specific agreements have been made yet,” he notes, “but I suspect things will happen quickly once they do.” That, Mulieri says, is one of the main reasons why she decided to run for re-election this year, so that she can be on hand to witness the fulfillment of the plans that will complete the transformation of the Porter family’s former cattle ranch into a thriving community of homes, families and businesses. “Everything is really starting to come together,” she says. “It’s just so thrilling to be here and see this whole new world of possibilities that is opening up.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL MS Support Group

Community Calendar

Saturday, June 5 – A new multiple sclerosis support group will meet once a month at noon on Saturdays at the New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). For more information, call Noreen at 312-3345.

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.

WC Toastmasters

Homeowner Seminar

Monday, June 7 – The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Club meets every Monday, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, visit Toastmastersd84.org or call (352) 567-1508.

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, June 7 – Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday, 8 a.m., for networking and discussion at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, June 8 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group

Tuesday, June 8 – Hope For Homeowners Consulting, LLC, will host an educational seminar for financially distressed homeowners, 6:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). Topics to be discussed include how to avoid foreclosure, short sales, loan modifications, property management and more. For more information, contact Tina Danielson at 230-9245 or by email at tdanielson@h4hconsulting.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, June 8 – The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday morning, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shoppes at New Tampa of 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, June 9 – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallartas 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, June 9 – The Wesley Chapel 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 information, call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270 or visit WesleyChapelCAP.com.

PACA

Thursday, June 10 – The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations (PACA) will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Land O’Lakes Community Center (5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd.). This month’s guest speaker will be Pasco County property appraiser Mike Wells. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact

membership director David Quinones at 991-1505 or president Joe Wyatt at 907-2081, or visit the PACA website at MyPACA.org.

Networking For Your Success

Thursday, June 10 – The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.). For additional information, call John Anglada at 298-3232 or visit NetworkingforYourSuccess.com.

WC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, June 10 – 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.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, June 10 – A new chapter of the Red Hat Society for ladies over 50 meets on the second Thursday of each month at different locations. For more information, send an e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

WC Republican Club

Thursday, June 10 – The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). New members and guests are always welcome to attend. For more info, contact Peter Hanzel at 907-6614 or by e-mail at WesleyChapelRepC@aol.com.

WC Sunrise Rotary

Friday, June 11 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7:15 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Butterfly, Herb & Native Plant Fair

Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13 – The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens (12210 USF Pine Dr., on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida) will host its 2010 Butterfly, Herb and Native Plant Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. The event will include a variety of activities for children and adults, including informational talks, a caterpillar petting area, snake exhibit and more, and

there also will be a variety of plants and herbs available for purchase. Admission costs $5 for adults; children and Botanical Garden members get in free. For more info, call 910-3274 or visit cas.usf.edu/garden.

Networking On The Nines

Tuesday, June 15 – Come and make friends and business contacts while playing a round of golf at the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Networking on the Nines” event, which begins at 3 p.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). The cost is $15 per player, which includes greens fees and cart. For more information, call Rob Kellogg at 817-5655.

will host the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s Monthly Mixer, which begins at 6 p.m. Call the Chamber office at 9948534 for more information.

‘The Little Mermaid” Ballet

Saturday-Sunday, June 19-20 — Danzamericas Project is proud to present “The Little Mermaid,” a ballet performance featuring the amazing dancers of America’s Ballet School (which is located in Tampa Palms). America’s Ballet Theatre, led by artistic director and former prima ballerina Paula Nunez, has won the America’s Youth Grand Prix (YAGP)

each of the last three years (2008-10). “The Little Mermaid” will be performed at 7 p.m. on June 19 and at 3 p.m. on June 20, in Theatre 1 at the University of South Florida (USF) College of the Arts. Presale tickets are available now by calling 558-0800 or visit DanzamericasProject. org. Our Community Calendar is a free service for area businesses, nonprofit and other groups. Submit items to

NTNNedit@yahoo.com or visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com.

Networking Coffee

Wednesday, June 16 – The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Business Builder Networking Coffee, 7:30 a.m., at Cracker Barrel restaurant. Contact the Chamber Office at 994-8534 for more information.

Monthly Chamber Mixer

Thursday, June 17 – Regions Bank (1333 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Revitalize Your Floors With Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home By Michael Smith Even though you walk on them every day, you probably don’t think much about the floors under your feet, but, if you are getting tired of looking at the same old carpeting, linoleum, tile or whatever it is you currently have, then you might want to consider giving your home a fresh, new look, with help from the flooring experts at Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home. Located just west of Morris Bridge Rd. on S.R. 54 (less than a mile east of New River), Keeps Carpet One has been providing high-quality, fashionable flooring solutions for area residents for two decades, according to owner and president Leslie Egan, who purchased the business from original owners Larry and Pat Kieper in 2008. Keeps is Pasco County’s only member of the Carpet One network of stores, which includes more than 1,000 locations worldwide, and Egan says that affiliation allows her and her staff to offer their customers a huge selection of flooring options (and more) to suit every taste and budget. They also can provide professional design and installation services, so they really have everything you need to get the job

done right from start to finish. And, if you haven’t shopped for flooring in a while, you might be surprised at all of the latest innovations, styles and varieties that are now available at Keeps. “We really have a lot of new and exciting products,” Egan says. In addition to major carpet and flooring name brands such as Shaw, Mohawk and Armstrong, Keeps also offers a wide variety of Carpet One’s signature flooring lines, which include carpeting by Tigressa, Bigelow, Good Housekeeping, Millcraft, and Relax, It’s Lees; hardwood by American Expressions, Biltmore and Hanover Hills Hardwood; and literally hundreds of styles of tile, laminate, and vinyl flooring products that can match any décor and add lasting beauty to your home for years to come. Egan says that one of the newest and increasingly popular products to hit the market is called DuraCeramic by Congoleum, which is a composite product that combines a limestone tile base topped with polyurethane vinyl. It provides the same appearance as full tile, but is much more resistant to cracking and chipping, which means that it is more durable and easier to

In addition to many styles of carpeting, Keeps Carpet One also offers hundreds of varieties of hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring and more. care for than any other tile product. bring samples, discuss the various “It can also be installed right over options and provide a free estimate of the existing tile, and it comes with a what the job will cost, so you can get a 20-year warranty,” Egan says, adding better idea of how the colors and styles that Carpet One is known for providof the samples will look in your home. ing the best warranty coverage for all of You also can browse through Keeps’ the products that they sell. exclusive “Floor Explorer” feature on Another one of the great features the store’s website, which allows you to offered by Keeps is the store’s in-home see samples and learn the specifics of all design services, which allow you to the products sold at the location. shop for your new flooring without Then, once you make a decision, ever having to actually visit the store. Keeps has much of its inventory ready All new customers can receive a free, for installation in the store’s onsite in-home visit by a designer who will warehouse, which means you can be

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

enjoying your new floors within a week to 10 days of your order, and all of the work is done by experienced technicians who have been certified by the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI), so you can trust that the work will be done right. Jerry and Sandy Linder of Zephyrhills certainly are happy with the service that they’ve received from the staff at Keeps, so much so, in fact, that when they were looking for carpeting and linoleum for their new house, they went back to Keeps, which also installed carpeting in their former home a few years before. “They’re the best,” Sandy says. “We wouldn’t use anybody else. They are very nice, prompt and professional, and they really go above and beyond on their service.”

More Than Just Flooring!

And, to help you complete your home’s new look, Keeps also offers a great selection of window treatments, such as custom draperies, blinds and shutters, wall coverings, faux finishes, area rugs and more, and Egan notes that not only can a home makeover add significant value if you’re trying to sell your home (especially in this tight economy), it also can add to your enjoyment for years to come if you are planning to stay in your home.

Keeps owner Leslie Egan is ready to help you make over your home. “My motto is, ‘If you can’t move, improve,’” she says. To see what Keeps Carpet One can do for you and your home, visit the store at 34120 S.R. 54 to get a hands-on preview of what’s available. The regular hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Or, call 377-3406 to schedule your free in-home consultation, or visit KeepsCarpetOneZephyrhills.com to check out the online “Floor Explorer.” And, don’t forget to mention either this article or the advertisement from this issue of the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News to receive a 10-percent discount on the cost of your purchase.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Fido’s Funland — Quality Services & A Doggone Good Time! By Gary Nager Although neither of my dogs currently lives with me, as a long-time pet owner, I always appreciate finding great services for my dogs. One place for your pets that I can heartily recommend is Fido’s Funland, which is located a bit of a drive from New Tampa (in the S.R. 54 area of Wesley Chapel), but which also provides we-come-to-you pet sitting and other services for your dogs and cats. Fido’s Funland is a partnership between principal owner Douglas Frazier and Lori Vassallo, who also previously worked together for many years at a bank in the Wesley Chapel area. In addition to offering your pets the opportunity to enjoy doggie daycare and boarding at their facility (more on that below), the Fido’s Funland van also will come to your location for “potty” walks during the day, pet sitting in your home, feces removal, pet taxi service (they will gladly take your dog or cat to the groomer, veterinarian or dog park) and even personal pet shopping if you ever need to pick up food, medications, etc. All Fido’s Funland “Pet Playmates” are bonded and insured and certified in pet CPR and First Aid, but more important (at least

(Left) Douglas Frazier made sure Goldie wasn’t thinking about jumping in this koi (fish) pond at Fido’s Funland, although his cocker spaniel/King Charles spaniel mix Jake (right) did hop in to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pond a few minutes later. to me) is the fact that they all love your pet almost as much as you do. If you bring your pet to the Fido’s Funland location, you’ll get to meet Frazier’s three dogs (who are all cocker spaniel/King Charles spaniel mixes), Annabelle, Madison and Jake, who are all friendly and always ready for a new playmate to join in the fun. “One of the first dogs we took in was a Lab who loved people, but didn’t really like other dogs, especially when he’d meet them while on a

leash,” Lori explains. “But, after a little socialization with Doug’s trio, he played with them all day.” The day I visited Fido’s Funland with Goldie, I explained that although she actually loves other dogs, her preference is to socialize with people. Once I saw how sweet the spaniels were and how happy Goldie was saying hi to Doug and Lori, I knew here experience at Fido’s Funland would be a great one. Sure enough, when I returned a

few hours later, my 10-year-old, chubby golden was happy to go back home and she slept like a baby all night. I would definitely feel comfortable leaving her for a weekend or longer at the Funland and I’m certain even a rambunctious puppy would feel just as at home as Goldie felt there. Of course, Doug and Lori recognize that for New Tampa and many Wesley Chapel residents, there are closer places to bring your pets, which is one reason why Fido’s Funland also

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Fido’s Funland van brings quality pet-sitting services and so much more right to your front door.

(L. to r): Goldie, Lori Vassallo, Annabelle, Doug Frazier, Jake and Madison all had a great time hanging out together at Fido’s Funland in Wesley Chapel. Fido’s Funland Fido & Feline Sitter Services is located off of S.R. 54 in eastern Wesley Chapel. For appointments and more information, call 381-6360 or visit Fidos FunLand.com. You also may e-mail them at info@FidosFunLand.com.

offers the aforementioned services which they bring directly to you. In other words, whether you need pet sitting in your home or theirs, Fido’s Funland is a great place for all of your “Fido” and “Feline” sitter needs. Goldie gives it four paws up!

WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi

• Cleanings (Ages 4 and up) • Crowns, Bridges and Implant Crowns • Veneers • Zoom & Take Home Whitening • Root Canals & Extractions

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (across the street from Wharton H.S., in front of Live Oak)

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

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USA Gold Buyers — Get More Money For Your Gold! By Kim Thomas Perhaps more than ever, we are conscious what things cost. Whether shopping for the best deals or putting dollar values on our own possessions, all of us want to keep as much of our hard-earned money as possible. And, when we decide to sell something, we want to get the very best price for it. At USA Gold Buyers, located on S.R. 54 between Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and I-75 (next to Walgreen’s), you are guaranteed to get top dollar for your silver, gold and platinum. “It’s pretty much impossible for anyone to get a better price for their gold than they will at our store,” says USA Gold Buyers owner David McIntyre.“We’ll beat any of our competitors’ prices on gold jewelry by 10 percent. And, we pay 92 percent of spot on tradable gold coins and bars.” In fact, during our conversation, David received a phone call from USA Gold Buyers’ Tarpon Springs store manager Ashley Paul, who let him know that she just beat out a competitor’s price by more than 25 percent! The great thing about gold is that it has held its value in this economy. Even old, tangled and broken jewelry can still earn you top dollar. Each USA

Gold Buyers store will purchase your gold (any karat), silver and platinum in any form, including jewelry, flatware, serving trays, watches and coins. In addition, USA Gold Buyers offers customers a variety of ways to sell their precious metals, including a safe and secure storefront, home parties and even fund-raising opportunities for churches, schools, sports and other charitable/nonprofit organizations. McIntyre owns nine USA Gold Buyers stores, with seven in the greater Tampa Bay Area, including one store located on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa, one on SR 54 in New Port Richey, as well as locations in Tarpon Springs, Lakeland and Bradenton. David notes that USA Gold Buyers can offer customers the best price possible for their precious metals. because, “This is our specialty. We only buy precious metal and diamonds (and diamonds are only purchased at the Dale Mabry location). We don’t sell anything. We don’t repair anything. We

pay the best price for gold, period. We update our pricing hourly based on the New York Stock Exchange, so our customers are always getting the most current price.” USA Gold Buyers is a national brand, with many stores in Atlanta and more than 60 in Chicago, so another reason USA Gold Buyers is able to beat the competition on pricing is because of the large amounts of gold that is purchased daily for refining. “A pawn shop has only a few people coming in the door, so they have to make as much money off of each customer as possible,” explains David. “We are a volume company; we have an average of 25 customers a day, so we can give a better price because we only need to make a small amount of money on a massive number of people.” He adds, “When we wholesale our gold, we deal with the largest refinery in the world, so we can pay high and still stay in business.” USA Gold Buyers’ philosophy is to treat customers with respect and offer very personable customer service. You will be greeted outside by a friendly employee who will buzz you into the store where you will be able to see everything that is going on with your jewelry or other precious metal. You

also will see your gold weighed on scales which are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “By the time my customers leave, they’ll know how to test gold and they’ll understand the buying process because they’ve been able to see the whole process,” says David. “People know they can trust us. We have customers who send in their mothers, sisters, friends and coworkers; 35 percent of our business is repeat and referrals.” He adds that unlike many other businesses that buy gold and jewelry, at each USA Gold Buyers location, you are dealing with just one person. “And we spend a lot of time training our employees,” says David. “They each get four 8-hour days in the classroom and three full days working with a buyer in the store, so our service is always very personable and professional. We are very selective about the people we hire and we always perform a full background check.” If you have a piece of jewelry with several different types of gold, USA Gold Buyers’ trained personnel will disassemble the jewelry and weigh each type of gold separately to ensure that you get the best price. For instance, if you have a 14K gold ring with platinum prongs, the prongs will be cut off

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The Wesley Chapel location of USA Gold Buyers (on S.R. 54 just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) will offer you top dollar for your gold and other precious jewelry. and weighed separately, so you get the highest price for your platinum. “We fill a need for people,” David says. “A lot of people are having a hard time right now, but gold is still worth a lot in bad economic times and the [gold] market shows no signs of weakening. We want to be a refinery for the local public.”

Parties That PAY $$$!

Everybody loves a party. We even

go to parties and purchase stuff we really don’t need just to support our friends and visit. How about next time, instead of inviting everyone over and asking them to bring their checkbook, you have your friends show up with all their old, broken and mismatched jewelry. They can find out the true value of their gold and if they choose to sell, your friends will leave the party with a wallet full of sweet cash! USA Gold Buyers offers great

incentives to host a party, such as a 10percent commission on all purchases and the average host makes more than $500 in commissions! “I love to write out checks for $500,” says David. “We love to give people incentives; it’s our favorite thing to do in this business!” Plus, if at least $500 worth of gold is purchased by USA Gold Buyers, the host also will receive $40 for food and beverage. In addition, the host receives $25 for each referral that hosts their own party; a $300 bonus if five or more referrals host their own event; and a $100 bonus if 20 or more guests attend and sell their gold. It couldn’t be any easier. USA Gold Buyers’ Hostess Consultants will organize the party at your home, take care of all the details right down to providing you with paper invitations and will even email the invitations to your friends for you.

High-Dollar Fund Raisers

As most PTA presidents today will tell you, fund raising becomes even more difficult on a tough economy, . People simply don’t have extra money to spend, which means that most conventional fund-raising methods are generating fewer dollars today than they did three years ago before the global economy began tanking. But, USA Gold Buyers has a great

solution that puts money in everyone’s pocket! They can organize a gold-buying event at which your participants can sell their unwanted gold and precious metal jewelry for top dollar and 20 percent of the total purchases is paid back to you in cash for the chosen charity. This is a great solution for religious organizations, Little League and other youth sports teams, school fund raisers and many more. And, if you have a really generous group, the entire purchase can be donated. “We were just involved with a church fund raiser where we were able to pay out $28,500; whereas another store had offered the same group a few thousand dollars less,” shares David. USA Gold Buyers’ event coordinator will work with you to customize your fund raiser and provide you with invitations and other marketing materials to ensure the success of your event. The Wesley Chapel USA Gold Buyers store is located at 28107 SR 54 and the Tampa location is at 2101 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Both stores are open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to schedule a home party or fund raiser at any of the local USA Gold Buyers stores, please call 434-4222 or visit TopUSAGoldBuyers.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Education Updates

Students Enjoy End-Of-The-Year Fun

Quail Hollow Fifth Graders Take Over the Florida Aquarium On May 21, on their end-of-theyear field trip, the fifth graders from Quail Hollow Elementary in Wesley Chapel took over the Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa for a night of exploration and fun. The students started the evening by getting up close and personal with sea life as they split up into teams to dissect a squid. They discovered how the squid’s special adaptations help it survive in its deep sea habitat. Then, the students had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Aquarium to view the exhibits from a different perspective. When it came time to “sleep with the fishes,” the boys invaded the shark viewing area for their sleeping quarters, naturally, while the girls claimed the Coral Reef and scuba dive show area.

The next morning, the students met with some of the Aquarium’s other residents, including a horned hoot owl, a baby alligator and the friendly sting rays, which they were even allowed to pet. And finally, the Quail Hollow fifth graders agreed to “give back” the Aquarium when it opened at 9:30 am so that other visitors could still enjoy all that it has to offer. — MS

Wesley Chapel Flames Holding Tryouts

The Wesley Chapel Soccer Club will be holding tryouts for its Flames competitive soccer teams ages 7-18 on Tuesday, June 1-Sunday June 6, at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. For more information, visit WesleyChapelSoccer.com.

(Above) First graders at Veterans Elementary had a great time at their “Author Fiesta” on May 21. (Right) Wesley Chapel Elementary first grader Makayla Bradley goes hand-to-hand with karate instructor Mr. Geo during a recent clinic held at the school.

Calimari, anyone? Fifth grade students from Quail Hollow Elementary enjoyed dissecting squid during their recent overnight visit to the Florida Aquarium.

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W ESLEY C HAPEL Local AAU Program Wins Back-To-Back State Titles

The Florida Select Basketball organization dominated the field in this year’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 14-and-under Division 1 State championship in Orlando. Chase Litton, a 6’5’’ swing man, and point guard Marshall Holmes are students at New Tampa’s Benito Middle School. The team also includes Devin Gooden, who attends Bartels Middle School in Live Oak Preserve and Isaiah Thomas, a student at John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel. The State championship marks the organization’s second consecutive state title in only its second year of existence. Last year, Florida Select won the championship by an amazing 39 points. Florida Select was founded by Jessica and Derek Holmes of New Tampa back in January of 2009. The program spends countless weekends out of the year in major cities such as Indianapolis, Chicago, Orlando and Memphis, competing with the nation’s top youth basketball talent. Next up for Florida Select Basket-

Sports Briefs Wiregrass Ranch’s Alex Kazanski Vaults To State Class 3A Title

New Tampa’s Devin Gooden throws up a fallaway jumper. ball are a few marquee nationally touted tournaments before heading back to Orlando for the national championships later this July. Florida Select currently only fields one boys’ basketball team and competes mainly in the 14-and-under age group, although the team does occasionally compete in the 15-and-under division, too, in order to help hone their skills to be more prepared for the elite competition at nationals. For additional information about the team, tryout updates and upcoming events, visit FloridaSelect Basketball.org.

We offer our hearty congratulations to Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) junior Alex Kazanski, above, who is shown clearing the bar at 14 feet to capture the State pole vault title at the FHSAA Class 3A Track & Field finals in Winter Park on May 7. What makes the feat even more impressive is the fact that Kazanski’s personal poles were stolen from a storage area at the meet site the morning before the high-flying WRH Bull was scheduled to compete, so he had to make the jump using a borrowed pole.

At the same meet, Ryan Pulsifer finished tenth in the boys 3,200-meter run, with a time of 9:53.29, while the best finish for the WRH girls was Ariel Grey’s effort in the 1,600-meter run, where she took ninth with her time of 5:14.99. Nikita Shaw also finished tenth in the girls 3,200, with a time of 11:47.57, and the girls 4x400-meter relay team of Melanie Dean, Makayla Strickland, Kelsey Sturman and Shavaun Walker finished 16th in Class 3A with a time of 4:09.35. — MS

Florida Select’s Chase Litton brings the ball up the floor against a pair of defenders.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Summer Camp Programs Offer A Variety Of Fun Things To Do The end of the school year is right around the corner, and while most kids of my generation had to settle for old-fashioned camps that offered such boring activities as canoeing, archery and wallet making, young people nowadays have a wide variety of choices when it comes to whiling away the lazy days of summer. Here is a rundown of some of the programs offered right in our own neighborhood, as well as some other exciting options from all around the area. - MS

Hunter’s Green Country Club

The Summer Activities Camp at Hunter’s Green Country Club Sports Center (18050 Hunter’s Oak Ct., just off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is designed for children ages 5-12 and features a variety of activities, including cooking classes, golf, cheerleading, flag football, volleyball, nature, drama, dance, crafts, field trips, swimming, “Fun Fridays” with blow-up moonwalks and waterslides and much more. There also is a Counselor-InTraining program for teens ages 1215. There is a one-time registration fee of $35, and the first 60 children who register will receive a backpack and T-shirt. Weekly sessions begin June 11, and there are daily and weekly rates, and extended care hours also are available. In addition, Hunter’s Green also

offers a Summer Tennis Camp that begins June 14 and Summer Swim Camp that starts June 15. For more information about these programs, call 973-4220 or visit HuntersGreenCC.com.

New Tampa Dance Theatre

New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT), located at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd., will be offering summer dance camps, ballet and musical theater intensive workshops and other classes, June 21-July 2, for ages 3adult. Styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, creative movement and tumbling will be offered each week. For more information, please call 994-NTDT(6838).

New Tampa Family YMCA

The New Tampa Family YMCA (16221Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms) Summer Camp program offers a variety of safe and fun full-day and specialty camps for children ages 3-15. The camps include swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts and more, and this summer there are even more new features, such as full-day drama and musical theatre programs, gender-specific half-day camps and the new “Activate America” program, which encourages kids to be more active and healthier. Call 866-9622 or visit Tampa YMCA.org.

You Do The Dishes Art Fest 2010

If your children love art, or if you are hoping to give them a greater appreciation of art, then the Art Fest 2010 summer program offered at You Do the Dishes paint-your-own pottery studio & coffeehouse (15357 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms) may be just the thing you’re looking for this summer. During the camp, which is designed for kids ages 7-13, participants will Campers learn painting and other art forms at receive expert instruction the You Do The Dishes Summer Art Fest camp. and create projects in a variety of artistic media, summer courses offered at the Acaincluding printmaking, drawing, demic Edge Learning Center (17419 watercolor, acrylics, collage and of Bridge Hill Ct., in the Tampa Palms course, pottery making. Sessions begin Professional Center). June 14, and the cost is $200 per The courses, which are directed camper per session, which includes the by experienced teachers, include readcost of all art supplies. Space is limiting, math, biology, physics, FCAT ed, so advance registration is required. preparation, SAT preparation and For additional information, more. Courses are designed for elevisit YouDoTheDishes.com or call mentary, middle and high school stu975-1700. dents, and two-week sessions begin June 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, and extra care hours also are available by Academic Edge appointment. Summer Courses For additional information, call You can give the serious students in your family a jump on the 2011-12 971-6500. school year by enrolling them in the See “Incidents” on page 5.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Summer Camps”

Continued from page 23 All Star Summer Camp

Sports + Field Athletic Club (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel) hosts an All Star Summer Camp beginning June 14, for children entering grades K-6. The camp features team sports, arts and crafts, karate, dance, waterslide, Wii competitions, board games, Zumba and surprise visitors. Each week of the camp will have a special sports theme. Full-day sessions are from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for $105 per camper; half-day sessions are 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for $85 per camper, and there also is a $50 registration fee (half off for Sports + Field members) per camper. Campers also are required to bring their own bring water bottles, healthy snacks and lunch. For information, call 948-5517 or visit SportsAndField.net.

Camp IDS 2010

Independent Day School-Corbett Campus (12015 Orange Grove Dr., off Busch Blvd.) offers a variety of weekly summer camp programs covering sports, arts, cooking, field trips and more for children in grades pre-K-8.

Camp sessions run June 14-July 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, with fullor half-day sessions available, and extra care hours also are available. Costs vary. For more information, call 9613087 or visit idsyes.com.

Summer At The Lakes

The summer camp program at the Academy at The Lakes (2331 Collier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes) includes archery, arts and crafts, baking, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, Chinese language classes, dance, drama, field trips, flag football, math review, model rockets, movie making, photography, reading club, recreational games, SAT prep, sewing, soccer, tumbling, volleyball, writing skills and more, for campers ages 3 through rising ninth graders. Camp dates are June 14Aug. 6, 8:30 am.-3 p.m. each day, with full- and half-day sessions and extended care is available. For more info, including the fees for each camp, visit academyatthelakes.org/campus life/summer-program or call 948-7600.

Tampa Bay History Center Summer Camp

Kids in grades 3-5 can learn about the history of the Tampa Bay area

through games, arts and crafts, gallery experiences and field trips during a series of weekly camps offered at the Tampa Bay History Center (801 Old Water St. in downtown Tampa). Campers will be able to investigate pioneer life, check out archaeology, comb the museum for mysteries and search for Tampa’s urban treasures. SesKids who are animal lovers will love the summer sions are 9 a.m.-5 camp programs offered at Lowry Park Zoo. p.m., June 21-Aug.6. The cost is $135 for have completed kindergarten to be in History Center members; $150 for all-day camps. Prices vary, depending non-members, and extra care is availon the child’s age and camp. Dates are able for an additional $15 per week. June 14-Aug. 20, with full- and halfFor more information, visit day sessions available. The Aquarium TampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call is located at 701 Channelside Drive in 675-8960. downtown Tampa. For more information, call Florida Aquarium 273-4000 or visit FLAquarium.org.

AquaCamp

Explore the wonders of life in the ocean with the Florida Aquarium’s 2010 AquaCamp, which includes science activities, animal encounters, water sports and more. The camp is for ages 3-15, but 6-year-olds must

Lowry Park ‘Zoo School’

This summer, “Zoo School” at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (1101 W. Sligh Ave.) is headquarters for 100 week-long camps for students in K12th grades.

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Kids and teens can learn about nature, science and the animal kingdom while hiking through the zoo, exploring behind the scenes and cooling off in the zoo’s water play areas. Adventure camps include animal encounters, keeper talks, educational shows, games, crafts and more. Camps are week-long and run from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, although extended care is available from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for an additional fee. Call 935-8552, ext. 268, or visit LowryParkZoo.com for additional information.

MOSI Summer Science Camps

Bring out the scientist in your child with the amazing variety of summer camp programs offered at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave.). With more than 100 different camps to choose from for kids from ages 2 through 17, including such offerings as “Science Fiction Realities,” “Planets in our Neighborhood,” “Dinosaur Stomp” and more, you’re sure to find something that will interest your little ones. There are half-day, full-day, two-day and even travel camps, as well as special camps for talented and gifted students, too. Sessions begin June 14, and prices vary by program. For more information, call 987-6000 or register online at CampFun.org.

Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Hockey Camp

Give your youngsters some ice time with real pro hockey players, at the Tampa Bay Lightning 5th annual Summer Hockey Camp. The camp will be held at four venues, including the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex, Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar and Germain Arena in Ft. Myers, and it will provide participants of all skill levels with position-specific and team-play concepts that will allow

them to excel next season. For complete information, visit Lightning.nhl.com.

Tampa Theatre Film Camp 2010

In this exciting camp offered by the historic Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St., downtown Tampa), campers will have the opportunity to create live action and stop-motion animation movies on MacIntosh computers, using programs like I-Movie and Garage Band and footage they shoot themselves. Then, each student will premiere his or her film on Tampa Theatre’s big screen and receive a copy on DVD. The camp is for grades 3-12, and morning and afternoon camps are divided by grade level. The live action camp sessions will be held June 21-25, July 12-16 and July 19-23, and the stop-motion animation sessions are July 26-30 and Aug. 2-6. For more info, call 274-8981 or visit TampaTheatre.org.

Busch Gardens Summer Adventure Camps

At the Summer Adventure Camps offered at the Busch Gardens Tampa theme park (10165 N. McKinley Dr.), camper can get up close and personal with wild animals, ride the roller coasters and other rides and enjoy a variety of other interesting educational activities. The camps are for campers from preschool to 8th grade and cost $240 per camper, per week (with some discounts available to Busch Gardens Passholders). The camps run June 14-Aug. 20. Lunch, snack and juice are provided. For more info, call (877) 2482267 or visit swbg-adventurecamp. com/adventure-camps.

Performing Arts Camps

The Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl., downtown Tampa) offers more than 40 differnt camps in the performing arts — including music, theater, dance, film, on-camera acting, vocal arts and more. Camps are available for campers in grades pre-K to 12th grade, and the cost of tuition varies by camp. Camp sessions run from June 1-Aug. 7, and 1-, 2- and 3-week camps are available, with half- and full-day sessions and morning and afternoon start times. Future ice hockey pros learn skills and onFor additional informaice strategies at the Tampa Bay Lightning tion, visit PatelConservatory. Summer Hockey Camp. org or call 222-1002. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Aykroyd Draws A Huge Crowd To Wesley Chapel’s ABC Liquors! By Gary Nager Like many of our readers, apparently, I’ve been a huge fan of NBCTV’s “Saturday Night Live” since its debut season waaaaaaay back in 1975. So, when one of my favorite original cast members of that groundbreaking show makes an appearance within 15 minutes of my office to promote a new vodka, I definitely wanted to check it out — even though I’ve never been a vodka drinker! Well, they say great minds think alike and obviously, there were literally hundreds, maybe even into the low thousands of people who “stopped by” the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (just south of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, hoping to catch a glimpse of former “SNL,” “Coneheads” and “Ghostbusters” star Dan Aykroyd, who spent a lot more than the scheduled two hours signing literally hundreds of bottles of his Crystal Head Vodka (photo), an upscale ($50 and up) vodka which comes in a bottle shaped like the crystal skulls of lore, of which there reportedly are 13, only seven of which are reportedly possessed by individuals

and/or museums. Aykroyd, who also owns a California winery, and an artist friend created the look of the vodka, which is distilled by a Canadian firm using crystal clear water (Left) TV and movie star Dan Aykroyd (left) proudly displays a bottle of his Crystal Head Vodka. found off (Right) Aykroyd’s appearance at the ABC Liquors in Wesley Chapel even attracted some Ghostbusters! Newfoundland. I may not be a vodka drinker, but I am an even bigger fan of Aykroyd today than I was after first seeing “Coneheads.” The man never took a break, as the line of people which weaved in and around the store, never seemed to let up. I don’t know how much past his original two-hour visit he stayed, but I’m guessing as much as another two hours. “I ain’t afraid of no Crystal Head Vodka,” said one excited Aykroyd fan. “Is this guy the greatest or what?” ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is located at 1845 BBD Blvd., next to CVS.. For more info, call 907-2647 and please tell ‘em we sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

T’s Boutique Is Now Your Brighton Collectibles Headquarters! By Gary Nager By now, Mother’s Day may already be a distant (and, I hope, a happy) memory, but if you’re in the market for anything from the perfect high school graduation gift to something special for someone special for a birthday or anniversary present, you should still visit my friend Theresa Loftin’s T’s Boutique in The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza. T’s Boutique, which actually is located in the small retail center facing TJ Maxx and Best Buy in The Grove, recently became the exclusive retail outlet in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for the always-popular Brighton lines of collectible handbags, jewelry, unique

Brighton handbags are always popular.

charm bracelets and keychains. And of course, T’s also still features the full line of colorful Vera Bradley handbags, as well as great gifts from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Tyler Candles, Jimmy Chrystal Sunglasses, Eliza B (sandals, belts, handbags, etc.) and more. In other words, if you want to buy a gift that really will be appreciated, you definitely should make T’s Boutique a stop on your next shopping trip. If you think a Brighton charm bracelet might be of interest to you (or someone you care about), Theresa invites you to a free event a day or two after you receive this issue. “Chicks & Charms” will be held at T’s Boutique on Sunday, June 6, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., and will include free refreshments, a chance to choose your favorite charms or create a unique charm braceket and even win a special prize. “The greatest thing about Brighton is that it appeals to everyone from teenage girls to women well over 40,” says Theresa. “I think being the local Brighton headquarters will be a big draw for the store.” T’s Boutique (6027 Wesley Grove Blvd.) is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 973-4405.

Come see owner Theresa Loftin and the full line of Brighton handbags, jewelry and charm bracelets at T’s Boutique in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

At Super Buffet, Chinese Cuisine Is Just The Beginning! By Gary Nager O.K., I admit it. A buffet is not the way I prefer to enjoy the wonderful cuisines of China and Japan. The thought of chicken teriyaki or Chinese egg rolls and spare ribs sitting under hot lights doesn’t usually light my fire. That doesn’t mean, however, that I can’t enjoy the occasional Asian buffet, especially when there are more than 200 different menu items available every day. If you’re looking for that type of variety, with different dishes rotating in and out on an ongoing basis, I suggest visiting the new Super Buffet restaurant on S.R. 54, just east of Applebee’s (in the building that used to be home to Johnny Carino’s). This is the fifth Super Buffet opened by the same owners, although a location in Pinellas County (Seminole) is the only other one is the Tampa Bay area (the others are in North Florida and Georgia). The Seminole location has been named the Best Buffet Restaurant by a weekly newspaper group in Pinellas and you can take it from me that the Wesley Chapel Super Buffet definitely lives up to that solid reputation. Of course, there are Chinese appetizers (egg and spring rolls, barbecued spare ribs, dumplings, etc.) and entrées

(from chicken and broccoli to pepper steak and General Tso’s chicken), but Super Buffet also has at least a dozen different varieties of freshly made sushi (from red snapper to tuna rolls to squid and seaweed salads) at all times, Japanese dishes like the There is always about a dozen different types of sushi available at Super Buffet on S.R. 54 (next aforementioned chicken teriyaki to Applebee’s), from fresh cooked shrimp sushi (left) to rolled “maki” items (right). and at least six different soups the price, from only $7.69 for lunch (from egg drop to New England clam (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), chowder) on hand every day. $9.99 for Saturday and Sunday brunch There’s even a raw bar, with (same hours) and $13.99 for dinner Alaskan snow crab legs (available at din- (Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., and ner time only), you-peel-’em shrimp until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), and fresh mussels and oysters. with reduced prices for children ages 3If you’ve never had Mongolian 11 (kids under 3 eat free) and a 10-perBBQ, you should give it a try at Super cent discount for senior citizens. Buffet. You pick from fresh steak, pork, If you prefer to take out the buffet chicken, shrimp or scallops, add veggies items, you can get anything you want like fresh broccoli, onions and snow pea for lunch for just $3.95 per pound or pods and from a variety of sauces, hand for dinner for just $5.25 per pound them to the happy chef and he’ll ($7.25 per pound if you want crab legs hibachi grill everything for you in front and other seafood items), with sushi of your eyes and season it to your taste. available for takeout for just 55 cents Super Buffet even offers pizza, per piece! There’s also a full menu of wings and other Italian and American cooked-to-your-order items available for options, including a delicious fried fish, dine in or takeout. In other words, for New York-style beef short ribs, Italiangood food at a great price, you should style fried shrimp and much more. definitely give Super Buffet a try! (Center) The fresh fried fish is never Super Buf fet is located at 28444 There’s even some tasty dessert items greasy and the Mongolian BBQ Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54). For (and ice cream) available. (above) is a must-try at Super Buffet. And, quite honestly, you can’t beat more information, call 907-1168.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

At Super Buffet, you can enjoy everything from Alaskan snow crab (top left) to fresh fruit (top right) to a variety of Chinese and Japanese entrées (above).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles - Aja, Sonny’s, Santo’s & Bagelicious 2! By Gary Nager It’s been another whirlwind few weeks in Wesley Chapel’s dining and drinking scene. Since we last updated you, the new Aja Wiregrass Night Club has opened in The Shops at Wiregrass, as has a new full liquor bar in a totally revamped Sonny’s BBQ and Santo’s Pizza & Pasta on S.R. 54 west of I-75 has been renamed Santo’s Italian Grill. Also in the news locally is Bagelicious, which recently opened a second location in Zephyrhills. Whew!

Aja—A New Place To Party!

We’ve been telling you about all of the great places to eat in The Shops at Wiregrass mall since the place first opened. The only thing that’s been missing has been a real night club with valet parking, a well-dressed, upscale crowd and great dance music. Well, the wait is over, as Aja Wiregrass, the sister club to the popular Aja Channelside, opened a couple of weeks ago. The new Aja seems to have a nice mix of college-age “kids” and adults in my age bracket, the bartenders, servers and hosts/hostesses are dressed as though they were working at a club on South Beach and even the menu of finger foods — from appetizers like cala-

The friendly staff at Aja in The Shops at Wiregrass will make you feel right at home. mari, hummus and ceviche to panini sandwiches and pizzas — is upscale and very appealing. The one time I’ve visited to date, there were plenty of familiar New Tampa faces all smiling and saying, “This is the kind of place we’ve needed for a long time!” Aja Wiregrass is located at 28330 Paseo Dr., across from Yamato Japanese Steak House. For more information, call 781-6335 or visit AjaWiregrass.com.

Check Out The New Sonny’s

My friends and neighbors Jim and Christina Hoff are proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of Sonny’s BBQ! Not only does the place look much better, the Hoffs

have become something of a prototype for the Sonny’s chain by adding an elegant-looking full-liquor wood bar, with plenty of flat screen TVs. “Now, we can come here to watch the football game and have a beer or a cocktail,” said one customer to her husband. “You can’t beat it!” And of course, Sonny’s (I actually visited the original location just outside of Gainesville when I was at the University of Florida three decades ago) is still known for barbecue ribs, chicken and beef brisket, although my favorite dish is the High Springs chicken (photo below), which is two chargrilled chicken breasts topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and choice of cheese. And of course, Sonny’s still has its always-

fresh “Sonny’s Garden” salad bar, too. Join Christina and Jim on Tuesday, June 15, for the Grand ReOpening celebration during lunch and dinner. You’ll be able to pop a balloon which may contain a prize and there will be a DJ on hand and much more. Sonny’s BBQ is located at 5324 Br uce B. Downs Blvd. at S.R. 54. Visit SonnysBBQ.com or call 994-8989 for more info.

Visit Santo’s Italian Grill!

I’ve told you a few times about Santo’s Pizza & Pasta, located in the Pinebrook at The Grove shopping center on S.R. 54, just west of I-75. Well, owner Ken Santo and his three chefs have been revamping the menu, following a major expansion and renovation of the restaurant — which included the addition of a premium, full-liquor bar — and are now proud and ready to unveil the new Santo’s Italian Grill. In addition to the already great pizza and make-you-own pasta special, Santo’s new menu also will now include hand-cut steaks (I sampled the huge, thick prime rib the other day and it was tender and truly delicious),

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

fresh seafood (including incredible shrimp and lobster dishes) and gourmet specialty pasta dishes like the homemade raviolis in pesto sauce (I added grilled chicken to it. Yum!) pictured above. I promise you won’t regret visiting the new Santo’s and please tell ‘em we sent you! Santo’s Italian Grill is located at 27431 S.R. 54. For reser vations (although they’re not required) and more information, call 994-7778.

sandwiches, especially amazing melts!), muffins, homemade soups and delicious Seattle’s Best Coffee as the original store. Both locations have free Wi-Fi and are open every day for breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. And, check out the Bagelicious ad on this page (right) for two great coupon offers — $2 off any 3-egg omelet or freshly made salad. You also can get a free bagel (toppings/condiments extra) on Tuesday with the purchase of any Seattle’s Best Coffee. Bagelicious & More is located at 30032 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel and 6215 Abbott Station Dr. in Zephyrhills. Call 406-4403.

Bagelicious Opens In ZHills

And finally, our friends at Bagelicious & More, located in the Freedom II Plaza on S.R. 54 east of Saddlebrook, are proud to announce the opening of their second location in the YMCA plaza in Zephyrhills. Owner Linda Carr says the new Bagelicious location has the same great house-made bagels (and bagel

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Urban Culinary Café—Great Food, Entertainment & More! By Gary Nager When last we visited with Chef John Saxton and his wife (and coowner/marketing director) Rose, Urban Culinary Cuisine, aka “The Urban Café,” was a new place in a plaza packed with restaurants. Well, a lot has changed in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St. since then, but one thing has remained consistent — the Urban Culinary Café is still a comfortable, casual, yet elegant-looking little place with great chef-created cuisine and fast, friendly service, all at outstanding prices. The good news is that John keeps expanding his horizons in the kitchen. Although he was trained in many wellknown New York City restaurants (including Windows On the World in the World Trade Center, long before 9/11), John describes his cuisine as “Traditional Southern Cooking with an Urban Flair” and even “Upscale African-American Cuisine.” I, on the other hand, just call it “great stuff.” Oh sure, there are many “Urban” and “Southern” selections on the Café’s extensive menu — like truly amazing Southern fried chicken, with the best collared greens this fellow

New Yawk transplant has ever enjoyed and a huge portion of hearty macaroni and cheese. But, there are also more “sophisticated” options. For example, lots of places feature salads with grilled chicken and other meats, but how many offer sizzling steak slices as an option? I love fresh fish, but while I do enjoy both tilapia and catfish, I’ve never been a big salmon eater. But, when I tried John’s grilled salmon in a (Left) If you sample the sizzling sirloin steak slices on a salad at the Urban Culinary light, creamy white wine Café, try Chef John Saxton’s homemade ranch dressing AND the balsamic vinaigrette! sauce, I have to admit I was hooked, especially when that (Right) Even if you’re not a fresh grilled salmon lover, you might change your mind if you try the Café’s salmon topped with a white wine or creamy white wine sauce. sauce also properly covered a savory bed of flavorful rice soned “Signature Urban Burger” and and the House Dressing for pouring supporting the fish, with fresh baby I’ll usually replace the French or seadown the center. carrots and broccoli. soned fries (they’re great, just not my John really does a great job with I’ve also enjoyed John’s awesome first choice) with either the red potasauces, so if you try his plain, “Urban” 8-oz. sirloin steak, the thick pork chop, toes, whole kernel corn or double up barbecued, “Buffaloed” or flamed either jerked or with Cajun spice (it’s on those delectable greens. shrimp, catfish nugget, chicken wings even great just plain grilled) and I also The Café has plenty of other or strips as an appetizer, you choose am partial to every one of his signature burger and sandwich options for lunch your sauce based on your mood at the sauces I’ve tried, including red and and dinner, including awesome Sandtime — you can’t go wrong, no matcreamy red wine sauce, “sinful” sweet wich Wraps with your choice of freshly ter what! sauce, butter and BBQ sauces and grilled pork, steak, fish, or chicken, John even makes all of the sinfully creamy and regular white wine. fried chicken or grilled veggies delicious desserts at the Urban CuliAnother of my favorites is the wrapped in a large 10” tortilla filled nary Café. From homemade “decaUrban Café’s huge (8-oz., but somewith melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, dent” brownies topped with ice cream how look even bigger), specially seaonions served with a 1⁄2 pound of fries and homemade chocolate or caramel

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

(Above) This crispy, tasty Southern fried chicken is served with a dinner roll, the best collared greens in town and a huge portion of yummy mac and cheese. sauces to homemade blondies, New Then, on Saturday, June (Above left) Chef/co-owner John Saxton invites you to his lecture series York-style cheesecake, an ever-chang5, 8 p.m., ing variety of cakes and pies and an “The Sensual Side of Food,” and to experience smooth jazz and differR&B and insane white chocolate mousse in a ent R&B sounds (like songstress Tamika J) on Saturday nights. Neo-Soul dark chocolate cup. You can even caterer, having recently taken the enjoy his unique Urban Funnel Twists artist Tamika J will entertain and on Northwest (Tampa) Tribune’s “Best Saturday, June 26, 10 p.m., Chef (like state fair funnel cakes, only betCatering/Personal Chef” and “Best John continues his Chef’s Lecture ter). The man truly is a master. Sandwich” honors. series “The Sensual Side of Foods,” There’s lots more I could tell More Than Just Great Food where dinner (and information about you, but go to Urban Culinary If you’re looking for something each dish) is served up for “mature” romantic to do on a Saturday night, audiences. All I hear is it’s a lot of fun! Café (10016 Cross Creek Blvd.) or call 994-3800 for takeout orders And, on Wednesday and Thursyou really have to check out “Date and more info about the entertainNight” at the Urban Café. day nights, you can enjoy “Dinner & ment and Chef’s Lecture Series. Or, This Friday, June 4, you can an Urban Movie.” Urban Culinary visit UrbanCulinaryCuisine.com. enjoy “Old School R&B Karaoke.” Cuisine is also an award-winning

Yes, this brownie sundae definitely is as decadent as it looks.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com